What would any normal person do after having a lucid dream were one gets eaten by an abomination summoned from the depths of some lunatics shattered mind and almost having a heart attack upon waking?

Right, definitely not drinking coffee.

Well Jacob wasnt any normal human being. He was an einzelgänger, an outcast and his heart was quite used to the sweet torture of caffeine.

Taking the first sip Jacob could feel his aching muscles sagging and relaxing as the mug almost fell out of his hand on the already stained wooden floorboards.

He looked out of his shaggy apartment with his fancy wrought iron balcony preventing him from "falling" to his doom.

Dying once a day was enough for him.

As he looked out the the mist blanketing the valley was settling and slowly being shooed away by the first sunrays crawling over the mountainpass in the horizon.

This was Jacobs favorite time of day and a rare smirk creeped onto his lips.

He leaned back in his crickety wooden grandmas chair and sipped some more. Pure Black with fresh beans from gods nowhere.

He just took whatever their supllier at the shop had leftover, what wouldnt fit into the pantry and nobody wanted. Most often they tasted like horseshit.

But not this time, a sweet note of caramel topped by a slighty bitter sweet climax had pleasantly surprised his tastebuds.

Just as his mug was empty the sun finished crawling over the mountain and was blasting his delicate pale skin to nirvana.

So he donned his clothes.

Firstly he put on a nice crochet beanie, an only slightly stained white tshirt, his trusty pair of brown denim jeans threw his blue 'MOONBUCKS' work apron over his shoulder, put on his lucky creme moth raped socks on and finished it all out with his shining leather shoes.

As soon as he opened the door and braved the great outdoors did he notice it was quite chilly. He pulled the beanie down some more so it would cover his ears and immediatly his dark brown curly locks were flailing out.

They would do this periodically, almost tactile and having a mind of their own. In the most inoportune times being disruptive. Atleast that is what jacob believed.

With a sigh of defeat he noticed he had arrived at the scene where he had faux pas died.

He looked down into to the dark and dank alleyway.

It reeked of piss and refuse.

Strangely enough at the intersection, the exact spot where he slipped was a dark stain on the ground.

He could swear it was old dried blood.

He looked at down the t-intersection were the woman called him.

Surely enough the two exact same doors that were his heavenly destination were closed shut right before him.

But on them a poorly sprayed graffitii was displayed.

Three black interlocking rings.

Almost like a triforce but or goths.

A snicker escaped Jacobs parched lips.

It looked ominous, sticky and was kinda portruding out of the Wall like a ...

*MEEEOOOOW*

Ow .. you little fuck!

The stepped on cat bolted away not before leaving a nasty present.

As soon as he looked up the doom rings were nowhere to be seen.

Also the stain was missing.

Strange

I could have sworn there was something here just a moment ago

Am i going insane?

I should really go back to the doc and take my pills

Nah, no way

Shaking and scratching his head he made his way out again

The tiny stinky beast had ripped through his dear jeans and left deep scratchmarks that were bleeding and starting to itch.

Oh fuck dont want it getting infected

hahhhhh, today truly is my lucky day

The streets were beginning to come alive with the hustle and bustle of a small town.

Children hurrying along jumping in puddles with no regard for collateral damage

Beggars crawling out of their holes clanking mugs for attention

Yes even the dinosaurs came walking down spending their free time in search of company and something more thrilling than bingo.

Wait, how did I end up on this street. Normally I walk by Evans Avenue ...?

Following the stream down into the heart of the valley Jacobs goal was soon in sight

What he didnt expect to find was a redhaired beauty anxiously peeking around and looking at people wide eyed.

She had curves in all the right places but the most breathtaking thing were her eyes.

A deep green almost emeraldian, no more like a scarab glittering and changing color in the sun.

He was quite frankly too stunned to speak

Hey you there. Are you my guide?

Um ... hello?

She circled around him

You got the Moonbucks apron you must be it. mumbled the girl to herself

Hi my name is Jessica whats yours?

Cold sweat was running down Jacobs back.

Why am I so nervous?

Oh yeah hi, sorry didnt sleep good last night ...

Really? I couldnt tell by your humongous eyecircles ...

An overly dramatic eyeroll, great

Ha ha yeah ... Who the fuck says humongous?

So since I dont know your name and you kinda look like a Panda i will call you Panda or Pan for short

Um ok thats fine my Name is Jacob by the way Oh god she is weird, she will fit right in

Hmmm no I like Pan better and it fits you a big grin ermerged and engulfed almost her whole face even her eyes were closed

So uh where is your stuff? My Boss said you had some luggage Great idea change the subject, quick!

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

Yeah its right here she pointed at her backpack fitted with all kinds of badges

Wait a moment ... where those Gym Badges?

Upon noticing the glittering nerd indicators Jacob noticed something else

Sunlight reflected off her long curly hair and made it shine and look even more reddish

Also people were staring. At them? no at her. Of course at her ...

Hey Jess .. ah lets go Did i really forget her name already?

Jacob didnt look back as he quickly grabbed her hand and pulled the girl through the crowd, if he had he would have noticed the downcast gaze and fittingly red cheeks of his new coworker

Almost like a messiah did he part the sea, them usually giving him a wide berth

You idiot

that same voice again ...

He looked back

Did you say something?

Ah no nothing ...

no, way to squeamish

Weird

Shrugging his shoulders he marshed on

So since you have not much stuff i will show you around the shop first ok? The morning is usually the busiest time.

Afterwards I will take you to your new home and from there show you all the things you need to know

Ok ... Jesicca grabbed the hand tighter and looked around at the new surroundings

So many streetsigns and narrow roads everywhere, it reminded her of an upturned anthill

She could have sworn the one sign transmorphed as she looked away for just one second

Was it the right decision to come here?

She scratched the skin at the side of her thumb until it peeled away

She didnt notice until blood was pooling on her dark green lacquered fingernails

Jacob was steadily going against the grain but strangely his steps were more purposefull today and the surroundings seemingly noticed as well

Stares and hushed whispers were droning all around him

Its the creepy boy ...

What is he doing with the girl?

... She looks scared ...

is he forcing her?

Jacob stood still and smacked his lips

What could he say?

Better to leave them to their own thinking

His shoulders sinking he started marshing again

Only to stumble over a little kid

it held flyers in its hands, had held

Now they were all sprawled on the muddy ground getting soaked

But before he could react Jessica was already on the ground helping the boy up

Oh shit, didnt mean to. Im sorry. He leaned down and grabbed what he could and put them back into the tiny hands

The kid only gave him a sheepish nod and put his small flicked hat on his beany head

Jwssica was less forgiving, with her hands on her hips and furrowed brows she started the scolding

You should watch out more, dont zone out you sleepy panda!

And then she flicked him on the head, albeit only slightly

Again Jacob was too stunned to speak

The picture on the flyer was what got him out of his rut

A beautiful vibrant painting was depicted on it and had 'Moonbucks Atelier come and buy the finest most mesmerising Art' written on it in gold lettering

Now it was Jacobs turn to scrunch his eyebrows

Since when did the coffeeshop display and auction art?

Jacob was too immersed in his thoughts to notice his absence didnt help the situation as Jessicas face almost matched her hair

You stupid idiot if I wouldnt need your help I would have left you alone a long time ago!

Again a crowd gathered

Are they lovers?

Lucky him ...

Jacobs shoulders sunk even more

He averted his gaze and mumbled under his breath im sorry ..

You better be, you .. you .. ahhh

He reached out a hand but faltered midway and quickly retracted it again

Lets go ..

Hey wait up! Im not so fast!

Her tiny steps couldnt keep up with his fast pace so he had to slow down

The mood was bad

No words flowed.

She looked around, he to the ground

Upon seeing the Cafe a sigh of relief couldnt be stopped

The door opened and a *cling ling* tiny bell announced their arrival

Please for the love of god let someone else take over

Kevin has the morning shift, maybe i can bribe him?

Looking around the situation was dire

The Manager Rebecca or Becky as she wanted to be called was here

She must have planned this ...

Goiod morning, Welcome to ...

Hey Kevin what are we sopposed to say

Oh yeah

Welcome dear customer to Moonbucks, are you ready for the greatest coffee in town? Kevin said in the most monotone voice a human could muster

Jacob facepalming

Come on Jayjay play along, please Rebecca was clasping her hands in a pleading gesture

Dont call me Jayjay Jacobs gaze was turned away and his cheeks couldnt resist slightly reddening

Please ...?

Of course I am ready for the greates coffee, ha ha

Thats great to hear, what can we get you Sir? again the robot returned

Hell in a cup please

Comin' right up

I looked at Jessica.

She was as thrilled as we were. Thankfully Rebecca came and took her of my hands

See thats how we greet ... She slung her arm over Jessicas shoulder like a predator lulling in its prey

Sup Kevin gave a headup

Nod returned

I started getting into my funk brewing my first of many free coffees of the day

The brown gold as i called it is what kept me at this job and standing on my feet, probably.

But before I could wallow in its warm embrace did Kevin of all people have to start smalltalk

Yo whats with the chick bro

You see Kevin was not the sharpest tool in the shed or should i say the most flavorful espresso

but he had his moments and was usually not in the way

Ah you know she looks cute and all but she is weird like the rest of us

Hmm you know crazy fucks good and she looks good, really good

Yeah ... thats true.

We both gazed at their behinds, longingly. Me more secretive than the bloke but still enjoying the view nonetheless

I thave a feeling she likes you

Oh really?

Same as with Becky but you wont believe me

If you say so ...

Kevin rolled his eyes he had his usual Moonbuckx Cappy on, hiding his slightly balding head he rocked the same white t but he was graced by a brown apron instead.

Had he gotten it brown or was it stained by the countless deaths of cups? who knows

But something about him was different upon closer inspection everything in this room was slightly different

Then he noticed

A giant painting hanging over the wall behind the reception.

How had he missed it?

It was saturated no bombared with colorful splashes that weridly enough were fused into geoetrical shapes, as if the paint was naturally sticking or flowing in such patterns

No way ...

Hidden in all the shapes were three interlocking rings ... no only two

The third one is missing

He got shaken out by Kevin

A long line had already formed, everyone eager to get their next legal kick

How long was I gone?

He couldnt afford to think he had to function

and so autopilot took over and with smooth skilled movements Jacob turned beans into brown gold, with or without cream, spices milk sugar whatever the customer desired.

The crowd tended to stay longer lingering before the reception staring at the painting

It became worrying when an older woman was still standing there on closing time

By now the sun had began to set and Jacob was alone once again. He walked into Rebeccas office

Im closing up shop, see ya tomorrow

Wait

Jessica was looking down on the ground

and Rebecca had a sly smirk on

which suited her aged asian features quite well but boded bad for Jacob

You see .. Jessica has nowhere to stay and since you were her guide could you maybe let her stay at yours till she has something? Thank you dear

I looked her deep in the eyes and said sadly not my cat is ill

You have no cat

Dont do this to me

Cant she stay at Kevins?

That brute? no way

*tch*

Jessica shoulders sunk and her frame became even smaller

Rebecca gave me a stern look and looked pointedly at Jessica

*Sigh*

Fine, but only for a couple days ok oh and you sleep on the couch

At this she perked up and nodded

I wont be a burden i promise

Yeah Yeah Lets go

With waving hand motions i began making my way out

Out of the corner of my eye I could see JEssica being stopped by rebecca and them whispering

My focus shifted

The painting still exuded that enticing aura

You just wanted to look at it

In the bottom right orner in tiny embrioded fine letters J. Clancy was written

A tiny pressure on my shoulder pulled me back out

Jessica shily pulled her finger away

There on her wrist was a tattoo of two black interlocking rings sticking ever so slightly out of her skin

Under and around vertical scars were tracing her blood vessels

I gulped

She saw that I saw.

Her pupils were expanding rapidly and quickly disappeared behind a curtain of red. She also hid her arm in her sleeve rubbing her wrist in the process

You saw nothing her voice cold and distant

Yeah I saw nothing ...

If you do ...

You know I saw that symbol before What the fuck am i doing?

She jolted

Reeally?

The curtain was parted and a new Jessica emerged with a calculating gaze and cold demeanor

Interesting, guess I dont need to continue this horrible act

So, you are one of us?

Yeah, tots ..

She squeezed her eyes

And erupted into laughter

You are a funny and cute Panda haha

I didnt know what to fell but seeing her laugh was contagious and a small smile began gracing my face

If im a panda you are a Firefly, careful that you dont explode

I filcked her forehead

*Hmph*

Im a phoenix, no a dragon

a baby dragon more like, a wyrm

Is that what you call your dick? a cutesy tiny wyrm

Atleast ive got something, you are just as flat as a pancake

Her smile vanished in an instant

Im not flat

And her hands rested on her chest

I looked down at them True but she doesnt have to know that

Her lips were pouting and she seemed to ignore me

Which made her even more cute

The sun had already set and everything was died in a warm orange glow making the town look almost passable for just a moment

We quickly arrived at my apartment whilst being watched like a hawk from my neighbours

One shouted down to us

Hoho finally you bring a girl home and then one such beauty, quite good The old man living above me gave a tumbs up and then continued to puff on his pipe

I waved him off but still managed to fumble my keys

Hihi

As i stepped in and flipped the lightswitch the flurorescent lights slowly flipped on and started a peaceful hum

You can keep your shoes on or off whatever you want

This is the bath this the kitchen your "bed" and my room

She turned her nose up at the stacked dishes and dirty toilet

This was a dump

my dump

Feel at home

As I started to open my bedroom door she grabbed me by the arm and said

Jacob thank you, really with a serious tone

Yeah yeah no worries I waved her off

I closed the door and practicaly fell into my bed

Humans are so difficult