Realm of Token

 Lumi sat on the couch, desperately seeking solace in her living room. However, the chaos caused by Lucky, Jester, and Lenix proved to be too overwhelming. She yearned for the tranquility of a quiet space and a tidy home, but since the arrival of the two Demi-Demons, that peace had been disrupted. With her pen loosely gripped in her hand, she stared at the empty pages of her notebook, unsure of where to begin with her nightly writing routine.

Meanwhile, Jester and Lenix remained completely oblivious to Lumi's longing for calmness as they engaged in a heated argument. Lenix complained about Jester's incessant talking, while Jester simply brushed it off by labeling him as stupid. Lumi couldn't help but secretly find amusement in their bickering.

"You never stop talking! How in the hell do you even know so many words?" Lenix snapped, his tail betraying his irritation with an upward flick.

"I'm a genius, that's why!" Jester retorted, defiantly crossing her arms. Lumi struggled to suppress a laugh. "Besides, I've spent more time observing the Elves than you have."

"Maybe you should spend more time observing how to be less annoying," Lenix grumbled, placing his hands on his hips.

Lucky intervened, attempting to diffuse the escalating tension. "Let's not start a big argument right now. You two are constantly at each other's throats, and it's far from healthy."

"Blame him! He's always calling me names!" Jester pointed an accusatory finger at Lenix's chest. "If anything, he's the one who's stupid because he doesn't even know how strong I am."

Lenix scoffed and brushed her hand away. "Then prove it."

In a split second, Jester lunged at him like a cat pouncing on its prey. The two of them tumbled through the living room and unexpectedly crashed through the backdoor, landing in Lumi's garden. Irritated and frustrated, Lumi groaned loudly and flung herself onto a pile of pillows nestled against the arm of the couch.

Lucky let out another heavy sigh and shifted on the couch, moving Lumi's feet aside before sitting down and placing a hand on her forehead.

"Are you feeling alright?" Lumi asked, her concern evident in her muffled voice.

"I'm...fine," Lucky replied, her voice filled with exhaustion. "I just can't seem to keep up with those Demons."

"Neither can I," Lumi said, frustration creeping into her tone. She sat up and adjusted herself into a sitting position. "I mean, just earlier today, Jester threw someone into a horse trough! A freaking horse trough, Lucky! And she did it so effortlessly as if she was plucking a blade of grass instead of lifting a grown Elven man."

Lucky sighed again, reaching over to upright a toppled vase of lilies and daisies on the coffee table. "Well, we have been well aware of their abundant energy. Did anyone become suspicious of her?"

"No, not really, they were just surprised," Lumi said, closing her book and tossing it onto the coffee table with a thump. "I'm thankful for that, but I still don't understand what made her want to intervene in their argument in the first place. She was doing so well, too! So well behaved and didn't run off or cause any problems until we started to walk through the market." She sighed and dramatically flopped her head into Lucky's lap with a moan.

Lucky laughed and placed her hand on Lumi's head. "It sounds like Jester's mischievous nature got the better of her. Sometimes her impulsive actions just can't be predicted. But hey, at least no one got hurt, right?"

Lumi nodded, her voice muffled by Lucky's lap. "Yeah, that's true. I just hope she learns to channel her energy into something more productive. Maybe we can find a way to occupy her with activities that align with her adventurous spirit. Lenix wasn’t any trouble with you today, was he? I picture him as more of a laid-back type of guy, you know?”

“Oh, it was the quietest afternoon I’d ever witnessed. He just laid on the couch the entire time and slept. During the sparse times that he was awake, he would make his way to the kitchen, get himself whatever he wanted, then travel back to the couch. Not a single fuss out of him. He is certainly the type to take care of himself.” Lucky said with a laugh.

“I’m glad for that.” Lumi let out a sigh and rolled onto her back, gazing up at Lucky. “We seem to have Lenix figured out, so what about Jester? She’s an entire different situation. Even though they’re both Demons, she seems to have so much more energy and enthusiasm than Lenix.”

Lucky's hand continued to caress Lumi's head as they both brainstormed ideas. "We could introduce her to sports, or maybe some sort of creative outlet like painting or music. It might help her find a healthy outlet for that abundant energy of hers."

Lumi lifted her head, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "That's a great idea! We should totally give it a try. Maybe she just needs a new hobby to keep her occupied and focused."

Lucky smiled warmly at her friend. "Exactly. And who knows, maybe through exploring these new activities, she'll discover hidden talents or interests that will positively shape her behavior."

Lumi grinned back, feeling optimistic about the potential solutions. "I think you're onto something, Lucky. Let's give it a shot and see how it goes. Jester may surprise us all yet."

While Lumi and Lucky contemplated potential hobbies to pique Jester's interest, the two demons had ceased their fighting and now rested on the concrete patio in the backyard. Surrounding them were an array of swaying plants and bushes. Jester gazed up at the moon and stars, her breathing still heavy from their intense duel. Lenix lay nearby, his arms crossed over his chest.

Jester turned her head towards Lenix, scrutinizing his face to see if he was still upset. "Hey, Lenix... have you calmed down?"

He responded with a single huff.

"I'm sorry I bit you," Jester mumbled. "It was just a defensive reaction."

There was a moment of silence before Lenix sighed and looked towards her. "I don't care anymore; I'm not mad."

"You're not? That's great!" Jester sat up, a radiant smile illuminating her face. "I really don't like it when people are angry with me, so I'm glad we could work this out."

"Yeah, whatever." Lenix shifted his gaze towards the sky, his red eyes reflecting the brilliance of the stars above them. "By the way... you're not planning on staying in Edgerest forever, are you?"

Jester hesitated for a moment, raising an eyebrow at his question. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that this is an Elven village, you dumbass. We don't belong here. When we left Bellcrest, I told you that I was never going back there, but that doesn't mean I want to stay in some Elven town for the rest of my life.”

"Where else are you planning on going?" Jester asked, tilting her head to the side.

"I don't know," Lenix answered honestly, as he moved into a sitting position. "Somewhere...where I can be alone. I have dedicated my entire life to serving others in Bellcrest with their stupid weapons...Now, I want to focus on serving myself."

“Serving yourself? But where’s the fun in that?” Jester asked with a confused look on her face. She crawled over to sit beside him, her tail flopping over her legs. “That sounds awfully boring. And besides, where would you even want to go other than this place? The food is so good and the colors are all over the place!”

“I don’t care about the food and colors and crap. I just want my own place.” Lenix stood up, walking over to the fence on the farthest side of Lumi’s backyard, gazing out into the forest seeming to stretch on for an eternity. “My own house and my own property.”

Jester cocked her head to the side. “Why do you want that so bad? You never said anything about it in Bellcrest. You just went on and on and on about how badly you wanted to leave.”

Lenix sighed. “Yeah, I wanted to leave, and now I have. Which means there’s a whole world that I have never see before. Edgerest is just…I don’t know…a pit stop or something.”

Jester watched him for a long while in silence, her mind buzzing but she had no idea what to do with all that buzzing. She tapped her chin thoughtfully, her thoughts meandering as she tried to understand Lenix's longing for a life outside of Edgerest. To her, Edgerest felt like the perfect town, a haven compared to Bellcrest. The colors in Edgerest were vibrant, and the food was delicious, and the people were nicer; why would anyone want to leave? 

In Bellcrest, things had always seemed so dreary and monotonous. The dominating gray hues clashed with Jester's love for bright colors, and the Demon’s closed-off demeanor only served to push her further into her own picture of a ‘perfect world’. She'd never understood why Lenix seemed so eager to abandon Bellcrest when they’d first met; she'd simply been content with the fact that he was just as unhappy and confused there as she'd been.

"Why leave?" Jester muttered to herself, still unable to wrap her mind around his desire to explore other places. She wondered if Lenix truly longed for solitude or if perhaps there was more to it than that. Maybe he was searching for some sort of personal fulfillment he couldn't find in Edgerest or even Bellcrest.

As Jester's thoughts continued to wander like an untethered balloon carried away by the wind, she began thinking about her own experiences in comparison to Lenix’s journey. She wondered if maybe Lenix saw something unique in Token that appealed to him on a deep level. The same way Edgerest had filled her heart with joy and affirmed her decision to want to stay; maybe Token held some unknown happiness for him.

Jester now turned and looked at him, a smile on her face. “Edgerest isn’t so bad, Lenix. And Lumi and Lucky are super nice. Maybe we can stay here just a little longer, then we can leave.”

“You don’t get it,” Lenix growled, releasing a long sigh. “We’re Demons, Jester. We weren’t supposed to even talk to Elves, let along temporarily move in with them. By staying here, we’re putting them in danger. Elves and Demons don’t go together, haven’t you learned anything about the old war?”

Jester stood, placing her hands on her hips. “Why is everybody talking about the stupid Elven-Demon war, huh? That was sooooo long ago! It’s old news!”

“It doesn’t matter how long ago it was, it still happened!” Lenix snapped. “Elves don’t easily forget, and Demons don’t easily forgive. That’s the whole reason our races are separated in the first place!”

“I think this whole prejudice thing is stupid,” Jester crossed her arms, turning her head away from him. “What’s the point in spending your whole life hating others when you could be spending it having fun with them? Everyone is so judgy and pushy and stubborn. That’s why I never liked Bellcrest very much. Nobody had any real fun, and whenever someone got hurt, everyone just laughed. Sure, when I was little, I laughed too, but now…it doesn’t really seem funny anymore. I want my own place, too, but I don’t want to be alone hating on all the Elves for something that happened with their ancestors over a thousand years ago. What would be the fun in that? Besides, we’re all pretty much immortal, so we’d be wasting away for eternity regretting the fact that we hated others for so long that we never even got to really meet them.”

Lenix stared at her, his crimson eyes blown wide. He’s never heard so many words come out of her mouth, let along having those words make sense and actually make him feel a little bad. He was shocked by Jester's unexpected outburst, considering he had never imagined that she held such a disdain for the old prejudices, especially regarding the Elves. The notion of questioning age-old grudges was foreign to him; that Jester, someone he had known for some time now, felt this way made him feel uneasy and question his own beliefs.

As he mulled over her words, Lenix couldn't deny the truth in them. In the time he'd spent within Edgerest's boundaries, he saw how living beings could live together without resorting to senseless conflict. It made him curious about what it would be like to spend his time with Jester as she ventured beyond the village limits in search of a place where everyone coexisted peacefully. Although, he doubted such a place even existed.

He let out a sigh and shoved his hands into his pockets, scraping the tip of his shoe against the soft soil among the tomato plants. "Life isn't that simple."

"Well, someday, I'll make life perfect," Jester declared with a resolute nod.

Raising an eyebrow, Lenix tilted his head. "Really? And how do you plan to do that?"

Jester's confidence wavered, and she lowered her gaze. "I'm not sure. I just know that eventually, I'll use my power to unify Demons and Elves. It'll be incredible, and nobody will hate each other anymore."

"Do you honestly believe you can change the entire world on your own?" Lenix chuckled.

With a playful grin and what seemed like a faint blush to Lenix, Jester shook her head. "Nope, not when I've got you with me."

Before he could even think of a suitable reply, an odd sound captured their interest. Startled, they both froze, their ears perking up towards the far left corner of the backyard fence where it met the slightly cracked cobblestone street. The disquieting tap of an unnervingly sharp cane puncturing the ground sent shivers up their spines. The sound seemed to be coming from every direction all at once, echoing off the houses and trees, making it impossible for the two to decipher where it was truly coming from. 

Until a gentle, nonchalant whistle broke through the silence of the night. A tune that carried an air of lightness and calmness, as if the owner of such a tune had not a single care in the world. Intrigued, both Jester and Lenix crept up to the side of the fence, peeking over as slowly as they could.

The eerie whistler first drew their attention, as no one else ventured in the middle of the night. A tall man strolled down the moonlit streets, his footsteps tapping out a rhythmic dance upon the cobblestones. His cane punctuated the melody with each jab into the compact stones, adding a gruff tone. With closed eyes and an expression of serenity, his face was akin to a carefree child.

“Who the hell is this? Is he drunk?” Lenix whispered. 

“I don’t know. Maybe he’s lost…or insane.” Jester replied, tilting her head. “He’s dressed super fancy. Maybe he’s going to some kind of meeting or something.”

“This late? There are no meetings in the middle of the night unless you’re loaded with money.” Lenix shook his head. “Sure, he’s dressed like he’s rich, but I doubt it.”

Jester watched the man as he continued his little dance, her eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. “Where do you think he’s going, then?”

“How should I know?” Lenix asked with a scoff. “He probably got drunk and now he’s on his way home.”

The man pranced along the street until he unexpectedly halted, his whistling silenced. With swift agility, he spun around, his bright yellow eyes scanning everything behind him like a microscope. Jester and Lenix ducked below the fence in a hurry, their ears straining to determine if the man would carry on or not. Through a slight crack in the wooden fence, Jester watched him carefully, a feeling of uneasiness washing over her.

The man continued to stare behind him, as if he really was seeing something out of the ordinary. Chuckling, he spun his cane around and gleefully skipped up the porch steps of the house beside him.

“Thank god he’s leaving.” Lenix released a breath of relief, resting his back against the fence. “What a whackjob.”

Jester narrowed her eyes, staring at the house he was standing in front of. The familiar flower pots decorating the steps, the elegant iron railing, and the peach color of the door. She gasped and jumped to her feet. “He’s knocking on Lumi’s door!”

From their spot on the couch, both Elves perked up at the gentle knocking at the door. 

“Visitors at this hour? Odd,” Lucky muttered with a puzzled expression, glancing at Lumi. “Were you expecting someone?”

“Not to my knowledge, no.” Lumi stood and brushed off her pants before making her way to the door, sliding the lock and pulling it open slowly. “Hello?”

“Why, hello there, my dear!” A tall and lanky man bellowed, lifting his top hat and bowing before her. “I apologize for the intrusion. May I come in for a brief moment? I've lost something precious to a friend, and I must retrieve it.”

Lumi eyed him warily, trying to place his face and voice with a memory in her mind. The stranger was perplexing. His purple steampunk suit and elegant cane clashed with the typical attire of Edgerest, indicating he was from out of town. Particularly striking were his yellow eyes contrasting with his light purple hair—an uncommon Elven appearance.

Collecting herself, Lumi gripped the doorknob with both hands. “I’m sorry, but I don't usually let strangers into my home at midnight. What have you lost?”

“Perhaps we could help you find it? A watch or a book?” Lucky chimed in, stepping beside Lumi.

The man laughed, replacing his hat gently on his head. “Oh no, nothing like that. You see, I've been searching far and wide for two misfits who fled from their ruler's embrace. She has requested my aid in bringing them back. She pleaded outright.”

Lumi and Lucky exchanged puzzled glances.

“Two misfits? Ruler?” Lumi echoed, attempting to comprehend what he meant. “What ruler are you talking about?”

“The Demon Queen!” He claimed as he strolled past them into the living room, casually examining random objects with his cane. “Please forgive my manners; you can call me Ringmaster. And no introductions needed—I already know who you both are.”

“How would you know that?” Lucky inquired skeptically.

Ringmaster merely smiled and wagged his finger, “A magician never reveals his secrets!”

Lumi's heart pounded as she glanced toward the backyard window, sensing that Ringmaster knew far more than he revealed. His jovial facade felt forced, as though he aimed to deceive or misdirect them. His mention of the Demon Queen made her thoughts turn to Jester and Lenix.

“In the interest of time, let's get to the point,” Ringmaster announced after perusing the living room. “Two Demons—Demi-Demons to be precise, one male and one female. My instincts tell me they've been here.”

Both Lumi and Lucky froze, their breath catching in their throats. Their expressions morphed from confusion to panic. Lumi’s eyes shifted from the window to Ringmaster, her hands clenching into fists as she fell to her ability to completely over-panic with rambling thoughts. Her mind raced, her thoughts a tempest of fear and indecision. What if this stranger discovered Jester and Lenix? The thought of betraying them tore at her heart, yet the alternative – defying him – would put all their lives in jeopardy. Lumi's breaths came fast as her frantic thoughts swirled and spiraled.

How could I decide between loyalty to my friends and the safety of myself and Lucky? Visions of punishment for aiding demons haunted her, but would it be worth it if it meant protecting those she cared for? Why do these things always happen to me, in the midst of my own house, no less!

Passing moments only intensified Lumi's panic, her thoughts growing ever more tangled with each nerve-wracking second. She feared the unknown consequences that could await them whichever path she took. Her heart thumped violently in her chest, yearning for a solution that would save both Jester and Lenix without risking their own lives.

The room seemed to close in around her as desperation mounted, each wild thought racing like a deer pursued by wolves. As Lumi stumbled on one seemingly impossible choice after another, she struggled to find a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

Lucky knew she had to help her friend, so she approached Ringmaster with confidence. "Excuse me, sir," she said politely, catching the Ringmaster's attention. "I have been in Edgerest my entire life, and I can assure you that there are no demons here. In fact, the locals have maintained a peaceful and tranquil environment without any supernatural disturbances. I highly recommend you search elsewhere for any demonic presence, as you won't find any in our peaceful town of Edgerest."

Ringmaster quirked a brow, tilting his head to the side with canine curiosity. "Oh? Look elsewhere? And where might you suggest I look?"

Lumi, the self-proclaimed expert on Token's geography, finally found her voice. "Well, Mirstone and Berkton aren’t too far away. T-those could be good places to search since… there are no Demons here."

Ringmaster’s eyes danced between the two before a laugh erupted from his chest so loud and abrupt that it made Lumi and Lucky leap in surprise. “Oh, you two are certainly amusing, I must admit.” But just as quickly as it began, his laughter subsided. He took slow, measured steps towards Lumi, stopping mere inches from her face. “Then kindly explain to me why you have the stench of Demon all over you.”

Lumi stared into his eyes, her breath catching as his right eye was partially obscured by his hair. She trembled under his intense gaze, feeling a lump of pure fear form in her throat. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, as if desperate to escape. She forced herself to look elsewhere, trying hard to settle her breathing.

"One last time," Ringmaster turned his attention to Lucky for a brief moment before returning his focus to Lumi. He placed the tip of the cane under her chin, forcing her to meet his piercing stare. "Tell me where they are and do not waste time lying."

Gripped by panic, Lumi's heart pounded in her chest like a drum. Desperate to distance herself from the intimidating stranger, she blurted out the first name that sprang to mind. “Jester!”

In an instant, a plume of red and black smoke billowed around her, and Jester materialized, summoned by Lumi's desperate plea. Determined to protect her newfound friend, Jester coiled her arm back, her muscles rippling. With a swift, precise strike, she landed a punch square on Ringmaster's face. The impact sent him hurtling backwards, shooting down the corridor like a projectile launched from a cannon.

He collided with the distal wall with such force that it shattered, sending wooden splinters and upturned potted plants scattering across the polished floor. The impact stirred up a cloud of dust that slithered through the corridor like a horde of spiders. The only proof to Ringmaster's abrupt departure were the black skid marks his boots had etched into the floor.

With a triumphant grin, Jester turned to Lumi and Lucky, her eyes twinkling with the thrill of battle. "Hi, Lumi.” she said, her voice filled with a warmth that was a stark contrast to what had just happened.

Lumi gaped at her, her green eyes as wide as saucers. “Wha…what the heck!?”

Jester frowned, tilting her head. “You sound mad.”

“Of course I’m mad! You just blew a hole in the wall of my house!” Lumi shouted, gesturing to where Ringmaster’s body had flown as if he weighed no more than a flimsy piece of paper. 

“You called my name, so I came to help!” Jester said defensively, looking from the hole in the hole in the wall to Lumi. “Was that not what you wanted? Sorry, I forgot to tell you that I could teleport. My oopsie.”

“Your oopsie?! I wanted your help, but I didn’t want you to destroy my house!” Lumi snapped.

“Well, be more specific next time!” Jester snapped back, placing her hands on her hips.

“Jester, do you know who this man is?” Lucky asked, taking a step towards her. “Have you seen him before?”

Jester paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. Her gaze drifted lazily around the room before she shrugged, shaking her head. “Nope. Lenix and I spotted him busting some moves in the middle of the street and were totally baffled. He seems loaded, though, considering the snazzy suit he’s wearing. Why, do you know him?”

“No, but he claims to know us, which is odd, given that we’ve never crossed paths before.” Lucky answered, folding her arms casually over her chest. “Weird. He doesn’t seem extraordinarily powerful, which is a good thing, I guess. We should probably come up with some sort of game plan while we have this window of time. He expressed his intentions of taking you and Lenix back to the Demon Queen.”

“He does?” Jester perked up, her mind instantly thinking back to Kurja back in Bellcrest. The Queen…is Kurja in trouble? No…she’s smart…way smarter than me, honestly. And the Queen really liked her, right? So if Kurja isn’t the problem…then why would the Queen want me and Lenix back? It’s not like we stole anything from her or anything. All we did was leave Bellcrest in a super fashionable way, might I add. What could she possibly want with us? She doesn’t…want us to join her army, does she?

The peaceful discussion abruptly ended with the deafening crash from the backyard. An explosion followed, its shockwave rumbling through the living room, toppling plants from shelves and dishes from cabinets. The ground beneath them shifted, sending the trio stumbling. 

Lumi let out a terrified scream, reaching out blindly and latching onto Jester. Jester reacted instinctively, shielding Lumi and Lucky with her body. She flexed her tail for balance, her eyes darting around the room, assessing the situation. Her ears twitched, attuned to every sound, even those miles away.

Lumi and Lucky each clung to Jester’s shoulders, practically helpless against this strange new threat.

As the echoing boom receded, they found their footing. Their ears, still ringing, slowly regained their sense of hearing. They stood up straighter, each breath echoing in the silence that followed the chaos.

Jester stayed silent, her ears straining for any further signs of danger. The quiet was unsettling. She stepped forward, the crunch of shattered glass and wood splinters breaking the silence. She let out a breath, smiled, and hands on her hips, she broke the silence. "Well, that was strange. I wonder what it--"

Her words were cut off as the wall opposite them exploded. Wood, brick, and foliage became airborne missiles, filling the room with chaos. Jester's shriek cut through the noise as she dove behind the couch, lifting it as a makeshift shield. Lumi and Lucky scrambled to join her, hiding from the storm of debris.

With a grimace etched deeply on her face, Jester sucked in a shaky breath and cautiously lifted her head over the top of the couch. She watched in disbelief as Ringmaster sauntered into the room through the massive hole he'd just created, acting as if it were an ordinary entrance. His clothes were unblemished, his demeanor unruffled, causing Jester to question whether her attack had ever made contact. But it was Lenix that seized her attention most. Ringmaster held him by the throat, his grip unyielding and merciless. Jester’s eyes widened and she launched to her feet.

“Hey, you let him go! That’s not very nice!” She shouted, stomping her foot. “And Lumi just said that she doesn’t like a bunch of holes in her house like Swiss Cheese, were you not listening?!”

Ringmaster grinned, once again revealing his sharp teeth, more akin to a vampire if anything else. “We could have done this nice and calmly, but you chose violence. I shall not complain too much, however, since I too enjoy a little bit of enticing action every now and then.”

Lenix growled, gripping Ringmaster’s hand, clawing like an animal caught in a hunter’s trap. His tail whipped about wildly, as if seeking something to anchor onto.

Ringmaster fixed his gaze center on Jester, his eyes a menacing glow that made her spin tingle. “Dearest Jester, you must face the situation with a least a modicum of honesty. I cannot be defeated, so I hope you will save yourself the trouble. The Demon Queen has given me a task, and I aim to accomplish it, with or without your cooperation.”

“He’s an asshole, Jester, just run!” Lenix growled out. Ringmaster huffed and tightened his grip on his throat, causing Lenix to squirm just a little less than before.

Jester, acting impulsively and without fully thinking through her plan of action, leapt over the couch with surprising agility. The adrenaline pumping through her veins allowed her to gracefully slide across the coffee table, scattering various knick-knacks in her wake. As she lunged towards Ringmaster, her eyes were locked in a steely glare, signaling just how intent she was on landing a punch like before. Her arm was drawn back, fist clenched and ready to strike. 

However, Ringmaster was clearly prepared for her assault this time. As Jester's fist shot toward him, he expertly caught it in his gloved hand, his grip firm and unyielding. With a swift and precise motion, he twisted her arm, sending a jolt of pain shooting through her body. Jester winced but refused to cry out, determined not to give Ringmaster any satisfaction.

As Lumi and Lucky watched on in shock and helplessness, Ringmaster tightened his hold on Jester's arm, forcing her into a vulnerable position. In one smooth motion, he released her arm and swiftly grabbed her by the throat instead. He held her off the ground slightly, smirking at the desperation in her eyes as she struggled for air.

"Did you really think you could take me down that easily?" Ringmaster taunted, applying more pressure with each word. The rest of the room seemed to fade away as Jester's mind raced for a way to escape from his deadly grip. “Clearly, your cooperation will not be available this time around. No matter. The Queen instructed that I bring you to her alive and well, and that is exactly what I shall do.”

While Lumi and Lucky continued to cower behind the couch, feeling inadequate and powerless, they knew they couldn't just hide while the Demons were in danger. As Elves, they didn’t have the raw strength to match a Demon, but they were resourceful and had their wits about them. It was one of the Elves most treasured aspects of their nature; their innate ability to find solutions in the most desolate of situations.

Lumi's eyes darted around the room desperately, searching for any item or potential plan of action that could come to Jester's and Lenix’s aid. She whispered her ideas to Lucky as quickly as they came to her. Lucky nodded her agreement as Lumi shared her thoughts, trying to think of any other ideas she could add.

"Perhaps we can create a distraction, something bright or loud—enough to grab Ringmaster's attention for just a moment," Lucky suggested, his eyes flicking back and forth between Jester and Lenix, and the seemingly insurmountable opponent who held her captive.

Lumi nodded, struck with sudden inspiration. "There are those old fireworks in the cabinet," she said excitedly. "The ones we used during last year's winter festival! We could set them off in here…the noise and light might create enough confusion for Jester to break free." The pair hesitated for just a moment longer before concluding that it was their best chance at helping their friend.

With as much stealth as they could muster, Lumi and Lucky dashed from behind the couch and rummaged through the cabinet, finding the package of fireworks and matches just as they remembered. Their hearts raced in fear but also determination.

Lucky glanced back toward Jester and Lenix, gasping and struggling against Ringmaster's iron grip on her neck. She knew they didn't have much time—they needed to act now.

As Lumi struck a match and prepared to light the fireworks, Lucky whispered a quick incantation—something she’s picked up while learning about spells from an Elven mage she admired. She hoped it might amplify the brightness and sound of the fireworks, making their attempt even more difficult for Ringmaster to ignore.

With a swift motion, Lumi and Lucky lit the fuse, sending the brilliant, dazzling display into action. As the room filled with blinding light and deafening noise, Ringmaster's attention wavered for just a moment—exactly what they needed to buy Jester and Lenix precious time.

As the fireworks exploded in a dazzling display outside, Ringmaster's attention was momentarily drawn away from Jester and Lenix. Seizing the opportunity, they wriggled free from his powerful grip. With lightning speed, they sprang into action.

Jester and Lenix deftly threw a series of punches and kicks, but Ringmaster, cunning as he was, managed to dodge most of their attacks with grace and agility. Sweat began to pour down their brows as they continued to battle him with all their might.

Realizing they were running out of options, Jester and Lenix glanced around the room for any makeshift weapons. Their eyes fell upon various household objects and furniture. With sheer tenacity, they began to wield these items in inventive ways for their assault.

Jester grabbed a nearby lamp, swinging it wildly at Ringmaster who managed to duck just in time. From the other side, Lenix hurled a book with deadly accuracy. However, Ringmaster caught it midair and tossed it back with ease. A chaotic ballet of improvised weapons unfolded in the room – chairs flew through the air while vases shattered at rapid speed.

In the midst of all this, Lumi and Lucky had made a quick getaway outside to avoid both the firefight of fireworks and the intense confrontation between their friends and Ringmaster.

Despite their non-stop barrage of unconventional attacks, Jester and Lenix saw little success in fazing their agile opponent. They knew that they'd have to think outside the box if they had any chance of defeating someone as strategic as Ringmaster.

As Jester reeled back for another swing with an ornate umbrella and Lenix prepared to throw a baguette like a spear, both exchanged determined looks. It was time to formulate a new plan – one that would surely bring down Ringmaster once and for all.

"Lenix, we need to change our approach," Jester said, panting. "These attacks just aren't working. He’s like a God or something.”

"I was thinking the same thing," Lenix replied, grasping the baguette tightly. "We need something bigger - something he won't see coming."

In unison, their eyes fell upon the grand dining table in the middle of the kitchen, sitting innocently like dining tables mostly did. An idea came to life between them - a desperate, but powerful solution.

"What if we..." Jester started, gesturing towards the table.

"Use it as a shield and ram right into him?" Lenix finished excitedly. They exchanged fast nods before moving into position.

Without hesitation, they swept the expensive plates and cutlery off the dining table, causing it to shake violently in protest. Carefully gripping either side of the wooden furniture, Jester marshaled her strength with Lenix's support.

"What do you say we give him a taste of his own medicine?" Jester suggested, grinning despite their life-and-death situation.

Lenix chuckled darkly. "I've always thought poetic justice had a certain... ring to it."

The master plan unfolded as they grabbed Lumi's dining table, lifting it with surprising ease. They positioned it in front of them like a makeshift shield, their eyes fixed on the menacing Ringmaster. With a burst of adrenaline-fueled strength, they charged straight at him.

The table collided with the Ringmaster, catching him off guard. His eyes widened in shock just before the impact sent him flying backward through the large hole he had created in Lumi's wall. The villain landed with a crash amidst the debris outside.

Lumi stared in disbelief at her home, now reduced to a chaos-strewn battleground right before her eyes. Panic welled up inside her as she saw her once cozy dwelling transformed into a disaster area. She frantically wrung her hands together, her chest rising and falling rapidly. 

Lucky quickly noticed Lumi's distress and rushed over to comfort her. She placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, trying her best to offer calming words amidst the chaos, but it was obvious that nothing was going to soothe her, so she settled for holding her close, watching as the fireworks they had set off slowly begin to light the ceiling on fire in a crimson haze. The fire from the booming fireworks licked up the sides of Lumi’s house, making her beloved plants shrivel back as if they too wanted to get away from the burning blaze.

The roaring fire caused by the fireworks quickly spread across the wooden beams, racing through her home like a hungry beast consuming everything in its path. The intense heat ignited her collection of carefully bound books, reducing them to glowing embers that mingled with the smoke filling the air. Somewhere amidst the cacophony of sounds caused by the dangerous fight, Lumi could faintly hear the heartrending crackle as her precious belongings were lost forever to the inferno.

The moon dipped low in the sky as Jester, Lenix, and Ringmaster spilled out into Lumi's lush backyard. Vibrant plants swayed in the breeze, their vivid colors standing out against the settling glow. As Jester took in the scenery for a brief second, she spotted the Dreamblossom, which reminded her of Bellcrest, which in turn reminded her of her innate ability to spawn weapons from her palms using her energy. With a determined focus, she materialized her two curved-blade daggers, each fitting perfectly into her grasp.

Both of them panted heavily as Ringmaster stood before them, still appearing as if they hadn’t touched him at all. His hair was still perfectly smooth and soft, his clothes were unwrinkled, and his monocle still sat perfectly over his left eye. His grin was still present, even as he adjusted his top hat. With a smile, he leaned forward on his cane, looking between the two with a look of amusement on his face. “Splendid show indeed, but alas, I do not have the time to play with you two all night. I suggest cooperation, but I have a feeling that will not come easily.”

“We’re not going back to Bellcrest,” Lenix snapped, his tail lashing back and forth as if to serve as a warning. “What does she even want with us? ”

“Yeah!” Jester agreed with a firm nod of her head. 

“I deeply apologize, but that decision is not yours to make.” Ringmaster grinned, resting his arm behind his back. “Now let us-”

The eerie creaking of charred wood echoed through the quiet night from behind Jester and Lenix, covering Ringmaster’s words. The once lively and quaint little house was now a tragic spectacle, a pitiful sight that caused a pang of sadness in Jester's heart. The once vibrant mahogany walls were now blackened, the emerald-green vines that used to creep up the sides were now mere ashes scattered on the ground. The once inviting porch was now a deathly pile of charred wood and debris. The smell of burnt wood and singed fabric filled the air, making it hard to breathe.

The crackling and hissing of the fire as it devoured what was left of Lumi's house was the only sound that could be heard. The flames danced shamelessly, creating a hauntingly beautiful spectacle against the dark night. The heat of the fire was palpable, even from where they stood. It was a strange sensation, a mixture of the cool night air and the searing heat of the fire. The taste of ash and smoke lingered in the air, coating their tongues in a bitter tang.

From where they stood in the street, Ringmaster turned to face Lumi and Lucky. A sardonic smile stretched across his face, his eyes glinting in the orange glow of the fire. "What a pitiful sight," he began, his voice resonating with mock sympathy. "I must apologize for the unfortunate incident. It appears your celebration went a bit... awry."

Lumi stood there, her eyes wide, staring at the remains of her house. Her heart pounded in her chest, an echo to the crackling and popping of the fire. She didn't cry, but a profound silence enveloped her, as if the world had come to a sudden halt. The blaze reflected in her eyes, casting an eerie glow on her face, but she seemed oblivious to it all.

Her house, once filled with the warmth of laughter and the sweet scent of her beloved plants, was now reduced to ashes. Memories of quiet afternoons spent curled up with a book in her cozy reading nook flashed in her mind. She thought of her collections, precious trinkets, and artifacts from her adventures, now nothing more than charred remnants. Her beloved plants, nurtured with love and care, were now victims to the harsh flames.

The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. All her books, her collections, her plants, all the things she cherished were now lost to the fire. A wave of sorrow washed over her, but she stood there, silent and motionless. The world continued to move around her, but she was caught in a bubble of her own, her mind reeling from the shock.

gmaster straightened his top hat and adjusted his monocle, preparing to reengage with Jester and Lenix. His eyes sparkled with anticipation, a cruel grin spread across his face. But as he took a step forward, a sudden rustling sound made him pause.

Turning his head, he saw a crowd of Elves emerging from their homes, their curious eyes wide in the moonlight. They had heard the sounds of commotion and were drawn to the spectacle. Their faces were a mix of concern, fear, and curiosity as they watched the scene unfold.

Ringmaster's gaze swept across the crowd, his grin never faltering. He knew he couldn't fight Jester and Lenix with all these eyes on him. He was a showman, yes, but he knew when to retreat, when to make a strategic exit.

"Well," he began, his voice echoing in the silent night, "it seems we have an audience. I dare say, the show must go on... but not tonight."

He tipped his hat in a grand gesture, a showman till the end. "Farewell, my dear friends," he said, his voice filled with a promise. "We'll meet again, and soon, I assure you.

With that, he dissolved into thin air, disappearing in the blink of an eye. The only trace of him was the dull yet vibrant purple hue of electricity and pure energy that slowly faded away in the now quiet backyard.

Jester and Lenix stood there, utterly confused. They stared at the spot where Ringmaster once stood, their minds struggling to comprehend what had just happened. The sudden departure of Ringmaster, the burning house, the crowd of Elves... it was all too much to process at once.

As the dust settled, Lucky and Lumi rushed to the backyard, their faces filled with a mix of worry and determination. "What happened?" Lucky demanded, her voice carrying over the sound of the still roaring fire. “Where did he go?”

“He just…poof!” Jester spread her arms at her sides, her eyes wide. “Super weird. He said we’d meet again, though…oh, I wonder if he’ll come back super soon, cause I wanna-”

“You idiots!” Lumi smacked both Jester and Lenix upside the head, her cheeks either flushed from the cold or from pure anger. Both were plausible options. “Look what you two did! How could you!?”

“Don’t blame us, what the hell!?” Lenix snapped, wincing as he rubbed his head. “Blame the bastard that tried to kill us!”

“You two were just as much a part of the destruction as he was!” Lumi shouted, her voice louder than anything the Demons had ever heard. “What were you thinking!”

“”We didn’t burn it down, that was you!” Jester said pointedly, looking between Lumi and Lucky. “Didn’t you guys set off those explosion-thingies? I forget what they’re called.”

Lumi's eyes narrowed and she pointed a finger at Jester. "They're called fireworks, you dimwit!" she snapped, her nostrils flaring. “Besides, that was to help you! See if I ever do that again!”

"Well, you sure know how to throw a housewarming party," Lenix muttered, crossing his arms over his chest. "A little too warm, if you ask me."

"That's not funny, Lenix!" Lumi scolded. But Jester burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. "You think this is funny?" Lumi asked, turning to Jester with an incredulous expression.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Jester wheezed, wiping tears from her eyes. "It's just... 'housewarming party'... get it? Because the house is... never mind."

Lumi groaned, rolling her eyes. "I'm surrounded by idiots," she muttered under her breath.

"Well, at least we're not homeless idiots," Lenix shot back, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Hey, that was uncalled for," Jester interjected, trying to keep a straight face. But then she looked at the smoldering remains of the house and snorted. "Homeless," she repeated, then collapsed in another fit of laughter.

Lucky just shook her head, unable to hide a small smile. "It seems like we’ll have plenty of work on our hands" she said, releasing a soft sigh. “It will certainly take quite some time to repair.”

“If that’s even possible,” Lumi said, deflating with a hopeless expression.

“Roheline?” An old voice called from the street, catching the groups attention. Lumi hurried over to the voice and saw not just one Elf but hundreds, almost the entire population of Edgerest, all of them staring in awe at what remained of her home, each looking utterly shocked and concerned.

The lady who had called her name was the friendly old woman who owned the bakery in the middle of town, her nightgown wrinkled and her hair in a messy, hurried bun atop her head. Her sharp amber eyes looked rapidly from Lumi to the toppled house, then back to Lumi. “What in the world happened here?”

Lumi fumbled through her brain for an answer, her face heating up as all the eyes landed on her. She took a deep breath, her mind churning with a whirlwind of thoughts. She could feel the heat of the gazes of the townfolk, their expressions filled with concern and confusion. She glanced back at the smoldering ruins of her house, the smoke still curling into the night sky. It was a sight she would never forget, a stark reminder of the consequences of their actions.

"I..." She began, her voice shaky. She had to explain, had to make them understand. But where would she even start? The attack, the fireworks, the sudden appearance and disappearance of the Ringmaster... It was all so chaotic and unreal.

"The Ringmaster..." She began again, her gaze drifting towards her friends, who were standing a few steps behind her, Jester and Lenix staying behind Lucky. "There was an attack, and we... we had to defend ourselves."

The crowd murmured among themselves, their eyes wide with shock. The Ringmaster, though a stranger to all of them, was a figure of great power and influence, as he had clearly proved to them. His sudden disappearance, coupled with the destruction of Lumi's house, was a lot to digest.

"An attack? Here in Edgerest?" The baker's voice was filled with disbelief. "But why?"

"We're not sure," Lumi replied, her mind still racing. "He said something about...about the Demon Queen.”

The crowd erupted into whispers, their expressions filled with worry and fear. Questions were thrown at Lumi from all sides, the elves demanding answers she didn't have. It was overwhelming, the pressure of their gazes, their expectations. She felt a lump forming in her throat, the reality of the situation finally sinking in.

"Lumi, are you alright?" Lucky's voice broke through the cacophony, her hand resting gently on Lumi's shoulder. She gave her a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with concern.

As Lumi stood there, trying to calm the alarmed crowd while trying to stay close to Lucky, a familiar voice cut through the noise. "Lumi! Lumi, are you okay?!" It was Ikuo, pushing his way through the throng of elves with a frantic expression on his face.

Seeing him, Lumi's heart gave a little leap. Ikuo was a fellow Elf, and he was more than just a friend. He was her longtime crush. His usually calm and composed demeanor was replaced with genuine worry and fear.

"Lumi, are you hurt? Do you need anything?" He rushed towards her, his eyes scanning her body for any injuries. His hands hovered over her, as if afraid to touch her, afraid that she might crumble at the slightest pressure.

"No, Ikuo, I'm fine," Lumi said, trying to reassure him. The concern in his eyes only fueled her anxiety. She was already overwhelmed with the situation, their questions, the destruction of her home. And now Ikuo. His concern, his worry, his closeness. It was too much.

"What happened here, Lumi?" Ikuo's question echoed those of the crowd, his voice filled with a mixture of anxiety and confusion. He glanced at the ruins of the house, then back at her. His gaze was filled with unspoken questions.

"It's... it's a long story, Ikuo," Lumi replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She could feel her cheeks heating up under his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. She was thankful for the chaos around them, it provided a perfect cover for her flushed face.

"I... I think I need to sit down," Lumi finally admitted, her knees feeling weak. Ikuo immediately moved to support her, his arm wrapping around her waist. His touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, making her heart flutter.

"Let's get you away from here," Ikuo said, his voice filled with concern. He guided her away from the crowd, leading her towards a nearby tree. As they moved away, the noise of the crowd faded into a soft murmur, giving Lumi a brief moment of reprieve.

Ikuo helped Lumi settle under the tree, his brow furrowed as he looked at her. "Lumi," he started, his voice serious, "you need to tell me what happened. How did this happen? What’s going on?”

Lumi hesitated. She couldn't tell him about Jester and Lenix. As far as the town knew, they were simply distant cousins, at least for Jester, who had stopped by for a few days. If the Elves knew they were Demons, the situation would only escalate. She had to think fast, come up with a believable lie. Fortunately, she was an educated history-reader.

"He...He was after an artifact," she said, the words tumbling out. "A powerful artifact that was rumored to be hidden in Edgerest. I think he believed that we had it."

Ikuo's eyes widened. "An artifact?" he echoed. "But why would he think that?"

Lumi shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "I don't know," she said. "Maybe he got some false information. Either way, he didn't find what he was looking for."

"But why your house, Lumi?" Ikuo asked, his voice filled with confusion. "Why not the town hall or the library?"

"I guess he thought... maybe because of my family's history?" Lumi suggested, her mind racing to come up with a plausible reason. "You know, my ancestors were known for their magic and knowledge of ancient artifacts."

Ikuo frowned, looking thoughtful. "That could be it," he conceded. "But that doesn't explain the...the destruction." He gestured towards the remains of her house, a pained expression on his face.

"That... That was an accident," Lumi admitted, her cheeks heating up. "We tried to defend ourselves. Used some... some fireworks. It got out of hand."

Ikuo nodded, looking both relieved and worried. "Lumi, you need to be careful," he said earnestly. "You're important to us. To me."

Lumi's heart fluttered at his words. But now was not the time for that. She forced a smile, nodding. "I know, Ikuo," she said. "And I will be. I promise."

As Lumi's heart still pounded from their conversation, Ikuo opened his mouth to say something else, but a sudden stir among the Elven crowd made them both turn their heads.

A figure on horseback was striding through the crowd, parting the sea of Elves with an aura of authority. The stranger was tall and lithe, their long flowing blonde hair held back in a low ponytail. Even from a distance, Lumi could see their iridescent green eyes that sparkled, a stark contrast to the smoke-filled night.

The stranger stopped the horse in front of Lumi's house and dismounted with an air of grace. They stood there, examining the damage in silence. Their expression was blank, yet focused, as if they were taking in every detail of the scene.

"Do you know her?" Lumi asked Ikuo, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ikuo's gaze was fixated on the stranger. "No," he admitted, his brow furrowed. "I've never seen her before."

The stranger finally turned their gaze to the crowd, their eyes scanning over the Elves. When their gaze landed on Lumi, they paused, their eyes narrowing slightly.

Then, without a word, the stranger began to walk towards them. Their strides were long and confident, their posture straight. As they approached, Lumi could see that they were indeed an Elf, their pointed ears visible beneath their hair.

"Who are you?" Lumi called out, standing up. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mix of fear and curiosity.

The stranger stopped a few feet away from them, their gaze still focused on Lumi. "My name is Tiffin Grant," they said, their voice clear and smooth. "I heard about the incident and came as quickly as I could."

"You... heard?" Lumi echoed, her mind racing. "But it just happened. How could you have possibly-"

Tiffin interrupted her with a raised hand. "I have my ways," she said cryptically. "Who did this?" Her gaze was intense, their expression serious. It was clear she was not here for pleasantries.

Lumi exchanged a glance with Ikuo before turning back to Tiffin. She took a deep breath, ready to dive into the story once more. But this time, she would have to be even more careful with her words. She had no idea who this Tiffin was, or what they wanted. And until she did, she couldn't afford to let any secrets slip.