Benjamin and Isabelle arrived at the Grand Oak Library and went to look around. The enormous place had a grand white arch and ceiling. The wooden flooring matched the dark brown walls almost perfectly, except for the cream-colored patterns on the walls. Chandelier lights attached to the ceiling lit the place up, making the atmosphere more welcoming and inviting.

The rough textures from the mahogany bookshelves trickled against Isabelle’s hands as she slid it across the shelves. She looked at her hands. Speckles of dust lingered on her fingertips. Nothing but up-to-date information all around her. She could stay here all day if possible. It was a paradise for her. But Isabelle didn’t have time for that now. She and Benjamin were on a critical mission that they needed to do.

“So, why are we here again?” Isabelle inquired, glancing at her friend.

“Isn’t it obvious? Since we’re here in your world, we should continue to learn and adapt to human society.” Benjamin replied, dramatically pointing towards the ceiling.

“That’s a great idea. We can learn about their cultures, history, um...”

“Anyway, let’s split up and see what we can find. I’m going to explore and find some juicy stuff over there.”

“Alright, sounds good. I’m going to ask a librarian for help as well.”

“Hmm...” Benjamin scratched his chin and pondered. “Using your own kind to help us out and use their knowledge against them, I like it.”

“Uh, sure, let’s go with that.” Isabelle chuckled lightly.

The two went their separate ways. Isabelle headed toward the desk, where a red-head librarian typed on a computer while looking at an enormous book on her lap.

“Excuse me,” Isabelle spoke up as she hit the small bell on the countertop.

“Hmm?” The librarian shifted her gaze and looked at the girl with narrow eyes. “Oh, can I help you?”

“Yes, I’m looking for a book.”

“We got tons of them here. Can you be more specific, please?”

“Well, I’m looking for one focusing on people.”

“Again, we got loads of them. We even have a category for them. Can you give me more specific details?”

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“Specifically, what monsters ‌think of humans and vice versa?”

“Are you serious?” The librarian questioned, raising her eyebrow.

“You wanted me to be more specific!” Isabelle exclaimed, slamming her hands on the desk. “How much more could I possibly—?”

“Quiet.” The librarian shushed her. “You’re disturbing the peace.”

“Sorry,” Isabelle murmured, lowering her head. “But—”

“What!” Benjamin’s voice echoed from across the room.

“Benjamin, not so loud!” She hissed.

“But did you see this?” The dark magician stormed over with a book in his hand.

Isabelle followed him over to a table, where they sat down to inspect the book he found.

“Notice these?” Benjamin pointed at a few pictures and descriptions of strange creatures on the pages.

“Yeah, those are real monsters,” Isabelle told him.

“No way. Is this really how humans see us?” Benjamin’s mouth gaped as he stared down at the book.

“Well, technically, there are different interpretations of how and what all kinds of monsters look like on the surface.” She added with a shrug. “However, if you had told somebody what you’re supposed to be, then chances are, no one would believe you.”

“I don’t understand. I read a book a year ago back at my old school library about our species.” Benjamin massaged his temples and sighed heavily. “Was it all a lie?”

Isabelle scratched her head and hummed. “Maybe it’s not the right term to use here?”

“Then what would be better?”

She got up and paced around, trying to think up better terms than the ones her partner was used to.

The students at that place use wizard-like magic, but it doesn't align with their abnormal tendencies that might be monster-like. Demons, maybe? No, that’s a harsh way of putting it.

Aside from that one student, I can’t recall anybody else using such dark magic. Not to mention demons, or were they daemons? They have twisted those words over the years, haven’t they? I’ve heard a term describing what Benjamin could be from a TV show, or was it a book? Could it fit in this case? Then again, other supernatural terms have been tarnished from other sources of media before, so I shouldn’t worry, but would I not be any better if—?

“Isabelle, are you ok?” Benjamin asked, interrupting her thoughts.

“I got it!” Isabelle proclaimed. The librarian shushed her again from a distance. “Sorry again, ma’am.”

“So, what did you come up with?”

“How about Demi-Humans, or Demi or short?” She suggested. “They have humanoid appearances but are a certain type of monster in disguise or beings with supernatural abilities. So, what do you think?”

“Hmm, that sounds pretty interesting. I like it!

“That’s great to hear!”

“When I have time, I’m going to go tell everyone else about the new idea you thought up.”