Here I go again Fam! The next chapter of MonMusu x Alabama pride is up and ready for your viewing pleasure. Now with this chapter I was hoping to maybe have some fun. You know, to offset the drama in Caleb and the girls lives. This chapter is a holiday special (sorta) for the 4th of July. Let's just get right into it. Happy 'Merica Day.
"That's it Moon pie, you're doing great.", Caleb said exhaling lightly.
"Ahh, dear I don't think...ah...I can hold on much longer.", Mirabelle said
" A-A little more, I'm so close, come on, baby", Caleb pleaded.
"*huff* OK, just please hurry and finish i-it's too- Mirabelle said
"That's it, That's it, That's iiiiiit,"
"CALLLLEEEEB!"
"YES. Finally got it.", Caleb exclaimed in relief. That's the last of the buntings.
Caleb signaled for Mirabelle to help loosen her grip as she stepped down off the step ladder. She heaved in exhaustion as she rubbed the stiffness out of her arms as Caleb wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Lyca then walked in through the sliding backdoors running up meet Caleb, " Hey Chief, I just finished putting those bows on the fence and sticking all those little flags around the yard.", she said with a toothy grin.
"Haha thanks, Lyca.", He said patting her head inciting a content expression and energetic tail wag from her.
Caleb then looked around the delightfully festive house with red, white, and blue nylon buntings and flag pennants lining the wall and Stars and Stripes sky-scapes lining the counter and edges of the front door which had a large American flag banner covering the center. The dining room table was decorated with patriotic bows behind each chair, flag tablecloth, and red, white, and blue plates. It's like Uncle Sam broke in and shat out an America fuck yeah in the house.
" hahh, Caleb dear, did we really have to hang them all?", Mirabelle slightly groaned her arms dangling to her side like limp noodles.
"Technically no, but it's an American Southern tradition to go overboard with holiday celebration and I thought you guys should enjoy the experience. Plus, they look pretty cool right?", Caleb chuckled and ceased petting Lyca as she leaned back against the couch contently.
Mirabelle looked up around the house at the bunting symmetrically aligned around the house from the living room to the hallway entrance to the dining room.
" Well yes, I will admit the house does look quite lovely.", she said with a grin.
"Right? Thanks again you guys for helping out.", Caleb said walking over to the kitchen to fix the two liminals some well-earned peach lemonade.
" Of course, dear, happy to assist.", Mirabelle chirped happily.
"Yeah, chief. We got ya back, front, and sides.", Lyca chuckled relax in the chair down under one of vents feeling the AC.
Caleb smiled walking over with two glasses in his hand. He gave one to Lyca who happily thanked him proceeded to drink it. He then moved over to Mirabelle who was looking outside at the backyard through the sliding at the beautifully decorated yard. The iron fence with the patriotic bows lining the entire area and mini flags sticking out of the ground. She turned to Caleb thanking him for the drink. Caleb looked down at his phone, 11:30 am, the barbecue started an hour ago. He should get them ready to go...after they all rest for a bit of course.
...1 week earlier...
Caleb, Lyca, and Mirabelle had grown more accustomed to each other's company with the latter becoming a little less reserved around Lyca. However, the two still had their moments when their personalities didn't mesh well with each other. It turns out Lyca has a bit of a habit of invading personal space, not to intimidate but of playfulness, which did not help Mirabelle's anxiety towards contact with most people. A few times they'd have arguments on matters ranging from where to go for a cultural outing or just what movie to watch together. Luckily, Caleb was able to mediate many of these squabbles before things escalated any further through patience and understanding... and a small bribe or two. Eventually the two would always make up, both not wanting to upset their host or make him angry. That's one of a few things they agreed on.
Caleb found that Lyca brought an extra...zest into his relatively quiet life with Mirabelle. Don't get him wrong there were times he felt overwhelmed and downright annoyed by the werewolf's incredible stamina and boundless jubilance but had grown to appreciate the energy she brought to the house. It's a good thing they lived close by the park so he could take her to get all that extra spunk out of her system. However, this didn't affect his time with Mirabelle much. They were still as close as could be and continued their DreamMasterz adventures. Of course, Lyca would still occasionally sneak into his bed for what she calls 'wolf den snuggles' much to Mirabelle's chagrin who would be doing the same.
After a trip to the grocery store, Caleb found an opportunity teach them one of the cornerstone American celebrations in the form of a flyer hanging on the doors.
"I-Independence Day?", Mirabelle questioned tilting her then looking over at Lyca sitting next to her who simply shrugged in confused.
" Yep, it's coming up in a week and I think it's a good chance for you guys to learn a little about American history and holidays. Particularly, how folks in the South celebrate. ", Caleb said.
"OK, that sounds wonderful dear. What's the holiday about?", Mirabelle inquired clearly interested.
" Basically, it's celebrating the day a bunch of English colonists in powdered wigs won a war against their home country and establishing the new territory as an independent nation which is now the United States on July 4th, 1776. Ignoring the parts about the advent of African slavery and the dislocation and slaughter of the indigenous natives that were living here before colonization, it's an important stepping stone to the birth of Western civilization.",Caleb said plainly.
"Wait, what?!", both liminals exclaimed simultaneously with disbelief written on their faces.
" What?", Caleb asked
"That's terrible! Why in the fuck would you guys celebrate something like that?!", Lyca exclaimed startling Mirabelle who admittedly agreed.
" Hey, I said it's a part of American history. Never said it was a pleasant one. The reason we celebrate it is the same for just about any holiday, to have an excuse to get off work, have fun with the people you care about, and eat delicious food. And maybe shoehorn in something about the holiday spirit mixed with some superficial message about togetherness.", Caleb finished with a light chuckle.
Both liminals sat in befuddlement for a minute exchanging wide eyed glances before Mirabelle said, "Ok, T-Then how do we celebrate this...holiday?"
"Hmm, well we can decorate the house if we want, buy some fireworks, cook some food. Luckily for us though, we won't have to do too much since the park around here throws a huge 4th of July barbecue every year with lots of activities. So, I was thinking of taking you guys to that.", Caleb explained noticing their faces suddenly light up.
" Whoa a barbecue? I'm sold, is there going to be enough for everyone though?", Lyca asked
"Heh, sweetheart you haven't seen Southerners during holidays like this. We don't cook, okay, we throw down. I hope your stomach can handle the load.", He replied with an almost maniacal grin which was greeted with Lyca's drooling wide mouthed smile.
" Hot damn, I'm gonna wolf down everything!", Lyca said ecstatically fist pumping.
"Yeah, and there's gonna be lots of games and afterwards a firework show. We may even be able to get some for ourselves.", Caleb
" Fireworks? What are those? ", Mirabelle asked quizzically
" Oh, just little containers that are ignited to create a beautiful explosion. Some of them shoot up into the air and blow up into these bright colorful sparkles and balls of light.", Caleb said putting extra emphasis on the last part.
"ooooooh, I seen those. I remember seeing something like that at night from atop the mountains where I grew up. They were so pretty and awesome.", Lyca exclaimed starry eyed.
" It does sound rather nice, but isn't it dangerous? No matter how you look they are still explosives?", Mirabelle stated.
"Don't worry, we have plenty of safety precautions and treatment methods in place for any accidents. I'll go over them with you guys later.", Caleb explained.
" O-Ok, then.", Mirabelle said still slightly uneasy about the idea.
"Ooh, ooh, ooh, what kind of games are we gonna play chief?", Lyca bounced energetically tail wagging happily in front of Caleb nearly making him lurch backwards.
" Let's see. There's a water balloon fight, a scavenger hunt, football tossing, and uhhh I think something called 'Flag tag'.", Caleb uttered thinking off the top of his head.
"that all sounds like fun. But, wait, what's the point of hunting prey that's already dead? Plus, rotten meat can make you really sick, trust me on that.", Lyca finished slightly cringing at what must have been an unpleasant memory.
Mirabelle and Caleb gave her deadpan stares before Caleb spoke up, "Uhh, Lyca,...it's uh...not that kind of 'scavenger' hunt."
Lyca held her head pensively for a second before her inner lightbulb went off, " Ohhhhhh, I get it. We hunt for the prey stored away for safe keeping by the enemy.", she emphasized pounding her fist to her palm challengingly. Mirabelle face palmed.
"OK, Lyca I'll explain how it works to you later.", Caleb said dryly
"Um, dear what are we going to do about decorations? ", Mirabelle asked inquisitively
" Way ahead of yeah Moon pie. I have everything we probably won't need. Turns out the last folks that rented this place were huge holiday nuts. They had huge supply of decorations for just about every one of them. When they moved away they left behind a some of their 4th of July decorations and never came back for them. Also, some Easter and Halloween stuff. I decided to put them all in storage. Hey, their loss is our gain right. ", Caleb finished with a shrug.
"Heh, that's quite convenient", Mirabelle giggled
" Going to have call my landlord for the storage key. Then we can make this place look so patriotic the president will order for our home to be declared a national landmark.", Caleb laughed jokingly.
"Hell yeah, this gonna be the best first 4th of July ever!", Lyca exclaimed.
" Indeed, this will quite enjoyable ", Mirabelle said in cheerful tone.
...Back to the Present...
Caleb and crew had left the house and were making their way to the park for the 4th of July barbecue. The weather was quite nice. A bit cloudy out so the Southern Summer heat wasn't much of a bother. When these rare occasions happen you best enjoy them. Caleb and Mirabelle walked shoulder to shoulder while the latter snaked her arm to his pulling him closer enough to lean slightly against him. He could feel her shaking as her anxiety started to sink in to which he lightly held her hand to reassure her safety. Lyca simply marched ahead of them like a soldier. She enjoyed pretending to lead them to places, it made her feel more in charge. She was singing a song she heard on a video Caleb showed her called ' I'm still standing'.
As they got closer to the park they noticed the number of people around them was steadily increasing. Many of them were either just individuals passing through out of curiosity or families from around town looking to enjoy the festivities. There were quite a few host families and their liminal guests all heading toward the park, some walking in pairs. Caleb's crew reached the park gates and could hear the sound of music playing through loud speakers from the DJ stand playing 'HandClap' and people around them talking. A few people and liminals could be seen dancing around the DJ. The sight of humans and various liminals at the game booths and enjoying tasty snacks at the confessions. An ice cream stand operated by two female holstaurs sat near the entrance with a small crowd in front of it; mostly men. They saw a man win a large stuffed red, white, and blue bear for the short purple devil girl next to him. The scent of hickory smoke permeated the atmosphere and only gotten stronger closer the got.
They approached a table with three women—two humans, one monoeye—sitting under a red canopy shade with a group of people around them. They were handing out forms to people and a red, white, and blue striped top when then finished. Caleb noticed an opening and as he approached the table, he was greeted by the human woman in the American dad shirt.
"Good afternoon sir, are you here alone?", she asked with a smile.
"No, I'm here with my two houseguests.", Caleb said as Mirabelle and Lyca seemed to materialize on either side of him. Mirabelle still remaining close to him cautiously observing others around them and Lyca ecstatically sniffing around.
"Fantastic. You're a part of the cultural exchange so you would fill out this form. Will you and your guest be participating in any of the events?", she said handing Caleb the for that listed all the events and their time stamps.
Caleb and the girls looked at it then Lyca suddenly yelled, "Oh, WATER BALLOON DODGEBALL. LET'S DO WATER BALLOON DODGEBALL."
"Ok, ok, we'll do it no need for the yelling.", Caleb said massaging his aching eardrum with his pinky. Lyca wiggled her body and wagged her tail as she happily cheered to herself. Caleb giggled at her then turned to Mirabelle.
"So, Moon pie, what would you like to do together?", He asked with a grin.
"I honestly don't feel like getting wet so water balloons are out. Hmmm, oh this looks like it would be fun", Mirabelle chirped pointing at the time stamp labeled 'Patriotic badminton', "Is that ok with you dear?"
"Sure, it'll be fun.", Caleb said filling out the form then handing it to the woman at the table.
"Thank you, sir. You all enjoy yourselves now.", The woman said handing them each a hat and giving Caleb a schedule. They put on their hats lightly giggling at each other as they made their way down the gravel walkway into the center of the park. They looked around at all the booths surrounding much of the park in a red, white, and blue sequence. Caleb then took out his phone put it on a selfie stick and called the two liminals together for a commemorative photo.
"Ok girls, it looks we got one hour to kill before both your activities begin, what should we do in the meantime?", Caleb said folding up the schedule then putting it away.
"Oh, that over there looks fun what's it called?", Lyca said pointing to the blue booth with the glass bottles on a large wooden table and a cluster of stuffed toys hanging at the top.
" That's called a ring toss. The guy gives you these metal rings and you try to get as many of them on a single bottle. The more you get on one bottle the better the prize.", Caleb explained.
"We're going.", Mirabelle stated almost authoritatively
Caleb and Lyca gave her questioned looks at her sudden change in character.
" Um, you okay Moon-hahh", Caleb yelped as he was suddenly dragged along toward the booth by the uncommonly forceful Nightmare with Lyca closely but warily following behind.
"You are mine. You are mine.", Mirabelle kept repeating as Caleb noticed her eyes had become a sharp and focused like a hawk staring daggers at something. At first, he was confused at her behavior until he finally understood what she was focused on. Among the cluster of stuffed toys was a child sized plushie of Sailor Moon. When they arrived at the booth, Mirabelle released his hand then turned to him with the pleading eyes of a child begging their parents for a new toy and then pointed up towards the Sailor Moon plushie. Caleb rolled his eyes and gave her thumbs up to which she clasped his hands together with starry eyes. Lyca was too busy admiring the plushies to notice them until she spied one she wanted. A black dog-like thing with white mask with red markings on it, hanging next to it was a girl in a red hood caring a large scythe.
" Good day sir, how many rings to get the Sailor moon.", Caleb asked the bearded man in the uncle Sam overalls and plain white T-shirt.
"4 rings on one bottle. It's $10 for five rings.", beard man explained.
" Okay, then. Five ring-", Caleb was suddenly interrupted when Lyca grabbed his arm pointing up at the black dog creature.
"Chief, can have him, please, please, it's so cool.", Lyca pleaded as Mirabelle shot her a 'you better not screw this up for me' glare.
" It's, uh, 3 rings.", bearded man chuckled.
"OK, 10 rings thank you.", Caleb said handing the man a 20. He then gave Caleb 10 red and white striped metal rings.
Caleb took one of the rings focusing his vision on a single bottle. Luckily, he's played this game before as a kid and was good at it. After calculating the physics in his giving account to distance, force of gravity acting rings along putting a little spin allowing for the centripetal force to latch onto the bottle tip. He released the ring with the precision and ferocity of a ninja locking onto a target. As they looked on as the metallic ring soared through the air, it majestically twirled around as it locked on to its target. Then like the ping of the bells of Notre Dame it made a loud bong as it bounced off the bottle landing to ground on the other side of the booth. They all looked on with a deadpan expression.
" um, ahem, just a warm up, now it's about to get real up in here.", Caleb said confidently as Mirabelle and Lyca exchanged worried glances.
...30 minutes later...
"Yay, thanks Chief you're the best. Who knew you were so tenacious.", Lyca happily giggled tossing and catching her black dog plush up.
" Thank you so much dear. You are truly a wonderful person.", Mirabelle mewled hugging her Sailor Moon plush in one arm and Caleb in her other nuzzling the crook of his neck.
"Please don't patronize me" Caleb muttered holding his head low in complete disbelief and shame. Though he eventually won them, he spent $60 winning them their plushies. What the hell came over him?
Mirabelle then placed a kiss to his cheek snapping him out of his self-loathing thoughts and a grin came to his face. Guess it wasn't a completely hollow victory.
"Caleb? Boo, wassup?", an unknown voice called out getting the group's attention. Caleb stopped suddenly, he knew that voice. They all turned around both liminals releasing their host to see a slightly pudgy light brown-skinned woman of average height probably in her late twenties walking up to the group with a wide mouthed smile and arm outstretched waving at them. She wore white shirt with a picture of an eagle hold arrows in its claws and the words '2nd Amendment' above, cutoff blue jeans, and blue flat lace-up shoes. She wore purple framed glasses and had her black hair in a curly bun style.
" Vanessa! ", Caleb's eyes lit up as she ran up to Caleb pulling him in a tight hug giggling happily as he did the same. Both liminals froze in surprise and eyed the strange woman hugging their human cautiously. Mirabelle froze up horror and Lyca's ears stood erect as she emitted a low growl.
*Narrator Sidelight*
For those readers who are confused, this woman is Vanessa Bizzell. She and Caleb grew up together and were about a close as they could get. After his parents died followed by the falling out amongst his siblings, she and her father, Caleb's uncle, allowed him to stay with them after he lost the family home to the bank from an unpaid mortgage. They were the only real family he had left who actually cared for him.
*Sidelight Over*
Caleb suddenly released his embrace to look at the woman then said, " Hahahaha, damn. How you been? I haven't seen you since my graduation. "
"Hahaha, yeah I know cuz, I'm sorry I was just real busy. I just finished my first year over in Ohio state. I came down to see how daddy doing.", Vanessa explained happily her gaze suddenly fixating on the two liminals eyeing her suspiciously, "Oh now, who we got here? Some friends of yours?"
Caleb looked back at Lyca and Mirabelle and mentally facepalmed himself for ignoring them. He moved over between the ladies.
"Oh, right, sorry. Lyca. Mirabelle. This is my cousin Vanessa, she my Uncle Andrew's daughter. Cousin Vanessa, these are homestays for the Extra species exchange program.", Caleb gestured between them introducing everyone.
"Hey, nice to meet y'all.", Vanessa greeted the two liminals. Mirabelle simply greeted her nodding nervously. Lyca circled the woman sniffing at her curiously much to the latter's confusion before stopping in front her and nodding approvingly.
"You kinda smell like Chief, I like you already.", Lyca chirped happily as Vanessa turned raising an eyebrow to Caleb who simple shrugged with a nervous smirk.
" Wow, cuzzo, when pop said you joined that exchange program I almost didn't believe it. Clamming Caleb allowing strangers to live in his home. I thought judgment day had begun.", Vanessa said with a haughty smirk. To which Caleb let out an annoyed groan at her nickname for him.
"C-Clamming Caleb?", Mirabelle questioned attracting the rests attention. Caleb tried to wave her off from hearing the answer but Vanessa wouldn't have it.
" It's what we called him growing up. He only spoke around people he knew very well, everyone else he'd just clam up on quick. He couldn't even order his own food at restaurants", She chuckled. Lyca slightly giggled as well. Mirabelle simply gave Caleb a surprised glance. The thought of him being that shy was unbelievable.
"It ain't like that anymore. Everyone has the right to change themselves and I'm no different.", Caleb growled barring his teeth as she finished chuckling.
"Haha, yeah, OK cuz I guess you right. Hey, why don't we all go eat together for a bit. I think daddy over in the shade smacking on some ribs. That man can't get enough of dem baby back. ",Vanessa chuckled motioning them in the direction of the large birch trees close by with several picnic tables around them.
Caleb looked over to the girls, "fine with me. What do say guys?"
"Y-Yes, that sounds fine.", Mirabelle said.
" Heck, yeah take me to the meat Chief's cousin.", Lyca stated marching along beside Vanessa. The latter shook her head at the endearing dog-girl.
They found their way to the grilling area near the birch trees where two grill stations were sought up alongside tables with mountains of dishes lined up. There were bowls and aluminum trays with mac & cheese, salad, mashed potatoes, devilled eggs, yams, collard greens, steak, string beans, hamburgers, ribs, Chicken Tetrazzini, and corn bread. There were also pitchers of iced tea and Kool-aid for everyone to enjoy. Several people stood in lines with plates getting their fills.
"Oh there he is. HEY DADDY, I FOUND CALEB.", Vanessa shouted going over her father and Caleb's uncle who was sitting at the wooden bench looking up from the rib in his hands. He placed the bone among the others on his plate and wiped his hands with napkins. He got up with a huge grin on his face as he saw his daughter and nephew.
He was fairly tall dark-skinned man in his late 50s with a hefty build and blackish-grey hair that was noticeably receding. He wore a short sleeve blue oxford shirt, blue jeans with patriotic suspenders connected to them and brown Nike sneakers. He also had a chrome-plated knob handle blue walking cane by his side. Not that he needed it much, he mostly had it because he thought he looked pimpin'.
" OH, Hahahaaaa hey nephew, glad to see I didn't need to drag you out of the house this year.", Andrew walking over to Caleb getting his arm around his shoulder as Caleb did the same. The both shared a loving chuckle.
"Yep, guess not. Glad to see you still ignoring doctor's orders.", Caleb said pointing to the pile of rib bones that had been picked clean.
" Ahh now don't you start. I get enough of that from Dr. O'Neal over here", Andrew scoffed gesturing to Vanessa who simply crossed her arms preparing to reprimand.
"That's because you don't know the meaning of self-control. You need to watch your blood pressure daddy.', Vanessa wined.
" Yeah, OK baby.", Andrew conceded not wanting to have that argument again, in public no less. He then looked over at Mirabelle who smiled shyly at him. They had met once before when he came over to Caleb's house one Sunday to drag him out for church. Ever since, Mirabelle seemed to get used to seeing him every once in a while, and it helped that Caleb really loved him too, it was easier for her to be open around him. Plus, she reminded Andrew of Caleb when he was younger.
"Hey, now, Mirabelle. How you been sweetheart? You been keeping this boy here in line?", Andrew said pointing a thumb to Caleb who grimaced at him from behind
Mirabelle giggled as she shook the older man's hand. She played along, "I'm fine, Mr. Bizzell. As usual Caleb is no trouble.".
The old man gave a hearty approving laugh then he noticed Lyca sitting at the table with her own plate of ribs and steak tearing at the meat viciously, " Now who is this pretty little puppy?'
Lyca stopped eating for a second, stood up, sniffed him a bit, and smiled at the man; little bit of meat stuck in her teeth, "Hi, my name's Lyca Kessler. Nice to meet you, Chief's uncle", she said shaking the man's hand proudly.
" Nephew, now you didn't tell me you got yourself another girl living with you. Strong little lady too.", Andrew chuckled as Lyca raised an eyebrow Caleb while stuffing a chunk of steak in her mouth.
"Yeah, I've been a lot more busy than usual, it kinda slipped my mind.", Caleb said plainly rubbing the back of his head embarrassed.
After a getting themselves some of the food they sat at large picnic table-well, Mirabelle simply stood at the side of the table- eating and talking amongst each other. Vanessa told a few stories about Caleb when they are growing up, much to Caleb's embarrassment and annoyance. Though they did incite amusing laughter from Lyca and Mirabelle tried to hold hers in but soon lost it when Vanessa told the one about Caleb's first time at the dentist. Caleb simply shrugged off most of the laughter at his expense. He was just happy to see everyone he cared about getting along happily. Deep down he knew he really needed this.
Vanessa looked between Caleb and his homestays before saying, " So, Caleb. Which one is your girlfriend? "
Caleb coughed erratically in his napkin choking on his food as Mirabelle froze mouth agape in shock blushing madly letting her fork of Mac & cheese slip out of her stiff fingers. Lyca simply perked up her ears to attention with a light blush and a bone held her mouth. Both girls gave Caleb inquiring and somewhat hopeful glances as Vanessa and Andrew lean closer with almost sadistic smirks on their faces. Like father like daughter. Caleb sat there uncertain of what to say and a bit livid for being put on the spot. He took a deep breath then exhaled.
"What are you two talking about? You know it's against the law for a host to have romantic relations with their house guests.", Caleb stated then drinking some of his iced tea. That didn't seem to satisfy his cousin and uncle nor the two liminals. Both Mirabelle and Lyca wore slightly disappointed expressions.
" Shame, damn shame. Them damn Republicans in Congress need to get rid of that dam law.", Andrew shook his head mixing his collard greens with a fork as Vanessa nodded in agreement with him.
"Yeah, but that's how it is right now. We can only hope things will change.", Caleb said
" That's right, and with all them protests I seen on TV that shouldn't be too long. Then you Mirabelle here can finally get together, eheheh.", Andrew finished with a chuckle as Mirabelle and Caleb suddenly tensed up. Mirabelle looked at Caleb with hopeful eye but flinched slightly and went to stuffing her mouth when they made eye contact. Lyca gave an annoyed pout.
"Now hold up daddy, why you trying to decide who he should go with. For all you know, he might choose Lyca.", Vanessa protested pointing at Lyca who gave her a surprised whimper. Caleb felt time stop as his eyes met Lyca's. She gave him a supporting grin showing a single white fang and blinked rapidly before looking away unsure of himself. Mirabelle noticed their exchange and gave a saddened pout before resuming finishing the Mac&Cheese.
A loud voice booming male voice from the speakers near the DJ could be heard throughout most of the park, "ATTENTION. FOR ALL THOSE PARTICIPATING IN THE 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES, PLEASE REPORT TO OUR DESIGNATED AREAS."
Oh the lord have mercy Jesus, Caleb thought as he quietly exhaled to himself before standing up catching their attention and throwing his ladies
"Alright, ladies. Time to enjoy some good old fashion American fun", Caleb stated rubbing his hands together hoping to take minds off the subject.
"Oh, you guys are gonna play some of the games?", Vanessa said with clear interest.
" Yep, wanted to give the girls the full experience of how we celebrate in the South.", Caleb said with a content chuckle as he looked at the schedule of events then at his phone, "Oh, we should get goin', Lyca's event starts in ten minutes."
As Caleb said this Lyca quickly finished the rest of her food with an audible gulp before throwing away her plate. Mirabelle placed a large napkin over her food before excusing herself and throwing her plate away. Lyca rushed to Caleb's side bouncing and pulling on his arm ready to go.
"Come on Chief, we don't want to be late.", Lyca stated.
"Hey, Hey, nephew y'all stayin' for the firework show? Heard George Earl got some of them Roman candles you like.", Andrew said standing up grabbing his cane. His daughter wiped her mouth and started wrapping her remaining food in aluminum foil.
" Awesome, ugh, yeah...we were planning ugh...on staying to see 'em. Ow, Come on, take it easy Lyca.", Caleb uttered while the impatient werewolf tugged him away towards. Mirabelle stood beside them observing them passively.
"Alright, now we'll see y'all later. Pleasure meeting ya ma'am.", Andrew said and Lyca stopped pulling on Caleb. To which the latter took the opportunity to massage the soreness away.
" Yeah, likewise. You're a really cool guy, I can see where Caleb gets his charisma.", Lyca complimented beaming a toothy grin at him. To which, a boastful smile became plastered on his face. L
"Honey, don't feed his ego. Imma be hearin' his mouth runnin' all day", Vanessa remarked as Lyca Andrew ignored her and focused on Mirabelle.
" Ey now, Mirabelle you keep looking out for my favorite nephew, ya hear?", Andrew said giving her thumbs up.
Mirabelle gave him a candid smile, "O-Of course Mr. Bizzell."
Lyca then took Caleb's hand and resumed pulling him to where the games are with Mirabelle quickly galloping off behind them.
Vanessa and Andrew watched as they left both in quiet contemplation. "Heh, I haven't seen Caleb that lively in real long time."
"I'm telliin ya. Them girls have really put a pep in his step. I'm thinking about becoming a host myself.", Andrew chuckled warranting a surprised look from Vanessa.
" What would your homestay even be? Oh I know! An orc.", she finished with a laugh.
"You can't let me have anything can you?", Andrew sulked
" Ah, quit yo groanin and let's get some of that Holstaur ice cream I heard about", Vanessa stated.
...
The rest of time Caleb and the girls were at the park was very enjoyable. Lyca and Caleb were quite the pair during the water balloon dodgeball challenge as Mirabelle simply observed them on the sidelines but somewhere with fewer people around her. There were a few liminals with their hosts and everyone was paired in teams of two, 11 teams total. They played in an open grassy space in the park using red, white, and blue balloon. The rules were essentially if you or your partner got hit three times, your team is out. Throughout the match Caleb was amazed by Lyca's incredible speed, especially on all fours. Her agility made it extremely difficult for anyone to hit her. She and Caleb came up with the strategy of him baiting their target while she took them out. It worked for a while, they even took out four teams; that is until they were facing a harpy and her male host. The two used a ground to air tactic that ended up overwhelming Caleb and Lyca. Their 'battle' ended when Caleb was caught off guard and the harpy dropped multiple water balloons from above like a bomber plane. However, Lyca pushed Caleb out of the way in the nick of time taking the full brunt of the attack. They may have lost the game, much to Lyca's dismay, he quickly gave her a reassuring petting session and it was all good. Exhausted, she decided to take a nap under a shady tree.
Next, was the Patriotic badminton competition hosted at what was usually the public tennis court. After a quick demonstration, be one of the park staff, Mirabelle remarked on how the game was like one she played with members of her clan growing up. She immediately boasted on how she was the best among the clan at it. Caleb simply regaled her of his own skill at the game growing up before they were both chastised by the park staff lady for disrupting the group. There were close to 20 participants some of which were liminals, of course. The game was players as mixed double with two players on each side with teams of one man and one woman. In the first, game between a guy and a female ogre, Mirabelle felt really intimidated by the violent looking which through off he concentration. What's more, she and Caleb were having a bit of trouble adapting to each other's play style. However, with a boost of encouragement by Caleb, Mirabelle could get into the swing of things, literally. They ended up winning the first round by several outs by the ogress, lucky them. The preceding matches saw a noticeable change in the pair's dynamic as they developed a nearly flawless rhythm. The two kept freely alternating between offensive and defensive positions to make it harder for their opponents to predict their strikes. They eventually made it to the final round against a human teenage girl and a male Elf, who almost looked like Legolas in a white polo shirt and capris. The tactic they used up to then proved to be not enough to deal with the Elfman and girl's coordinated strikes at Mirabelle's blind spots. However, Caleb managed to read the patterns of their strikes and noticed two openings they made whenever one struck the shuttlecock. He and Mirabelle came up with a fake out tactic that greatly exploited it and they ended up winning the competition barely by one point. They won first prize: $500 cash and a $100 gift card to Kami House. Mirabelle was so ecstatic she Caleb in a backbreaking hug.
Five hours had passed.
It was getting dark out with only the park's lamp posts and game booths illuminating the area. Caleb and the girls had set up a space on a small hill to watch the fireworks show. They met up again with Caleb's uncle and cousin. Vanessa and Lyca hit it off more. Vanessa brought a frisbee and they spent much of the time tossing it around, even attracting others into playing with them. Andrew met up with a few buddies down at the car manufacturing plant he used to work at and decided to play a few rounds of dominoes; leaving Caleb and Mirabelle alone.
The two sat at the top of the hill among a few other people on a blanket that was provided to them. The fireworks show was about to start as Caleb looked around at people still enjoying the many brightly colored game booths and dancing around the DJ then to the pitch-black night sky with the faint glow of stars.
He then looked at the beautiful centaur sitting next to him in her dark purple gown-like skirt and orange Overwatch tracer T-shirt with black choker on her neck. She was happily clutching the Sailor moon toy like a security blanket.
"So, sweety, you are enjoying yourself so far?", Caleb asked her as she snapped herself back to reality then beaming the young man a genuine smile.
" Oh yes my dear, I haven't had this much fun in long time.", Mirabelle said as her ears twitched happily.
"Yeah, that makes two of us then.", Caleb said slightly remissive.
" I-Is something wrong?", Mirabelle inquired concerned she may have upset him somehow.
"No, no I'm just surprised... at myself.", Caleb said looking toward the sky in deep thought.
" How do you mean?", Mirabelle asked staring at him and scooting herself closer.
"I haven't been out to anything like this in long time. I just couldn't. They always bring up too many memories of my parent, brother, and sister. How much fun we used to have. Those days are gone now.", Caleb spoke dejectedly remembering that awful day and blinking away tears that welled up. He then felt a slender arm snake under his arm softly intertwining each other.
"C-Caleb?", Mirabelle spoke softly her violet sparkling eyes peering into his with great concern. He then shook his head which caught her surprise.
" B-But today, I didn't feel that way. I had so much fun with you and Lyca. I'm thankful to have you, both of you, in my life.", Caleb ruminated leaning back slightly supporting himself with his free hand. Mirabelle's eyes widened before a small smile appeared on her face, "Uh, sorry if I'm being overly sentimental."
"No, dear. I'm always happy to see that beautiful soul of yours.", Mirabelle stated resting her head to his shoulder catching his attention. He was about to say something but he was quickly interrupted by the loud bangs and whizzing of fireworks being shot off. They both looked up with different degrees of amazement as the night sky was illuminated with rainbow of flames dancing across the sky. Clusters of strobing yellow and red sparks and bright blue balls that exploded into parasol-shaped light. Mirabelle pointed in child-like amused at the purple spiraling sparkles that gave the illusion of a mini Galaxy sitting just above them. A large pattern of multicolored hearts appeared above them with audible bangs.
As they observed the wondrous display, Mirabelle noticed Caleb's delighted face and felt her entire body become light as dust from content. She then reached hand to Caleb's clasping it softly and getting his attention momentarily. Their eyes met as the flashing rainbow of light behind them illuminated both of their faces. The smiled at each other taking in the moment.
Just for a moment, I want to forget everything, Caleb thought taking in the sight of the beaut-no, gorgeous woman beside him. The vivid color of lights reflecting off of Mirabelle entire body only reminded Caleb of how radiant she was. A rare breed, literally and metaphorically, everything about her was amazing. Her personality, her interests, her appearance, her voice, her eyes-dear god those eyes. Honestly, she was way too good for someone as plain and unremarkable as him. He was brought out of his thoughts when she suddenly cupped his cheek pressing her large breasts to his shoulder.
"Caleb...I...", Mirabelle whispered parting her lips as her face inched closer. Unsure of what to do to neutralize this, Caleb did the only thing possible-give in to the situation.
He leaned in too moving their clasped hands to her chest where Caleb could feel her heart pounding. As was his. They both puckered their lips, ready to embrace each other for the first time in the real world.
" Hey guys! Want some mini-sundea?", Lyca shouted from behind causing the two to shriek in confusion and fright quickly pulling from each other. Caleb nearly did a somersault backwards down the small hill before catching onto the blanket Mirabelle was still sitting on and stabling himself.
"Oh, sorry bout that Chief. I just wanted you guys to try these Holstaur ice cream sundaes before they ran out", Lyca said handing a chocolate tipped sundae in a small plastic cup to Mirabelle. Whom reluctantly took the cup looking down at it dolefully before taking off the plastic spoon from the bottom.
" Sshhhooo-K. Thank you Lyca and please stop doing that. Nothing wrong with just a shoulder t-W-wait did you say sundaes? You didn't eat any with chocolate or fudge, did you?! You know they make canine liminals sick.", Caleb inclined placing the sundae on the blanket and inspecting Lyca's face for paleness. Mirabelle gave a startled expression as she saw this nearly dropping her cup.
"Relax Chief, I only had mine with peanut butter. I still feel fine.", Lyca said before three parasol sprays of light above them caught her attention inciting a delighted expression from her, " Whooooaaaaa. Their WAY more amazing up close." Lyca then lied down on the grass next to Mirabelle with her eyes fixated on the exploding stars above them.
"Lyca, *huff* you remember I was following you right?", Vanessa said hunched over catching her breath, " *huff* Damn, girl you are fast."
"Looks like someone shouldn't have skipped leg day.", Caleb hummed as she motioned towards him to hit his shoulder, which he effortlessly dodged.
" Gah, whatever. You know where daddy gone at?", Vanessa inquired.
"Over there playing dominoes.", Caleb said pointing to the well-lit area with large folding tables. Uncle Andrew sat among 6 other men with a couple of them smoking laughing.
" Figures. ", Vanessa smiled them looked up at the light spectacle above them and sitting down in the grass.
" Yep.", Caleb stated.
They all sat together the rest of the time watching the fireworks and making idle chitchat. All the while, Mirabelle glanced at Caleb intently simultaneously glad to see him at ease yet remiss about losing their alone time.
Soon the group decided to pack things up and go home for the night. Caleb and the girls said bye to Vanessa and Uncle Andrew promising to go out again as a group. They made their way through the park gates among the other people either walking home or taking the trolley. Caleb's house was only a couple minutes away so taking the trolley would have been pointless. Suddenly they were stopped by a sudden shriek. Caleb whipped his head around to see Mirabelle frantically searching through her bag and pockets.
"Oh Noooo, I think I left my Sailor Moon back at rest area!", Mirabelle shrieked clutching her cheeks in horror slightly teary eyed. Lyca felt bad for her until she felt the side of denim shorts noticing the absence of a demonic wolf toy hanging from it. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Crap! Bain isn't here, I might have left him there too!", Lyca exclaimed now also her cheeks in horror. Of course, she named it Bain, Caleb thought.
"It's not too far from the entrance and he park doesn't close until 10. We got an extra 20 minutes let's go them.", Caleb said making his way back to the front gate with both Liminals passing by him quickly causing him to spin a little.
"Thank you dear, but we can get them. You just stay out front and make sure they don't lock us in.", Mirabelle said
"Yeah, we'll be right back. Come on Mira, let's go.", Lyca assured him before pulling Mirabelle's arm warranting a yelp from the startled centaur. They were gone and Caleb simply stood by the gate looking at his reading over emails and texts from work. Almost everyone had gone home leaving him virtually alone save for a few people still walking out of the park.
As Caleb pondered wondering why it took ten minutes to get their toys and come back, suddenly heard a loud noise as if something metallic had been knocked over. He searched for the source noticing now a rustling sound and plastic rattling. He found the source. It came from in between it from an alleyway in between a closed apparel shop and an old boarded up halfway house set to be knocked down. A shadowy form could be seen coming around the corner. Was it a raccoon? Or a dog going through some trash? No, it was much larger and it had human form. It limped around out in the open before falling over onto the ground.
Caleb checked both ways before quickly dashing across the street to check on the person. When he reached it, he got a good look from the light of a lamp post to and was surprised by what he saw. It was woman. Not only that, but she had dark blue horns on her head, black bat-like wings, a slender whip-like black tail with little shades of blue at the tip which ending in a spade. She had caramel brown skin and pointed ears with gold pin earring. She was a Devil. She looked as if she had been in a fight. Her light blue lace panel shirt had been ripped at the shoulder. The black skirt she wore was torn as were her black stockings. She was also barefoot, her dainty toe expose at the torn off section of the stock. He looked closer in shock to see she had a deep slash wound across her knee which was bleeding out steadily and one of her wings had wicked slash mark splitting the wing and it bled.
"Oh my God, who did this to you? Hang on, i'll get you to a-", Caleb said reaching down to help her up only for her to smack his hand away glaring at him with her red eyes with black sclera. She bared her teeth at him scooting away from him leaving a small trail of blood.
"Stay...away...from me...filthy human.", she hissed in a noticeable hispanic accent holding her arm; which Caleb just noticed was also bleeding. There was a hole in the sleeve of her shirt. Was she...shot?
She glared at Caleb intently watch his every move.
"Look, it's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm going to call an ambulance and we'll get you some help ok.", Caleb said calmly taking out his phone and dialing 9-1-1. He noticed her demeanor soften slightly.
"Hello, 911? I have an emergency. A young woman, of the Devil species, she's been badly injur-",Caleb said before the Devil suddenly yelled in panic with eyes wide in panic. Caleb then felt sharp pain in the back of his head as he fell to the ground. He had been knock out; his assailant, a man dressed in all black carrying a crowbar. Caleb's world was spinning his vision was blurry and his hearing was disjointed. All he could make two pairs of legs and the devil lady thrashing about before suddenly going limp. They through her in the back of a van then turned to Caleb. He felt one hoist up his legs and the other get his shoulders and placed in the van. Caleb was still conscious enough to make out one of the men look over him curling his fist. The last Caleb was a sudden pain in his face...then nothing. He was out cold.
As the van sped away, a few seconds later Mirabelle and Lyca came out of the park to find their host is nowhere to be seen.
" Caleb? CALEB? We're back, let's go home!", Mirabelle called out only to be met with silence, "CALEB?", she called out again still no response. She gave Lyca a questioning look but she was just as confused as her.
"Perhaps he went back to look for us? I think we can try looking before it closes", Mirabelle said turning around to head back in the park.
" Wait. *sniff sniff* He's still here, I know his scent anywhere.", Lyca announced as Mirabelle stopped and turned around. Lyca then went off sniffing out his scent while Mirabelle followed behind her.
They came across the area Caleb was abducted as Lyca stood there taking a big wiff, "Here, this is where his scent is strongest. It's coming from...that.", she said pointing to Caleb's cellphone. She then tensed up trembling from fear, " I...There's also...the scent of blood. His blood"
Mirabelle felt her own blood run cold as she picked up the phone with trembling hand and noticed the tiny pool of blood underneath. She gulped staring at it in horror. Then she saw the streaks of blood near the street corner. It was like something out of a serial killer horror film. She felt nauseous as Lyca looked at her in worry and fear. Mirabelle collapsed on her knees clutching the phone to her chest and Lyca went to her side trying to comfort her.
"Caleb….where's…WHERE"S MY CALEB?!", Mirabelle stated as Lyca shuddered unsure of what to do or say.
They knew one thing at than. Caleb was gone.
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DONE AND DONE. Well this one was quite the task. Not only was I working crazy shifts but I also took learning the German language, I had to designate 1 hour a day writing this. I want to visit Germany someday, so I said "Why not learn the language?". Hope you liked this chapter a bunch of stuff happened, so much I'm sure I forgot some of it. Tell ya the truth this wasn't supposed to be so long, but I guess I went a little overboard again. Also, in case you didn't get it Lyca's is based off of the movie 'American Werewolf in London'. Mirabelle's from somewhere in Europe so I wanted to go for that dynamic. Now stay tuned for the next chapter. Will Caleb and Mirabelle truly express their feelings for each other? Who was the devil lady? What did those men want with her? Why did they kidnap Caleb? And most importantly, will Holstaur ice cream make an appearance in later chapter? Tune in next time to find out. DaDa Dum Dum DaDaDaDa DaDa DaDaDa Da Dummmmm!