Daily Life of Monster Girls in Alabama

by GoatManofAnime

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

91. Sensitivities

Chapter 86: Sensitivities

Nearly a couple minutes after arriving, Scarlett sat at the dining room table collecting her thoughts. Three places were set at the table with metal utensils. She heard the sound of scraping and plastic tapping against glass as the human male prepared their meal. The scent of freshly cooked food hung in the air. It wasn't extravagant–even smelled a little greasy because of the meat— but it was oddly comforting.

"Ok, hope you enjoy it. There's some orange juice and here's more syrup if you want.", Caleb spoke while placing down a plate of four cinnamon pancakes drizzled in syrup with two strawberries on top and a cup of orange juice then placing the syrup bottle near her, "Don't worry, I remembered. You're more on the herbivore spectrum."

"Weird way to say 'vegetarian' but I appreciate it…thank you.", Scarlett skeptically replies but accepts then notices him placing another plate at an empty chair. It only had three pancakes but a big stack of eggs and turkey sausage. She cuts a piece of strawberry and pancake, takes a bite, and was immediately surprised but the fluffy, warm treat, "It's…really good."

Caleb beams her a smile, "Thanks, glad you like it."

"I'm guessing that's for your weasel friend.", Scarlett gestures to the extra place at the table.

"Yep, whenever she wakes up. We were kinda up a good while watching 'House MD'. She's got a bit of a cultured side believe it or not. Hope we didn't keep you up with MY laughing.", Caleb remarks, sitting down with his plate of pancakes, eggs and sausage.

"Not at all. I didn't really…stay in my unit last night. I slept over at Hana's.", Scarlett listlessly remarks, staring at her food in thought.

"Oh, Ok then…I hope you enjoyed yourselves.", Caleb responds, cutting his pancakes feeling the awkwardness in the room growing. He couldn't quite get a read on her but he could tell she was upset about something.

"We did. We talked a lot, about a lot of things…including your sudden date with Kaiya."

Caleb pauses with the fork full of pancake at his open mouth then places it down, "So, you know about that huh?"

"Myself and several others, word spreads fast around here; especially if you're a species that's on everyone's radar lately.", Scarlett sighs, then looks at him, "But I don't care about that. I just want to know why? Why would you do that?"

Camilla takes a deep breath exhaling to collect himself, "Listen, it's…kinda hard to explain it but easy to answer. She asked me to date and I accepted. She even confessed and I accepted her feelings. As for why? Even I'm not entirely sure but…I know it was right."

"You just 'know it was right'? What kind of answer is that?!", Scarlett incredulously spoke.

"The only kind that seems to make sense to me. Kaiya is…a wonderful person and I want to know her. I want to love her and maybe fall in love. I don't think I can be any clearer.", Caleb shrugs, taking a bite of eggs as Scarlett looks at him in shock.

"And what about Camilla? And those other two women of yours? Are they not enough? What you're doing is incredibly disrespectful towards her! How would she and the others feel if they find out you've been messing around with other women behind their backs?! Or do their feelings not matter to you?", Scarlett vented, glaring at him in disgust as she clenched her trembling fists under the table.

Caleb audibly puts his fork down and gives her a serious gaze, "Their feelings have ALWAYS mattered to me! That's why I said yes!"

Scarlett is taken aback, staring at him confused and surprised.

"Listen, it's not what you think. It's just way more complicated than can be summarized without creating even more questions to answer. But you can know that my WIFE knows about Kaiya and she was the one who suggested I go on that date.", Caleb affirms, mostly telling the truth but leaves out fdetails.

Scarlett looks at him stunned at his statement, "What? C-Camilla gave you…permission to date her?"

"...My wife gave me permission, yes.", Caleb hesitantly and deliberately answered, choosing to be vague enough to avoid not, technically, lying.

Scarlett raises an eyebrow at why he insisted on referring to Camilla like that. Did he just like hearing it out loud? Is that a thing some males do?

"Well, what about the others? Are they…fine with you bringing another female into your harem?"

"Please don't call it that. I don't know why but that word makes me so angry. Also, not yet, but we ARE going to tell them soon. I want them all to approve of Kaiya."

"Ah, so you do intend on adding her to your…whatever you wanna call it that, supposedly, ISN'T a harem.", Scarlett remarks, rolling her eyes.

"Maybe I do.", Caleb plainly replies as she looks at him quizzically, "I've been on one date but I can tell she's serious so I'll be serious too. I want to fall in love the same as I did with the others. And for the record, the word you're looking for is 'family'. I want her a part our family.",

Scarlett is taken aback by his statement as his sharp, stern gaze shows his conviction and unwavering loyalty. She felt her chest tighten as she repeated that word in her head. A sad, aching sensation quickly follows as she looks down at her breakfast.

One of the few home cooked meals she's ever had served to her with genuine care.

"So, does that mean you…and Kaiya…have done it already? Does that make you a 'family' now?"

Caleb looks at her curiously, "No, we haven't. I promised the girls we wouldn't do so until they all approved. And no, that's not what makes a family. Honestly, for a while, I didn't know myself…considering…", Caleb responds, his mind drifting to his sibling and other family members he hadn't spoken to in years.

"Considering what?"

"I-It's nothing. I'm just…thinking out loud a little bit. The point is, I'm not going to do anything with Kaiya, yet, because I respect my current wives.", Caleb wholeheartedly replies before shiftling a conscious gaze, "That and when I leave this place, I'd rather not go home to an over six foot tall jealous devil woman ready to chancla my ass."

Scarlett looks at him curiously then lightly chuckles, unable to hold back a smile, "Hehe, so it's about respect AND fear."

"Hey, it's like my uncle used to tell me: happy wife, happy life. And I love my happy wife.", Caleb cheekily remarks.

Scarlett smiles with a giggle before looking down at her pancakes, "I'm sure you make Camilla very happy…"

"I do my absolute best but you're pretty great too."

"What?", Scarlett looks at him curiously.

"Well, you came here to make sure one of your friends wasn't being cheated on. That makes you a real one in my book.", Caleb remarks, giving a thumbs up, making her cheeks flush in embarrassment.

"Thanks, I guess.", Scarlett replies, shifting her gaze away, eating a piece of pancake and enjoying the sweet maple taste.

Her mind drifts back to her conversation with her therapist, then looks at Caleb who casually ate his food. She shifts her gaze with an embarrassed blush but takes a deep breath.

"Actually, there's something else…another reason I'm here…"

"Hm? *Swallows* What is it?"

"I…I wanted to…know if you…were busy today.", She hesitantly spoke, avoiding looking at him.

"Uh, no. Not really. I just finished my assignment for the week so I'm free for the next couple days. Why?"

"Nothing much! I just…I wanted to see…if we could go…maybe…", Scarlett struggles to find her words, her heart racing for reasons she didn't know. Why was this so hard?

Caleb raises an eyebrow then asks, "Scarlett, are you…?"

"I think she's asking you out.", Drei spoke, popping in out of nowhere startling the red-headed devil and Caleb. She stood holding her plate of food she snagged while they were distracted.

"CHAOS FUCK! Where'd you come from?!"

"My room. I woke up and smelled meat and pancakes. Rules of nature dictates that I eat them, thanks by the way.", Drei politely bows towards Caleb who nods with a grin, "So, you wanna date him too?"

"Wait. Really?", Caleb looks at Scarlett surprised.

"O-OF COURSE NOT! I was just asking if you wanted to hang or whatever together! It's not even my idea. My stupid therapist who says I need to get back used to being around men! You're the only one I know won't be stupid enough to do anything stupid! S-So don't get the wrong idea! I'm just using you! No…wait…DAMMIT you know what I mean!", Scarlett fervently berated, jumping to her feet then plopping back down to guzzle her juice down, "I want more orange juice please!"

"Uhh, alright?", Caleb, very confused, simply takes the cup and goes to the counter for the jug.

Drei looks between them choosing not to deal with whatever this was early in the morning, "I'll eat in my room. You two adults sort yourselves out, come get me when you two are gonna leave or if you are staying keep it below a 5 this time.", She said before walking away after taking her plate and her cup with her.

"What does she mean by this time?" Scarlett

"Oh that nothing hey there's some black tea on the stove if you want some.", Caleb says, gesturing behind him trying to change the conversation.

Drei raises an eyebrow, "Did you brew it?"

"Yeah?"

"Then no thank you. If I wanted to drink liquified diabetes, I would drink Mountain Dew.", She plainly replies before walking away leaving the two alone.

"Aw come on, I didn't even add that much sugar this time…", Caleb softly utters, looking at his brew in disappointment.

"I'll have a cup. It can't be worse than when Sharon made me coffee once.", Scarlett spoke, grimacing at the memory.

"What? Did she use instant or something?"

"If by that you mean 'instant' regret, then yes. She wanted to try making a little latte picture for me and used powdered milk for it."

Caleb also grimaced imagining what that tasted like, handing her a cup of tea, "That bad huh?"

"Very, but I drank it anyway because that's what friends do, right? So, I'll do the same for you.", Scarlett spoke, accepting the tea and drinking some.

"So?"

Scarlett calmly puts down the cup and politely smiles, "That was terrible…and too sweet."

"Tch, dammit. I was just hoping your palate was dense enough not to notice."

"You'll have to do better than that to get one past me. That being said, tea really isn't my specialty. I have been trying to get a hang of it since Hana brews me some really tasty blends from time to time. Maybe I could ask Drei for some tips, possibly what flavors to pair with food.", Scarlett remarks, swirling the cup in hand.

"Yeah she would definitely know I'll ask later when she's done eating.", Caleb casually replies, "So, did you have anything to do or any particular place you wanted to go today or did you just want to chill here?"

Scarlett looks at him in realization that hadn't really planned anything at all. This was just something she felt she needed to do. Butt now…she got nothing.

"I…I don't really know…", She shamefully admitted.

"Well, that's ok, got all day. We can decide after breakfast."

Scarlett looks at him curiously then simply smiles and nods in agreement returning to enjoy her breakfast, humming contently as she stuffs her mouth enjoying the sweet, fluffy cinnamon pancakes.

"Hehe, you do the same thing she does.", Caleb lightly chuckles.

"Hm?", Scarlett hums questioningly, her cheeks stuffed like a squirrel's before swallowing, "Pardon?"

"The way you eat pancakes. Camilla does the same thing whenever I make them, stuff her cheeks up like a chipmunk. It's cute.", Caleb sweetly remarks.

Scarlett blushes at the comment, holding her fork and knife tightly, "I-Is that so? Honestly, I can understand why. These are really good.

"Thank you."

Scarlett shifts her gaze away for a moment, "Could I…ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Those two other women that Camilla shares you with….what are…they like?"

"Oh, you mean Moo–I mean Mirabelle and Lyca?", he said after quickly correcting him, giving her a curious look to which she nods.

"Yeah. I-If you don't mind me asking, i'm not trying to pry into your business. I'm just curious what it's like for you guys living together."

"It's fine. I'll be happy to tell you.", He replies warmly as the two begin to talk, enjoying their breakfast. Unbeknownst to them, Drei had been secretly listening in with her door slightly ajar.

'Hm. Guess they're gonna be longer than I thought. Oh well, I can run a few test trials on the new batch while I wait.', She thought, closing the door completely.

…Elsewhere…

Further away, at the angel congregation, Ophelia could be seen in her bedroom— a simple large king sized bed with white silk blankets and linens, a designer dresser and mirror, and furniture adorned with Judean christian symbols and figures.

She stood almost fully naked in front of a large vanity mirror. Her long golden shimmering locks flowing freely, porcelain skin with shade of light pink, firm and perky D-cups tipped with pink nipple, and plump thighs to accentuate her hourglass figure on full display. The light of the morning sun shining through her glass balcony, enrapturing her entire body and illuminating her snow white wings which sparkled ethereally.

Ophelia methodically dressed herself in her white, sleeveless robes adorned with golden embroidery and sash. She wore golden brace accessories to match her halo before fastening the Roman-style leather sandal strings on her legs.

When finished, instead of admiring herself, she merely stared at herself with a doleful, lifeless expression as she typically does. She honestly found no reason to admire this beauty. She was meant for others to admire, not the other way around. Her angelic beauty drew in people who only saw her for what she was and what they expected from her.

Her mind quickly drifted back to the ones with the highest expectations.

…Flashback..

Days earlier, Ophelia and her betrothed, Uriel, could be seen sitting in a large room–lit by several candles–where a large, oval shaped mirror-like portal, radiating golden energy, floated before them. Within it were two other, somewhat older-looking angels—a male and female—looking down on them in their imperial romanesque attire, reflecting their nobility. It was her fiance's parents, communicating from their congregation in Rome.

"We trust that you and the rest of the congregation are doing well. It must be quite the experience adapting to human controlled territory", the male angel inquires.

"Certainly not, father. Every one of the human personnel in the facility is quite nice and well-mannered. Not to mention they have very unique cuisine here. Have you heard of cornbread?", Uriel enthusiastically inquires.

"No, but it sounds…intriguing Uri darling. I just wish that you didn't have to live among the riff-raff." Ophelia said in fake concerned voice

"Now, love, we both agreed it would be for the boy's good to explore the world. See how the human commoners live."

"Oh, so you want him to be more sympathetic? I could have shown him our cherub's living quarters, ohohohoho!", the female angel chuckles haughtily.

"Uh, hehe, good one mother.", Uriel grins awkwardly.

Ophelia softly sighs, not wanting to be there, and simply stays quiet until it is over. Suddenly, she notices the mother of her fiance glaring down at her in disdain before shifting her gaze away.

"Speaking of riff-raff, have you seen those abominations that came here? It was bad enough with those wretched devil filth being within the same vicinity as my precious offspring but now you have reprobates masquerading as children? Agh, witches AND devils. I can't decide which is more deserving to be put to the blade first.", the female angel bitterly spoke, "Frankly, I don't see how these human dare have the audacity to put our kind near their scum."

"Well, mother I know it must be stressful but I assure you everything has been…relatively peaceful. We never really encounter them so…"

"Hmph, 'relatively' you say. That's certainly not what Lord Baliel informed of us. One of our own, carelessly encroaching in devil territory.", The male angel scoffs, shooting a look at Ophelia who visibly tenses up.

Uriel give her a worried look, "Well, it's…not really her fault. She didn't really–"

"Actually, while we're on THAT…", The female angel cuts off her son glaring intently at Ophelia, "How is your union progressing? Is she being a loyal and dedicated partner?"

"Oh, y-yes! I say Ophelia and I have become quite close! Isn't that right?", Uriel happily expressed, looking to her smiling and urging her to answer.

"Y-Yes…I am…quite fond of your son.", Ophelia replies, forcing a wide smile.

Uriel's parents look at her scrutinously.

"I see. Well, that's certainly good news, right darling?"

"Quite.", Uriel's mother remarks plainly, looking down on her.

"So, since that's the case, when can we move to the next step of our betrothal? We're eager to do the procreation ritual!", Uriel stated enthusiastically as Ophelia shifts her gaze away in disinterest yet still listening out of curiosity.

Both of Uriel's parents' eyes widen in surprise but remain patient to their child's ignorance.

"Ahem, in time, my son.", Uriel's father remarks almost dismissively, "Um, Uriel can we have a moment alone to speak with your partner?"

Uriel looks up at them then Ophelia and smiles supportively, "Ok! Look forward to seeing you guys again."

"Of course, my sweet boy! We promise it won't take long.", Uriel's mother assured with a loving smile, waving to him as he left. The second he exits through the door, her smile drops and looks at Ophelia in disgust, "What do you think you're doing?"

"I…I don't know wh–"

"DO NOT play dumb with us, you stupid tart!", Uriel's father cuts her off causing her to visibly flinch.

"You dare embarrass MY family? Being defeated by a filthy devil wasn't bad enough? You also needed to make my son and your congregation look incompetent enough to need human help? We ASSIST and GUIDE them, you stupid, illborn tralop!", Uriel's mother viciously spat, her words cutting Ophelia like knives, "Don't forget, you and the rest of your lowborn family are only surviving on OUR generosity. If not for your uncle Baliel, I'd have left you and you sister in dire straights. You ungrateful swine. Maybe I should double the interest on the debt your worthless mother left behind."

"No! I'm sorry! Please, forgive me! Please!", Ophelia begs, clasping her hands.

"I don't believe you mean it. Kneel. Now."

Ophelia clenches her fists a second before letting them hang limply and getting on her knees, kneeling with her head to the floor, wings flat to her sides; a sign of total submission among angels. Uriel's mother and father smirk in satisfaction.

"I better ONLY hear good things about you from here on out. You and that worthless sister of yours only have one purpose and that's to provide us with heirs. I suggest you both burn that into your minds."

Ophelia trembles, knowing she couldn't deny or defy her in any way.

"I suggest you prepare for your procreation ritual. Don't tell our son but it'll be soon. He'll finally become a true male and you'll have the privilege of baring his child. You'll finally be a member of greater nobility. Lucky you.", Uriel's mother snidely informs.

"So, what should you say to our kindness, girl?"

"Thank you...Thank you very much, honored mother and father.", Ophelia spoke, her voice hollow.

"Ah, and don't worry about that sister of yours. We've found a dashing lord who'd be more than happy to take her. He's rather fond of sprightly females like her."

Ophelia's heart sinks into her stomach at what they implied but forces a cheerful grin, "Thank you, Mother."

"Good. One last thing before we take our leave…", Uriel mother glares down at her and venomously spoke, "We expect a male heir, you fat, ill-born sow. Understood?"

"Understood, mother."

"Good. And try to go easy on that 'cornbread' of theirs, you're looking a bit too meaty."

"And don't forget to smile, girl! Have some pride as an Angel!"

The glowing portal vanished in an instant leaving behind a golden spray of water vapor and the only light being the candles.

Ophelia stood to her feet, her entire body feeling hollow and starting to tremble. She clasps her hands to her mouth, feeling sick and wanting to both vomit and scream her heart out. Her voice shudders, choking back her sobs as tears fill her eyes.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door jolting her body to tense up.

"Ophelia? Are you guys still talking in there?!", Uriel called out to her, opening the door as she quickly dries her eyes. He sees his fiancee oddly standing alone, "Oh, they left? What did you guys talk about?"

"... Nothing much, they're just looking out for us, as usual."

"Oh, ok then. How are you feeling?", He curiously inquires.

Ophelia turn to him with a big smile plastered on her face, "I'm fine. Now how about we have brunch? I'm famished."

"Heh, I thought you'd never ask! Good to see my future wife's got a great appetite like me!", Uriel chuckles heartily.

Ophelia half-heartedly chuckles as well following as her smile falters slightly.

…Present…

'It's all malarkey, isn't it?', Ophelia bitterly thought with a somber stare at herself in the mirror, 'Your smile, your clothes, your status, your husband, the humans that adore you, your new family…it's all just one big performance…and you're their puppet dancing to their whims…that's all you are. At least, I know you're real…'

Suddenly, she pulls out the half-used pack of hypoallergenic napkins that he gave her that night. She happily caresses them against her cheek, a genuine smile creeping across her lips imagining his hand caressing her face.

"Oh Nick…", Ophelia hummed whimsically wanting to see him again, hopefully he'll pass through the same route again today. The thought of speaking to him gave her a strange but pleasant tingly sensation in her lower tummy. A sensation she's never experienced before meeting him, not even with Uriel or her sister. Yet something deep inside drove her to seek more of this sensation. She giggled with an unhinged smile of excitement as a few of her wings changed to a coal black.

At that moment, there was a knock at her door followed by it cracking open. A halo pokes through with a small golden topped head and baby-blue eye accompanied by a familiar voice behind it.

"Sister? May I come in?"

"Oh, certainly, Enocha.", Ophelia happily stated, prompting her baby sister to walk in.

"H-How are you feeling today?"

"I'm fine. I was just about to join you all."

"Yes, well I just you like to know that Uncl–Lord Baliel is busy attending to matters with Lady Nepheli and won't be joining us sooooo…what do you do to try one of the local eateries? Just the two of us?", Enocha happily offers.

"Oh…is that so…?", Ophelia weakly smiled, looking towards the door.

"Yes! And no need to feel troubled by Uncle, Lord Michael gave me his blessing. See?", Enocha gestures to a glowing Hebrew symbol on her palm, "This alerts us when uncle has returned and we'll be transported back here! Now, I know how you adore raspberry and there's a lovely bakery nearby that makes the most exquisite–"

"That sounds lovely, dear sister, but there's something of greater importance I need to take care of right now.", Ophelia interrupts, brushing her off before stepping around her.

"O-Oh, that's…fine. I suppose…", Enocha glances away a bit disappointed, "Can you at least tell me what it is that's important?"

"I'm sorry I can't just know it something that opened my eyes But we could go later when I return

"Sister wait?!", Enocha stated blocking her path, "You've been so…distant lately ever since what happened. I even noticed you disappearing for hours at a time lately. I couldn't find you at all yesterday until evening. Please, if there's something wrong…I need you to talk to me. Please?", Enocha pleaded, clasping her hands.

"I'm fine, dear sister…there's no need to be concerned.", Ophelia statically assured, barely looking at her.

"I'm just worried about losing you…we already lost mo–"

"Enocha!", Ophelia raises her voice, her words laced with venom, surprising her younger sister, "I said everything's fine. You should trust in your elder sister's words. Understood?"

Enocha glances away in shame, "I…understand, sister."

Ophelia steps past her before stopping in the doorway with her back turned, "Furthermore…never bring up that woman again…she's the reason we're in this sorry state.", she bitterly spoke before leaving.

Enocha stood near the door with a somber expression, unable to ignore the uneasy feeling in her chest. As she looks at the symbol in her palm, sighing in disappointment before clenching in solemn determination.

…Back with Caleb and Scarlett…

Nearly an hour had passed and the pair were just finishing up breakfast with Caleb placing their dirty dishes in the washer. All the while, beguiling the redhead greater devil with stories of his time with Camilla the others. As usual, he made sure to censor the few risky and risque details.

"So wait, you're telling me she…challenged you guys to an obstacle course race?", Scarlett inquires, sipping some orange juice, listening to his and Mirabelle experience with the centaur, Aurelia.

"Yep."

"And you'd have to live with her if your other wife lost."

"That was her insane logic, yes.", Caleb casually replies, leaning his back to the counter before turning on the dishwasher.

"Where was Camilla during all this again?! I'm pretty sure she could've settled that mess."

"At home at the time. I wanted to spend some time with Mirabelle and Lyca that day and she kinda needed the rest. But yeah, I can definitely see her immediately putting that lady in her place."

"More like putting her all over the place.", Scarlett cheekily quips, sipping her juice.

"Hey! That's what I said!", Caleb happily expressed, to her surprise.

"Oh, well, you're not wrong at least."

"Yeah, she definitely wouldn't tolerate the woman disrespecting Mirabelle at all. Can't blame her at all."

"Heh, they're really that close, huh?"

"Yeah, they are now. I'd probably go far enough and say Camilla sees those two as sisters now.", Caleb admits, a bit proudly.

"That's…odd. Honestly, I figured there would've been some power struggles or something between them. At least, that's what I've heard from Jocelyn and the others from their experiences." Scarlett said, remembering their stories of the usual infighting in most devil clans.

"No…I mean there was some drama we had to deal with in the beginning—some of it because of me making some dumb decisions–but …we worked things out. Mostly.", Caleb assured as she raised an eyebrow.

"Well, at least you're honest. I just fucking hate it when women fight over a guy like he's the last good man on earth. Even worse if he's some big ball of average that's not even worth it.", Scarlett remarks in revulsion, aggressively cutting her pancake.

"Understandable I was initially against the idea of a group relationship."

"What changed your mind?", Scarlett inquires.

Caleb pauses a moment reflecting on the events of that day, "Everything. Everything opened my eyes that day."

Scarlett looks at him, sensing the seriousness in his word, choosing not to press to hard on the topic, "Do you regret it? Being with all of them can't be easy for a human. Now you're about to add another."

Caleb looks at her incredulously, "No, I wouldn't say I regret it and I've BEEN aware it's not going to be easy. I come from a family and country where loving multiple partners just isn't normal. If people find out then…that's my name dragged through the mud because they consider it wrong."

"So why?"

"I love them, that's why. So for now we're gonna stay quiet, keep our business to ourselves, and let the 'good red-blooded christians' have their cake. Those girls gave me something better than cake that I never thought I'd have again."

"What's that?"

"A home. Not an empty house I'd return to everyday from work."

Scarlett eyes widen in thought, remembering the similar days she'd spend her nights all alone. Nobody waiting for her. Even when she was with…him…she never felt anything close to a real home. Sure, Jocelyn and the others were the closest thing to a family she has…but still…

She then shook her head driving away those thoughts before changing the subject, "That's good. I'm…happy for you.", She says before standing up from the table, stretching her stiff arms and legs from sitting so long.

"Thanks, appreciate it. Sorry if the conversation got a bit too personal there."

"Don't be. It's not like you–ACk shit!", Scarlett expressed, getting a shooting pain through her spine when she unfurls her wings a little.

"Are you ok?", Caleb asks, concerned.

"I'm…fine it's just…my wings. I tried to spread them too quickly. I slept on my back the wrong way at Hana's place. Hrrrgh, shit…feels like pulled something bad.", Scarlett hisses in discomfort, gently caressing her bat-like wing to relieve herself.

"Is it near like the center of your wing or along the upper ridge?"

"I don't know, I kinda feel pain most up here?", she points to the thick upper ridge of her wing.

"Then it's probably your patagium brevius jumped outta place."

Scarlett looks at him curiously, "Wait, my what?"

"You know, the thin bones supporting the hide of wings. They kinda 'unfasten' when you fold your wings in. But sometimes they can pop out the wrong way like now."

"You…really know a lot about this."

"I live with and take care of an Elder Devil, I'm supposed to. It happened with Camilla a few times already so this ain't new to me.", Caleb replies before going over to the couch, "Alright, come on, sit down right here."

"W-What?"

"Well you can't just go all day like that. Let me help you ease it back in place."

"I-I'm fine, honestly! T-That isn't really necessary. I just need to rest it—Agh, grrhh fuck…"

"Obviously rest isn't gonna cut it. Here have a seat. Don't be scared, I've done this before.", Caleb assures.

"I-I'm not scared! It's just…", Scarlett expressed in annoyance, shifting her gaze in uncertainty.

"Hey, it's alright. I just want to help you. I wouldn't feel right letting you walk out that door in pain when I can do something about it."

Scarlett glances away in thought then growls clenching her teeth, "Rha! Fine.", she grunted before passing him and plopping down in couch looking irritated, "Just get it over with already."

"Ok, kinda need you to turn your back to me, just makes it easier.", Caleb shrugs.

Scarlett side eyes him suspiciously before groaning and doing as requested. Her folded black wings and toned back were now present to him.

"Ok, is it the right one or left?"

"...Both."

"Alright.", Caleb responds, cracking his knuckles, alerting the devil woman.

She didn't like this. Not knowing what he was doing or going to do when she couldn't see him. Her nerves were tensing up in anticipation, ready to strike if he did something that didn't feel right.

"D-Don't touch anything but wings! G-Got it!", She tried to sound threatening, her nervousness betraying her.

"Didn't even cross my mind. Hold still please.", He assured before reaching up then placing both hands on the thick, leathery ridge of her wing making her flinch at the small jolt of pain, "It's ok, it's ok…"

Scarlett wanted to make him stop but, sensing the sincerity in his words, she let him proceed.

Caleb gently but firmly pressed his thumbs at the smooth, leathery ridge, and begins massaging in a circular motion, loosening the muscles around the joints.

Scarlett clenches her teeth before, gradually, her expression softens at the waves of relief hitting spreading throughout the wing surface. She felt his strong yet gentle fingers kneading her appendage like dough, every stroke sending pleasant ripples down her spine.

She softly gasps feeling him spreading her wings out and then resuming his massage. The stretching out membrane allow for better access to her the nerve bundles, sending stronger waves of pleasure with every firm caress. She felt her body tremble trying to comprehend what she was feeling. Her tail twitched widely and swayed about rubbing against him which he ignored.

"Ok, it's loosening more. I'm about to pop it back in place. Ready?", Caleb spoke.

"Y-yeah…"

"1…2…3…*Pop*"

"Haaaaa!", Scarlett hisses feeling an odd mixture of pain and pleasure.

Caleb then immediately resumes massaging away any more tension in her wing much to her relief. Her body shudders in delight at the increased pleasure she was receiving. She tries to suppress her soft moan by clenching her teeth but the pressure in her lower tummy was harder to ignore.

'How? How does it feel this good? He's only massaging my wings but…at this rate…', Scarlett thought to herself, hardly believing Camilla could have this kind of pleasure whenever she wanted or needed. A part of her couldn't help being a little jealous.

Caleb suddenly hears her mutter something about 'being good' under her breath, "What was that?"

"I-I said! Y-You…really seem to know what you're doing…at least.", Scarlett lied, her cheeks flushing red.

"I told you already. It's my responsibility to take care of Camilla and all her needs. That includes her species' physical needs.", Caleb casually replies, pressing his thumb on a nerve bundle, sending a strong jolt of pleasure through her spine.

"Haaa!", Scarlett yelps in surprise, involuntarily arching her back.

"Shit! Sorry, I wasn't paying attention there! Are you ok?"

"I…I'm fine…", She shyly replies.

"How's your wings? Better?"

Scarlett quickly realizes the pain from earlier was completely gone as she experimentally furls and unfurls her wings, "Yeah, much better actually!", she stated, looking back at him.

"Good to hear! Told you, I know devil wing therapy more than most humans.", He cheekily remarks.

"Ok, credit where credit is due. I got it.", Scarlett playfully rolls her eyes, then smiles with a light blush, "Actually, I…do feel a little discomfort…near the base."

"Really? Ok, then hold still, and spread them a little."

Scarlett nods, turning away from readily spreading her wings for him even to her surprise. The moment his hands make contact she shudders in delight, feeling jolts of pleasure ripple down her spine as she softly moans.

"A little lower?", She requests.

Caleb obliges, scooting his hands closer down her wings towards her back. Scarlett bites her bottom lip humming softly as the stronger waves of pleasure. She wanted more.

"L-lower…"

Caleb raises an eyebrow but obliges moving his hands closer to the small of her back—where the base of her wings met her spine—prompting even stronger waves of pleasure to hit her.

She shudders uncontrollably, hugging her ample chest as her breathing became ragged. Her tail instinctively snakes around his legs possessively.

Caleb was a bit taken aback by the gesture before realizing, from his experience with Camilla, he was getting closer to one of her species' erogenous zones. He knew what would happen if he touched it too much, also thanks to his experience with Camilla.

He wanted to pull away but he then finally took notice of her toned, sexy back, plump rear, and silky, sweet smelling red hair she held out the way to expose her smooth neck. Her soft moans permeated his ears, tantalizing his senses. It was something almost magnetic urging him forward. Scarlett herself, held her arms in anticipation feeling his fingers drifting closer to her spot. A part of herself wanting to give in to her instincts.

"I was wondering why it was so quiet.", Drei spoke up, appearing from nowhere startling the pair. Scarlett shrieks in surprise and embarrassment prompting Caleb to immediately withdraw.

"Wha? Drei! Hey!", Caleb expressed, rubbing his nervously, forgetting she was still here.

"Haaaa, for Discord sake, can you NOT give me a heart attack ever five minutes?! Chaos!", Scarlet vented, hiding her flushed cheeks and frustration.

"But it's in job description. Right behind, 'keep track of all clientele tomfoolery and/or questionable activity'. Speaking of, what questionable activity is this?"

"We…well I was helping out Scarlett with her wing problem. Nothing big just a couple of joints outta place like Camilla gets sometimes.", He casually explains as Scarlett glances awkwardly at him.

"Well, at least you were keeping below a 5 and you saved me some handiwork.", Drei remarks then tilts her head, "By the way, why's your tail wrapped around his leg?"

Scarlett flinches before noticing her tail was indeed still coiled around his leg. Her face turned bright red before quickly unwrapping and standing to her feet, "Nothing! It's nothing. It was just an accident! Got it?!"

"Wait, are you talking to me or him?", Drei raises an eyebrow.

Scarlett tenses then looks at Caleb, flushing harder before clenching her fists, "You know what? We do need to get outta here! It's getting way too stuffy and cramped. Let's…go for a walk or something!", Scarlett blurted her demands, turning her back to them to hide her embarrassment.

"A walk?", Caleb questions, confused.

"YES A WALK! Now hurry up and get dressed! I'll be getting ready too! Don't make me wait, dammit!", Scarlett shouted quickly storming out their unit, closing the door shut leaving him more confused.

"That was…random…"

"I see you're still making the word 'accident' lose its meaning." Drei comments, raising an eyebrow at him.

"I was TRYING to help!"

"With a relaxing massage? Sure, the only thing missing is Barry White and a moderately happy ending."

Caleb was about to retort but realized it wasn't worth it, "You know what? Maybe we should go for a walk. Fresh air and all that shit.", he rolls his eyes going to his room.

"Wait, maybe Eva Cassidy would be better? She IS a redhead.", Drei shrugs nonchalantly.

…Elsewhere…

As everyone in the complex went about their daily lives, Moon could be seen soaring above on her broom, sitting sideways and humming blissfully. Balancing on the broomstick was a small basket held in place by blue magic underneath so not even strong winds would knock it down. She was on her way to deliver a special morning treat to Mr. Beechfauz.

The sessions they had together have been helping her come to terms with everything that's happened. It was awkward at first, opening herself to him, but he was incredibly patient. Even though he clearly had more important tasks to handle as the director, he still made time for her; to listen to her problems.

She felt warmth all over, thinking about his kind, caring smile. A blush spreads across her cheeks imagining his reaction to her baking, quickly becoming more wild and less family friendly by the second as she drooled with a lewd grin.

"LETS GOOO! LET'S GOOO!", Shouted a few voices below, getting her attention as Moon flew over the adult education center. She could see two devils and a female hellhound shouting, pumping themselves up.

"THAT TEST IS OURS BABY!", Jannali howled, her eyes burning in determination.

"WE GOT THIS IN THE BAG!", Sharon shouted, fists raised, her body radiating pink aura

"IT'S BIG BRAIN TIME, BITCHES! WOOO!", Sylvia shouted, tightening a black and red 'warrior' headband, her body rippling with green aura.

All the while, people walked by giving them strange looks or choosing to ignore them entirely. Kaiya, Heidi, Lowanna, and Hana stood off to the side giving their moral support yet clearly embarrassed.

"Es gut they're confident…just wish they'd step inside to sign in first, at least.", Heidi plainly remarks as Kaiya supportively waves a little cheerleader flag that reads 'You can do it'.

"First steps are always baby steps.", Hana comments.

"YEAH! LET'S GET IT–"

"GO TAKE THE DAMN TEST ALREADY!", Lowanna shouted in frustration, startling the others.

Moon shakes her head and just keeps flying muttering, "Chaos, there sure are a lot of crazy people in this place."

She eventually arrived at Beechfauz's office, descending downwards, and dismounting her broom as it vanished leaving only her basket. As she happily skips up the steps humming to herself, she casts a blue magic seal flinging open the door to greet the receptionist but was immediately met with shouting.

"ABSURD! I have never heard something so ludicrous in all my years!"

Moon tenses up as a large figure, clad in Roman clergyman attire with a golden lion storming out from Beechfauz's, office their footsteps heavy creating tiny tremors with each stride. However, what struck her the most were his large, imposing angel wings and halo.

By his side was a female of similar appearance and attire but clad in blue armor and golden blonde hair.

'A-Angels?!', Moon screams internally, freezing and frantically looking for somewhere to hide.

"Mr. Baliel!", called Beechfauz getting Moon's attention as he came out after him, "We are not done!"

"I most certainly am, Bitchface! If you cannot see the threat these heathens pose, then clearly you're not fit to dictate how things are done around here!", Baliel shot back to Beechfauz's and even Moon's surprise. Nepheli looks between them, ready to step in at the first sign of fists being thrown.

Beechfauz takes a deep breath to still his nerves, "Listen, I understand the incident between your two species has increased some tensions but to deny the Devils and other Chaos-born the right to peacefully assemble is plain unethical."

"Peaceful? HAHAHA! Don't make me laugh.", Baliel chortles puffing his chest out.

"Ahem, you um…just did, my Lord.", Nepheli whispers, pointing it out, prompting a serious glare from him as she backpedals, "Aaannd, it doesn't count if you say so, my Lord, hehe."

"Anyway, PEACEFUL is the last word I would use to describe their lot. Abominable, iniquitous, unscrupulous, debaucherous, licentious filth fits their lot far better.", Baliel spats in disgust as Nepheli clasps her hands and looks pleased that the thesaurus she got him as a present was showing its worth, "You know not what those wretched fiends are plotting."

"And I suppose you do, sir? Wouldn't that imply that you've been observing them…outside of your species' designated areas without OUR express permission?", Beechfauz unflinchingly spoke as the much taller and buffer angel man glares at him, "I hope you realize that would be a violation of your agreement and we'd need to take action."

Baliel, while spreading his large wing a little for intimidation, says in a displeased tone, "And what kind actions do you have in mind, human?"

"For starters, the terms of our original agreement will be forfeit and you'll be forced to relocate your congregation to another of our facilities; likely out-of-state."

"You…malodorous devil lovers. Do you know who you're talking too?! You're in the presence of an Archangel and former holy knight commander. I've slaughtered hundreds in the name of the True God and you are but a flea beneath my heel!"

"Well, you shouldn't underestimate fleas. They killed millions of Europeans in the dark ages you know.", Beechfauz shot back, not backing down as Moon gazed at him awestruck.

Baliel clenches his fists, glaring down menacingly, "I think I've just had your arrogance, human.", The angelic warrior body ripples with golden aura as the receptionist cowers under her desk. Beechfauz cautiously backs, ready to hit a secret panic button he kept in his suit jacket as precaution.

Nepheli was about to interject but was beaten to the punch when a red magic seal formed above Baliel, to everyone's surprise.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!", Moon shouted, getting their attention, her black spiral-shaped magic wand drawn with the tip glowing bright red. Her breathing ragged and heart racing in anticipation.

"Ms. Moon?!"

Baliel looks at the witch in disgust, "Well, what have we here? A filthy Majin? I'm almost disappointed it isn't more of a challenge."

"I-If you hurt him, I-I swear to Chaos I'll–", Moon stated, her words and body trembling but refusing to back down, before he cuts her off.

"You'll what?! Hit me with this poultry technique?", Baliel stated, quick conjuring a golden war hammer constructed of mana, then smashing the red seal to pieces like glass creating a shower if red sparkles much to Moon's horror. One of her strongest spells canceled out before she could even cast it. He then turns to Moon brandishing the hammer, "I'll make this quick."

Moon tenses up fearfully, believing she was about to die her before Nepheli blocks his path.

"Lord Baliel, that's enough! Don't forget your promise to Master Michael!", She firmly stated as he looks at her in discontent before begrudgingly dissipating his weapon. She then looks at Beechfauz, "We're so SO sorry for the trouble we caused Mr. Bitchface–"

"It's Beechfauz!", He stated as he moved to pull Moon to his side. The witch immediately clinging to him like a frightened child as his finger rested against his panic button.

"Yes, apologies, Beechfauz. We'll be taking our leave, if that is permitted.", she graciously spoke much to Baliel displeasure especially after seeing how the witch clung to the man in front of him like leach.

"Fine. This isn't over, however.", Baliel assured glaring back at Beechfauz and the witch fearfully clinging to him as she buried her face into him, "I will ensure the congregation's safety and strength."

As the irate, muscular angel and calm Valkyrie walked away and exit the building, the receptionist peers over her desk, glancing around.

"Are…they gone sir?"

"For now, yes.", Beechfauz replies staring ahead, "To think it had to be THAT man to show up so suddenly. I'll have to relay this to Michael immediately."

"I never thought Angels could be that…scary.", The receptionist spoke.

"Clearly, you haven't read the Bible enough. That's only a fraction of what they can do. Let's not worry about that for now. Please contact the ContractAnts to come fix up my office.", Beechfauz assured then looks down at a trembling Moon, clinging to him like a kitten and face buried into his side. He then gently pats her head to calm her, "Ms. Moon, it's ok. They're gone now."

Moon whimpers and looks up with tear stained, twinkling onyx eyes, "I was so scared. I didn't want them to hurt you, Mr. Beechfauz!"

Beechfauz was taken aback a moment then smiled before kneeling down to eye level with her, "It's alright. I'm a lot tougher than I look, you know. I appreciate trying your best to help but don't do anything too reckless. If you, a student, got hurt on my behalf I wouldn't forgive myself.", he assures, handing her some napkins to dry her tears.

Moon's eyes widen in shock before accepting the napkins, feeling her heart racing as she stared at him before throwing herself at him in a hug, shocking the human man, "Thank you, Mr. Beechfauz…"

"Any…time?", Beechfauz awkwardly smiled and patted her back to calm her. He then notices the receptionist with her phone out recording the adorable scene with admiring eyes, "Are you fucking filming us right now?!"

"Sorry Mr. Bitchface, it's just so cute!"

"IT'S BEECH—"

He was swiftly interrupted when a small red blast of energy struck the receptionist's phone, destroying it. He then sees Moon with her wand drawn, tip glowing bright red.

"His name…is 'Beechfauz'! You BETTER remember it!", Moon defensively stated, every word dripping in venom and glaring coldly at the other female as a demonic presence emanated around her, horrifying the woman.

"Eeeek! R-R-Right, I'm so sorry! It won't happen again!"

Beechfauz gives a stunned look, feeling a newfound euphoria before turning to the girl responsible for it. She beams a caring smile at him then presents him a small basket she conjured back into existence.

"Have you had breakfast? I baked you some blackberry muffins!", Moon stated with sparkling black eyes.

"Uh, no actually…thank you so much. Is that why you came so early?"

As the pair had their back and forth, the receptionist stood stunned at how crazy her morning had started and silently regretting not putting in vacation hours when she had the chance.

…Meanwhile…

After their sparkling conversation earlier, Caleb and Scarlett, unilaterally, decided to take a walk together around the facility and enjoy the day. Or, at least, that's what 'normal' people would do but as seen from the pair awkwardly walking side-by-side in total silence, barely looking at each other, that wasn't the case.

Caleb looks to the red-headed demoness curiously, unsure of what she has in mind but could tell from her tense expression that she was still embarrassed about earlier.

At the same time, Scarlett was silently cursing herself in her head at how reckless she acted. Not only for basically flirting with the male of her friend but also dragging him out with no plan or destination in mind. What is with her today?!

Caleb, sensing the awkward tension around them, decides they needed a distraction.

"Ahem, so…what do you like most about living here?", Caleb asks, wishing he phrased it better.

Scarlett raises an eyebrow at the question, "What?"

"I mean…like, what kind of things do you like about this place?"

Scarlett looks at him in thought for moment, "If…I had to pick, I guess I enjoy all the different stores and restaurants; especially plenty of vegetarian options.

Oh! I like how diverse everything is. I've met quite a few different species I'd likely never meet under normal circumstances."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I mean…look around you. So many species and cultures all in one place can be equal parts fascinating and frustrating. The merfolk in the aquarium area are decent people…if you can ignore the unrelenting obsession with tragic stories and the mersharks habit of biting everything with a pulse. Then there's the Pixies over in the forestry area."

"What's wrong with them?"

"Aside from being annoying little assholes, they're also unbelievably petty. I went there to try applying for a job once and one of them kept buzzing around shouting that squeaky voice at me while I was talking to the overseer."

"Oh, so they just wanted to bug you?", Caleb lightly joked before Scarlett shot him a look.

"Haha, yeah it was funny to me at first until I realized she was trying to gouge out my eyes with a push pin for 'getting too close' to her man.", Scarlett stated, unamused as Caleb's eyes widened in shock, "Luckily, she's a pixie, so I just flunge her away with a spell."

"And that was the last of her?"

"So I thought. Fun fact, did you know pixies are a highly social species with a vengeful nature? That pixie I flicked away came back with all five…HUNDRED of her friends.", Scarlett emphasized the last part as he looked at her surprised.

"Damn. I'm guessing the job interview there didn't work out then."

"You guessed right.", Scarlett sarcastically replies, "And the best part, I'm now on those pixies shit list. Another fun fact about pixies, they not only hold a grudge but they'll also teach baby pixies about what you did so they'll target you as an enemy."

"So generational beef? Damn, all that over talking to one guy?"

"Like I said, petty little fucks, there's a reason I.A. keeps them and the fairies as far from each other as possible. If not, there'd be a tiny bloodbath every other day."

"Why do they keep Pixies here at all then?!"

"Apparently, they also produce something called 'pixie nectar' by fertilizing certain flowers which I.A. collects to be used in various skin care and other cosmetic products. Turns out they're even compensated for their efforts with free meals and security protection.", Scarlett explained arms folded, "Kinda fucked up right? Even little shits like them can make a living.", she grumbles in frustration.

"Yeah, it is, but look at it this way. A piece of shit with money is STILL a piece of shit. I say you dodged a bullet not working there.", Caleb encouraged.

Scarlett looks at him curiously and cracks a smile, "Heh, I think it's more like five hundred bullets."

"Yeah, you weaved them bullets with precision, like some Matrix-type dodging. Leaning back and everything.", Caleb jokes, leaning back doing a little slow motion with his arms pretending to dodge bullets. Scarlett couldn't help snorting and chuckling at his antics.

"Hehehe, what are you doing?"

"A dramatization of your badassery."

"Trust me, there was nothing 'badass' about faceplanting TWICE in the dirt on my way out with my butt getting treated like a pin cushion."

"Hey, I call that a tenacious skedaddle.", Caleb smirks knowingly, prompting another snorting chuckle from red-headed devil.

"Pfft, shut up.", Scarlett stated punching his arm just hard enough to hurt a little while hiding a small grin. Caleb lightly chuckles, rubbing his arm a bit.

Suddenly, the pair hear what sound like bells chiming and see a ahead was a tall Shiba inu-type Kobold woman wearing a chalk sign, ringing a bell and handing out fliers to advertise the opening of a new pet store.

"~Welcome, Welcome, to the grand opening of Phoebe's Furry Friends!~", she announced as Caleb and Scarlett curiously approached.

"Hm? Another new store?", Scarlett asks.

"Thaaaat's right, pretty red-head devil lady! Phoebe, that's me, got herself a contract with I.A.! I've got everything from guinea piggies to color-changing Kah–mill–eons! Ooh! We're also runnin' a special on Shiba Inu puppies!", The Shiba inu Kobold stated moving aside to show several puppies in the window behind her yipping and scratching at the glass.

Scarlett suddenly feels a lump in her throat and cheeks flush at seeing the adorable balls of fluff but tries to keep her composure in front of him.

"You're…selling puppies?", Caleb inquires, looking between the dog person and the actual dogs, questioning the ethicality of the situation, "And you're…fine with this?"

"Why wouldn't I be? We're not the same or anything. Phoebe's a dog person!"

"Wait, what exactly are you implying?", Scarlett raises an eyebrow at him.

"Nothing! Nothing, it's just…I don't know, FEELS weird."

"Don't humans have zoos where they keep primates that share most of their DNA?", Scarlett skeptically asks.

"Well, yeah but…"

"Then it's the same principle, sir. Still, I guess it helps not to think about it TOO hard, right? So don't!", Phoebe assured with a smile handing him a flier, "You two wish to look around? See what critters speak to ya?"

Caleb looks at her a bit skeptical but chooses to take her advice, "I mean, I'm down. What about y–?"

"Yes!", Scarlett stated before quickly correcting herself taking a more nonchalant tone, "I mean…sure why not? Might as well kill some time."

"Oookay."

The pair enter the pet store greeted by the sounds of multiple animals from puppies barking, kittens meowing, parakeets chirping, to fish tanks running along the sight of various supplies, foods and medicines for the different animals. They were greeted by a female werecat cashier who was playing with a regular tabby cat; immediately making Caleb question the line of ethics again as the door closed.

Phoebe smiled as the pair entered resuming her advertising outside before feeling a light breeze then hearing the door open and close. She sees no one there and tilts her head confused.

"Hm, must've been the wind."

Inside, Drei could be seen hiding among the pet supplies quietly observing the pair as they observed some of the small animals for sale.

'Well, things seem to be going smoothly at least. Hopefully it stays that way.', Drei thought to herself, hoping for an easy enough day before familiar weasel-like sound gets her attention. She looks behind her eyes widened to see three ferrets curiously staring at her from behind terrarium glass; as if sensing a kinship. She quickly turns away repeating, 'Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Don't think about it.'

…Elsewhere…

At the hellhound's building, Amara could be seen seated in the living room in a large armchair, legs crossed and sharp, fiery gaze looking like a mafia boss.

Her daughters, Alkina and the twins(Kehema and Jenema) sat close to their new hosts/potential mates, Deon and Trevor, respectively, they met yesterday at the bookstore. Both African-American men trying their best not to appear too nervous in front of the admittedly intimidating Hellhound mother.

"So, I understand you both would like to become hosts to my daughters?"

"That's right, ma'am!", Alkina's male wholeheartedly stated as she grins at him.

"Yes, ma'am!", The twin's male affirmed, as they hugged his arms tighter, nervous of their mother's judgment.

"And YOU'RE fine with taking in TWO of my pups at once?", Amara raises a skeptical eyebrow.

"It's honestly no trouble, ma'am! My house is pretty big. Plus, ICEP offered me housing assistance to accommodate their species' needs."

"Hmm, well isn't that fortunate? Does that assistance extend to ALL their needs or are you just in it for the money?", Amara asks with a serious, unflinching gaze and folded arms.

"E-Excuse me?"

"Ma, come on. It's not like–", Jenema tries interject only to be met with a low, canine growl from her mother—a universal sign for all hellhounds and kobolds parents in general use to assert authority—and quickly goes silent.

"The same goes for you too.", Amara looks at Alkina's male, who slightly tenses up, "We hellhound women aren't your typical kobolds. We aren't, and never will be, lap dogs. We work hard, play hard, love hard, and better believe we FUCK hard! Do you understand?", She proudly stated to as both men were taken aback and her daughters cringe in embarrassment.

"I think I understand, ma'am.", Deon says, standing up getting their attention, "You wanna know if I can truly handle her. Well, you don't need to worry…I was a firefighter for six years before coming to Alabama! My mind and body are up to the challenge, ma'am!", he emphasized, placing his fist on his firm pectorals making Alkina blush in amazement.

"Me too!", Trevor stated, raising to his feet, "I work in choreography! Not as cool, I know, but I'm strong, flexible and adaptable! I promise you can count on me to look after your daughters Ms. Cerberjack!", he declare as both twins' eyes widened in admiration, hearts skipping a beat.

Amara glances between both human males, sensing no doubt or falsehood in their words, and smiles in amusement, "Alright, I'll hold you both to that. I entrust my daughters to you."

"Ndioooo(Yayyy!), hear that babe?! We're with you for the long haul!", Jenema happily cheered wrapping Trevor in a tight hug followed by Kehema, sandwiching him as smiles awkwardly.

"Yes! You did it, D! I knew you could!", Alkina expressed, pick her human up with ease and spinning him around to his slight embarrassment but happy nonetheless.

'WOOOOOO! THREE MORE DOWN BABY! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT! KEEP THOSE CERBERJACK GENES FLOWIN'!', Amara cheered internally smiling warmly at her daughters.

Close by, Kreã, the rest of her sisters and Tristan, had all been quietly listening in from the stairs above.

"Wow, never thought I'd see the day Alkina would find a mate.", Tristan remarks.

"Yeah. First Kaiya, now Alkina AND the twins? Talk about sudden connections.", Kreã acknowledges.

"Though I can't help noticing a pattern in the type of men they attract.", Darana points out as her sisters look at her curiously and Tristan raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"Yeah, now that I think about it…", Kalina squints her eyes at both human men as realization hits, "They're all freakin' hot as shit!", she stated as the others including Tristan sigh in relief.

"I'm simultaneously proud of and disappointed in you, Kali. Now, ladies, if you'll excuse me I see as my duty to inform-warn the guys of what they're in for.", Tristan casually remarks, walking down the stairs pulling out a black Hello Kitty book, "Yo! Chommie?! Now that you're taking in Kina, thought you'd might be interested in some facts on her!"

"What the?! What are you doing with diarie?!", Alkina shouted, putting Deon down.

"May 10th, I'm still feeling constipated after trying froyo for the first time–", Tristan read aloud before getting interrupted.

"TRISTAAAANN!", Alkina shouted, going for flying dropkick.

Tristan easily ducks it, squatting down then jumps into a mini backflip, dodging Alkina's tackle then continues to read aloud, "May 16th, I had ingrown foot claw I finally managed to bite it off. Cerberus it hurt like a–"

"I'LL KILL YOU!"

As the she chased him up the stairs causing Kreã and the others to tumble down comedically prompting a fit of laughter from the twins and Trevor. Deon watches, unsure of what to make of the situation but finding it kind of amusing as well.

Amara then raises up from her chair, getting their attention, then removes the large, thick leather belt from her waist with a calm but menacing aura surrounding her. Both Trevor and Deon knew all too well that look from childhood experience with their mothers. She loudly snaps the leather, making it crack like thunder as both human men and every one of her kids goes quiet with the twins clinging and hiding behind Trevor leaving the only sound being Tristan and Alkina upstairs yelling and tearing up the house. Amara slings the belt over her shoulder and calmly walks over to the stairs, her footsteps heavy creating little tremors with each stride, as Kreã and the others make way for her.

Seconds later, the only that could be heard was her daughter and nephew screaming, the audible strike of belt against tender flesh, and Amara irate barking.

…Later…

Caleb and Scarlett enjoyed their time in the pet store, checking out the various animals I.A. had allowed the store to sell. Scarlett, in particular, appeared the most enthralled with them. In fact, the entire time she was happily listing random facts of just every animal in the store—some fascinating, some weird—with an enthusiasm he couldn't help but find charming. Unfortunately, despite the store owner's insistence, demoness wasn't in the market to own a pet.

Mainly because she'd never had one before and was afraid of accidentally neglecting it; her conscience wouldn't be able to handle the guilt.

After leaving the store, the pair could now be seen walking away casually talking. Though, at some point, the conversation took an odd turn.

"No, really. Guinea pigs secrete this milky substance from their eyes and use it to clean themselves.", Scarlett excitedly explained.

"Whoa, that's kinda practical but still super weird.", Caleb replies, choosing to roll with conversation.

"Right?! That's how I felt when I first read about it! It's always so fascinating to read about how different animals care for themselves and their young in the wild!"

"I'm guessing you're a big fan of nature documentaries then?"

"Definitely! I remember the first one I ever saw too was about this thing called platypus. Freakiest animal I've ever heard of let me tell you. They're like hodgepodge of several animals combined into one! They're mammals that lay EGGS AND sweat milk AND their venomous?!"

"I also heard they glow blue under UV light and they apparently have no teeth or stomach so they use rocks to chew their food."

Scarlett's eye widen curiously, "Seriously?!"

"Yeah and this here's the nonsense called their skeletons. That's what's under their skin.", Caleb casually replies handing her his phone with a Googled image of a platypus skeleton prompting jaw dropping reaction from the redhead devil.

"It has BONES in its bill?!"

"And in it's genitalia.", Caleb replies, slightly keeping his voice down but still getting a surprised reaction from her, "Getting a 'hard-on' is very literal for them."

"Oh Chaos, take this I can't look at that anymore. Still, it really is fascinating."

"Yeah, you really like animals don't you?"

"Yeah, of course! I've always been interested in learning about nature growing up. Whenever I could get my hands on a book about nature it was hard to get it away from me."

"Nature and animals can be pretty brutal and unforgiving at times though."

"That is true but…isn't that just animals being animals. In nature, there's no such thing as right or wrong, laws or crimes, good or evil, or any other moral code or callous beliefs. It's all about survival and food. In a way, there's some beauty in it.", Scarlett expressed

"I get what you mean. It's all…genuine and nothing fake or superficial. It is what it is."

Scarlett looks at in surprise then smiles, "Exactly!"

"You know, it really makes you think."

"What?"

"The various liminals around here— the world in fact—with animal characteristics and instincts yet they have their societies, cultures, taboos, and religions, even prejudices. We humans have all that yet we aren't that different from chimpanzees in the wild; crazy a hell. Feels like the lines between us are getting less visible everyday, doesn't it?"

Scarlett looked at him intrigued and thought to herself for a moment, unconsciously walking closer, "I…suppose so…and there's so many kinds of people we haven't seen yet."

"Yeah. Though, I probably wouldn't want to meet a platypus person anytime soon.", Caleb half-joked, prompting a snorting chuckle from the redhead, "Yeah, even better if bruh name is 'Perry'."

"Haha! Perry the platypus person? You're ridiculous.", Scarlett chuckles in amusement getting a smile from Caleb.

As the pair continued on their walk together, chatting while passing by small shops and other liminal students going about their business. They soon found themselves approaching the entrance to the courtyard, hearing music. Scarlett was surprised to see two Pyrows from the faction out front with a large pink and red flame pattern banner that read 'Hot Cakes'. Both were dressed in pink hot pants and red short top show off their lovely figures. It was working, considering the several human and Liminal males gawking their way.

"What in Discord's name…", Scarlett utters.

"Thaaaat's right, sweeties this way to our main event!", one of them stated with a wink, gesturing the way with her hips, getting some lively reactions.

"It's gonna be hot, hot, HOT CAKES!", the other emphasized, slapping her butt as her flaming tail draws a heart out of red smoke.

"Reima! Judette!", Scarlett spouted, storming up to the pair, "What's going on here?!"

"Oh hi, Scarlett! How's it going?! Ooh, out on a date with your little savior, I see.", Reima saucily asks, noticing Caleb approaching.

Scarlett flushes red, "What? No, of course not!"

"Really? Mind if I take him then? I'm in the mood for a quickie anyway. Maybe a tail job. He looks like a guy who's into that.",

"What the fuck…", Caleb expressed in confusion.

"No! What is going on here?!"

"Oh! It's just our own little exhibition to gain more followers for our Onlyfans, Hot Cakes. There's been plenty of humans coming in this weekend to try and become hosts so what better time to bring in fresh meat. The fresher the better!"

"Go on, check it out! Toakala rented out the space until 1pm. We're giving out exclusive materials and cupcakes modeled after our own cupcakes.", Reima urges the pair, tracing around her breasts as Scarlett and Caleb were visibly taken aback.

"Unbelievable…", Scarlett shakes her head in annoyance as Caleb looks at her understandingly.

"Hey! Scarlett! Caleb!"

The pair heard a familiar calling out to them. They turn around surprised to see, not only the short blue-skinned Hana followed by Kaiya and Lowanna.

Upon seeing him, Kaiya lights up with a smile, tail wagging in excitement, quickening her pace towards him. Caleb couldn't help smiling too, finding it adorable while totally oblivious to the redhead devil next to him who awkwardly shys away with a slight frown.

"Hey there, if it isn't Scar and Kaiya's new mate. Fancy meeting you guys here.", Lowanna chimes in, teasing the pair much to Kaiya's slight embarrassment.

"It's nice to run into y'all too'. Morning, Kaiya.", Caleb remarks as Scarlett side eyes him incredulously.

Kaiya looks at him and beams a grin, "G-Good morning, Caleb."

Lowanna and Hana giggle to themselves at how cute they were.

"What brings y'all here?"

"We just got back from cheering on my sister, Sharon, and Sylvia for their test. Then we heard music, saw you guys, and those guys so what's going on here?", Lowanna summarized.

"Something to give a migraine I'm sure.", Scarlett scowls in annoyance then calls out, "Hana! Did Toakala tell you anything about running event for her and her compatriots Onlyfans?!"

"Uhh, no. Is THAT what's going on over here?"

"The fuck is a Onlyfans?", Lowanna asks, confused.

"Don't you remember them giving us a fifteen minute proposal in our meeting together? Tristan said something like 'Why pay for it when I get it for free plus tip?' before mama dragged him out then came back and he had a haunted look and couldn't sit right the rest of the meeting", Kaiya pointed out as Caleb raises an eyebrow.

"Hmm, yeah I do recall him hollering like a bitch in the distance. Everything they talked about though, I'm drawing a blank."

"Haaa, Hana, remind me at the next meeting to explain to Toakala why she needs to consult with everyone BEFORE arranging events like this. The last thing we need is I.A. blaming our entire group for their behavior."

"I mean, we could at least check out what they're doing, it might not even be as bad as it looks…or sounds.", Hana advised hopefully

"~Oh no! My top slipped.~" one of Pyrow stated, feigning concern as one her breast accidentally slid out forcing her to cover herself with a phony innocent look. Several guys whip out their phones and begin snapping pictures while she and her partner pose.

"I guess that's our sneak peek for what's to come.", Drei spoke, appearing out of nowhere startling everyone except Caleb and Kaiya who already noticed her prior.

'Does she get off on scaring people half to death?!', Scarlett shouted in her head before noticing Kaiya talking to Caleb. She scoffs then storms into the courtyard, pushing a few people to the side

"Oh! Wait for us Scarlett!", Hana stated prompting the others to follow her.

They make their way into the courtyard immediately greeted by the sight of a large red and pink canopy with a design reminiscent of a flaming heart pattern and the words 'HOT CAKES' in bold red stripes. There were saucy cardboard displays of the pyrows suggestive poses advertising their onlyfans page. A TV display behind them showed slides of the girls doing random things from cooking to writing but overly sexualized. A laptop play upbeat pop music on a loud speaker beside the tent. Toakala and three other Pyrows could be seen seated at beautifully decorated tables where several guys were signing up to be members and given a cupcake. The other Pyrows in her group were mingling with some of the guys, paying special attention to the human male I.A. visitors. They were all dressed in cosplays ranging from bar maidens to country girls; An explosion of sexual fantasy fresh off a college sophomore's browser history.

Drei also noticed a few IA security personnel walking around the area, monitoring the small event.

Scarlett stood, jaw agape in utter disbelief and disgust. Caleb and the others wore mixed reactions looking around seeing Pyrows seated in guys laps or playfully feeding them cupcakes.

Their few guys who had multiple Pyrow's basically crawling on them and pressing themselves against them like hostesses at a club.

"Ok…I was wrong. It's EXACTLY as bad as it looks…", Hana admits before hearing a guy yell out in joy seeing Pyrow dress as a nutcracker roast and crack open a walnut with her thighs, "and sounds!"

"Don't forget the smell. What is it so damn strong?" Lowanna added as she pointed to a Pyrow dress perfume sales woman letting her 'customer' smell perfume on her cleaver which he buried his face in. She and Kaiya covered their sensitive nostrils at the repugnant fragrance.

"Clearly, they've covered their fetish bases. Didn't even know 'sexy garbage truck lady' was a thing.", Drei comments, watching a Pyrow partially unzip her gray jumpsuit showing off cleavage to male lizardman, much to his delight, then having him sign a form.

"Kinda reminds of Hooters on Halloween except outside but probably less degrading.", Caleb remarks.

Suddenly, an air horn sounds cour which gets everyone's attention as every Pyrow gets their guy to turn their attention to the main stage. Toakala walks up with a megaphone, dressed in red hot pants, beige top, and brown leather boots.

"Why do I feel so corner seeing her wearing that." Scarlett said pinching her forehead in annoyance

"Hope everyone is having a good time! Just wanted to let you know we JUST got out ten-thousandth follower! That honor goes to YOU, Gregory!", Toakala stated, pointing to the young man enjoying a cupcake who looks up from his seat in confusion as they applaud him.

"Honestly, I just came for the cupcakes. Also, I don't remember following you on anything.", Gregory spoke, trying to enjoy his snacks on his day off from the coven as a Pyrow cosplaying a nurse smiles at him.

Scarlett raises an eyebrow feeling like she has seen him before.

"How long have they been doing this again?", Caleb questions.

"In honor of this milestone, we have special performance from my lovely Pyrow sisters!", Toakala announced as five Pyrows in cosplay go up to the front of the tent taking their positions, "Hit it!"

One of the pyrows taps the laptop and 'California Girls' starts playing on the loudspeaker or at least their rendition of it. The pyrows begin dancing in harmonious yet provocative movement quickly exciting several men into cheering. Their quick and sensual movement, enhanced by the passionate flames from their tales giving them the entrancing fierceness of Hawaiian fire dancers. The heat emanating from the sexy forms igniting the lust of every guy around them…save for a couple.

"Hot Cake Pyrow Girls we're UNFORGETTABLE. Daisy dukes bikinis on top! Sun-kissed skin so hot we'll melt your popsicle–", Toakala sang along with the other pyrow dancers.

"Soooo could I take my cupcakes to go or do I need to finish them up here?" Gregory asked the nurse Pyrow next to him, seemingly uninterested in their dance routine.

Toakala then notice Scarlett and the other and smiles before going over to them while the girls continue to amaze the crowd.

"Scarlett! Girls…and ~Caleb hmm~. You made it!"

'Why the fuck did she say my name like that?', Caleb thought, a little weirded out.

"Toakala, what the hell is this?", Scarlett questions, gesturing around them.

"This? It's our Onlyfans expo! Didn't you all get your invite on your phone?"

"What? No!"

"Oh, wait, now I see it…looks like it went to something called 'spam & blocked'?", Hana points out raising an eyebrow at her phone.

"Aww, failure of communication I guess. Though, you're here now, so it's all good."

"No it's NOT all good! Do you have any idea how this makes our faction look?!", Scarlett expressed, upset.

"I assume sexy? We're garnishing a lot of attention as of late."

"That's not the point! Our faction was created to give people like us a place they belong and help to succeed in this world."

"And you're doing just that, Scar. By helping us realize how easy it is for people like us to earn a living! You wouldn't believe how many humans out there really love our content. And the donations they give? Ooh Mama!"

"That is NOT the point…", Scarlett growls with clenched teeth.

"Wait, so do you guys really have ten thousand people following you?", Caleb asks.

"That's right sweetie. Passed it this morning after starting just two weeks ago!", Toakala proudly stated as Caleb looks at her in disbelief.

"How is that possible?!"

"Huhu, come on sweetie. Have you seen us? What lonely male wouldn't join up?", Toakala emphasized, striking a pose expose her thigh and breast with a wink at him. Kaiya and Scarlett visibly tenses up, the former lowly growling as she draws closer to Caleb.

Caleb lightly flushed then turned his head, "Fair enough."

"You mentioned something about donations?", Lowanna questions.

"Yep! Our followers donate cash frequently for every photo or video we upload. You know sexy outfits, cosplays, role playing, a whole lot of feet stuff; some guys love these tootsies.", Toakala emphasized, lifting up her foot wiggling her toes in sandals, "They're ranked Bronze, Silver, and Gold Cake tier donors. You'll never guess which ones are Gold!"

"The feet freaks?", Drei questions.

"Darn it!"

"And…how much exactly have you guys made from this business so far?", Lowanna questions with air quotes.

"Last time I checked around eight grand."

Caleb, Scarlett and Hana eyes widened in pure shock while both Hellhound women were only moderately impressed considering that amount was basically their grocery budget every month.

"Not bad, actually. Still…", Lowanna nods, arms folded looking at the pyrows still dancing.

"This…this is absurd! You realize you're selling yourselves to perverts online for money. You might as well be making porn!"

"Yeah we wanted to but the director wouldn't budge on it. Made us settle for this instead. That Bitchface is a stubborn, prude I tell ya. Nice ass though.", Toakala remarks.

"How did IA even APPROVE of this?!", Scarlett demanded.

"Like I said it's technically not porn—"

"Emphasis on the technically.", Drei interjects.

"And our content IS bringing in new potential hosts to ICEP. Plus, they get a 15% cut on every donation we receive as part of our deal.", Toakala finished as Scarlett looked at her in disbelief and abhorrence, "Though, that's not the ONLY part of our deal."

"What do you mean?", Hana curiously asks.

Toakala glances around before speaking softly, "Well, as you can see there's plenty of human males here as IA guests looking to become exchange hosts, right? It gives us opportunity to weed out the really thirsty guys and flacks. We get to know those few, maybe fulfill some exclusive requests. Then, when they're conditioned enough, we plop an ICEP marriage form in their lap and badda boom, got ourselves obedient, hard working husbands to raise our young."

"Your Onlyfans is your plan to find mates? Sounds…convoluted as fuck.", Lowanna remarks.

"Not to mention, kinda awful thing to do in general.", Hana chimes in.

"Sounds a lot like Tinder with extra steps to me.", Caleb pointed out.

"Honestly, we're mainly looking for fellas that 'house husbands' material. If we happen to find a few keepers that's a huge win." Toakala explained

"It all still feels unnecessary to me.", Lowanna attests, arms folded in defiance.

"You just don't understand our process. This way everyone gets what they want. We get hubbies and money and they get….to BE our hubbies and give us money. Oh and sloppy toppies or whatever they're into whenever we feel like it."

"You just described MOST human and some liminal marriages.", Drei commented.

"So, whaddya say Caleb sweety?", Toakala flirtatious spoke, getting right up in his face, much to his discomfort and shocking both Kaiya and Scarlett.

"W-What?!"

"Why not become a house hubbie to one of these lovely ladies? Take your pick. Of course, I wouldn't mind scooping you up myself. I could give you a sample of the experience free of charge." Toakala seductively whispered with a lewd grin and fiery tail swaying, pressing her ample cleavage together giving him an eyeful as he withdrew awkwardly.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!", Kaiya and Scarlett shouted at the same time while putting themselves between him and the Pyrow, surprising the others.

The female hellhound even lowly growling to emphasize her disapproval as her sister nods in approval.

Scarlett catches herself, realizing what she did, "I-I mean, don't involve him or ANY of us in this scheme of yours! Whatever you do, I don't want the faction's name attached to it."

"That's right!

"Bummer. Oh well, if you change your minds, we'll be here another five hours. Try not to let your man get scooped up in the meantime.", Toakala teases as Kaiya hugs Caleb's arm close, to his slight surprise, glaring at the Pyrow; or at least Toakala figured she was on account of long bangs.

"Somehow, I doubt that'll be a problem with the unique specimens you're attracting.", Lowanna remarks gesturing behind her.

"~You heard me Bad Boy! Get down on the ground and spread your ass cheeks!~", a Pyrow in sexy police outfit and sunglasses demanded from a wererabbit male.

"Yes ma'am!", he happily obliges.

"Ooh, almost forgot! Why not try some of our delicious cupcakes?", Toakala emphasized, summoning a flaming mana seal as a square plastic container of cupcakes with frosting designed to look like perky breasts emerge out, "These babies are modeled after my plump, sweet cupcakes. Wanna take a bite handsome?"

"I ain't eating that damn cupcake.", Caleb plainly replies.

"I will.", Drei says, grabbing two and taking a bite off the top portion enjoying the taste as Caleb looks at her strangely. She then takes another bite from the other cupcake.

"Why are you like this?"

Scarlett scoffs, "Tch, come on, let's go guys. This is—"

Suddenly, they hear a loud sonic boom-like sound far away in the distance, getting theirs and several people's attention.

"Kumbe(Fuck)! You guys heard that?!", Lowanna expressed as she and the others, save for Caleb who's hearing wasn't as fined tuned, look in the direction it came from.

"Yeah! What was it? It was so loud. Like something just exploded somewhere.", Hana stated.

"Think it was a gas leak explosion or something?", Caleb inquires.

"No idea but I'm sensing nothing good coming of it.", Drei remarks as she and the rest are oblivious to the flaming figure in the distant blue sky rocket past flapping its wings.

"When are explosions EVER a good sign?", Scarlett raised an eyebrow.

"Uhh demolitions? Also, Fourth of Ju–"

"OK! Moving on! Pretty sure IA staff got it handled anyway.", Caleb interjects, walking forwards as Kaiya follows him closely.

Scarlett looks on at the pair, feeling oddly uneasy and saddened as she wondered why she acted like that earlier.

…Elsewhere…

Further away, close to the angel congregation, Enocha walking up to the entrance, mind lost in thought, before the sound of cheering caught her attention. She flaps her wings getting up higher to observe, near the entrance, several human IA visitors were gathered to meet the angels in her congregation.

It was a fairly common occurrence considering their popularity. The humans enjoyed bombarding them with various questions, taking pictures of them, asking them for 'blessings', asking them to hold their babies, and a plethora of other requests. She and others of like-minded aversion to being surrounded by overly enthusiastic humans chose to keep their distance.

Though, others very much welcomed the attention.

"HOHO! Yes. Yes. How lovely it is for I, Samuel De Virion, the bless ye commonfolk on this most auspicious morning!", Samuel stated in grandiose fashion as people happily took photos of him. He and a few cherubs revel in the exposure.

"Heyo! Hold on tight now, little ones!", Raphael cheered as four little human children swung on his huge muscular forearms like monkey bars while two more hung on the back of his wings, laughing joyfully as their parents looked on in approval while recording on their phones.

"Will you KINDLY cease that boorish display? Do not be so careless with their young!", Samuel chastised.

"Aw, don't be such a worrywort, Sam. They're in good hands, right little buddy?"

"Yeah!", the male child stated before Raphael swung him up, sitting him atop his bicep, smiling.

"It's ok, mister. I trust him one hundred THOUSAND percent. After all, you're angels of the Almighty.", a human man confidently spoke as a woman, his wife, wholeheartedly agreed.

"That's quite admirable of you…pardon my impertinence, I don't believe I got your name."

"David Carpenter, sir."

"Ah, Mr. Carpenter, well I'm grateful to have the pleasure to meet such devout followers of our Chief God.", Samuel graciously spoke, making their eyes light up.

"Yes we were blessed to have been protected by one of you angels when a Devil attacked my elderly mother."

"Oh, how dreadful! To stoop so low and harm a frail human woman!", Samuel stated, appalled and disgusted, "It was quite fortunate that my peer came to your aid! They sound like an upstanding individual indeed."

"Is it true you guys descended straight from heaven?! What's it like?!", A couple of blushing human women ask while crowding around Camael.

"Well, WE'RE not from there but our ancestors certainly are! I really hope to visit some day.", He frankly replied.

"Visit? But it's your home, right?", one woman asks, confused.

"True, but this is our real home with you guys and we'll always keep it safe!", Camael honestly assured as the women swoon in delight, misinterpreting his words.

"Ahhh, we are truly blessed to be in the presence of godly beauty.", one guys spoke clasping his hands on his knees.

"Well, I DO have those 'KA-POW' proportions, hehe.", Barbie says, flaunting her hips and fluttering her wing, "Thank you for the compliments though."

"Oh, blessed be the Lord for sending us your angels in these awful, awful times."

"Hey, it's not all bad. Life's pretty good.", Barbie simply encouraged giving a thumbs up, thinking nothing of it as the devout look at her in amazement.

"She's right! So long as we have each other and the good word of our savior life will be better!", he stated as others applaud her.

Barbie smiles, unsure what he meant by 'the good word', "Yeah, now you get it. I think."

"Ms. Angel, I ask that please bless me with the means to pay my rent this month.", One guy prays, hands clasped.

"Uhh, sure. I'm sure you'll get it.", She replies as he looks up in admiration, proceeding to praise her. Though she didn't really know what this 'rent' thing was. A type of snack, perhaps?

Enocha never quite knew how to feel about their legion of devout fans. Honestly, she wondered in amusement how they'd react after living with them a while.

Suddenly, spots her sister in the distance flying away from the congregation. She doesn't waste a moment and flies off in that direction. When close enough, she descends down landing in an alley, then takes cover behind the wall.

She summons a small golden magic seal causing her eyes to glow and increasing her binocular vision. She clearly observed her sister writing in a composition notebook with giddy excitement she hadn't seen in a while. A part of her was happy to see her smiling genuinely for once but wondered what she was writing or drawing. It was strange, considering Ophelia has never had a keen eye for the arts.

Enocha then looks to where her sister's attention was focused and sees a human male in a blue IA jumpsuit packing heavy boxes in a supply truck.

'Is she observing him? But why is she trying to understand more about the lives of humans? Is he perhaps her muse?', Enocha pondered to herself.

Suddenly, she noticed the human was visibly struggling with one of the boxes and about to stumble but then sees it glow golden for a brief moment and the human seeming surprised by how light it somehow feels. Enocha catches a glimpse of her sister dispelling a golden seal with a caring grin much to her surprise.

'Wait! Is she acting as that human's guardian?!', Enocha expressed internally, unsure of what to make of the revelation. It wasn't unusual for her kind to assist certain humans but she hasn't heard any talk from Lord Michael or Uncle Baliel of making her a guardian; especially in her circumstance, 'What are you doing sister?'

"OH my God! An actual angel?!"

Enocha whips her head around, startled by the strangers voice, then getting a full close-up of his greasy, fair-skinned face having forgotten to cancel her spell. She yelps in shock and stumbles back, canceling the spell.

She greeted by a taller, heavy-set with long brown unkempt hair and bearded neck, fair skin, thin glasses and dressed in bright cargo pants and oversized black Super Smash Bros. shirt. Enocha noticed a pungent, musky odor emanating from his body and he smiled at her with an excitement she tried to find endearing but something wasn't right.

"I didn't think I'd get a chance to see one of you in person. I thought for sure IA security said the congregation's visitor capacity was full! This must truly be fate that I'd just find you here!",The man ecstatically stated.

"O-Oh, is that right? I'm glad it makes you happy then.", Enocha smiles at him, even though she didn't want to she had to be friendly to all humans no matter what.

"Oh, you have idea how long I've waited for this day. To meet a real life angel girl is a dream come true! I've been huge fan of angelic women in anime? That pure hearted innocence! That sweet porcelain! Those gorgeous fluffy, snow white wings!", The man stated in excitement, drawing closer to prompting her to back away.

"Ah, thank you…for that. I'm sorry, but I have something to take care–", Enocha tries to walk away but he blocks her path.

"Exactly! Taking care! You girls know just how to treat a guy. Not like these STUPID human women with their stuck up attitudes and unreasonable expectations! All they care about is MONEY and ABS and fucking Old Spice deodorant!"

Enocha raises an eyebrow, "What does deodorant have to—"

"But not you angel girls! You know how to see all the good qualities in a guy! You're exactly what I need I my life! How about I become your ICEP host?!", he whipping out a ICEP host application to Enocha surprise.

"W-What?!"

"You're loyal, kind, and ridiculously sexy to boot! I would love to have someone like you.", The man spoke with an unsettlingly wide lecherous smile, looking her body up and down as he backed her up to the wall.

Enocha, now very uncomfortable, tries to move past him, "Thank you but I'm sorry I need to go–ah!"

The man suddenly grabs her by the arm tightly, refusing to let go.

"Where are you going?! Don't you wanna come with me?! Aren't angel girls supposed to be devoted and submissive? I came all the way to this damn place for just a few photos of your kind. No way I'm letting this opportunity get away!", The man demanded as Enocha struggled before he started rubbing his hairy face against her hand. Enocha eyes shot wide at the sickening sensation, finally losing her patience.

"I said, I NEED TO GO!", She shouted, flinging the man off her using the same spell her sister used to reduce his weight compared to her own. The man yells in surprise as he's flung several meters back to the other end of the alley, knocking right into a pair of IA security officers passing by.

He lands right on top of a female human security officer, pinning her with his hands on her chest. He blinks in confusion but growing excitement as the woman screams out for him to get off. He then feels a large, heavy hand grip his shoulder painfully before looking up, horrified to see a seven foot male muscular minotaur standing over him rage-filled eyes like a bull ready to charge.

"You trying to assault MY partner on duty, fat boy?", the minotaur in a deep, threatening tone as he lift the man up with one hand off the woman as she scrambled to her feet.

"Eh?"

In the distance, the man could be heard hollering in pain which Enocha didn't concern herself with right now. That whole experience made her lose track of her sister. She didn't see the human she was apparently 'protecting' either so he must've finished packing and left with her following after him. There was only one street they could've taken but it leads right into Chaos-born territory.

'She wouldn't go back into their territory again, right? Right?!', She thought to herself, hoping it wasn't true. However, her instincts told her there was only one way to get answers.

Still, with her appearance, she'd attract way too much attention. She looks around for anything to use and noticed a Tetra Arm vendor selling novelty hoodies and t-shirts nearby. She smirks, nodding to herself at her cleverness.

…Back to Caleb…

After their experience with Toakala's hypersexualized pyramid scheme, the group could now be seen at a nearby smoothie place run by a female Jack Russell Terrier-type Kobold. That same kobold was unusually more friendly towards Caleb compared to the other, which didn't go unnoticed by a displeased Kaiya or annoyed Scarlett.

As they each enjoyed their smoothies and other snacks, Scarlett glanced across the table at Kaiya and Caleb seated beside each other while Lowanna, Hana and Drei enjoyed their small pile of food from chicken fajitas to burritos; hold the cheese. She plaintively drank her smoothie choosing not to focus on them.

"So their tests are today? I really hope they do well." Caleb honestly spoke.

"Appreciate it Chommie. I hope so too since it'll mean Jannali will finally chill the fuck out. We get it. You need to study but damn.", Lowanna vented a little, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"I get it. Study can be hard enough without too many distractions around."

"If by 'distractions' you mean Tristan then yeah, definitely."

"Well, you literally can't spell distraction without 'Tristan' so… that tracks.", Caleb quips, followed by she, Kaiya, and Hana chuckling at the pun.

"Haha! Good one! I'm borrowing that one!", Lowanna chuckles, taking a sip of her smoothie.

They suddenly heard loud fire alarm and IA ambulance sirens passing by, prompting Scarlett and the other girls with sensitive eardrums to wince in irritation before the sound grew further away.

"Hmph, whatever happened it must've been pretty big.", Lowanna commented.

"I believe that was a fire truck AND a ambulance. I hope it isn't anything too serious. What if someone's been hurt?", Hana worriedly spoke.

"Then it's a good their medics are hourly.", Drei comments, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"I honestly wouldn't sweat it too much. For all you know, somebody might've just burned some steaks they were cooking or a Salamander just sneezed too hard and set their apartment on fire. You know, like last month?", Lowanna chimes in as Caleb looks at her curiously.

"True, but still…", Hana ponders.

"I agree with Lowanna, let the hourly professionals do their jobs and not worry about it.", Scarlett assures, sipping her banana smoothie as Hana nods in understanding.

"By the way, I meant to ask what you and Chommie were doing out together this morning?", Lowanna asks, eyebrow raised curiously as Kaiya swallows hard a bite of her sandwich in surprise, "Jeez, you ok Sis?"

"Y-Yes! I'm fine…continue…"

Scarlett blushes, taken aback, "N-Nothing really, we were just…on a walk."

"A walk? That's it?"

"I mean we did check this pretty cool pet store earlier right after we ate some breakfast I cooked at my place.", Caleb casually spoke, catching the immediate attention of the girls. Scarlett, especially, looks at him incredulously.

"Pet store?!", Hana stated in excitement, "Did they have any turtles? I've been looking to get a friend for Rohan."

"Wait, forget about that! You guys had breakfast together?! Well, that explains why you didn't order anything to eat at least. Still, what the hell, Chommie?!"

"What?"

"You cooked for another female while dating my sister?!", Lowanna stated, displeased.

"I don't understand. Is it really that big deal?", Caleb asks, confused.

"Yes! It's one of our cultures' mating practices. If a male's interested in gaining a female's attention, he'll gift her a meal he hunted and prepared himself. It's to show he's reliable, crafty, and emotionally strong.", Lowanna explains as Scarlett looks at her then Caleb in surprise.

Caleb looks over at Kaiya who nods in agreement, confirming it's true.

"Well, I honestly didn't know so it's a misunderstanding on my part. Scarlett just wanted to have a FULLY platonic conversation. The two of us are neighbors so I was just being hospitable. That's all.", Caleb assured.

"You guys are neighbors too?!", Lowanna stated while Kaiya looks between the human and the redhead devil, becoming increasingly concerned and a little displeased.

"Yeah, for now. Listen, there's nothing going on, you don't have to be worried. I cook purely for enjoyment and staying alive…and occasionally entertaining company.", Caleb affirms once more, taking a sip of his smoothie as Scarlett looks at him curiously.

"Hmm, Ok, I believe you. I was just testing your moxie.", Lowanna smirks.

"My gangster don't need to be tested…especially when it comes to cooking."

"Oh? Is it that good? What say you, Scar, you like what he fed you?"

Scarlett glances away in embarrassment, "I-It was just some pancakes! But…yeah it was pretty good."

Kaiya looks at her, not convinced by her claim, then back at Caleb with a worried expression. Fearing his loyalty may be compromised.

"I'd love to have some of your cooking too, Caleb. It sounds yummy.", Hana happily spoke, adding to Kaiya's shock.

"It is. His sausage is really good.", Drei commented.

"What?!", Kaiya expressed in pure shock, cheeks flushed darker.

"His sausage? That he makes from the ground turkey and different spices. It's got a unique flavor combo."

"The secret is garlic powder mixed with paprika.", Caleb chimes in.

"Ooh, that sounds tasty.", Hana sweetly remarks, "Anyway, where's that pet store again. I can also pick up some extra food for my Rohan too."

"What the hell is a Rohan?", Drei questions.

"My adorable little red-eared slider."

"Slider? Neat. I used to hunt those with my mother as a kid. Their shells make excellent grinding bowls.", Drei remarks as Hana and Scarlett look at her in pure shock.

"Whaaaat? Why would you do such a thing to such to such adorable creatures?!"

"I just said it, we needed new grinding bowls. That and their meat is good with rice and wine.", Drei shrugged while Scarlett shook her head in disapproval.

"How's everyone enjoying their meals?", asked the chipper tone of the JR Terrier kobold woman appearing seemingly out of nowhere, getting the groups attention.

"Oh, it's great actually! Thank you so much.", Hana politely replied.

"Excellent!", the Terrier kobold expressed then look to Caleb with a slight blush, "Oh, sir, you forgot to grab your receipt and…here's a cookie on the house. It's peanut butter.", She sweetly says, handing it to him.

"Oh, well…thank you."

The kobold giggles blushing in delight as Kaiya softly growls under her breath, glaring intently as she left.

"Hm? What's this? There something written on the back of my receipt."

"What's it say?", Drei inquires.

" 'Meet me at 3 pm behind the building.'", Caleb read aloud, alarming the girls, especially Kaiya and Scarlett, "Why the hell would I meet her at 3 behind the store?"

Lowanna suddenly takes the paper from his hand, then clasps the receipt between her palm and calmly burns it to ash, patting her hands clean of the black soot before returning to eating her foot, "Skank ya kutisha(Fucking skank)", she bitterly remarked as Kaiya gives a small appreciative grin.

Caleb gives a slightly confused look, "Alright then…"

…At the Witch's Coven…

The witches could all be seen going about their daily routines of chores, farming, spell crafting, playing games, and studying various books in their collection. Mars, Gala, and Nova could be seen fishing beside the small stream flowing under the bridge, each with a red, navy blue, and dark green rod sticking from the grass. It was right about time for the fifth generation of rainbow trout to start coming through.

"Almost…almost…", Nova utters, focusing intently on her line in the water, watching for any subtle motion.

Suddenly, the line yanks into the water signaling her chance.

"Bingo!", Nova stated, whipping out her wand as the tip glows blue, conjuring a blue seal on the water and levitating a ball of water with the trout inside. She smirks, flicking her wand, removing the water around the trout as it flails wildly before she tosses it in the bucket behind her with over a dozen others flopping, "Hehe, another keeper."

"Show off.", Mars remarks, cheeks puffed in annoyance with her bucket behind her with a meager fish flopping.

"Hey don't be mad because I've got great fishing genes. Instead you should praise them for today's supper.", Nova proudly boasted, twirling her wand.

"Fishing for everything including compliments apparently.", Gala chimed with slight annoyance, her bucket having only one little fish.

"Aw, don't be so sour, Gala. Maybe you should change your bait."

"We're using the SAME bait we've been using since we were kids!"

"Hmm…maybe change your technique then?", Nova proposed in a matter-of-fact tone.

"You know…", Gala utters, eyes narrowed at her friend while Mars chose to stay out of it.

"Well, I see you girls are still in high spirits."

All three witches perk were caught off guard upon hearing that familiar voice then look towards the bridge to see Madame Fantina leaning down observing with a small grin.

"Madame Fantina!", All three girls expressed excitement. It quickly turns to confusion when they notice the busty blonde elf woman in black ICEP uniform standing behind her regally.

"What the Chaos…", Nova utters.

"Ah, you two have finally arrived.", came the voice of Venus as she floated down casually seated on her broomstick before hopping off, "Welcome back Madame Fantina. Pleasant morning to you Miss Clawthorne."

"Ark'verra(Wood Elf for 'Good morning'), to you as well Ms. Venus.", Clawethorne graciously bows, adding to the Mars and the others confusion.

"I presume your new 'host' won't be joining us?"

"No. Soon as we were preparing to leave he received an…urgent call from the research center. He's gonna have his hands full for a while.", Fantina responded, arms folded in slight annoyance.

"I'm here as her chaperone and emissary of ICEP. I must say I'm a bit excited, this is my first time in a witch village! You're realm looks amazing by the way!", Clawthorne spoke with a wide grin, excitedly bouncing as her chest undulated, getting the witches' attention.

"Really it feels more like I'm babysitting a babysitter.", Fantina facepalms, shaking her head.

"Huhuhu, no need to be so salty young Madame. She's not the first visitor that we've had lately to react this way."

Fantina looks at Venus in surprise and slight skepticism then asks in a serious tone, "Who else has been here, Venus?"

"I'll tell you everything that's happened since you left, Madame. For now, let's proceed, I'm certain the others wish to see their beloved leader.", Venus graciously assured.

Fantina sighs lethargically, pinching her knows, "Alright, fine. Mars, Gala, Nova, you three come along as well."

"U-Understood, Madame!", All three stated simultaneously.

"And you, don't go running off on your own. You're in my house now so behave.", Fantina warns the elf woman.

"I'm not some little kid! Besides, it's my job to keep an eye on you anyway!"

"That great but just remember you're an emissary basically in foreign so kindly abide by our rules."

"Foreign?! This place is barely even out of this STATE let alone this country!", Clawthorne retorts as Venus lightly chuckles in amusement at their bickering.

Mars and her friends looks on absolutely bewildered by the entire situation.

"Mars….what the fuck is going on? First busty devils now busty ELVES?", Nova expressed.

"I have about as many answers as you do. Come on, may as well join the others", Mars sighed, using her wand to levitate her fish bucket.

"Yeah, might as well–", Gala remarks, taking only to accidentally knock her bucket over spilling her one fish back into the river to her extreme dismay, "NOOOO! MY FISH!"

"Like I said before, technique.", Nova chimes, twirling her wand with a pompous smirk as her bucket spins around her.

"I'll give you a technique right upside your head!"

"Well if you can't catch some fish, you expect me to catch those spells? Please.", Nova taunts, much to Gala's annoyance.

Mars sighed as they began to bicker like Fantina and the elf, shrugging as she walked away.

…Back to Caleb…

After finishing his smoothie, Caleb decided to head to the restroom. It was insisted by Lowanna that he use the one furthest away from the restaurant for reasons she wouldn't elaborate but he got the idea.

He now stood at one of the adjustable urinals, which featured a touchpad to control the height relative to the user. After relieving himself, he washed then dried his hands and was about to leave when the door swung open and in came Kaiya, taking him by surprise.

"Wha…Kaiya?! What are you doing here? This is the men's restroom."

"I…I know…", She responded, her tone a bit nervous the looks at him, "I-I need to do something with you! B-Before you go back out there!"

Caleb looks at her confused, "What do you mean by 'do something'? What are you–hey!", he stated before she grabbed him by the hand, pulling him into one of the nearby stalls, locking it.

Kaiya pressed herself against him, mushing her soft breasts into his chest, rubbing herself up and down.

"Hey, Kaiya, wait! What are you are you—", Caleb expressed before feeling her warm, wet tongue dragging up his neck making him shudder.

Kaiya hums softly, pressing herself to him more, crooning her head into his shoulder as she plaintively licks his neck, enjoying how he tasted while leaving traces of her essence on him. She feels his body quiver against instinctively prompting to grind her lower region against his.

Caleb's eye shot wide open at the sensation before grabbing her shoulder, to her surprise, holding her apart from him, "Kaiya, stop. What are you doing?"

Kaiya frowns, looking away shamefully, "I-I'm marking you."

"Marking me?"

"I-I need to leave my scent all over you so others females know you're MY mate! I'm sorry. I meant to do this before we parted ways but I was so happy that…"

Caleb looks at her curiously as realization hits that what she's doing is similar to what Lyca did after confessing to him. Maybe it's a universal instinct to all Kobolds and mammalian liminals in general? Whatever the case, it did make him realize she's doing this with pure intentions.

"Ok, I understand but you honestly don't need to worry, Kaiya. I'm not leaving you.", Caleb assured the young hellhound woman.

"But earlier…I saw how Toakala and that other kobold looked at you. I can't let them snatch you up, drag you away, and take you while marking you as THEIR mate like the jackals they are! That's an actual problem where I'm from!", Kaiya stated, hugging him tightly.

"Yeah, that sounds…awful but you really don't need to worry here. No woman's dragging me anywhere, Ok"

"How can they not? You're kind, compassionate, strong, cute, and apparently a good cook! Why wouldn't they?! That's why I need to do this!", Kaiya affirms, rubbing herself harder against him, before he gingerly cups the side of her face making her stop..

"Because, I said so. I'm your boyfriend so I wouldn't go with them no matter what. You can bet on that.", Caleb assured her, gently brushing her hair aside letting the azure flames of her sparkling sapphire eyes full of love spill through, "And I don't know what you mean 'cute'. I am built like Jordan Peele with a kidney bean for head. I'm hideous."

Kaiya was taken aback then lightly chuckles, "Hehehe, no you're not."

"Am so! Look like I belong in a damn bowl chili.", He jokes prompting her to chuckle.

"I like chili. I think it's yummy.", She smiled at him lovingly.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah…in fact, I love it.", Kaiya utters, gently touching his cheek with her large, warm paw drawing closer until their lips meet.

Caleb embraces her, enjoying the faint taste of fruit and meat on her soft, plump lips. His hand glides down her firm back, sending shivers through her spine, and stops just at the base where her tail met her spine, triggering the bundles of nerves making her gasp in delight. He grins, figuring she'd enjoy that considering his experience with another Kobold.

Taking a bolder move, Caleb pulls away before peppering neck in kisses as she softly moans. Her lips quiver, feeling his teeth nibble nibbling her skin, his tongue gently licking her neck as she did.

"Caleb…", Kaiya softly sighs, hugging his head close.

"What? You said you wanted to mark me right? I can't do the same to you?", He whispered in her ear.

Kaiya feels her lower tummy tighten and quiver at those words as she smiles at him. She then instinctively presses her lower half against his, gently grinding causing him pull his head away in surprise, seeing her lustful grin.

"Yes. I want you to…mark me as yours.", she softly spoke, gently taking his hand and moving it to her ample breast, surprising him a little. He instinctively delivers a gentle squeeze to her soft mound of flesh through her hoody, inciting a delighted moan from her.

Caleb gulps to himself, realizing things were escalating too quickly and he needed to stop right now. He needed to keep his promise to Mirabelle but his body wasn't listening as he groped the aroused Hellhound. He needed a distraction from—

"WOOO!", shouted a human man's voice as he kicks in the bathroom door, startling the pair.

"Hey, what are you shoutin' for babe?", seductively spoke one of the Pyrows, pressing herself against him. Kaiya instantly recognizes the Pyrows voice as the one Tristan mated with.

"I don't know, you got me acting up. You Pyrow girls are something else.", The man says, pulling her close, kissing her as Caleb gestures to Kaiya to be quiet. She covers her mouth and nods in understanding as Caleb mouths a curse under his breath.

"More than that, silly billy. We're unforgettable. ~Here, I'll prove it.~", The Pyrow hungrily spoke, pushing the man into the stall right next to Caleb and Kaiya's. The audible zipper sound of the guy's pants making their eyes widen in horror, "~Oooh, look at you! That's a Gold Cake member for ya. I might have given the premium treatment. Come here boy!~", she spoke, her voice turning demonic.

"What's the prem—YOOHOHOAHAHAAH!", The man was cut off, hollering in extreme ecstasy as Caleb and Kaiya flinched, stunned at what was happening.

They could make out the audible, intense wet suction sounds like a person sloppily slurping, smacking, and devouring spaghetti with no fork

All that combined with the guy audible vocalizing cries that were a mix of unrestrained pleasure and human suffering. Caleb and Kaiya cringe in indescribable horror and awkwardness.

"Oh shit! OH SHIT! OH MY GOD! Oaaaahhhhhhh!", The man cries out in unbridled agony and ecstasy as if his very soul was just squeezed out of him. Caleb and Kaiya's faces go pale, hugging each other tightly in terror.

They hear a loud mouth-popping sound and a thud from the guy plopping down on the toilet, panting lethargically. The pyrow woman audibly gulps, swallowing his essence then loudly burps as Caleb turns his head, jaw agape at a loss for words.

Caleb looks at Kaiya horrified, frowns and shakes his head, hugs her close and teleports them both out of the restroom. Not caring at all of being seen at that point.

They reappear outside the restroom, luckily with no one nearby, still hugging.

"I have no idea how you did that but I don't care! Thank you!", Kaiya expressed, burying her face in his chest.

"No problem and I'll tell you later. Also i'm pretty sure that guy's yells are gonna follow me…for rest of my life.", Caleb expressed, a somber gaze, "What's say we get as far from here as possible?"

"Definitely!"

The pair leave to rejoin the others, putting their newly acquired traumatic experience to enjoy the rest of their day. Behind them, another guy could be seen going into the restroom closing the door. Seconds later, more audible screams of pleasure and suffering echo through its walls.

…Meanwhile…

Further away, at Interspecies Affairs research center, a huge commotion could be seen going on with medical staff carrying out several human and liminal workers with severe burns on stretchers being loaded into medical vans. IA security had set up a small perimeter and could be seen directing vehicles and students away from the area.

Inside, research staff and Liminal resource donors could be seen visibly distraught as security tried calming them down and trying restoring order.

Sterling takes a deep breath trying to calm himself, standing in the underground level of the building that served as a holding area for extremely dangerous or rare liminals; including the one responsible for such immense destruction.

"Director Parks? Kindly explain to me…WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED HERE?!", he shouted, pointing upwards to the enormous smoldering hole. It was the only one as the same sized holes were on the other floor and the roof as well. A few dozen ContractAnts could be seen working relentlessly to repair the damage and keep the building from collapsing in on itself.

"Haaa, it is very clearly a series of giant gaping hole blasted through the building.", The dark skinned bald man stated plainly as he and Sterling walked through the charred remains of what was once the Phoenix's holding area, "Apparently, the phoenix's pyrokinetic abilities were far more powerful than we thought."

Sterling looks around at the damage to the facility, hardly believing it. The only beings that could mimic this level of power were dragons, "How exactly did this happen?!"

"I believe I can answer that sir.", spoke a Caucasian human woman in blue and white I.A. medical attire reminiscent of psychiatric professionals.

"And who are you?"

"Doctor Graham, sir. I was the overseer of Ms. Ash's psychiatric treatment."

"Ah, so you're the one they assigned. So tell me, please, what happened here?"

"Well, the short of it is…she was compromised.", Dr. Graham shamefully admits a Sterling listened intently, "This man appeared claiming to want to research medicinal uses of Ms. Ash's body parts. I intended to have him leave but he claimed that he needed to wait until his vehicle arrived so we distracted him with our other residents but he somehow slipped past us and got to her. We don't know what he did to trigger such a volatile response but…"

"Where is he now?", Sterling questions.

Dr. Graham and Director Parks look behind them to where a stretcher with a black body bag sat atop marked with the name 'Craig'.

Sterling grimaces in irritation, "Figures."

"We're currently researching the client he was apparently contracted to do it for before getting an arrest warrant in order.", Director Parks informed before looking upwards at the smoldering holes, "However, our biggest concern right now is locating the pheonix as soon as possible. In her mental state, she's high level threat to the public."

'For fuck sake, first the Amphetamine team, now this?!', Sterling thought to himself rubbing his forehead in exasperation, 'It's fine. Luckily, we still have our insurance.'

"We're currently mobilizing powerful ICEP units from in and out of state to subdue her. Like the Elements team led by Sergeant Lovelace —", Director Parks spoke, before being cut off.

"No need, Director, we already have it taken care of.", Sterling assured, much to Graham and Park's surprise, "We'll have our available units be dispatched after we location. For now, many of our units are working to locate and subdue the Amphetamine team. Not to mention the string of sorority girl disappearances lately across college campuses."

Graham exchanged a look with Parks then asks Sterling, "Do you have a way to locate her sir?"

"That information is classified, Doctor, but yes.", Sterling assured, then looks around, "For now, focus on rebuilding, cost estimates for all this equipment, and medical leave for the workers unfortunately injured."

"Understood, sir. We'll send the expense report to financing afterwards and post regular updates from forensics.", Director Parks informs as Graham looks between them in disbelief and confusion.

"Excellent. I expect to have the full scope of all this to present by Monday so–"

"Sir?! What about Ash?", Dr. Graham interjects, demanding answers, "She's out there terrified and confused! We need to find her before something terrible happens!"

"Something terrible HAS happened doctor now we're just doing damage control. Listen, we have this…relatively under control and we're going to do everything in our power to keep her and innocent civilians safe. I know you must be fond of that girl but we need to handle things meticulously." Sterling reaffirms.

Dr. Graham sighs in defeat, "If you say so…I just hope she's safe."

"We all do, believe me. Alright, you all handle things here."

"Of course. Doctor Graham, if you'll proceed with me."

As they go their separate ways, Sterling pulls out his phone and dials up Greenley as walked past several workers then taps a button on the elevator.

"Hello, Director? I've arrived on the scene. Damages are…substantial and the subject has escaped.", Sterling informs, walking into the doors of the elevator, "Yeah. We'll have to activate the tag.", he said as the doors close.

…Back to Caleb…

After their traumatic bathroom experience, Caleb and Kaiya eventually rejoined the others.

Lowanna received a call from Jannali about her and the others finally completing their exam and decided to head back to pick her up; possibly console her too. Hana decided to join her and meet back up with Heidi, to hopefully congratulate Sharon and Sylvia. On her way she'd stop by the pet store to pick up food and other things for her beloved pet turtle.

So now—with Drei observing from a distance—it was now just Caleb, his new girlfriend, and his neighbor enjoying the rest of the day together.

Or at least he should but…

'I can't shake this awkward tension around us.', Caleb thought to himself, sitting behind a water fountain as Kaiya hugged his arms happily resting her head on his shoulder.

All the while, Scarlett quietly seethes next to them, body radiating an unsettling aura not saying a word as she distracts herself with her phone. She could have moved to another seat but the remaining few were occupied either by other student friend groups enjoying their day or 'full moon' couple being lovey-dovey in preparation.

"By the way, Caleb, how did your job for this week go?", Kaiya curiously inquired, unknowingly breaking the tension.

"Oh, it went pretty well actually. Better than expected considering how it started out."

"Was is it really that bad?", Kaiya asks, a little concerned as Scarlett also tuned into the conversation.

"Are you talking about the place with the barbecued cat paws?", Scarlett skeptically inquires as Kaiya eyes widen.

"Barbecued cat paws?!"

"Yeah, it was…a THING they had going on over there among OTHER things."

"Were…were they any good at least?", Kaiya genuinely inquires earning some confused looks.

"I did not get a chance to try them nor did I want to. Also I didn't need to see my sandwich literally get butchered in front of me by the cook and tossed in a deep fryer like LeBron."

"What?!", Scarlett expressed.

"I'm sorry. Can you elaborate?"

"Alright, well…"

Caleb proceeded to tell them about his experience with Jovi and Carmine, omitting a few risque details but including a couple of gory details of how the animals were prepared by the cook. Kaiya looks at him very intrigued the entire time while Scarlett was visibly distraught and disgusted at how the cute animals were treated.

"That woman sounds like a true menace!", Scarlett stated.

"Understandable. I thought the same at first."

"I honestly don't see what the big deal is. My family and I butcher animals all the time for meat. Sometimes it's messy work but that's how it is.", Kaiya shrugged.

"I get what you mean, I've lived in the South my whole life and people still butcher animals down here. My suburban ass just isn't used to ACTUALLY seeing it up close."

"And that's ONE reason I chose a vegetarian lifestyle. I never enjoyed watching animals getting killed and mutilated by people. Predatory animals are different, that's just nature at work but with people…I don't know. It doesn't feel necessary."

"I mean…my species are hyper carnivorous so we constantly need a lot of protein. We can eat some plant matter and other non-meats but the majority of our diet is meat-based.", Kaiya points out.

"That's different for you. It's a biological necessity."

"Speaking of biology, I remember Camilla telling me one time that devils like you and her can survive off your mana or something?"

"Yes, so long as our bodies have enough mana we can technically survive more than a week without food. Sometimes longer if we can siphon off enough life energy from nearby sources."

"By nearby sources you mean…"

"Plants, animals, even humans but NOT enough to endanger their lives(usually). That's something only a sadist would do.", Scarlett emphasized.

"Is that right?", Caleb remarks, thinking of a particular memory he saw in Camilla's dreamscape.

"Still, it's interesting that ghoul is working as a cook. They're mostly raider, traders, or mercenaries where I come from. Packs like mine often did business with them in the past.", Kaiya points out.

"Hey! Carmine said she used to be a mercenary, cool!"

"Annnd what kind of business did you usually do?", Scarlett raises an eyebrow.

"Usually exotic foods, tools, pieces of art, trinkets, and sometimes people…particularly humans.", Kaiya replies, not comfortable discussing it noting their surprised reactions, "B-But that was a LONG time ago. Nowadays, we just trade for regular goods…and occasionally hire them on as mercenaries against Salamander warrior clans."

"Uhhh—", Caleb utters before she continues

"Who ALSO hire their own ghoul mercenaries to fight against us and our ghoul mercenaries. As you can imagine, theres "

"Chaos, is your entire home country a guerilla playground?"

"Minus the 'play' but no I'd say…about 40% is? Packs are constantly fighting for more territory so...", Kaiya shrugs, feeling as though the conversation was becoming awkward.

"Eh, guess everyone's got their problems.", Caleb shrugged as well, somewhat easing her awkwardness, "Anyway, that assignment wasn't too bad. Carmine an amazing cook and Jovi's meat flavored ice cream was the best!"

"Ooh, meat flavored? What kind of meat?", Kaiya questions with a grin, tail wagging in excitement.

"Uh, basically the usual kinds. Beef, chicken, lamb, shrimp, alligator…"

"Alligator?", Scarlett raises an eyebrow.

"Sounds delicious!", Kaiya happily expressed before realization, "...But wait, if it's that place I saw when I asked you out, it's in the angels territory, right?"

"Well, technically, yes but…"

"So we can't really go there anyway without causing a war.", Scarlett remarks.

"Not so much a war as a skirmish but yeah. Buuuut, last time I checked I'm not on their shit list."

"I mean…"

"Technically. I'm technically not so I could probably pick you guys up a pint or two if you like sometime. Sound good?", Caleb offered much to both girl's surprise.

"Really? You'd…really do that?", Kaiya asks in surprise with a small loving grin.

"Sure. I think it's only like a 10 or 15 minute drive from my place."

"You…don't really have to, you know. It's just some ice cream.", Scarlett glances away.

"Hey, come on, don't pass it up. You don't know what you're missing. It's basically eating meat with eating meat. You're vegetarian not vegan so it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"Haa, alright, alright since you clearly don't want me to say no. I'll try some of this meat ice cream you're hyping up.", Scarlett relents with a small grin and blush.

"Awesome. Well, I'll be right back gonna grab my daily prescription of DD pepper from one of those machines. Be right back.", Caleb spoke raising up then walking over to the drink machines further away with Scarlett watching him curiously.

"Hehe, isn't he just wonderful?", Kaiya croons happily, catching Scarlett off guard.

"What? I-I don't know…he seems pretty ordinary to me.", she replies, looking away with flushed cheeks.

"Heh, I guess you're not wrong but still…he has this genuine nature I like. I don't need to put up a mask or act like someone I'm not when I'm around him.", Kaiya expressed warmly, clasping her hands into her lap.

Scarlett looks at her inquisitively as her mind thinks back to her conversation with him earlier.

"He and I haven't been together very long but…deep in my heart I just know he's the one for me.", Kaiya affirms, resting her large paw to her chest.

"And…you're absolutely sure about that?", Scarlett inquires a bit bitterly, "You should be careful and make sure what you're feeling isn't just wishful thinking."

Kaiya looks at her curiously, "Huh? W-What are you saying?"

"Sometimes guys aren't who you think they are, Kaiya. They'll give you everything you think you want but they'll take so much more from you if you let them. Be careful.", Scarlett advised, the young Hellhound woman as her memories drift back to those days with him.

Kaiya tilts her head in doubt, "Is…that you think Caleb truly is?"

Scarlett pauses at the question, unsure of how to answer, as she thought of more of her time with him today.

"Because…I don't believe he's anything like that. I've seen and experienced who he is firsthand…and he's someone I can absolutely trust.", Kaiya spoke as Scarlett looks away in thought, "That's why…during this full moon coming up, I want to get even closer to him and truly make him my mate."

Scarlett blushes in surprise by her words, "W-What?!"

"He's even working on getting his current mate's permission to do so. Isn't that amazing?", Kaiya expressed, tail wagging happily as Scarlett looked at her incredulously.

'So he really was serious about that?!'

Scarlett suddenly raises up from her seat much to Kaiya's surprise, "I'm going to the restroom."

"Oh, O-Ok. Ah! D-Definitely make sure to listen carefully for weird noises before you enter!", Kaiya warns her, not wanting her to be subjected to an experience like theirs.

Scarlett looks back at her strangely, "Uhh, ok? I guess…"

'The fuck was that about?'

While that was going on Caleb could be seen retrieving his DD pepper from the machine about to get that sweet aspartame fix, when he hears a small commotion nearby.

"Hey! Watch where you're going, asshole!", a man shouted with a Pyrow dressed in Wonder Woman cosplay clinging to his arm at another guy in a black hoodie who apparently bumped into them.

"Apologies. I wasn't paying attention. Please forgive me.", the guy in the hoodie bowed slightly, their voice exaggeratedly masculine before hurrying away.

"What a freak.", the guy sneered.

"Hey, don't worry about it sweetie. Come on, tell me more about this crypto-thing you got going on.", the Pyrow emphasized, mushing her breasts to his arm.

As Caleb plaintively sips his drink largely ignoring the scene, he then notices what appears to be a white leather coin purse with gold embroidery and cross for a fastener. He picks it up, figuring the guy in the hoodie dropped it.

Speaking of which, that same hooded figure could be seen hiding out near a large blue dumpster behind one of the buildings.

"Haa, that was a close one. Now, where could she have gone to? I can't believe I lost track of her. Not just her but my own sense of direction too.", They bemoaned, not used to going to this part of the facility; everything was unfamiliar.

"That's not all you lost apparently.", Caleb spoke, startling them by opening the wallet, "You're about to lose…holy shit are these…gold coins?!"

"Eek, give me that! That's my allowance for this month and—", the figures stated, rushing over and snatching the coin purse away, inadvertently throwing their hood back revealing their golden blonde womanly hair as their angelic halo reappears atop their head. She looks up instantly recognizing the human as did Caleb the angel, Enocha, as they stared in shock before she spoke, "I-It's you…"

Caleb comically blinks before throwing his hands up and walking away "Nope."

"W-Wait! Where are you going?", Enocha asks, becoming worried he'd tell someone she was here.

"Away from you. I did my good deed for today, now I'm done. Leave me alone."

"No, please, just wait a minute!", Enocha stated, grabbing him by the arm but he yanks it away, to her shock.

"No, YOU should just go back to where you belong. The microsecond anyone here that even remotely identifies as a Chaos-Born sees you, it's gonna be a fuckin' bloodbath with ME in middle of it!"

"Ehh, I see it a more like an engagement.", Drei points out, appearing out of nowhere, surprising Enocha, "Bloodbath implies one side has overwhelming advantage but engagement is closer to our position since sides are unwilling to throw the first punch."

"I'm sorry, who is this cat woman and where'd she come from?", Enocha questions.

"She's a weasel and I'd like to know the same for you. Why are you here?"

Enocha sighs lethargically, "I'm looking for my sister, Ok? She snuck into this area of the facility earlier,"

"What? And why is SHE here?"

"That's what I'm investigating now! I'm seriously worried about her…", Enocha sadly spoke with a small frown.

Caleb's stern expression softens then sighs before turning away, "Ok, fine, whatever. Do whatever you want?"

"Y-You're not going to tell anyone about me right?"

"No, so long as you don't mention me in any way, shape or form–including this conversation—I won't tell anyone about your little mission.", Caleb begrudgingly assured much to Enocha surprise.

"You…truly mean it? Thank you! You have my eternal gratitude.", she expressed, bowing slightly her wing stretch the hoodie out.

"I'd prefer some eternal distance so lemme get started on that. Let's go, Drei.", Caleb replies, walking away with Drei levitating on swirling air towards him. Enocha watches him, shifting her gaze away from the uncertain feeling of guilt.

As Caleb was about to walk away then suddenly felt a tug on his shirt making him sigh lethargically.

"Wait!", Enocha stated before looking away sheepishly, "I want to apologize for…what happened last time we met. I should have explained things better and saved you unwarranted harassment."

"As opposed to regular harassment?", Drei comments, eyebrow raised.

"Uh, no, I don't…"

"Look, forget about it, just don't mention anything abo–"

"Come on, right this way, cutie!"

Caleb and Enocha were interrupted upon hearing the voice of Toakala followed by the male Lizardman she was with. The angel girl panics, grabs Caleb, and hides before they could see them leaving Drei confused by her actions.

"Oh, hey if it isn't Caleb's little kitty friend. Can you excuse us? I'm just going to fulfill a request from a gold status member here.", Toakala saucily remarks, patting the lizardman's firm pectorals making him grin proudly.

"You're taking customer satisfaction a bit too literally.", Drei comments, "Though, you might wanna choose a different location."

Toakala and the lizardman look at her curiously while Enocha hid behind the dumpster with Caleb covering his mouth.

"Ehh? Why's that little one?"

"Yeah, can't you see I'm tryna get a bit of this hot cake right here?", The lizardman emphasized, squeezing her voluptuous rear, getting a delighted moan from her. Caleb's eyes widen in fear looking at Enocha who looks at him confused.

"Ohoho, more of that and I'll have to treat you to my famous Flaming Glawk Glawk supreme. ~It's to die for.~"

'I believe her unfortunately.', Caleb thought with a haunted look.

"What's a Glawk Glawk?", Enocha curiously whispers to Caleb who rolled his eyes.

Suddenly, by complete accident, Enocha's wings bump against a small stack of boxes, knocking them over and alerting their presence.

"Uh-oh", Enocha softly utters in despair.

"Idiot!", Caleb growls under his teeth.

'Idiots.', Drei thought to herself glancing back.

"Huh! Is someone back there?", the lizardman stated as Toakala appeared equally curiously.

"Hey! Wanna see something cool?", Drei stated getting his attention, before moving with blinding speed then appearing behind them with the lizardman's wallet. He frantically checks his pocket, confirming, to his shock, it was indeed his.

"What the? How did–"

"KEEP AWAY!", Drei shouted tossing his wallet to a passing male Halfling who caught it, looking at her confused but intrigued, "Go!"

The Halfling, having no idea what was but free wallet was free wallet, so plays along.

"Keep away!", he shouted running off.

"Hey! Screw you, bitch! Get back here asshole!", The lizardman curses Drei before taking off after the impromptu Halfling thief.

"Oh darn. Oh well, on to next gold member.", Toakala shrugs, walking away with a sassy strut as Drei shook her head then turns her attention to dumpster.

Further away, Caleb peeked behind the dumpster seeing they were gone and sighs in relief.

Enocha sighs as well but it is short-lived when the symbol on her hand starts glowing brightly. She'd completely forgotten about Michael's blessing from earlier.

"Ok. The coast is clear. You—what the fuck is going on with your hand?"

Enocha wears a dreadfilled expression, "My uncle Baliel! He retur—"

Enocha was cut off with a flash of golden light enveloping her and Caleb.

Drei, noticing the light, comes running to the scene only to find, to her surprise, the angel girl but more importantly her human had vanished completely.

"Ohh…perfect…", Drei sighs, knowing her day just got more interesting.

…Further away…

Deep with the congregation down a long hallway, a flash of light emanates from one of the dark brown wooden door that led was Enocha's bedroom.

Inside, said angel was visibly distraught at the situation.

"Oh no. Oh nononononono."

"Ugh, what the hell? What was that bright light just now?", Caleb spoke, rubbing his eyes after being partially blinded.

"Ok, it's ok. Don't panic.", Enocha says, taking deep breaths.

"What are you talking abou–", Caleb stops himself as his vision up clears enough to see he was no longer behind an alleyway dumpster but instead inside some kind of bedroom, "Wha…what the…where am I?"

"IT'S OK! Don't. Panic!", Enocha tries to sound reassuring but her fearful tone betrayed her.

"Where am I?!", Caleb demanded, becoming worried as the angel flinches.

"You're…in my room…at my congregation?", she tried to put on a smile to remedy the situation and fails miserably.

Caleb looks at her in pure shock before shaking his head in disbelief. He then noticed a nearby window then quickly goes and opens it peaking outside to see the beautiful garden, Romanesque stone decorum, statues of famous angels, and other structures. However, what really caught his attention were the various angelic liminals going about their lives from cherubs, priests, and most prominent of all angels.

"Wha…what…", Caleb utters, his mind racing.

"Please! It's going to be ok! Don't—"

"WHAT THE FU—"

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…WN…

Sup fam! How's everyone been lately? I've been…if I'm honest it's been awful the last couple months. I got fired from the firm I worked at after five years in March and that left me in a…terrible state for awhile. It hurt but I had to keep moving forward.

I took some time from writing to look for a new job and I found one. It's not a good one but it'll do for now until I get what I'm really going for. The whole experience made me realize there's so much about me that has to change and I'm hoping this year and onwards I can do that.

Anyway, you're not too interested in that, you're interested in how the story going. The original goal was to post three chapters right on memorial day buuuut things didn't work out that way. I ended up having two done and ready to go up but the third is only half finished and THAT one is meant to be the continuation of THIS chapter. So if I post both completed chapter now just know they'll be out of order until I complete the third chapter. Let me know if you wanna see 'Adult Fun' after this and it'll be up. In the meantime, what did you like about this chapter? Lemme know.

That's it for now! Thank you to my wonderful Co-writer Sandshrewmaster and my beta readers. Be sure to hug your parents, drink water, get some sleep, DON'T be Hot Cakes simp, and I'll see you all real soon. Peace Fam!

'my mind' by ProducedByMelv plays in the background