Chapter Four: A New Addition

Charlie, her expression a mix of worry and agitation, sat on a stool at the hotel bar with a half-empty glass of wine sitting ignored in front of her. Her eyes were fixed on the Hellphone in the palm of her hand, seemingly trying to will it into ringing.

Sitting next to her, Vaggie took a sip from her glass and sighed softly, knowing exactly why Charlie was fidgeting. "Call him."

Charlie hesitated, "I don't want him to think I'm always going to be worried when he goes out alone, Vaggie. Or be some kind of overly protective girlfriend."

Turning on her stool, Vaggie dropped her arm on Charlie's shoulder. "He was just involved in a battle, helped Cherri gain territory, and went out on a tour of the town. He hasn't called in a couple of hours. Checking in isn't going to hurt."

"I still can't believe he did all that without asking me." Charlie huffed. "What if it had gone south? He could have been hurt. Killed! Or Cherri? Both of them? I…"

"You can't babysit him." Vaggie countered, "And he's out there trying to make it safer for all of us. Cherri's new position is a boon for the hotel's protection."

"I know." Charlie let the phone drop back on the bar with a thump. "But he's still got so much to learn about Hell." She grabbed the glass and took a long pull on the liquid, downing it without even tasting it.

"He's picked up a lot already, despite only being here a couple of months, babe."

Dropping the glass on the counter harder than she intended, Charlie huffed. "I was on Earth for six months, Vaggie. Six months! And I was still messing up even on the last day. I let Samedi trick me, trapping me in that circle, and if it hadn't been for Cassie freeing me, who knows what I would have done."

"This isn't the same." Vaggie tried to calm her down with a soft squeeze, but Charlie shrugged her off.

"Isn't it?" Charlie sighed in exasperation. "I should have been the one to take him out there. Show him how dangerous Hell is. He's been here two months, and all I've done is shelter him. Sure, he's the security chief of the hotel, but it's basically safe here because of me."

"Look." Vaggie tried to reason with her, "He's a warrior, right? An ex-special forces ranger turned high angel. He's capable of taking care of himself. And you, more than anyone, know this."

Charlie swirled the rest of her wine, grumbling.

"And you were giving him time to adapt, not sheltering him. Plus, he didn't go out alone. Cherri is just as capable a fighter and knows her town like the back of her hand. Hell, love, she knows her blocks even better than you do."

"I guess." Charlie lamented in defeat, finished her glass, then cast her eyes down on the phone. "So why hasn't he called? Texted?"

"Didn't he say Cherri was going to show him around town? Pick up some supplies?" Vaggie shrugged. "Cherri's probably doting over all she now owns and giddy as a schoolgirl because of it."

"She does deserve it." Charlie agreed, "After all that happened, and losing Sir Pentious, she needs something to focus on. Not just cooking us meals." She paused, then nodded, "And Kevin's right, I suppose. If it gives us a back up army, in case…" She stopped and shook her head, picking up the phone. "But he said he'd call me a lot, even just to say he loves me!"

Vaggie didn't answer. The truth was, she was also worried, and trying to calm Charlie down was meant to also calm herself down. Kevin was important to her as well. Not in the same way as he was to Charlie, but he'd been helping her to let go a bit, be a little more free, and less worried all the time about the hotel. Now she was worried about him, and it was getting to her. Taking another sip of her wine to calm her thoughts, she looked over at Charlie and noticed something. "Okay, look. If you don't call him, I will."

"Vaggie?" Charlie eyed her girlfriend.

"It's not that I'm worried if he's okay, babe, because I'm sure he is." Vaggie fibbed, "But you're so stressed out right now, your horns are showing."

Blushing profusely, Charlie reached up, and sure enough, her horns had sprouted. It was something that happened when any of her emotions got triggered. Whether it was anger, frustration, or even lust; her demon form would sometimes manifest out of her control. It was akin to wearing one's heart on their sleeve. It also meant she was a terrible poker player.

"Would you?" Charlie suddenly looked embarrassed at the idea.

Leaning in, Vaggie kissed Charlie on the cheek, her warm breath a soft balm on the princess's skin. "Of course, love." She then sat back and pulled her phone out of her pocket.

"Ya know?" A deep voice sounded, and both girls turned to see Husk attending to the other side of the bar, just out of sight enough to be forgotten but well enough in range to listen. "You could just text him and remind him that Cherri needs to start dinner and to hurry their asses back. Won't seem like you're trying to be overprotective that way."

Looking miffed, Vaggie waved her phone at him. "Why didn't you speak up earlier, then?"

"You were figuring shit out, and it was more fun to sit back and watch." Husk's left lip twitched up. "And there's no better way to work out your feelings than to talk it out. Why do you think I know so much about Miss Bleeding Heart and Miss Self-Loathing?"

"Oh, fuck you." Vaggie playfully stuck her tongue out at him.

His words didn't hurt; he'd said them before, but he was right. A little self-analysis or a good ear had been helpful for them on many occasions. Vaggie lifted her eye above the bar and smirked at the paper sign that Kevin had tacked up there a while ago, 'Psychiatric Help 5' The fact Husker had left it there meant he knew exactly what the joke was and approved. Fishing a coin out of her pocket, Vaggie flipped it at him, and he deftly caught it with a soft chuckle and then turned back to what he was doing.

"Will that be okay?" Vaggie turned back to Charlie. "To just text him?"

But Charlie already had her phone in her hands, her fingers dancing over the screen as she typed, and she chided herself out loud, "Why didn't I think of that? Just be casual, right?"

Before she finished her message, though, the front doors whisked open, and Cherri and Kevin stepped through.

Dropping her phone on the bar's counter, Charlie scooted off the stool and hurried over, her attempt to look calm all but buried under the obvious relief on her face. "Kevin. Welcome home."

He saw her look and realized why. "Shit. I'm sorry, Hun. We lost track of time and…"

Vaggie, having followed Charlie, noticed first. "What do you have in your arms, Kevin?"

Cherri spoke up first, hefting her bag of fruit in one arm. "I'm, uh, gonna go start dinner. It'll be ready in an hour."

As Cherri moved off, Vaggie's question focused Charlie's eyes towards the bundle in his arms. It was then she realized he was using his new vest to hide something. Something alive.

Kevin continued. "Yeah. About that." He pulled back the top of the coat, and Vaggie and Charlie peered in. Charlie gasped.

Vaggie scowled. "What the fuck, man?" She looked at him, "That's a wild Arlepine. Why do you have it?"

"It was injured." Kevin stated, pulling the top back over to keep the creature warm. "And it's an adolescent."

Immediately, both women bit off their next comments. Charlie looked at Vaggie, who closed her eye, pinched her nose, and mumbled, "¡Por el amor de la mierda!"

"Sweetie?" Charlie tentatively began. "I know you—"

Kevin cut her off. "Charlie. It's a child. I don't care if it's an Arlepine, a sinner—" He stopped and gave a pointed look to Vaggie. "—or a cannibal." Her expression told him he'd made his point. "She's injured, and she needs our help."

With a sigh, Charlie stepped up and pulled the jacket back again. The little runt stirred and opened her eyes, looked up, and let out a soft mew. Charlie's shoulders raised a bit, and her throat tightened. "Oh, the poor thing." She nodded to Kevin, "Of course we'll help." She turned to Vaggie. "Will you go get the med kit from behind the bar?"

"Sure, babe." Vaggie agreed but first turned to Kevin. "That wasn't fair."

Kevin nodded. "I know."

With pursed lips, Vaggie turned to go to the bar, calling out. "Husk, get the medical kit, please."

Meanwhile, Charlie led Kevin over to one of the large couches in the lobby. Carefully, she took the jacket and Arlepine off his hands, and together, they laid the jacket on the couch, opening it up so they could see the runt completely. Slowly, the little runt stirred and shivered. Kevin got down on his knees and reached out.

"Kevin." Charlie warned.

"It's okay. She didn't bite me when I found her." His voice was absolute. And slowly, he traced his fingers around the runt's head, checking for cuts. Working slowly, he inspected the Arlepine's body, avoiding the obviously broken leg.

Vaggie approached and gently set the kit down on the couch next to the jacket. She kissed Charlie's cheek. "I'll be upstairs in our room." With that, she stalked off.

Charlie watched her go. "She's not happy with you."

"Yeah." Kevin acknowledged with a frown as he opened the med kit, taking out some wraps and gauze. He looked at the Arlepine, his attention solely focused on it. "Cherri told me a bit about these things. They're scavengers, and they will hole up in a spot that feels safe, hunt, and generally be nuisances. Not well thought of. Like rats or spiders." He carefully ran the gauze over a couple of the wounds, and the Arlepine mewed weakly.

Charlie sat on the arm of the couch, watching him. "True. Bringing one in here invites more. Vaggie's just doing her job."

"So am I." Kevin eased the wrap under the broken arm, tucking the end up over the top and pressing the edges against the side of the arm. Mew! The Arlepine yelped but still made no attempt to bite, and he began to wrap the leg, "I protect the helpless. I don't care if it's on Earth, Heaven, or Hell."

Charlie noticed the Arlepine watching yet not making a move to bite. "She trusts you."

"You did, too. The night I found you." Kevin slowly wrapped the bandage, moving it up and down the leg to form a tight cast.

Easing down from the arm, Charlie sunk into the couch next to the jacket. While Kevin worked on the arm, the Arlepine's eyes darted to Charlie and mewed again. Instinctively, Charlie's hand reached out.

Kevin reached out and took her hand in his. "Slowly," and with his hand in front of hers, he led the way until his knuckles brushed against the Arlepine's ear. He then moved his hand out of the way, allowing Charlie to softly scratch.

Surprisingly, the Arlepine nuzzled its head against her hand. "She's so gentle. I knew some could be trained or adopted occasionally by royalty, but she's a wild one, and yet she's so gentle."

Kevin peeled some tape off a spindle and adhered strips along the wrap. "Animal instinct." He fished out another pad and dabbed up some of the black blood along the backside. "I took a shot that the organic makeup of hellborn animals shares receptacles like Earth species, hoping it would sense I meant no harm." He smiled at Charlie. "And luckily I was right."

"What if it had been violent toward you? Tried to bite?" Charlie asked while she nuzzled the animal's cheek, watching it lean against her for protection and warmth.

"I'd taken the bite, got it in a box, and still brought it back." Kevin shrugged, "My angelic healing would take care of any virus. I wasn't going to let it just die."

"Oh, my." Charlie's hand stopped moving, and the Arlepine gently nudged her for more scratches. She continued, but her gaze was fixed on Kevin. "I can't believe I never realized it."

"What, Hun?" Kevin, satisfied he'd done all he could, clipped the medicare kit closed.

"You have angelic healing." She shook her head. "Earlier, I wanted to call you. I was a bit nervous because you hadn't checked in. I was…"

"Scared I'd been hurt. You were chiding yourself for not being with me, hovering over me like a mother hen, since I'm still a stranger to Hell." Kevin finished for her as he crumpled up the wrappers and tucked them in his pants pockets to dispose of later.

"You know me too well." Charlie grumbled but followed with a nod. "I'm sorry, you're my boyfriend, not my ward. It was insulting to think that way."

"No." Kevin shook his head, joining Charlie in caressing the Arlepine as it balled itself up, looking more relaxed than before. "Never stop, please. I feel the same way when you're out there, without me. Though you're one of the most powerful beings in creation, I always think of you when away. Hoping you're okay."

"And you can't stop feeling that way." Charlie brushed her hand over his. "Because it's your soul. And I love you so very much because of this." She nodded to the Arlepine. "No one else would have tried to save it."

"Would you?" Kevin looked at her curiously.

"I." Charlie's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head. "I don't know. I've never been in this situation, finding an injured animal."

"Is it so different than when you found Vaggie? You're one of the most pure, gentlest souls in existence. You would have done something."

Charlie nodded almost imperceptibly. "I was raised to think of these things as nothing more than trouble. I never even cared to see one in captivity at the zoo. I do know that some royalty takes them in for pets, but I only know the basics."

"Oh?" Kevin draped his jacket over the runt so it would be warmer, and he stood up. "Like what?"

"Well, for one." Charlie stood and came to stand beside him, looking down at the now-sleeping orange fluffball. "Arlepines have a short life span, maybe ten to twelve years. Once they mate, the male leaves or is killed. The female gives birth and then has maybe six months left before dying."

Kevin nodded along as he listened.

"But there are rare instances that an Arlepine will bond with someone, and if the owner wants to, they can spay or neuter them, which actually increases their lifespan. The longest record is thirty years. But most royalty or overlords don't have the patience for that, as these things are generally just pets for their children, who tend to outgrow them quickly."

"Unfair." Kevin groused. "To bond with someone who throws you away once they're bored of you."

"Not unusual anywhere, except maybe Heaven." Charlie sniffed. Sharing even the basic details of the life of an Arlepine was getting to her heart. She looked at him, "If it survives, Kevin, you have my blessing to keep her. Not that you need it, but."

"It helps to have you on my side." Kevin's eyes drifted upwards. "Cause."

"I'll talk to Vaggie." Charlie squeezed his hand. "It was more that you brought up the cannibal than the animal. I know why you did, but it was kind of low."

"Vaggie is stubborn." Kevin explained. "And she and Alastor are the two who would be most opposed to this, and I didn't have time to argue."

Right then, the tension in the air thickened, and Kevin heard Charlie swear under her breath. "Speak of the devil."

Behind the couch, a green mist rose from the floor and proceeded to form the shape of the Radio Demon. In seconds, he came into focus, his smile wide and questioning. "I just heard my name." He tittered through his teeth. "And something about being opposed?"

Kevin glared at him. "Must you eavesdrop?"

"Dear boy." Alastor chuckled. "It's the lobby. I'm not eavesdropping at all. I'm simply listening attentively, as it's part of my job. You of all people understand surveillance, don't you?" The last bit was said with obvious mockery.

"Says the one who broke his cameras first night out." Kevin leered.

"Kevin." Charlie sighed.

Peering over the couch, Alastor saw the bundled jacket and the Arlepine nestled within it. His voice took on a thin air, ignoring the princess's plea. Addressing Charlie, he asked with a humorous voice. "You let vermin in here?" His eyes met Kevin's. "More vermin, as it were?"

"Al." Charlie warned. "Don't start, please?"

"No, Charlie." Kevin's tone had darkened as well. "Let the sinner say what's on his mind."

"I am an Overlord. Don't forget that." Alastor tapped the back of the couch with his claws. "Far, far more powerful than any mere sinner."

"Whatever." Kevin waved the lesson off. "Do you have something to contribute to this situation?"

"Ah, yes." Alastor turned his nose down at the couch. "As the hotelier, I am in charge of making sure the grounds are kept free and clear of problems. Niffty takes care of the pests, to be sure, but I would be remiss if I didn't speak up and inform you that this thing is not welcome here."

"Your opinion has been noted, Radio Demon." Kevin stared him down, "And overridden. The Arlepine is not to be touched. Do I make myself clear?"

"Kevin." Charlie hissed softly, "Please don't provoke him."

The Arlepine, stirred awake by the change in the air, looked up, saw the Radio Demon, and hissed harshly while trying to slink deeper into the jacket.

Alastor's claws seemed to grow, inching down the couch. His eyes had turned into radio dials, and the air hissed and cracked in static. "You are in no position to give me orders, Angel."

"I'm in the exact position to do so. I told you I'm duty-bound to protect everyone under this roof, and that includes her." Kevin warned, pointing to the Arlepine, as he stepped partway around the couch. "So, if you touch one hair on her head, I'll evict you, myself."

"Kevin!" Charlie's voice rose high. "Stop this instant!"

"No, my dear." Alastor's body started changing ever so slightly. "I think it's about time we settled a few unanswered questions." He pulled back from the couch, continuing to change. "Do you think you can take on a demon such as myself? I'm much more dangerous than Rygen could ever be."

Hearing the name of the hellhound that nearly killed him made Kevin hesitate for a brief moment. Licking his lips, he snarled at Alastor. "I was ill-prepared then. Human. And he got the drop on me."

"Excuses." Alastor mocked with a cackle.

"Yeah? And what about you? You barely held out against Adam, and you had your staff, which I've not seen you carry around for quite some time. Care to find out just how good you are without it?"

Alastor sneered, "You needn't concern yourself about my staff." Yet he added a nod of respect at Kevin's defiant stance. "It's been quite some time since I got to let off some steam, and since you'll just regenerate anyway, I don't have to hold back."

Kevin took in a breath. "I don't trust you to play fair." He tapped his halo. "But I'm not going to use this and be responsible for your destruction, even if I wouldn't lose an ounce of sleep because of it."

Black tentacles swirled around Alastor's mutated form, his head swelling and his eyes turning to radio dials. He clicked his claws together with a wide, toothy grin. "Not that you'd be able to. Come, boy, enough talk! Let's see how good you really are."

Kevin gave Alastor one curt nod and turned toward Charlie. "This is happening whether you like it or not, Princess Morningstar." He held out his hand with a request. "Your trident?"

"NO!" Charlie's body instantly transformed into her full demon form. Clearing the couch easily as she jumped over it, she landed between them. Of the two, she turned on Kevin. "Stand down, soldier. That's a fucking order!"

Startled, Kevin backed up a step.

Alastor chuckled loudly behind her, taunting him. Charlie spun around; her eyes pulsed brightly, and her teeth glittered in the low lights of the lobby.

Alastor blinked in surprise. The Charlie before him was not the sweet young girl he'd met less than a year ago but a creature straight out of a child's nightmare. Darker than even on the day of the battle for the hotel. This Charlie was the Charlie that Alastor had only heard about in the story she and Kevin had shared. Their words did not do her current form justice. Her voice took on an echoing growl: "Shut the fuck up, Alastor, or I'll dismiss you, myself!"

"What?" Genuine shock froze Alastor's smile in place.

"You fucking heard me." She stepped up to the Radio Demon and poked her sharp claw in his chest. "I'm getting fucking sick and tired of both of your childish attitudes toward each other. It's fine if it's light, a little mocking, some irritation, but you were about to throw down in my hotel lobby, maybe even kill each other... And for what reason? Huh? Why?"

Alastor's smile faltered just a hair. Confused, he echoed her. "Why?"

"Yeah!" Charlie's growl was deep and animalistic. "Why? What bothers you so much about Kevin, anyway? Huh?"

The commotion had been loud enough that as it was happening, Cherri Bomb, draped in a messy apron, stepped from the kitchen to stand next to Husk as he stood on the patron side of the bar. Angel Dust came running down the stairs, startled by the noise and the fact that Charlie's change had caused the lights in the hotel to flicker. Niffty and Vaggie appeared on the second floor. Apparently Niffty had seen Alastor appear and went to fetch Vaggie, and now all of them watched Charlie's tirade.

"Ever since he showed up, you've been on his case, hounding him, irritating him, and setting him on edge. Why?" Charlie growled, her demon eyes pulsing. The energy she was putting out was legitimately making Alastor nervous.

Alastor couldn't answer. He had plans. He had designs. Some of them were for his own welfare; some of them were for Charlie's future. But by the rule of the one who assigned him to the hotel, he could not share those reasons. Kevin's presence affected his own plans, and he realized he'd let his feelings control a lot of his actions.

Attempting to dispel the tension as best he could, Alastor held both of his hands up in a placating manner. "My apologies, dear princess. I was acting inappropriately. The manner of the creature's presence should obviously be left to the owner's discretion."

"That isn't an answer." Kevin spoke up, ignoring Charlie's eyes turning on him. He'd only seen her this enraged a couple of times, and one of them had been on the night he'd turned down her advances. Despite the clear warning in her eyes, he stepped forward anyway. "Does it have to do with the deal you made with Charlie?"

"That is not your concern." Alastor's voice turned shrill again, his claws clipping on his legs.

"It's very much my fucking concern." Kevin swore. "I want to know what the hell your deal with Charlie is!"

Charlie stepped up to him and placed her claws on his chest. She even bent her fingers enough for the tips to poke into his skin. Since he was only wearing his muscle shirt, it got his attention. "I am in charge here, Angel, and you will stand down. Now. The deal between Al and me is private. He's right. It's none of your business."

"But, Charlie!" Kevin started.

"Shut it." She hissed at him

"As my princess commands." Kevin's voice deflated. On Earth, he had been her commander, her leader, guiding her in a world she didn't know. Now, the roles were reversed, and he respected that. He loved her, but he knew when to be her lover, her friend, and when to be her soldier. He whispered. "I'm sorry."

Satisfied he'd keep quiet now, Charlie turned on Alastor. "I suggest, my dear Holterier, that you take the rest of the day off. Perhaps you can broadcast an extra edition of your radio program tonight? But in either case, I don't want to see your face down here until you've calmed down. Niffty will bring dinner to you when it's ready. Understood?"

"Your majesty." Alastor bowed, but his eyes focused on Kevin. "We will finish this another time."

"You bet your fucking ass we will." Kevin groused before realizing he was speaking out of turn and cringed as Charlie's claws poked him harder, but she didn't chide him further.

Once Alastor disappeared, Charlie's demon form immediately melted away, and she fell against Kevin. She looked up at him with sad, exhausted eyes. "Why did you make me do this? I've tried to let you two boys hash this out, but this was going too far."

"You should have let us fight." Kevin sighed in resignation and wrapped his arms around her. "I asked for your trident because I didn't want him dead, and he didn't want me dead, either. I could tell. We needed this fight, though; the tension between us? It's too volatile. He wasn't the only one looking to let off some steam here."

"My love?" Charlie put her hand on his face, turned him to face her, moved her hand, and kissed his cheek. "I think I understand, but I only saw two schoolyard bullies intending to rip each other apart. You may be able to regenerate, but we don't know for certain, do we? It was too great a risk over some pissing contest and dick-sizing shit." To emphasize she was no longer angry with him, she brushed her lips against his ear, whispering, "Which I know you'd win anyway."

Kevin's shoulders eased visibly at her soft tease. He gripped her shoulder in thanks.

Vaggie stepped up to them and punched Kevin hard enough to make him wince, "She's right, asshole." She was still angry from earlier, but it was now more that she'd feared for his safety than the issue about the scavenger. "You can't go provoking overlords like this. Alastor was playing nice. Others won't."

Breathing deeply, Kevin shook his head. "I don't usually get provoked this easily." He looked at both of them. "It's him. The energy he puts off, the threat hanging in the air because of him. You should cut him off now. Before anything else happens."

Vaggie looked away. "I thought so at first, too." When she turned back to look at Kevin, her face had softened considerably. "But he stood by us, defended this hotel, and nearly died by Adam's hands because of it. That's not what someone solely self-serving would do."

Moving away from the girls, Kevin stepped around the couch and sat on it. He pulled away the jacket, hearing a hissing sound coming from the folds. When the Arlepine's teeth chattered at him, he waited a moment for her to sniff, and realizing who it was, the runt eased down and let him pet her.

He stroked the fur. "Just as I was willing to fight to protect that which needed me."

Charlie leaned over the couch and joined in on petting the runt. "We protect that which we love, Kevin. Alastor's here for reasons; I know this. But he cares. Truly cares. Please try to work with him? Tolerate him at least? For me?"

"For us?" Vaggie added, leaning over the couch as well, watching them stroke the animal's fur. She swore she could hear purring. She'd been repulsed by it initially, but now? "And I'll make sure this little thing is safe at all times from Alastor. My word to you."

"I'll do my best." Kevin promised them both.

Nodding, Vaggie tentatively reached out, and Kevin did the same for her that he had for Charlie, easing her hand over the Arlepine, and soon Vaggie was softly stroking the backside of the little runt's fur. The runt mewed gently.

At this point, Niffty stepped up and looked at the Arlepine. "She's so cute!" Niffty pulled a dead bug out of her apron pocket. "Is she hungry?"

Kevin held out his hand, and Niffty dropped the bug in his palm. "I'm sure she is. Thanks, Niffty."

"Heh, you're welcome, Kevin." Niffty smiled gently.

Kevin took the bug and pinched it between his finger and thumb. Holding it in front of the runt, he whispered, "Hey. Try to eat this, okay?"

The Arlepine's little nose twitched, and her eyes drifted to the bug. Sniffing cautiously, she opened her mouth slightly and bit down on the offering. Her eyes watched Kevin, body tense, but he just waited. In a moment, she pulled the bug from his fingers and chewed. With a happy mew, she swallowed the tasty morsel and mewed again, asking for more.

"She likes it!" Niffty giggled. "Can I feed her?"

"Just be careful." Kevin warned.

Niffty nodded, and before anyone could say a thing, she hopped in Kevin's lap and fished out a few more bugs. Reaching down, she did the same thing—finger and thumb—and the little runt quickly took the offering. A happy mew told them that she loved the treats.

Niffty offered another, and another, and the runt ate each one happily. Niffty then held out her little fingers and got a lick of thanks in return. "She's amazing." Niffty giggled. "Does she have a name?"

The rest of the gang had joined by this time, and Angel Dust gave the Arlepine a lookover. "Ya name the thing; yer never gonna get rid of it, ya know?"

"I think that's what Kevin had in mind." Cherri's voice was tender. The way he focused on the Arlepine, determined to help, was a level of compassion she'd rarely experienced in her own life, and it was infectious. She realized she was rooting for the runt to survive, too.

"How about Candycorn, then? 'Cause her colors sure as heck make her look like one." Angel Dust offered.

"Not a bad choice." Kevin stroked the runt's fur, "And a lot tamer than all the names you're trying to give me."

Angel Dust smirked widely. "Don't think I won't stop tryin', Kevlar-kun."

Shaking his head in humorous frustration, Kevin quipped. "No."

"Suit yerself." Angel Dust chuckled.

Coming up next to Angel Dust, Husk peered down at the runt and shook his head. "Just keep it away from my stock." He groused and walked away without looking back. Yeah, he'd accepted that the little runt was staying.

Vaggie's fingers had been picking some of the dirt and grime out of the fur on her back. "She's gonna need a bath when she's stronger." She sniffed. "A very, very soapy bath with lots of lavender."

"Before that." Kevin smacked his lips with concern. "She may still have internal injuries." He looked at Charlie.

"I'll call Dad." Charlie promised. "He'll whip something up and have it over by tonight. It should be more than enough to get the little one back on her legs quick enough."

"Can't you?" Since Kevin had arrived, more often than not, much of the magic used in the hotel had been at Lucifer's hands. The foundation of the new hotel as an example, creating his new gun, Lucifer had been at the forefront. Charlie, on the other hand, seemed to be a miser when it came to using her powers, except for a few notable exceptions.

Charlie's answer explained it. "Nothing against my father or anyone else. But I don't like using my powers often, unless for a good reason." She gave him a knowing look, and he nodded in understanding. "I like to be hands-on, do things myself, and not rely on potions and magic unless I absolutely have too." She scratched behind the runt's ear. "But if she was suffering or in dire need, I'd try. Though it seems she's eating well, so I think she's going to be just fine."

"Thanks. And you're right. I'm sure it'll just be a precaution, nothing else." Kevin eased back against the sofa's cushion, looking relieved.

Lifting her fingers off the fur of the runt, Vaggie set her other hand on Kevin's shoulder to get his attention. When he turned, she bit her lip. "Hey?"

Setting his hand on top of hers, Kevin sighed sadly. "Vaggie. I'm sorry."

"Oh, Satan!" She softly laughed. "I was going to apologize to you." She squeezed his shoulder. "I didn't mean to be so angry earlier. I knew what you were trying to tell me. About the cannibal; it just hit me wrong."

"I could have been more tactful." Kevin conceded.

"Not when it comes to protecting a child." Vaggie counted. "It's part of what I love about you. You really care so much for everyone."

He looked at her. Pushing his shoulder softly, she blushed. "You know what I mean."

"I do." Kevin smiled.

Charlie piped in. "So?"

Kevin looked at her. "Hmm?"

"Are you going to give her a name?" Charlie's eyes sparkled. "We can't just call her Arlepine all the time. If she's gonna be family. She needs a name."

As Kevin watched Niffty feed the little runt more bugs and how much it seemed she loved them, he remembered something. "When I was a child. I had a cat. A Calico named Ryoki. She was very sweet; she would sleep on the headboard of my bed every night or drop down onto my pillow around my head." He scratched the Arlepine's ear, receiving a mew and more purring. "One thing she'd do, though? If a bug got into the bed? An ant? Whatever? She'd eat it. Kept my room free of pests."

"Aww." Charlie smiled. "She was protecting you."

"I guess." Kevin nodded with a shrug. "Anyway, I started calling her my little bug eater." He paused. "So, I thought maybe calling this little runt Ryoki. But…" he watched the runt take yet another bug, chomping away and looking stronger for it.

Vaggie leaned in, curious, "But?"

"I like 'little bug eater,'" Kevin said the words slowly, stroking her fur.

"That's a bit of a mouthful." Angel Dust laughed.

Kevin chuckled, noticing that Angel Dust hadn't followed up with an innuendo. Even he realized how important this was to Kevin.

"I suppose it is." He scrunched his nose in thought. "I could shorten it to an acronym. Say, L.B.E.?"

"So military." Charlie teased softly. Kevin blushed a little at that.

Vaggie sounded it out, "L.B.E… El…be…ee…liibbee?" Then offered an idea. "Liby?"

"Liby." Kevin tasted the name slowly.

"I like Liby," Angel Dust agreed, adding, "It rolls off the tongue."

Cherri playfully nudged his shoulder. "You like anything that rolls off the tongue, Angie."

Angel Dust just nudged Cherri back in the same playful way. Rather, his face looked reflective and sentimental. Kevin realized that this must be similar to how he felt about Fat Nuggets. He gave Angel Dust a nod, who nodded back in understanding.

"Liby!" Niffty leaned in, her nose a few centimeters from Liby's, and smirked kindly, "Hear that, little one? Your name's Liby." She declared it official.

Liby tilted her head up at Kevin. "Mew?"

"You like it?" Kevin asked, tracing his fingers under Liby's chin. Liby nuzzled against his hand in answer. "Then Liby it is."

Just then, Husk returned with a tray of shots. He held out the tray, his face looking annoyed.

"What's this?" Charlie asked, perplexed.

"You know what it is." Husk gruffly said. "Just take 'em'"

Silently, everyone took a glass. Kevin held his up to Husk and nodded, "Thank you."

"Shut up." Husk slightly smiled, holding his own glass. "Just get on with it, already."

Nodding, Kevin held his glass high. He took a quick glance around. At Angel Dust, who he swore had moist eyes. At Cherri Bomb, who gave him a smile that said so much. At Husk, trying to look annoyed and failing. At Vaggie, leaning over the couch, her smile soft, her eye narrow as she looked at him with fondness. At Niffy, as she held her glass against her cheek while playfully tickling Liby's ear. And at Charlie, whose eyes shared all her love with him. He saw all of them, and while the word had been said a few times, it was a moment like this that really hit home just how lucky he was.

"To Liby." He announced, and with a breath, he added, "To family."

"To Liby. To family." Everyone quietly responded, clinking glasses together.

As they toasted, Liby moved for the first time, carefully lifting herself up and limping to plop against Kevin's thigh. She looked up with wide, trusting eyes. She understood. Maybe more than any other Arlepine ever could. She understood that her dream—the one that seemed the most impossible—had come true.

She'd found sanctuary.

She'd found a friend.

She'd found a family.

Kevin's explanation of Ryoki is my story. Liby honors Ryoki.