Jester Book 1: Abduction

Ch 3: Two for One

The delights within Mandy's Rainbow Candy Shop had no limits. From spherical sugar balls to gooey chocolate cakes, if it was sweet it was here. Currently, it was mostly empty within the usually busy store. Almost a waste that so many delicious confections were going uneaten.

So in reality Chester's constant devouring of snacks while on the job was a form of conservation. At least that's what he told Mandy as she held her cane's barrel to his neck. He was lying with his chin on the ground while the lemon-haired queen yelled at him much to the delight of the customers. Another great show with their sweets.

When Mandy relinquished her grip Chester returned to his usual antics. He jumped around the colorful store and babbled about with the consumers. Listening in and adding hilarious anecdotes to their simple conversations.

A group of youths were huddled in a corner marveling over the many attractions weaved into the studded streets. They talked about the fantastic stunt show within the overstuffed stadiums in the Entertainment District. The wrestling matches that El Primo showcased in the city center. Even an unscheduled fire dancing performance was like watching a main event at a boxing match.

Chester leaned in with an anecdotal, "What about the performance by Poco? Didn't Janet's song send you soaring? Waa-ha-ha-ha-ha."

The kids snickered along but were less enthusiastic with their answer, "Janet's song was cool, but we didn't see Poco."

Chester's act faltered for a moment. He managed to slap on that fool's charm once more, "I guess he was a sleepy bone." Chester gave a playful snicker as he made a piece of candy appear from thin air. They all screamed with glee and ran off to get more snacks from the glass bubbles.

Meanwhile, Chester hid behind an assorted candy stand. He took a deep breath and raked his eyes. Is it a coincidence? Poco's words from yesterday and the disappearance of Dyanmike a few days earlier. Are they connected?

Chester could hear Mandy saying goodbye to some customers, "And don't forget that Mandy's Candy is the sweet tooth of Starr Park." It was a tired phrase but Mandy continued to spit it up like a mother bird feeding its young. She caught a glimpse of Chester's eyes and stuck her tongue out.

Chester returned the favor by matching it with an additional finger. Mandy refocused on checking out the customers while Chester got back to work harassing them. Though with every step he couldn't help but think about what he'd heard.

~-~--~-~

Starr Park's streets were never quiet. Calm sure but quiet, certainly not. Even with the moon high above the sky, there were still mopeds rushing by and people walking the pristine sidewalks. Chester couldn't take the Candy Cart out on joy rides so he figured he'd walk to the Wild West region.

The Wild West was one of the first districts ever established in Starr Park. It was originally just a dirt road with some old wooden shacks along the path. There was an old saloon, a broken bank, and a dusty field where an assortment of games could be played.

At least that's how it used to be. Nowadays the Wild West District is a land in the future. Or the modern era by cowfolk's standards. Sure it still held its rustic charm but all the boards had been replaced with polished wood and shiny new signs. There were robots dressed in the age and programmed to interact with the people as if they were still in the 1800s. Minus the blatant racism.

Chester's feet kicked up dust as he transitioned into the old school town. He saw the dress code change. Men had on old leather vests and crusty slacks. The woman walked in long dresses with their hair done up in fantastical style. He got to see an older gentleman selling magical charms and bobbles from an old wooden cart outside of a bustling tavern.