Armina’s POV

I was on the bus on my way home. And as usual I sat in the back with my hood up, earbuds in, and volume high, getting lost in my own world of imagination. People kept staring at me and whispering things to each other, then laughing. I just ignored them all. I stared at them all but they couldn’t tell because of my bangs covering my eyes, then out of the corner of my eyes I saw someone try to lift my bangs but I swatted his wrist away. Him and a bunch of his friends started laughing even harder, I just couldn’t fathom what was so funny for them to laugh at. I just flipped them off but they just laughed even harder. What is so funny about flipping the bird? The bus came to my stop and I slowly made my way to the door, but some girl tried to trip me but I caught myself before I could fall. “B*tch” I muttered under my breath. Sighing, I know I’m going to regret saying that tomorrow. Why do I even bother trying to defend myself? When I know that I will only cause the bullying to be harsher.

I began a swift pace down the dirt path leading to my house. I stopped at the local restaurant nearby and picked up some pasta, pizza and garlic bread. Afterwards I walked back and made it to the little two story house and saw my dad on the couch watching the news. I sighed to myself. I feel bad for my dad, he’s out of a job and my mom died of a horrible car crash.

“I brought dinner!” I announced. My dad nodded glancing for a split second at me before turning his attention back on the tv, and my older brother came down the stairs. He was sick earlier today, so he didn’t go to school. He’s 18 a senior, while I’m a sophomore. He looked at me and smiled, he loves it when I bring home pasta and pizza. I smiled back and got the plates out.

“How was your day?” Asked my brother, Rhoan. Releasing an exhausted sigh, “The same, usual bullies.” I replied. He looked down at me and sighed. While I’m being bullied my brother is the complete opposite. He has friends and is never bullied, but that’s only because he’s in the local band. They’re called ‘Roaring Fire’, a death metal band. He defends the best he could in school, but it doesn’t help that much.

After dinner, I sat in my room that is in the attic and began reading my favorite book, Concealed by Shadows. A story of supernatural creatures living amongst humans without the human’s knowledge, and helped those that were summoned or called out to them by a contract. Main character is Kuran, the son of a once powerful minister close to the emperor, whose household burned to the ground and his parents executed after being framed by a rival minister looking to gain the emperor’s favor. In a desperate attempt to achieve revenge he called upon a demon Izayoi, in exchange for his living soul. The story is mysterious, dark and sometimes funny, with an addition of flamboyant characters and a mysterious, enigmatic, laughing medic/undertaker also known as the ‘Black Jester’. This is a very popular book, although it does get annoying when fans ship characters with each other, I can’t stand it.

I am currently reading the last chapter of it, I have re-read this book multiple times and it looks like it is falling apart. I have drawn every character and have hung it up on my wall like a poster. The one I like the most is the one of Jester surrounded with the smiling purple haired cheshire man: Mim, the stoic black haired general: Malekith, and flirtatious blonde kitsune: Aster. They are all holding their signature weapon, Jester’s a scythe with a skeleton facing the other side of the blade, arms crossed on the ribcage and the spine as the handle, covered in rose vines and flowers and the skull adorned with seven jewels each a color of the rainbow. Malekith’s a spear with a blue jeweled head and a golden handle with a red cloth wrap around the base of the spear head. Aster’s a steel blade fan along with his fox fire.

I pulled out my notebook from under my bed. It was one of those large ones with folders inside. At the top I wrote ‘To Die List’ I wrote down all the names of all the bullies at my school. I wish I were just like Jester so I could kill them and punish their souls for all they’ve done. Not just at me, but for the other people they’ve bullied. I want to run away and go to their world and learn from Jester. I’d probably get bullied there too. Mehh! I hate these people! Take me there, please? I closed my notebook, pulled out a photo album and looked at the picture with my mother in it. Her death had a big impact in the family but to me mostly. A few days after my mother’s death, my dad caught me trying to kill myself. That was four years ago, ever since then I’ve been in therapy. I promised my therapist I wouldn’t attempt suicide or ever cut myself again. As you can tell if you ever saw my arms, I’ve broken those promises. I’ve been through four therapists, mostly because of our tight budget. I sighed at the thought.

The next day I was running through the graveyard, tears pouring out of my eyes. I pulled out the razor from my black hoodie with my sleeved covered hand. I was gonna end my life today. After what happened… I wouldn’t dare show my face anywhere near that hell I’m supposed to call school.

Earlier today Rhoan and I sat in the very back of the bus, I sat near the window and he sat next to me as if protecting me. The only time I’m not bullied on the bus is when he sits next to me. The other girls tried to get him away from me so I was defenseless and they also wanted him. I reached into my backpack and pulled out a pack of gummy animals and chowed down. My backpack had like thousands of different kinds of candy. In my messenger bag are my school items. Once the bus came to a stop, I waited until I was the last person. Once I got off the bus I went to the cafeteria to get my breakfast. A carton of milk and a muffin. I sighed as I felt glares burning on the back of my head from all the snooty girls. I opened my milk right before I was about to sit down. Just then one of my main bullies, Bronx, put his hands underneath my tray and flipped it. The milk got all over my hoodie and everybody laughed at me.

I don’t know what came over me, I had so much anger boiling in my blood that I tackled Bronx to the ground and started punching him. Everybody watched in horror as I beat the crap out of one of the most popular kids in our school. When I was done, all the guys looked terrified and shocked, while all the girls held pity and shock. I was known to always get my butt beat. But this time I finally defended myself, maybe now people will shut up. I was terribly mistaken. I realized that when a swarm of girls chased me out of the cafeteria, I managed to get away and hide in the bathroom. I hurried up and cleaned my hoodie but the door opened. There stood Madaline, Nattie, and Tia. Tia is my number one bully and Bronx’s girlfriend. “You stupid girl, I’ll kill you!!!” She screamed. I was punched in the face multiple times, kneed in the ribs and they stomped all over my chest, ribs and stomach. When they were satisfied they all grabbed me by my hair. “Nobody cares about you!” Madaline yelled at my face. “You’re just a worthless little tramp!” Nattie insulted. “Why even bother?! You’re a fat, ugly freak! Everybody hates you. I hate you, they hate you, everyone at school hates you! Even your family! So just kill yourself! Nobody will cry! Nobody will care!” Tia joined in. They all let go of me and walked out. I cried so hard, once I thought it was safe enough I raced out of the bathroom and out the front doors. I ran to the graveyard near my house.

I ran and ran trying to escape from reality knowing I can’t. I was still crying really hard. I saw some kind of black circle ahead of me. I ran straight into it unknowingly getting transported to another dimension. I ran into the darkness until I was being pushed the whole way. I saw a light and jumped out. I fell down the little hill losing my razor. I got up and looked around and saw more tombstones. “I’m back at the graveyard?” I whispered to myself. I then noticed that everything was looking ancient. I was so confused and happy I’m no longer in my world, but still crying over what happened. I ran around looking for my razor but I couldn’t find it. Sighing, I stopped running because, one it’s getting late, two I’m exhausted and three I wanna find out where I am. The wind blew, making my hair blow everywhere. I was still somewhat crying. “Hehehehehehehe” I heard a crazy laugh.

I stopped walking for a second then continued walking. “Hehehehehe” I heard it again but this time it sounded closer. Like it was right in front of me. I stopped and looked up and my eyes widened. The wind blew my hair revealing one of my eyes but only for a split second. Long silver hair, baggy cloak, long bangs and a huge scar around his neck and a glasgow smile on his face. His skin was really pale, paler than mine. No way, The Black Jester from Concealed by Shadows. I looked up at him, since I was so short compared to him. He smiled down at me. His hand near his mouth and a long black fingernail tapping his lower lip as he chuckled for a moment. “You’re not from around here, are you?” He asked. “N-no…” I replied.

Jester’s Pov

Today was Friday. My day off, and it was boring around the shop with no guests to work with. I sighed to myself trying to think of what to do. “Hmmmm?” I hummed out loud. I looked down at a body that I finished preparing for their funeral the other day. “What should I do?” I asked the corpse. “Ah! I know! I’ll go to the cemetery!” I exclaimed. I walked outside, locked the door, and started walking towards the cemetery. I got a few stares but kept a smile on my face and ignored the humans. When I got to the cemetery I noticed a lady in male clothing walking around all by herself. Her head was down the whole time. She looked like she had just got done with crying.

Her bangs swooped to her left blocking her eyes. She wore all black. Black shoes, black hoodie and the sleeves over lapped her hands. I laughed at how much her appearance looked like mine. She wears a hoodie and has short red hair. It’s the same color of blood. She heard me laugh and stopped walking for a moment before continuing to walk again. I quietly followed her and got in front of her blocking her path. As I observed her strange clothing, I let out another laugh. The young girl stopped and looked up at me, the wind blowing her hair and I saw one of her eyes for a little second. I saw her blush which made me chuckle. Aww!!

“You’re not from around here, are you?” I asked. “N-no…” She stuttered. “Heheh, I can tell by your strange clothes.” I said with a giggle as she stood there saying nothing. She looked, not scared, but too shy to talk. “What’s your name, little one?” I asked, poking her face. She flinched at my touch. My smile just grew from her reaction. “A-Armina… Armina Mai Maroon.” She responded rather shyly. “Hmmmmmm, What a lovely name you have, Little Maroon!” I said. Hee Hee! I gave her a pet name! Armina didn’t seem to mind. “You can just call me Jester.” I said. She nodded, looking rather lost. “What’s wrong? You look.. Sad” I asked, concern laced every word. Armina took a breath and said. “I’ve just had a lot of stress. It’s no big deal.” Little Maroon reassured. “It must be a big deal if you’re crying.” I said. “Uh, I don’t want to talk about it.”  She mumbled. ”Ok, I understand. Say, are you feeling-” I was cut off by her stomach growling. “Hee hee, hungry?” I finished. I saw a tiny crooked smile on her face as she nodded. My smile grew even larger, “How about I take you out to eat, Little Maroon.?” I asked. “Uhh, sure?” She replied. She looked quite shocked at my question.

I held out my arm and at first she was confused but quickly caught on and wrapped her arm around mine. She looked uncomfortable at first but then she loosened up. I took her to my favorite restaurant, once the waiter came by asking us what we wanted to drink. “Tea.” I answered. “Water.” Armina ordered. Once the waiter left to get out drinks, I asked Armina, jokingly, “What’s the matter, you don’t like tea.”

“Nope. I don’t like tea. Can’t stand the flavor.” She replied. “I’ve never met someone who doesn’t like tea.” I giggled. “So, Little Maroon, tell me about yourself.” I said making conversation. “Uh- well…” She started, before taking a deep breath and didn't continue. I giggled at this. I don’t know why but I find it adorable the way she’s shy. “Heeheh, it’s always so hard to explain yourself when somebody asks you. Hee hee! I know. I’ll make it easy for you. I’ll ask you a question. Heh heh.” I said with a giggle at the end.

“Ok.” Little Maroon agreed. “What are some of your hobbies?” I asked. “Um, I draw a lot, I play drums and piano, I like to stay in my room all day where it’s dark. I really enjoy anything that has to do with horror.” She said making me smile more. “I also sing sometimes.” She said. “So far you’re very interesting. I’d love to hear you sing one day! Heh eh.” I giggled. “What’s your favorite color?” I asked. “Black!” She replied. “Hey! Mine too!” I exclaimed. “Hehe you’re not from here, are you? No. You’re the westen lands, I call tell by the accent!” I said. She simply nodded. “You’re also from a different time.” I added. She gasped at my sentence. “How did you-” “You clothes.” I cut her off. ”What year are you from?” I asked. “2020.” she replied. “Ah. Very interesting indeed!” I said.

“Yeah. Where I'm from, everything that happened here, a lot of people know about in my world. Like Kuran and Izayoi’s contract, the Revolt of the Minister and the whole city catching on fire.” Said Armina. She is from the future after all, she has given enough evidence from her knowledge of what has recently happened.

“Do you know what I am?” I asked. “You’re a grim reaper! Not just any grim reaper, but Death himself.” She replied. I gave her a toothy smile. Our drinks arrived and I ordered some sweet and sour pork, fried fish, vegetable soup and two bowls of rice. “Heh heh, you can have fried fish, I only like pork.” I said. ”M’kay.” Armina replied. She stretched her arms so her hands would pop out of her sleeves. I noticed that she too had long black nails. She also has a ring on her left index finger. Her’s is nothing like mine. It’s silver with a weird looking symbol, almost like a dragon while mine is silver and it has a green gem on top. I looked closely at her left pinky to see if she had a scar. She didn’t. Then reality hit me in the face once I realized I was holding her hand the whole time. I quickly released her hand. “Oh, I’m sorry! It’s just… you look a lot like me. Your bangs cover your eyes, you wear all black, your sleeves go over your hands, long black fingernails, and a ring on your left index finger.” I said. “No harm done. I hadn't realized we looked similar until now.” Armina admitted. I gave her another toothy smile then laughed.

After dinner, we walked out arm in arm. We separated and looked at each other. “Uh, thanks… For dinner.” She thanked me.”It was no trouble, Little Maroon. I enjoy spending time with a new friend.” I said with my usual creepy grin. “Friend?” She whispered. I saw a tear run down her cheek. I quickly wiped it away and nodded. Does she not have friends where she’s from? “Well, I’ll see ya later then.” I said. I pulled her into a hug and stroked her soft hair. Then I released her then took her small hand in my larger hand and kissed the top. “I do hope we meet again soon.” I said. She smiled up at me and we parted ways. “Bye, Jester!” I heard her call out.

Armina’s POV

I thought it was awkward when Jester randomly lifted my hand and just stared at it. “Oh, I’m sorry! It’s just… you look a lot like me. Your bangs cover your eyes, you wear all black, your sleeves overlap your hands, long black fingernails, and a ring on your index finger.” He said tapping my dragon ring when he said ‘ring on your left index finger.’ “No harm done. I hadn’t realized we looked similar until now.” I confessed. He gave me a toothy smile then laughed. After we walked out, Jester pulled me into a hug. I tensed up for a moment, I’m not used to hugs. Jester considers me a friend. Why would he want to befriend me? Everybody hates me. He gently grabbed my hands and kissed the top. “I do hope we meet again soon.” he said with a grin. We parted ways “Bye, Jester.” I called out then disappeared into the night. I walked back to the graveyard and climbed a dead tree in the center of the cemetery. I pulled my hood over my face and rested my head on the tree. It was very cold even with this really huge hoodie. The inside is softer than silk but I’m still freezing. I took off my back pack and used it as a blanket. It wasn’t much, but it helped a little. Sleep finally took over.

The morning soon came, and I awoke with a gasp. I had almost forgotten where I was. I thought everything from before was a dream. Guess not, I sighed in delight knowing I won’t have to face my life in my world. I climbed down off the tree and found some abandoned shed. “I’ll just stay here.” I said to myself. I opened it up and looked around. Not too bad, cobwebs, broken glass, a total mess. It looks just like my room! Well, besides the broken glass. I looked for anything I could sleep on, In the corner of the room a small tan couch. Perfect. I set my backpack down, plopped down on the couch, and pulled a can of DEW MNT and a back of strawberry licorice. “Here’s to a new home.” I said in a sarcastic tone while holding up my DEW MNT then gulping it down. “Maybe I can get a job and fix the place up.” I said to myself. I paced around until I got bored. I walked back to the couch and pulled out my laptop, which for some reason still works in this world. I started searching for movies to watch for the time being.

I settled for the horror movie Cryptic, next Corpses Grin, later Devil’s Destination. I was lost in horror movies. The day went by so fast, that when I looked outside and saw it was already dark outside. “Oooh! Midnight stroll!” I cheered. I grabbed my backpack, stood up and raced outside. I walked up the hill I had fallen from. I can actually see really well in the dark. Something sharp poked my shoe. I looked down and saw my razor. The one I had dropped earlier. I picked it up and stuffed it back inside my hoodie pocket. I ran back down the hill and strolled throughout the rest of the cemetery. I then remembered my cell phone. I haven’t checked it since I came here. I pulled it out and saw that I had 45 voicemails and 6 text messages. All the voicemails were from my dad asking where I was. Then I looked at the texts. Five were from Rhoan.

“Hey, where are you?”

“Armina, you missed the bus.”

“Why won’t you answer me?”

“Dad’s getting worried/pissed.”

“WHERE ARE YOU???????!!!!!! PLEASE ANSWER ME I’M WORRIED SICK”

I sighed. I don’t know how to get home. I saw that I had one last text. From a random number.

“Hey, why’d ya run away? You’re such a freak! If you bother to show your face or come within 300 feet of my boyfriend I’ll kill you! I’ll lock you in the janitors closet and leave you to starve to death! I’ll grab you by the hair and chop it all off! Anything to hurt you! Piece of crap!”

I know it was from Tia. I don’t need a name on the contact. I locked my phone and stuffed it back into my pocket. Tears bursting out of my eyes. I reached into my hoodie pocket and gripped the razor. I held out my left arm and sliced my wrist. I cut down so deep that I got dizzy. I just kept cutting until I was an inch away from passing out. I fell to my knees and gripped a tombstone before everything went black. But right before I was completely out I felt myself being lifted off the ground.

Jester’s POV

It was my favorite time, Midnight. There was a full moon tonight. My favorite time to take a little midnight stroll in the cemetery. Heh heh. I happily walked to the cemetery taking in the resting grounds of the fallen. I ran my fingers over a few tombstones. Then I got to one that has a warm liquid substance. I dabbed it then put my finger to my nose. Blood. I looked down at the tombstone and saw more blood. I could smell it more too. I looked around and saw a person behind the tombstone. They were laying on their stomach. I flipped them over and if I had a heart, it would skip a beat. It was Armina! I saw a razor in her right hand and saw a massive cut in her left wrist. She did this to herself?! I quickly cleaned the blood off the tombstone, so people would not panic and call a guard. I then lifted her into my arms and raced back to my shop and laid her down on a closed coffin. I took out a suitcase full of medical supplies. I cleaned off the blood on her wrist but it still gushed blood. I took a closer look and saw that she had cut a vein in her wrist. I lit a match and burned the veins together to stop the rapid bleeding. I then took some disinfectant and poured a little amount into her wound. I finally stitched the wound shut. I gently placed a finger on Armina’s neck to check for a pulse. I sighed in relief when I felt her pulse working. I walked over to the other side of her.

“Hmp, such a coward. I don’t know why you would try to escape your fate. If you have a problem then face it. You were too scared to fight for yourself. How… pathetic.” I said out loud.

“If I’m so pathetic then why didn’t you let me die? If you hate me then why did you save me?!” I heard Armina’s small voice say. I was a tad startled but glad that she woke up. “I don’t hate you. I just think that suicide is an easy way out. If you’re a coward. Whatever it is that troubles you, you ran away from it. You almost made the biggest mistake of your life. I actually thought you were gone. I couldn’t let you die. No, I will find those who hurt you so much and kill them.” I explained.

Little Maroon sat up and turned her head to me. I walked over and sat next to her. I saw tears streaming down her face. I wiped them away with my sleeves. “Please, promise me that you won’t try that again.” I said. She hesitated for a second then nodded. I wrapped my arms around her and let her embrace me. She was tense for a moment but then she hugged back. I stroked her hair again. I held her close to me until she calmed down. I looked down at her. My arms still wrapped around her. I smiled at her when she looked up at me. “Tired, Little Maroon? Why don’t I walk you home?” I offered. “I don’t - I don’t have one. I-I do but… I don’t know my way back.” She replied. That’s right, she’s from the future and I don’t think there’s a way back. I thought for a moment then I got an idea. “Wanna stay with me then? I could use the company. I do get lonely around here.” I offered. “Really?” She asked. I smiled down at her and nodded. She gave me a crooked smile and hugged me.

“I’m taking that as a yes, heh heh.” I giggled. “May I ask you a question?” She asked. “Of course!” I replied. Why are you being nice to me?” She asked. “Because you’re my friend! And even though we just met yesterday, I really care about you!” I exclaimed. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” she began, “In fact, you’re my only friend. Nobody’s ever been nice to me. Except my dad and my older brother but they don’t count because they’re family. Everybody else hates me.” said Armina. Poor girl. I really feel bad for her. I don’t know why, but I feel like I should always stay by her side and protect her. There’s something about her. She’s not like other humans. She’s different, and I like it. I can’t really explain it right now.

Armina’s POV

Later that evening, Jester led me to a bedroom upstairs. “I’m afraid I don’t have an extra bed. We’ll just share mine.” Jester said. I looked around and all I saw were a few coffins. I saw one far off at the end of the room. It was much larger than the other coffins. I’m assuming that’s his bed. He walked over to the larger coffin and removed the top. He removed his sash and boots before he crawled in. He scooted all the way over leaving an open space for me. I sat on the floor and took off my shoes and set my backpack down. I got in and laid down facing away from him to make things seem less awkward. The coffin was really soft. I didn’t even need a pillow. However there were no blankets. Even with my gigantic hoodie I was still cold. I closed my eyes and tried to keep myself warm. That failed and I shivered a tiny bit, just then I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist. It was Jester; he wrapped his arms around  my waist until both of his hands met at my stomach and his finger laced with each other pulling me into him.

Good golly this was the most awkward feeling ever! However I didn’t complain or pull away. He was warm and as long as he’s keeping me warm and not trying anything funny, I could really care less. “Good night, Little Maroon.” Jester hummed. He then kissed the back of my head giving me goosebumps. I’m not sure why but it felt good. It felt right and I liked it. OH GOSH WHAT AM I THINKING?!! Ugh, anyways… “Good night, Jester.” I muttered. He reached up and began to close the coffin lid but left it a crack open so I could breath. I then fell asleep in The Jester’s warm, comforting ensnare.

Jester’s POV

I was having a delightful dream! I was reaping souls. I had forced children to give up their souls. Now I was reaping the souls. Now I was reaping the soul of a young woman who was struggling for life, I had struck her right in the ribs and collected her soul. She was sobbing not wanting to die. Her sobs were music to my ears. Her sobs got louder as if she was right in my face. That’s when I woke up. I still heard sobbing and quickly saw that it was Armina. I sat up a little and looked over at her. She was crying in her sleep. “No…”: I heard her mumble. I laid back down and held her closer to me.

“Shhhh, it’s alright, Little Maroon. I’m here for you. You’ll be alright. I won’t let anything happen to you.” I whispered in her ear. “Dad… Rhoan..” Little Maroon mumbled. I stroked her hair. Her sobbing came to an end but she still whispered in her sleep. “Jester.” She whispered. She’s dreaming about me? I smiled at this as I continued to stroke her hair. I nestled her in my arms before falling back asleep.

In the morning, I woke up again but this time it was daytime. Armenia was still in a peaceful slumber in my arms. I carefully removed my arms and got out of the coffin. I knelt down to face her. She looked so beautiful when she slept. So still, motionless as if she were dead. Just then I saw her shiver a bit. I lightly poked her face. I was cold to the tough. I unbuttoned my cloak and put it on her. Careful not to wake her up. I brushed my hair then put on my crooked hat. After freshening up, I went downstairs into the kitchen and started on breakfast.

Armina’s POV

I was dreaming about Rhoan and my Dad. We were in our basement and my mom was with us. I watched as my mom was slowly dying right in front of us. We all cried uncontrollably. “Please don’t ever forget me.” Mom said. My mom stroked my cheek before going limp. “No..” I said holding her hand. We all fell into a fit of tears. “Shh, it’s alright, Little Maroon. I’m here for you. You’ll be alright. I won’t let anything happen to you.” I heard a voice whisper. It was Jester, but I didn’t see him anywhere. Our tears became acid and our bodies started to burn. My brother and dad began to die in the acid. My body did the same. “Dad… Rhoan…” I managed to say. I was about to black out but then I saw Jester looking down on me. He was passing judgement on me. “Jester.” I whispered. Then everything went black.

I woke up with a gasp. I was back at The Jester’s room. I turned over and saw that he wasn’t in bed. I shrugged before climbing out. “How the freak-?” I whispered to myself. I fell out of the coffin and landed face first on the floor. “Freak!” I blurted out. “Heheheh.” I heard Jester’s laugh. I stood up and very carefully and slowly walked out of the room. I shuffled my feet so I wouldn’t step on the cloak and fall. I would take it off but it’s keeping me warm and it’s comfy. I slowly walked downstairs and smelled a familiar scent. Pancake and bacon, not frozen store brand but homemade. I picked up my pace and made it to the kitchen without falling. “Good morning, Little Maroon.” Jester greeted, as he turned around to face me. How did he know I was in here? Then again, he is Death. He can probably sense my presence. “Morning.” I said. “I had a splendid dream last night! I was collecting souls. I was forcing small children to give up their souls. Eh heh heh heh heh heh.” Jester reminisces with an evil giggle. “Cool.” I said with a faint smile. He gave me a toothy smile in response. “You like bacon and pancakes, right?” He asked. “Who doesn’t?” I replied. “Exactly!” Jester laughed.

I giggled at his response. “You have an adorable laugh, Little Maroon.” Jester complimented. I felt my face heat up a little. Not sure why… “And blush, hee hee.” He giggled. Blushing? Me? Blushing? I never blush! Errg! What is he doing to my emotions?! Meh! “Hehehehehehehehe! It’s alright to blush, Little Maroon!” he laughed.

After breakfast, I took off Jester’s cloak and handed it back to him. I sat down on a coffin and watched Jester work on one of his guests (in this case a corpse.) The body was so badly mangled that I couldn’t tell if it was a boy or girl. It was a child. I knew that. A very bloody child. “Whoa, what the hell happened to… the corpse? I can’t even tell its gender.” I asked “Heh heh, this here is a 7 year old boy. He was kidnapped and tortured to death. His kidnapper used a small yet sharp knife and cut open his stomach and ripped out all of his organs and ripped out his teeth and cut his tongue off. Then, to make him suffer worse, he gouged the lads eyes out before dumping salt and broken glass into his sockets.Finally he leaves him suffer until he dies.” Jester explained. “Jesus!” I blurted out. “Jesus ain’t got nothing to do with this.” said Jester.

“This isn’t the only one. Whoever kidnapped this boy has tortured many other children and teenagers. All of them are tortured in the same way. However, I’ve been hearing that he rapes young women and little girls before killing them. So please, don’t go outside unless I go with you.” warned Jester. “I won’t.” I reassured him. “Good.” He said. “The sight of the corpse doesn’t bother you?” He asked.”Nope.” I said casually. “Want me to help you prepare him for his final ceremony?” I asked. He looked up at me shocked at first but then gave me a creepy smile. “I’d be delighted if you would!” He replied, still smirking at me.

I gave him a mocking grin. “Alright, before we start embalming him, we must clean off all the blood.” He explained. I nodded. He opened a drawer and took out two old towels. He soaked them in ice cold water then ringed them out before handing me one. “Do you know why I used cold water?” He questioned. “Duh, it cleans blood better than warm water. I’m a girl, I should know.” I answered. He laughed at my response understanding what I had meant.

After embalming the boy, Jester asked jokingly, “You did a lovely job. Very nice for your first time, heh heh. Are you sure you’re not a mortician where you’re from?”

“No. But I’ve taken classes.” I replied. He chuckled then ruffled my hair. “Hey, stop that!” I said jokingly playfully swatting his wrist. I used my fingers to comb my hair. Then Jester messed it up again. I looked up at him then reached my hands to his head and messed up his hair knocking his hat off doing so! We continued the hair battle and then it turned into us flopping our sleeves at each other like mindless idiots. So this is what friendship feels like. I slowed down at the thought. Then went limp. I’ve never experienced friendship before. Other than with my brother but he's always busy with his band. I hadn’t realized that I sighed at the thought and brought my gaze to the floor. Jester lightly lifted up my chin making me look at him. “What’s wrong?” He asked, concerned. “Uh, it’s nothing. It’ll sound really corny.” I replied.

“Please tell me.” Jester said, concerned. I feel like I can trust him enough to open up my heart for him, even from the short time I’ve spent with him. Sighing, I began, “It’s just that nobody’s ever been so nice to me. I’ve never experienced friendship before. Everybody picks on me. Until I came here, there wasn’t a day where I wasn’t beaten or spat at and called horrible things. Things about me… that are true..” I trailed off.

“No!” Jester shouted, as he gripped my shoulder firmly. “Armina, I will kill those who’ve hurt you! Whatever it is they tell you are a bunch of lies! I will drive my scythe into their skulls, pinning them to the floors and stomping on their throats until the heels of my shoes dig into their throats. I will watch as they slowly die being crushed under my boots, then send them all to hell!” He promised. He sounded so serious, his voice sounded so smooth yet stern and it was very deep. Not to mention he called me by my name instead of that cute pet name. His words were frightening. But to me it was music to my ears.

It warmed my heart to know that Jester will always be there for me no matter what. A small, very small smile was plastered onto my face and tears threatened to pour out. “You’re the best.” I whispered. He then pulled me into a loving hug. Wait, loving?

Seriously, what the hell is Jester doing to my emotions?! I don’t know what’s going on, I just met this guy and I’m getting weird feelings Sighing internally, I just accepted the hug. I feel as though I can tell him anything and trust him with all of my heart. I feel that being close to him makes me feel warm inside. I really can’t describe these feelings that I’ve never felt before.