Chapter One: Of All the Gin Joints In All the World

A cunning snake, a reclusive bat, a friendly Labrador, a clever owl, and a regal peacock. What do all of these animals have in common?

Everyone is born with what is called a "soul spirit"; an animal you share your soul with. Alongside your soul spirit is your soulmate's soul spirit (only more ghostly) to help unite you with your soulmate.

Poor Virgil has a fucking petting zoo on his hands.

(also posted on AO3 under the user patton_pending)