Realm of Token

The Demon Queen's castle towered ominously at the edge of Bellcrest, a daunting sentinel of solid stone and mortar that had stood proudly for centuries. Its walls had weathered and crumbled over generations, and the elements had taken their toll on the ancient facade. The soaring turrets and intricate spires were faded and worn, yet their presence incited feelings of awe among those who gazed upon them. But the castle's decrepitude did not reflect the splendor within.

Walkways of marble and granite paid homage to the grandeur of days past, and intricate balconies adorned with elaborate engravings and stained glass windows lined the many chambers and walls. Embellished columns at the entranceway still held fast, ablaze with ancient tapestries that depicted tales written in the stars. In contrast to the castle's aged exterior, the interior was immaculate, a testament to past grandeur and luxury. Tapestries of brilliant jewel-tones covered the walls while stained glass glowed with otherworldly colors and meanings. Ornate columns and carvings graced the ceaseless stairways with divine grace, suspended in time, and delicate flower beds filled the air with a delicate scent. Fountains were still and dark, their waters appearing still and eerily untouchable.

The throne room was particularly well-kept. Large columns ringed the sides of the room, their white marble standing out in stark contrast to the wood-paneled walls. Massive, curved windows lined the walls and provided a stunning view of the ocean outside. At the far end of the room was a bronze marble throne, where the Queen sat. Her posture was rigid, the copper crown on her head lending an air of regal authority to the room.

Reese rolled the purple crystal around in her delicate fingers, her copper eyes staring straight ahead. Her breath was small, quiet, calculated. Whatever she was planning, it certainly wasn’t anything in favor of the Elves. The tight smile at her thin, smooth lips gave that much away.

After Jester and Lenix had fled from the infirmary moments before their eradication ruled by the Queen, everything had been silent. Kurja, the sister to the escapee, had promised her loyalty to the Queen, ensuring that she would not depart like her sister. Reese found the young Demi-Demon slightly admirable, and she was deeply impressed by her actions in the arena, but there were other concerns itching at the back of her mind, so she had sent the girl home for the night so she could be alone with her thoughts.

The arena had been a bust, in her opinion. The amount of Demons that had lost or failed greatly outweighed those who succeeded. It irritated and infuriated her, but there was very little she could do about it. She had grand plans that called for her attention, and the matter of her slowly growing army would have to be at the top of her list. 

 Her eyes traveled down to the crystal in her hand, and she stopped turning it. The orb was as flawless as it always had been, save for the miniscule amount of scratches and smears from age. It had a subtle glow to it, illuminating her palm like a firefly. 

She had received the orb from a distant relative at a family reunion long before she became Queen, when her father was still alive and thriving in the Demon kingdom. Her relative, most likely some distant cousin, had taken her to the side and told her that he had a gift for her. Naturally, a young teenage Reese was excited and eager to accept whatever it was. The orb itself was beautiful, but its purpose was what had always puzzled her. Her relative had said that it was magic, and stored inside it was something truly special. He instructed her to open it only when she really needed to, for what was inside was the key to “winning the game,” as he had described it.

She grazed her fingernail along the surface of the crystal orb, humming thoughtfully. Something special, huh? I wonder how useful you’ll be against those runaway Demons. I just know that they know something that could put me under. They need to be found…but how I should go about it puzzles me…I suppose it’s a good thing I like puzzles.

The main doors to her throne room opened up, and in walked her most trusted advisor to the Demon kingdom. A Deity Demon like herself with a naturally booming voice and an air of elegance constantly floating around him. He was far more charismatic than she would have liked, but his intelligence was indeed a needed ally for a Queen, so she let it pass.

"Well, my Queen," he began, his tone resonating with a mix of curiosity and reverence, his flowing black hair like a cape draping behind him. "What secrets does that ancient artifact hold today? I can sense that you’re fussing over it again.”

Reese's lips curved into a sly smile as she rose from her throne, the crystal still cradled in her palm. "Oh, Terax, if only I knew for certain. I believe it’s high time I crack this thing open and see what is truly inside. My relative was very tight lipped about it, so I can only assume it is something wonderful and dangerous.”

“Those are indeed a lovely combination,” Terax nodded his head with a chuckle. “Do you know how to open it?”

Reese's eyes gleamed mischievously as she considered the crystal in her hand. "Well, that's the million-crown question, isn't it? My relative only mentioned that I should open it when I really needed to. As for the 'how,' he conveniently left that part out. A mystery within a mystery."

Terax chuckled again, his gaze fixed on the enigmatic orb. "Perhaps it requires a special incantation or a particular touch. Or maybe," he added with a sly twinkle in his eye, "a combination of both. A puzzle befitting a Queen."

Reese's grin widened, and a spark of excitement danced in her eyes. "A puzzle it is, then. And I do love a good challenge. Let's see what secrets this little gem of mine holds." 

The two of them set to work in Reese’s private chambers down the hall from the throne room, her door shut tightly. She didn’t want a single distraction to pry her away from her precious work. Terax was talkative, sure, but he was a pure genius, so she allowed his company.

The walls of her room were covered in a deep red velvet and decorated with gold leaf trimmings along the seams for an extra lavish touch. At one end of the room sat an impressive four poster bed covered in a thick quilt of golden hues and bejeweled in rubies, a transparent copper canopy draped over the four sides. Along the opposite wall was a matching regal red velvet chaise lounge lined with pillows of the finest sapphire dye.

In the corner of the room lay a stone fireplace with a roaring fire, determined to keep the room warm when the dead of winter struck. Besides the fire, the only light plates that illuminated the room were the several chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. Soft, calming music would play in the background of the Queen’s private quarters, provided by the silver gramophone set up amidst her many statues and exotic trinkets.

At her desk beside her bed, Reese laid the orb gently to avoid the possibility of shattering it. She then allowed her flowing abundance of energy to seep from the palms of her hands, the golden-copper glow wrapping around the orb, searching and exploring every inch of it.

Terax observed with keen interest, his eyes following the intricate dance of energy around the crystal. "Fascinating technique, my Queen. It's as if your energy communicates with the very essence of the orb."

Reese nodded, her concentration unbroken. "This power has served me well in many situations. It's attuned to the magic that runs in our veins, and I've always felt a peculiar connection to this orb ever since it was given to me. If there's a way to unlock its secrets, my power will find it."

As the copper glow continued its intricate ballet, subtle vibrations emanated from the crystal. Terax leaned in, his curiosity intensifying. "Do you feel that, my Queen? It seems the orb is responding to your touch."

Reese's gaze sharpened, a mix of determination and excitement playing in her eyes. "I do. It's as if the orb recognizes the energy signature. Now, let's see if I can coax it open." With a focused command, she adjusted the flow of energy, guiding it to interact with the hidden mechanisms within the crystal.

The room held its breath as the orb responded, a series of subtle clicks echoing in the chamber. Reese's hands paused, her heart pounding with anticipation. The crystal, now infused with a pulsating glow, began to emit a low hum, hinting at the powerful secrets it held within. 

In a burst that was far too quick for her or Terax to anticipate, the orb exploded in a brilliant glow of copper and purple, sending a wave of air that shot the two backwards, blowing the blankets and pillows from the bed, sending glass vases and decorative figurines crashing to the floor in an unseen wind.

Reese shielded her eyes from the dazzling display, feeling the surge of magical energy coursing through the room. As the brilliance subsided, she cautiously opened her eyes to find the remnants of the crystal scattered across the chamber. In the aftermath of the explosion, a thin mist lingered in the air, weaving an intricate pattern around them.

But that was far from being the only thing she noticed that was different.

A man stood in front of the desk where the crystal had moments before been set, the mist seemingly seeping from his body before disappearing like fog. He was tall, taller than Reese herself, and dressed in attire that reminded Reese of the circus. A top hat, a thin cane, and a long coat that stopped just above the heels of his tall black boots. His hair was a shade of light pastel purple, a thick length of it covering his right eye like a shield. A monocle sat over his left eye, adding to his overall appearance of a circus ringleader. 

The man's eyes, an intense shade of gold, locked onto Reese's with an enigmatic gleam. His lips curled into a charismatic smile, revealing a hint of amusement. "Well, well, well," he drawled, his voice carrying a playful cadence. "I must say, that was quite the entrance. You've opened Pandora's box, Your Majesty, and here I am."

Reese, her composure regained as she got to her feet, narrowed her eyes at the mysterious figure. "Who are you, and what game are you playing?"

The man executed a graceful bow, flourishing his cane with theatrical flair. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am known only as Ringmaster. I have been locked in that crystal hell for many years, Consider it a type of imprisonment for my misdeeds. As for the game you mentioned, I have without a clue what you mean. I am merely the servant of those who open my little shell of a home.”

“You mean to imply that the crystal orb was…your home?” Terax questioned.

“Precisely.” Ringmaster nodded his head. “When my job is completed, I retire back into said crystal for someone else to find one day.” He began to stretch his limbs, groaning as he did so. “All those years cooped up can give you such a crick in the neck.”

Reese regarded him with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "Your 'job'? What is it that you do, Ringmaster? And why should we believe anything you say?"

Ringmaster's golden eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "Oh, my dear Queen, I am a purveyor of stories, a weaver of destinies. I offer choices, and the consequences unfold as the tale progresses. Someone opens me up and gives me a task, and I complete it, starting with a formal handshake and a pat on the back. Need something stolen from an ancient crypt? I can accomplish that. Need someone executed in the best worst way possible? You can certainly count on me. I exist in the in-between, a realm tethered to the magic infused in the crystal. My purpose is served once the task is done, and back into the crystal I go until the next bold soul decides to unlock the enigma." Ringmaster paced the room, the room tinged with an air of unpredictable energy.

Reese exchanged a glance with Terax, uncertainty etched on her face. "And why should we trust a creature locked away for misdeeds? What assurances do we have that you won't turn your tricks against us?"

Ringmaster stopped, his gaze locking onto Reese's. "Trust, my Queen, is a delicate dance. I serve those who open the crystal, and as long as our interests align, we're partners in this cosmic play. Your choices shape the narrative, and I merely guide the script. Furthermore, once a deal has been struck between me and the one who frees me, I cannot bestow any harm unto them, as a dog would not bite the hand that feeds him. Consider it a symbiotic relationship, a dance of fate where both parties have a role to play. You provide the stage, and I bring the drama.”

“So…you only exist to complete tasks that people give you once they open the crystal?” Terax said slowly, as if he truly could not begin to fathom what the mysterious man was saying.

“Yes, exactly.” Ringmaster grinned. “You catch on quite quickly, my dear friend.”

“Then I have a task for you,” Reese said quickly and firmly, jerking both Terax and Ringmaster’s gaze to her. She smoothed out the front of her dress and took a step towards him, folding her hands in front of her. “A simple task, really, nothing majorly complicated. Two Demi-Demons have escaped Bellcrest with information that may harm my plans.”

“And you wish for them to be disposed of, correct?” Ringmaster asked with a smirk, as if he already knew the answer and was simply asking for fun.

Reese met Ringmaster's gaze, her expression unwavering. "Yes, Ringmaster. I want them killed before they have a chance to thwart my plan. Ensure they face the consequences of their actions, and you shall have served your purpose in this little…stage, as you said." 

The air in the room crackled with newfound tension Reese contemplated the situation. Here, in front of her, was a mysterious man who had basically popped out of a small crystal orb, who claimed that he was a being from a whole different realm entirely who completed tasks given to him by…complete strangers, really. Something about things didn’t make sense, she knew. She was far smarter than some would peg her as. She could sense falsehoods like a fox could sniff out the chickens cowering in the coop. His smile, his extravagant movements, his manner of speaking, his smile, his extravagant movements, his manner of speaking, all gave off a distinctly deceptive aura. But he seemed to know exactly what she wanted, what she needed, so perhaps he was telling the truth after all. It didn’t matter either way, because now she was going to see her plans float into place. Her main focus wasn't all on bloodshed and slaying the puny Elves. She was more concentrated on claiming the land that was stolen from her ancestors. All of Token was rightfully hers, and it seemed like Ringmaster was going to help her claim it.

She smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief and excitement. “That’s your task.”

Ringmaster grinned and tipped his hat towards her. “I shall grant your wishes with every fiber of my being, my Queen.”

“Terax, clean up the crystal shards,” Reese ordered, then made a move to leave the room but was abruptly stopped by Ringmaster’s arm on hers. 

“My Queen, to seal the deal, we must shake hands. That is the only rule.” He said, his sudden cheerful tone was replaced with a serious one.

Reese glanced from his tight grip to his intense stare and jerked her arm free. “Shake hands? Very well. That seems sufficient.” She stuck out her hand towards him, the other hand placed almost impatiently on her hip.

Ringmaster joined her hand with his, and shook gently. “The task is now under my expert care. I promise you, it will be done.”

“I should hope so,” Reese said, her glare enough to turn a thousand Elves to stone. “Just know that I do not like waiting for very long.”

“You will have to wait only one day.’ Ringmaster replied with a confident smile, then flipped her hand over and kissed the back of it in such a gentle manner that it felt like a ghost grazed her hand. 

Reese perked up a brow, hardly impressed with his apparent ‘romantic’ gesture and slowly peeled her hand away. “Get the job done. Do not return to me until you have done so, am I understood?”

Ringmaster grinned, bowing. “Loud and clear.”

“Good,” She paused for a split second, then huffed and left the room, her heels clicking against the smooth floors.

Ringmaster watched her leave with his knowing gaze, then flicked his eyes over to Terax, who was still crouched on the floor scooping up the crystal pieces. “Make sure you don’t miss any pieces. They are very important to me, after all.”

"Yes, of course," Terax responded, but his voice carried a hint of annoyance rather than pure compliance. Ringmaster let it slide with a chuckle, realizing that he had a task to fulfill.

**

“For the love of God, please watch the vases! They’re antique!”

Lumi’s warnings fell on deaf ears as Jester and Lenix wrestled like two children finally let loose after a time out. They rolled across the floor, bumping into the couch and armchairs, sending books and potted plants tumbling to the ground to face their doom. Lumi could only shout warnings and empty threats, since there was no way she was going to try to separate them. Quarrelling Demons was no place for an Elf, so she remained in the kitchen while they practically tore her living room apart in under a minute.

Lucky entered the kitchen then, all dressed in her usual attire, which consisted of a pink sweater with white fluff at the hem and the whitest pants Lumi would possibly ever see. She noticed the two Demi-Demons fumbling like infants, then chuckled. “Good morning to them, I see.”

“They’ve been like this for almost ten minutes.” Lumi sighed, crossing her arms. She tensed up when they neared her cabinet full of antique glass plates, but blew out a breath of relief when they rolled away from it.

“Well, I suppose it’s only natural. Demons have far more energy than Elves do, so they need to get that energy out somehow.” Lucky explained. “Besides, it’s better to have them in here than out in Edgerest.”

“True,” Lumi huffed, plopping herself down at the dining table. “But is there a way to distract them for now? I fear for my belongings.”

Lucky laughed and turned her attention to Jester and Lenix, who had now shifted positions and were basically full body wrestling on the very expensive rug that Lumi’s parents had given her for her birthday one year. Jester managed to elbow him in the thigh and cause him to stumble, so Lenix got back at her by putting her in a choke hold.

Lumi groaned and threw her head onto the table.

Lucky cleared her throat and took a step into the living room. “Okay…since it’s far too early for play-fighting, why don’t we-”

“Who said we’re play-fighting?” Lenix grumbled as he tried to restrain Jester from her squirming. “I woke up with this dumbasses foot in my face. This is revenge.”

“I was comfortable!” Jester shouted, then bit his arm.

He immediately dropped her onto the floor, inspecting his arm as if Jester had truly injured it.

“Why don’t we make us some breakfast, hm? I feel like that would be a nice place to start.” Lucky said, clasping her hands together. “Some pancakes, waffles, things like that.”

“Oh, yum!” Jester bounced to her feet, hopping over to Lumi at the dining table. “Can we put some meat on our waffles and pancakes? I really love meat.”

Lumi hesitated for a brief moment, then chuckled. "Sure, why not? Meat on pancakes and waffles it is." She couldn't help but find amusement in Jester's enthusiasm for unconventional food combinations. Lucky joined in on the laughter, nodding in agreement.

As Lumi and Lucky headed towards the kitchen to gather ingredients, Lumi couldn't help but feel grateful for Lucky's presence. Lucky had always been the calm and collected one, capable of managing the chaos that Jester and Lenix seemed determined to create. Lumi realized that without Lucky, things would likely be much more chaotic.

While preparing breakfast together, the air was filled with laughter and chatter. The tension from earlier seemed to fade away, replaced by a strong sense of camaraderie and joy. Lumi couldn't help but notice that, despite their occasional rough play and disagreements, Jester and Lenix could actually work together and cooperate when given a task to keep them occupied. It was quite remarkable to witness this transformation, especially considering the two had just been engaged in a heated argument over a sleeping position. It went to show that even in the midst of conflict, there is always potential for unity and collaboration.

As Jester haphazardly mixed the pancake batter and Lenix washed the blueberries, Lumi quietly approached Lucky and spoke in a low voice. "I forgot, but I need to go into town today to return some library books. What should we do? I don't want to leave both of them here with you, but I definitely can't take both of them with me.”

"True. If anyone saw them, they would start screaming within a second. Edgerest Elves won't take too kindly to Demi-Demons," Lucky nodded softly.

"Exactly. Perhaps they could entertain themselves here, but for how long? Jester is too child-like and Lenix is too lazy. Anything could happen when we're not in the room." Lumi bit her fingernails, thoughts racing through her mind of her house catching on fire and Jester standing there proudly as if she had achieved a major goal. It sent shivers down her spine.

Lucky took a thoughtful pause as she continued to cook the sausages. After a few seconds, her face lit up with a smile, and she snapped her fingers. "I have an idea that might just work. How about you take Jester along with you on your trip, and Lenix can stay here with me? This way, you can keep a watchful eye on Jester, and I can do the same for Lenix. It will definitely make things much easier for all of us. Besides, Jester has shown a fondness for you, and I'm confident she will obediently follow your instructions.”

"We barely know each other, so why is she so insistent on us becoming best friends?" Lumi whispered, her voice barely audible as she glanced over her shoulder at Jester. The sight of Jester prying batter from her hands as if it were glue only heightened Lumi's confusion. Jester, with her childlike demeanor, was a puzzle that Lumi struggled to solve. While she was undeniably friendly, easily excited, and always entertaining, Lumi, being an Elf who preferred tranquility, found it challenging to connect with Jester, a vibrant and energetic Demi-Demon. Their stark differences in temperament and preferences made it seem almost impossible for them to truly understand one another.

Lumi couldn't help but wonder what it was about her that had drawn Jester to her so strongly. They had only crossed paths recently, and yet Jester seemed determined to form a deep bond of friendship. It bewildered Lumi, leaving her with a sense of both intrigue and apprehension. As an Elf, Lumi valued stability and harmony, while Jester's very nature seemed to revel in chaos and excitement. It was as if they were two beings from different worlds, trying to bridge the gap between them.

While Lumi appreciated Jester's friendly nature and the joy she had brought over the past few hours, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the stark contrast between them. Lumi's calm and composed demeanor clashed with Jester's exuberant and boisterous personality. Their interactions often left Lumi feeling drained, as if she were caught in a whirlwind of energy that she struggled to keep up with. Each encounter with Jester served as a reminder of just how different they were, and how challenging it was for Lumi to comprehend the depth of Jester's character.

Yet, despite these differences, Lumi couldn't deny that there was something intriguing about Jester. Beneath her seemingly carefree exterior, there was a spark of curiosity and a genuine desire to connect with others. Jester's ability to find joy in the simplest of things was infectious, and there were moments when Lumi couldn't help but be swept up in her enthusiasm. It was during these fleeting moments of shared laughter and lightheartedness that Lumi caught glimpses of the potential for a true friendship to blossom between them.

Lumi understood that true friendship often required embracing differences and finding common ground. While she and Jester were undoubtedly poles apart in terms of temperament and preferences, Lumi couldn't help but wonder if there was something valuable to be gained from their unlikely connection. As she continued to observe Jester, she couldn't help but marvel at the sheer joy and innocence that radiated from her. Jester's childlike wonder and ability to find delight in the simplest of things reminded Lumi of the importance of embracing spontaneity and letting go of rigid expectations. It was a lesson that Lumi, with her penchant for order and tranquility, struggled to fully grasp. And yet, she couldn't help but be drawn to Jester's zest for life, even if it often left her feeling slightly overwhelmed.

Lumi sighed, pondering Lucky's suggestion. Bringing Jester along to town could be dangerous, but it might also provide an opportunity for them to bond and gain a better understanding of each other. Additionally, it would give Lenix some valuable alone time with Lucky, enabling them to establish their own connection. It seemed like a compromise that had the potential to succeed, Lumi thought, while observing Jester inadvertently topple a jar of flour, causing a cloud of white dust to fill the air.

"Or you could accompany Lenix, if you prefer," Lucky suggested, interrupting Lumi's thoughts.

Lumi quickly shook her head, smiling widely. "No, no, Jester is fine. She can come with me.”

"Huh?" Jester called from the table, her bright red eyes fixed on Lumi and Lucky. "I heard my name, what's up?”

"They're talking about how you're an idiot." Lenix muttered without looking away from the berries in his hands.

Jester stuck her tongue out at him and then bounded over to the two Elves, a smile of excitement on her face. "You weren't really talking about me being an idiot, were you? Lenix likes to make things up all the time, it's kinda his thing.”

Lumi chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, Jester, we weren't talking about you being an idiot. Lenix just likes to tease." She glanced over at Lenix, who quickly looked away from the trio and back to the blueberries being practically drowned in the faucet water. "We were actually discussing whether you should come with me into town or stay here with Lucky. What do you think?"

Jester's eyes widened with excitement as she bounced on her toes. "I want to come with you, Lumi! We'll have so much fun together!"

Lucky laughed. "I had a feeling you'd say something like that. Lumi here just has some books to return to the library, that's all. Just a simple trip. Of course, you'll need to cover up your horns and tail. Those are surefire ways of getting caught by other Elves, after all."

Jester's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she listened to Lucky's words. "Don't worry, I've got it all figured out," she exclaimed, running over to the table and snatching up Lumi's bright green dish rag. "I can use this to cover up my horns and tail. No one will even notice!" Her excitement was contagious, and Lumi couldn't help but smile at Jester's somewhat confused resourcefulness.

"I was thinking more of a coat and a hat." Lumi said, then waved her hand. "We can worry about all this after breakfast. It's almost ready, I think. How's the batter coming along?"

Jester flicked her head towards the bowl she had been stirring, then glared at it. "It's being evil. It's getting all hard and sticky."

Lucky chuckled. "Here, let me fix it."

Lucky took the bowl from Jester and added a splash of milk, gently whisking the batter until it reached the desired consistency. Jester watched with wide eyes, her excitement undeterred. "See, Jester? Sometimes all it takes is a little adjustment," Lucky said with a smile. "Now, let's finish up breakfast and then you can start getting ready for your trip into town."

Jester nodded eagerly.

Breakfast was far less chaotic than the dinner had been last night. It seemed like the early morning sun and the excitement of the new day made the two Demi-Demons more controlled and focused. They sat at the table, enjoying their pancakes and engaging in light conversation. Lumi couldn't help but feel relief seeing Jester's enthusiasm for the upcoming trip. It was a reminder that even though she wasn't like Lumi, she still held the same eagerness towards things in the same manner.

As they finished their breakfast, Lumi couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within her. She knew that their trip into town would be more than just a simple errand to return books. It would be an opportunity for Jester to experience the world beyond their secluded cottage and her old home of Bellcrest, and for Lumi to witness her friend's infectious curiosity in action.

Jester and Lenix polished off a total of twenty pancakes between the two of them, and they were still devouring the sausages and berries while Lumi and Lucky were clearing the table and washing the dishes. Lumi tried to tell herself to understand their advanced appetite, but it was such a bizarre concept that she couldn't help but chuckle to herself. As they finished up, Lumi turned to Jester and said, "Alright, Jester, it's time to get ready for our trip. We'll need to gather everything we need and make sure we're ready for whatever we may encounter, although Edgerest is a relatively peaceful place, so I don’t think we’ll need to worry about anything.”

A spark of excitement radiated from Jester's eyes as she excitedly nodded and jumped up, her chair slipping backwards. “Disguise me, I need one!"

Lenix scoffed, "You'll need a hat. A big one, so you're not mistaken for a bigfoot."

In a huff, Jester splashed her water at him, then tramped over to Lumi. "Are there any disguise clothes I could wear? No big hats, like Lenix said?"

"Well, I don't really have clothes in the disguise category, but I do have some jackets and stuff in my room. Come with me, I'm sure I have something in your size."

As they approached Lumi's room, Jester couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The prospect of finding the perfect disguise for their trip to town filled her with anticipation, making her feel like she was a superhero in the fantasy books she had read as a kid. She knew that with the right outfit, she could blend in seamlessly and explore the village without drawing too much attention. She hadn’t seen much of Edgerest when she and Lenix had scrambled into Lumi’s backyard, so she was eager to see what it looked like, what places were open, what the smells were like, and how the Elves lived their daily lives. However, she could sense Lumi’s apprehension about going into an Elven town with a Demon in tow, so she silently promised herself to be on her best behavior.

Lumi opened the door to her bedroom, stepping to the side to allow Jester to walk in. The room was like a portal into a purely green landscape. Green walls, green carpet, green bedspread, and of course, green plants. Jester felt incredibly out of place in the room, her red color scheme a stark contrast to the innocent green world she now stood in.

Turning to face Lumi, she gestured to the green color scheme. “Why so much green? It’s it a bit…boring?”

“Not at all,” Lumi shook her head as she made her way over to her wardrobe across from her bed. “Green symbolizes growth and new beginnings. I like to think that green is my soul color.”

“Soul color? That’s a thing?” Jester asked, tilting her head. “Would my soul color be red, then?”

Lumi chuckled, pulling the wardrobe doors open with a flourish. “I would think so, yes.”

“Awesome! I love the color red. Hey, what does the color red symbolize?” She bounced over to Lumi’s side, peering eagerly over her shoulder, her tail wagging happily like a dog.

“From what I remember, I believe red symbolizes warmth and courage, as well as passion and desire.” Lumi said, pushing aside some dresses and long coats on hangers. “It’s a more fierce color than green, obviously. I think it also means strength and energy. That fits you pretty well, doesn’t it?” She looked over her shoulder at Jester with a smile.

“Yep! I have lots of courage!” Jester began flexing her muscles, which were minuscule in size, but visible enough that Lumi could see the indentations on her stomach as her shirt rose from her rapid arm movements.

“Okay, let’s focus.” Lumi laughed, crouching down to sift through the folded shirts and blouses in the bottom drawers. “Let’s see…I don’t have anything that would constitute ‘disguise’...maybe this?” She pulled out a lime green sleeveless sweater vest and showed it to Jester.

Jester instantly wrinkled her nose and shook her head violently. “Nope. That’s ugly.”

“Don’t be rude, it’s not ugly.” Lumi said, defensively holding the sweater vest to her chest. “My mother made it for me.”

“She didn’t do a very good job,” Jester said, then clicked her tongue. “So sad.”

“Oh, stop it.” Lumi folded it back up and placed it gently where it had been previously. “All I have are clothes in different green shades…oh, except for this, but it’s old and I doubt it could still function like it’s supposed to.”

“What’s old?” Jester sat down beside Lumi and peeked her head inside the wardrobe, eyeing what Lumi was holding in her hands. The old red jacket Lumi was holding in her hands was a piece of clothing that had seen better days. The deep red hue was faded and the sleek design was now wrinkled and creased. The limp hood drooped from its edges, and the fabric had been eaten away by moths in several places. Despite its aged appearance, however, the jacket was still intact, and Jester eagerly grabbed it from Lumi and slipped it on.

“Uh…are you sure you want to wear that? It’s…very old.” Lumi stood up, an uncertain look on her face. “Perhaps Lucky can make you a sweater with her magic. It won’t take long at all.”

Jester put on the jacket, fastened it along the front, and showed an ecstatic smile with her tail joyfully wagging. "Wow, this is incredibly soft! Poor thing, abandoned in that wicked closet filled with greens."

Lumi shook her head, unable to hide a subtle smile. "I didn't think you'd like it so much. It's been many years since I've worn that jacket."

As Jester continued to admire the red jacket, she noticed an embroidered patch on one of the sleeves. The intricate design depicted a regal lion, its golden mane shimmering in the dim light of the room. "Hey, what's this?" she asked, tracing a finger over the symbol.

"That was my elementary school's emblem," Lumi explained, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "I used to be part of the fencing team, and this jacket belonged to our uniform. My mother had sewn it on for me."

Jester looked even more impressed now. "You were a fencer? That must've been amazing!"

Lumi chuckled softly and brushed away an invisible speck of dust from another green clothing item she was holding. "It was quite the experience, indeed. I met some wonderful people and learned valuable skills." She paused for a moment, then chuckled. "But that was a lifetime ago."

“Can I wear it for when we go out? I promise I won’t break it or anything.” Jester flipped the hood over her face, the top of it falling over her eyes and acting as a temporary blindfold.

Lumi hesitated for a moment, watching Jester playfully struggle with the oversized hood. She couldn't help but be amused by her friend's enthusiasm. "Alright," she conceded with a smile, "you can wear it, but be careful with it. That jacket holds a lot of memories for me."

Jester cheered and darted out of the room, already shouting to Lenix about her ‘brand new super-amazing jacket.’ Lumi laughed and shut her wardrobe doors gently, shaking her head. 

Taking a Demi-Demon around Edgerest is probably the most dangerous thing I’ll ever do, Lumi thought as she sifted through her dresser drawers for something for herself to wear. But it’s not like I can just leave her with Lucky. That would be far too difficult for her to handle. Lumi couldn't help but wonder how Jester would react to being in an Elven environment. Would she be curious, or would she feel shunned by a community so different from her own? I'll need to keep a close eye on her and maybe even teach her a bit about our customs to avoid any conflict, Lumi realized, with a hint of determination.

Jester reappeared wearing the treasured jacket with pride, the oversized hood still obscuring her eyes. "This jacket is so comfortable!" she exclaimed, grinning as she managed to pull the hood back just enough to see. "You sure you want to let me borrow it?"

Lumi eyed her cautiously but couldn't resist smiling back. "Yes, but just remember what I said. Take care of it and don't do anything too crazy while you're wearing it."

"Awesome!" Jester exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm gonna go show off to Lucky this time!" She made a move to leave the green kaleidoscope of a bedroom, adorned with colorful hanging plants and other various knick-knacks that she couldn’t name, but stopped just short of the door. She hesitated for a moment before flipping back around, curiosity glinting in her eyes. "Why are we going into town again?"

Lumi frowned at the sudden question, her brow furrowing. Then, she chuckled warmly, shaking her head in amusement. "I have to return a library book," she explained, reaching over to her desk and holding up the worn brown paperback.

“Library book?”

"Yes. I enjoy reading, so I often check out library books," Lumi replied as she grabbed her book bag from atop her desk and gently slid the book inside.

"Why? Reading is boring. All you do is sit there and read a bunch of words. Nothing fun ever happens," Jester remarked, wrinkling her nose.

"That's because all the fun comes from your head," Lumi countered as she slipped on her treasured green trench coat. "Imagine what you're reading as though it's happening right in front of you—the events unfolding like reality. That's what I do, which makes it far more entertaining."

"That sounds really complicated." Jester said with a pout. "I don't think I could do that. Sounds really hard. How do you even do that?"

"Well, it's not as hard as you think," Lumi explained patiently. "First, you need to find a book that interests you. Then, as you read, visualize each scene in your mind and let your imagination take over. Think of the characters and their voices, the surroundings, and how the story plays out. The more details you imagine, the more vivid and enjoyable it becomes. With practice, it'll become second nature to you."

Jester gazed at Lumi in utter disbelief, as if she had just sprouted a second head right before his eyes. “Can you…repeat all of that?”

Lumi laughed aloud and slung her bag over her shoulder, slipping her feet into her boots. “Come along. It’s not too far of a walk to the library. Maybe, if you’re interested, we can check out a book for you to read.”

“No, thanks!” Jester said happily, then bounded out of the room with a skip in her step.

Lumi faltered for a second, then chuckled and shook her head. I see there’s never gonna be a dull moment between us.