Chapter 1

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.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***