Writer's Notes:
This is my first fanfic for the monster musume universe, so if anyone could offer feedback on my writing style it would be much encouraged. That being said, I would be more receptive to those have writing prowess on par with Hemmingway (not really, any critique is good critique). All rights of the Monster Musume franchise belong to their respective creators. This is a non-profit fanfiction.
I plan on making the follow the timeline of the original story canon, so expect references here and there. Plus, I may add references and nods to other franchises so again , be on the lookout.
I wanted this story to take place in South Central United States, particularly in Northern Alabama (insert Southerner joke here). I know this part of the country well, traveled a lot around much of the South, so the setting would be easy work with. Also, something I've noticed in many of the fanfictions on here is a near absence of African American protagonists. This story is my way of rectifying that, so you don't take my slight grievance at face-value. Also, this chapter contains mature subject matter that may be too much for some readers. Be safe around literature.
If you didn't get my little sad attempt at being satirical from the title of this chapter, the first part of the story will focus on my homestay who is a Nightmare ( look up Monster Girl encyclopedia for more info). Now with pleasantries out of the way let's get this show started.
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Monsters are real. That's what blared on every news outlet in the world seven years ago. To the common man, this sudden declaration could have been the media going insane or some elaborate hoax. But no, Monsters ARE real, and the thing is they aren't monsters at all but people with…unique features. The government had apparently been keeping the existence of these people, Liminals as they've been coined, out of the public eye for the past couple hundred years. How they managed to do this for so long is beyond comprehension but I digress.
As soon as the world found out fairy tale and mythical creature were flesh and blood real, the hype was insane. Can you blame them really? It's like everyone's dreams becoming reality—scaly, feathery, slimy, reality.
As this craze began, the Japanese government had announced their plan for species integration, think they called it the Interspecies Exchange Act. Essentially, it's a bill that allowed for Liminals of different species to live with humans so that the two species could learn about each other's cultures to build a better understanding of each other. In the first four years, nearly every nation had adopted the Act with offices and agents for exchange students with their own versions of the original Bill. Not surprisingly, the United States was one of the first nations to adopt the Act. Though, there were many who protested the integration of Liminals into human society. However, they were vastly outnumbered and outvoted by the majority of the population. Granted they were mostly made up of members of Geek cultures and general weirdos but any progression is good progression. The laws from the bill the United States had were a bit more lenient, such as the fact that if a Liminal were threatened violently by a human and vice versa they had the right to defend themselves. However, many of these altercations were taken care of by that Liminal neutralization squad, MON I think its called. I swear they ripped that straight from Men in Black.
Our story takes place in Southern U.S. in the city of Huntsville, Alabama. Not a bad place to live if I'd say so myself, lots of things to do, plenty of history and such a beautiful botanical gar- whoops started turning into brochure for a minute there. Anyway, it's about time we introduced our lead Caleb Bizzell (that's BIH-ZHELL, sorry it's easily mispronounced). Caleb is an African American male in his early twenties, he had a medium build, a little chubby but quite muscular. His hair was black and main styled in a low cut; he disliked maintaining an afro and had dark brown eyes. He was a pretty even-tempered guy with a caring, supportive, patient and protective personality. Although, he could be quick to anger and a bit stubborn, traits he was trying to grow out of.
He graduated from his university with a Bachelor in Mechanical engineering and he has lived in Alabama most of my life and grew up in Tuscaloosa. He eventually ended up moving to Huntsville after graduating—renting a house and getting entry-level job at a research and technology corporation. He worked with his team on design projects and was normally in charge of materials testing and stress diagnostics. Caleb also enjoyed reading, gaming, watching anime, building models, and taking walks around town. One of said walks was on my way to the Interspecies Exchange office to check on my application status.
It's been about two weeks and he was beginning to wonder if he was denied acceptance. Maybe the government took a look at his not-so-tasteful internet history. After the interspecies Exchange program made it's way to Alabama, he enthusiastically signed up.
Mostly because the whole bachelor lifestyle of work and lonely nights started getting to him. Maybe caring for a student will bring a little light back in his life.
He checked at his phone and he saw that it's already noon, he had been following his GPS to the Interspecies Exchange office place for 45 minutes now.
"Damn how far is this place?", he complained and like clockwork the feminine voice of my torment advised a left to turn down the block and you will be at your destination.
A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he approached the he hoped air-conditioned building. Why did he choose to walk in 80 degree heat instead of driving l? Because you're an idiot, you needed the exercise but you didn't expect it to be this far did you, jackass?, he thought as he berated himself.
The building was an average-looking three-story complex with large tinted glass windows and a contemporary pearl-white fountain near the entrance.
As soon as Caleb entered, he was greeted with a sight of a variety of Liminals, most of which he had seen on tv or news websites. Several harpy species, lamia, lizardmen, ogres, kobolds, and even Arachne made up most of the cavalcade of charm and the atmosphere in the room filled with excitement. And the best part, all of the Liminals there were drop dead gorgeous. He made his way to the front check-in station of the building to see a young woman just waving goodbye to a man and a very tall, blue-skinned woman with horns.
"Hello sir, welcome to the Interspecies Exchange Office, how may I help you?", the young woman said as Caleb made his way to the desk.
"I'm here to check on my application to the interspecies exchange program. My name is Caleb Bizzell, my pin number is 47-7797"
After stating that last part, she quickly typed at her computer looking for his information. "Oh, yes sir, we see that you applied two weeks?" she asked apparently, to which he nodded.
"Yes, we are sorry, our office has been busy with managing an extremely high volume of homestay requests. We are still processing many of them, but it says here your application was approved a few days ago."
A huge sense of relief blew over Caleb as soon as he heard that last part. "Seriously, a few DAYS ago and not even an email? Well I guess it made a lot of sense why it took so long to get a response, this IS the only office branch in Alabama.", Caleb thought trying his best not to appear impatient.
"We've gotten your request information and reviewed your physical and psychological test results.", she continued, "we've matched you with a homestay that fits your criteria from the questionnaire you answered".
"God don't remind me, took nearly three hours to fill that thing out", Caleb ruminated as he remembered the long list of over 60 questions that were asked on the online questionnaire, more than half required 300-word responses. Then again at least the program thorough to account for everyone's individual preferences.
"Alright Mr. Bizzell, please continue down that hallway and it's the second door at the right to Agent Sterling, he will be your coordinator for the duration of the program".
Caleb thanked her and continued as directed to the coordinator's office. As he walked down the hall he noticed an office filled with liminal and human workers filling out forms and organizing documents. A few of the liminals required assistance to which the staff gladly helped.
"Quite a sight isn't it?", said a rugged voice that nearly mad Caleb jump from surprise.
He turned to see a man, possibly in his forties, with blue eyes and slick back brown hair standing next to him in a black suit, blue tie and white button-down shirt.
"Y-Yeah, it is.", Caleb managed to utter.
"We've come quite a long way in only a few years." The man looked off for a second before Caleb interrupted "Are you Agent Sterling, my coordinator?".
"That's me and you must be Caleb Bissel, Rebecca from the front desk told me about you. It's a pleasure".
Caleb gave an exasperated sigh "It's Bizzell and the pleasure is mine Sir", Caleb stated the last part as politely he could.
The two shook hands and Agent Sterling directed Caleb to his office. The two sat down and Agent Sterling began to going over Caleb's files and background.
"Well , you seem to have a good education, a steady career, no prior criminal record, physical and psychological results all positive." The man continued to read over his profile and sipping his drink, then suddenly raised an eyebrow and glanced up with a smug grin "Oooh a single guy too. Figured a stud like you would be wearing the ladies like a scarf".
Caleb felt his face flush a bit at this sudden comment. "S-so what? There's nothing wrong with living alone."
Agent Sterling chuckled at his reaction but never broke eye contact. "So why did you sign up to be a host?".
Caleb thought for a second, "well…I just wanted to do some good by helping someone adjust to a new life. Plus, well, I have to admit it gets pretty lonely sometimes in a big house."
Agent Sterling, appearing satisfied with his answer, continued reading his files. "I noticed that you only have one emergency contact, an Andrew Jr.?".
Caleb nodded, "yes, that's my uncle. He lives close by from my house."
"Ok but our program requires a minimum of three emergency contacts. We've had cases where were unable to reach hosts in critical situations. Don't you have other relatives you can reach?" The agent continued.
Caleb looked down with a despondent expression. "well….after both our parents died…my siblings and I had something of a falling out. I haven't spoken to any of them in three years now. Most of our family never really had much to do with us before and after the funeral. Uncle Andrew was the only one who supported me while I was still in college."
The atmosphere in the room felt a bit heavier along with a moment of awkward silence.
"I'm…so sorry to hear", Agent Sterling stated apologetically feeling a bit ashamed for prodding. "It must have been hard on you—".
"It's fine" He was quickly cut off by Caleb who refused to hear the same sympathetic speech he's heard from anyone he told that too for the past couple years. "It's fine, the past is the past and this is the present.", Caleb gave Agent Sterling a reassuring smiling.
The Agent looked at his information one last time before placing them all down in a neat stack and taking a couple sheets of paper from a manila folder.
"Alright then. well Mr. Bizzell, you are all set. I just need you to sign these liability forms certifying your status as a host family of the Interspecies Exchange International. Upon signing, you accept you are responsible for the welfare and safety of your homestay and to abide by the laws of the Exchange act. Failure to do so is equitable to criminal offense and can lead time in prison.", explained Agent Sterling.
Caleb finished signing the last of the forms and handed them all the Agent Sterling who then placed them back into the manila folder. "Thank you Mr. Bizzell, welcome to the Interspecies Exchange program", the two shook hands with delighted smiles plastered on their faces.
"So when do I meet my homestay?", Caleb asked his excitement slowly building.
Agent Sterling checked at his computer. "Ah, they should be arriving at your residence in a few minutes. Why don't you ride along with me and I'll introduce them."
Caleb seemed relieved to hear that, especially since it meant he wouldn't have to walk home now, Seriously goddamn his need for exercise.
It was a pretty laidback ride back home as they drove through the lively town with people going about their daily lives. Agent Sterling spent most of the time explaining a little about the homestay that will be living with Caleb.
"A…Nightmare?", is what Caleb stated a bit puzzled. What even is a Nightmare?
"Yes, is that a problem. I would really hate for it to be. Considering how arduous it was finding someone to take her in", Agent Sterling stated as he glared a malign look at the young man.
"No, not at all. I just asked because I don't really know what a Nightmare is. Is it some species of Arachne or Kobold?", Caleb explained meekly.
"Not…exactly, the name is a understandably misleading though. They are essentially a member of the Centaur race. Though they tend to be a bit more withdrawn compared to their warrior-like cousins. Also, they are very timid, so be careful not to surprise her too much." The agent finished explaining as Caleb noticed his home with brown tiled roof and beige-colored outer walls was in viewing distance.
It was right across the street from an apartment complex that housed many Liminal families, it was a common sight around here to see hosts out with their houseguests. There's plenty to do around here, lots of restaurants, a movie theatre, a botanical garden a mile down the street, and a beautiful park. A common spot for Caleb's walks. They finally arrived at Caleb's house to find a black conspicuous looking van with two men dressed in a similar fashion to Agent Sterling.
They parked on the adjacent side of the street so that the van could still drive out. The two men greeted Sterling and informed him all that all renovations had been completed.
"Renovation? What renovation?!", Caleb thought as a sense of worry crept up on him.
The two got out of the car and Sterling thanked the two men, while Caleb was awe-struck by his house that was now twice its original size.
"Um, what is this? What happened to my house? How much did this cost, I can't afford this? Jesus, what am I going to tell my landlord", Caleb panicked slowly starting to anticipate his future debt.
Sterling walked up to distressed Caleb taking a drink from his flask, "Ah geez, will you calm down we've already informed you landlord about your status as a host and all expenses have been paid for renovations to your home. Don't have a heart-attack before meeting you house guest."
And just like that, a sense of relief came upon Caleb like a tsunami made of Advil.
"oh thank God, I thought I might need to take up a second job", Caleb stated as a thought occurred to him. "Speaking of, where is my house guest?"
The question struck a chord with agent Sterling as he just remembered what they were doing. "Right, right. She's in the back of the van. Let's introduce you two."
The two men from earlier placed a large aluminum platform ramp at back doors of the van, one of them opened the doors. Outstepped, rather cautiously, a young woman with lavender hair, violet eyes, slender but curvy frame, and an ample pair of breasts. She wore a purple zip-up sweatshirt hoodie with a black sailor moon t-shirt underneath. But her most apparent feature was that her lower-half was of that of a horse…well more like a pony…with violet colored fur, dark purple hooves, and a light purple tail with a black bow tied at the end. All Caleb could think was "Sweet baby jesus, she's beautiful." As she stepped out of the van and walked toward to Agent Sterling, Caleb couldn't help but notice how she was only a couple inches taller than him and every movement she made looked like she was walking through a minefield.
"Mr. Bizzell, I would like you to meet your homestay for the duration of the program.", Sterling then directed her to face Caleb direction. "Please, Miss introduce yourself."
"H…hello. M-my name is Mirabelle. Mirabelle Marequine", the young centaur spoke softly in a noticeable English accent.
"Hello Ma'am, I'm Caleb. Caleb Bizzell. So nice to finally meet you", Caleb stated smiling cheerfully and outstretched his arm for a handshake. She slowly took brought her hand to his to which Caleb lightly squeezed causing her to jump visibly. This girl was definitely on-edge, Caleb tried to think of something to say to put her more at ease.
Sterling then approached Caleb from his left "Well, now that you're acquainted, I leave her in your care Mr. Bizzell. Here is care package with all of her information, diet plan, and health information." He paused and gestured to guys from earlier "Also those two informed me that the room they renovated or her is directly adjacent from yours". As he spoke one of the guys carried her bags into Caleb's house. She didn't seem to bring much, just a couple suitcases.
He pulled Caleb off to the side. "I am required to inform you that any sexually relations between hosts and homestays is a criminal offense. And is punishable by life sentence in prison. So, keep it in your pants partner.", He said with a hint of venom in tone
"I- I wouldn't dream of it sir. I'm not that kind of guy.", Caleb manage to choke out obviously flustered. Sterling nodded and gave him an approving pat on the back.
Caleb took the care package from Sterling and waved him off as he and the guys in the black van left out of his driveway. Caleb turned to see Mirabelle who had been quietly looking down. He then motioned over her and held the front door open.
"Welcome, Ms. Marequine, to your new home", He spoke in a regal tone with a bow, "Please step right in". He sweat dropped as he realized how much he was over-doing it.
Caleb couldn't be sure, but he thought he heard the faint sound of a giggle as the centaur walk passed him into the house. He went into his house as his eyes widened and his jaw dropped to the linoleum tiled floor. He felt like he was in a mansion, like if about 20 people could fit in the living room, no problem.
His living room with its round mahogany coffee table, burgundy couch with matching recliner and ottoman was large enough to accompany 10 people. A large flat screen with a satellite box sitting on an entertainment center where he kept both his PS4s and games. He glanced around and noticed that his kitchen and dining room were three times bigger. Some of the chairs at the table looked more like a combination of stool and stepladder. Likely to accommodate Mirabelle's body type.
Mirabelle looked around the room examining the layout and furniture in the house. Caleb placed the package on the marble countertop in the kitchen and went over to help her with her suitcases.
"Ahem, how I give you a little tour of the house?", he said regaining his composure.
"Oh…um yes that would be perfect.", Mirabelle stated in soft tone.
Caleb went throughout the house showing her all the rooms, including the one his office where he works on design projects. After getting to the bathroom, he noticed how it was transformed from a small space with a toilet and a shower to an enormous bath house like ones in Japan. The bath tub was the size of a family pool. It was quite the daunting experience. There was another small room inside with all his bathroom items sitting a corner of a huge mirror. His shaving kit, shampoos, and body washes were all there. Caleb showed her the spacious backyard with a tall wrought iron fence around the perimeter. Caleb noticed how Mirabelle was examining the yard, noticeably how she used her front hoof to upturn a small patch of soil as if examining it. Eventually the two made their way to the bedrooms. Caleb managed to locate Mirabelle's as it was the last door on the left of the hallway just next to his office.
"Alright this looks like your room", He placed he suitcases near the entranced and opened the door. Mirabelle stood a couple feet behind him as she looked at her bedroom. It was designed liked the inside of Britannia chamber with magenta colored cobblestone walls, a beautifully carved wooden dresser, large oval mirror with a stand encrusted in silver, a large closet, and a queen-sized bed with cotton blankets and pillows that had been built into the floor.
"Hot damn, I think we just stumbled into a Disney princess movie. What do you think Ms. Mar—",Caleb stopped mid-sentence as he noticed her sullen expression.
"Hey, are you alright?", He said growing concerned, "We can let Sterling know you don't like it."
"No, No I love it. I'm just tired that's all and just want to rest.", she explained trying to force a smile.
"Happy to hear that. Now you get unpacked and I'll go get started on dinner. Come on at the table when everything is ready.", He said with a sweet smile plastered on his face. Mirabelle looked away from him as if pondering about something. "That won't be necessary. I already packed my own food for the night", she quickly said while pulling out a container from suitcase and a bag full of assorted snacks; mostly honey oats bars and wheat cracker.
"O-Okay then, do you need anything to drink? Some water? A smoothie?", he said with a humble tone.
"N-no, I have enough water as well. Thank you anyway. So…could you please leave me alone for a while.", she said in a somewhat frightened tone still avoiding eye contact.
"Alright, I'll just—" before Caleb could say anything she had closed the door on him. With nothing else to do, Caleb went and made himself dinner, did one last check-up on the details to a new project.
A few hours later it was nighttime and Caleb decided to check up on Mirabelle. He knocked at her door but heard no response. "Ms. Marequine, are you ok? I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"I'm fine." A soft voice said, "I've been busy putting my things away." Caleb continued "Are enjoying you stay?" There was another silence before Mirabelle said "Yes…I like it here. Really."
Feeling satisfied with the answer Caleb stepped back from the door and said "Alrighty, If you need anything at all I'm right next door. I am your host after all"
"for how long though I wonder", Mirabelle muttered softly.
"Oh did you say something?", Caleb asked to which Mirabelle slightly squeaked out "N-N-No, I said nothing! Nothing at all!"
"Well ok, remember just holler", with that Caleb stepped down the hallway to his room and close the door.
Mirabelle, who was listening to his footsteps leaving, looked out of her window at the night sky, thinking to herself , 'It's almost time. I'll find out his true nature and motives soon.'
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Welp that's the end of this chapter, kinda wanted to end on a mysterious not so expect a bit of Mirabelle's backstory next chapter. I just wanted to flesh out the world a bit, you know just introduce the core characters and such.
I promise I'll be introducing more characters mainly one's from the corporation Caleb works at and a few more house guests. But I think things are coming out nicely.
Peace Fam!