Bug and Wanderer trudged through the dense under-growth. Wanderer's spirit lantern barely lit the way, the trees were so packed. She sighed and lifted up her mask slightly to wipe her face. It was white, with two pointed ears, a shining star on it's temple, kind closed eyes, black short whiskers, a small nose, and a cat-like smile. These details were painted in glimmering purple and gold, and it was quite luxurious-looking. The other girl's mask matched, with three freckles on either side, a leaf on the forehead and a chesire grin. Wanderer was sweating thanks to the fire, and she had to take a break to cool off. "C'mon, we're almost there!", cheered Bug, though she didn't sound very convincing. They had been trotting through the forest for most of the day to avoid people, hunger and sleep deprivation got to them eventually, and Bug convinced Wanderer to make a pit-stop. Finally, the trees thinned and they were face to face with a quite large town. It was late, so they doubted they could find a room, but went to what looked like an inn anyway. They were greeted by a woman, who frankly looked like her shift end was overdue. Wanderer took the first move. "Hello? Me and my friend are looking for a room.." The woman sighed and pointed upstairs. "I'm too tired to ask for pay, so just share the room upstairs. Goodnight." She tiredly shuffled upstairs and threw a key in their direction. "Last room to the left." The duo was much too weary themselves to register such lacking hospitality, so they followed. Once in the room, Bug flopped unto the bed and promptly conked out. Wanderer begrudgingly took off her boots and coat then followed suit. She dreamed of dark worlds and rainy days and monsters she did not want to face. She rolled and turned and fell into a restless sleep.
*****
Bug woke to an elbow in her face. Again. It was another one of Wanderer's nightmares, most likely, and they ranged from slight murmuring and frowning faces to animal like wails that sent chills down her spine. Thankfully, this was one of the less severe ones, because the bad ones could wake the dead and kill them again, and Bug was not ready to peel Wanderer off the wall in the dead of night and find them somewhere else to sleep. She rolled from the bed sluggishly, and the pain from hitting her head on the wooden floor was more than enough to clear it. "Ouch!". This cry startled Wanderer awake, who fell off and yowled. Rubbing her head, she squinted at Bug. "Did you really have to stop such a nice dream?", she teased, sticking her tongue out before getting up. "Yes, because your dreams give everyone else nightmares. Now get dressed, we need to get food." She pulled on her cloak, a dark green one with leaves on the edges, and opened the door, leaving Wanderer by herself. She met the receptionist again and took a few gold coins out of her cloak. "Is this enough to cover a few weeks?" The woman blinked and accepted this payment without a word. Bug walked outside, then immediately got flash-banged by the sudden brightness. She collected herself, and resorted to walking in the shade until her vison adjusted. She trotted through the streets and hoped she could find a shop so they could restock.
*****
It was well past noon when Bug stumbled upon a bakery and in it good scents were galore. From gingerbread to raisin bun, they had it all, and she was practically drooling. All of their money would of vanished from her pocket right there and then if it weren't for the look the baker gave her. "Uh, how much for a loaf of bread?" Bug didn't quite get why the lady was staring, but whatever. Those pastries were begging to fill her mouth anyway. "3 copper, and what are you wearing that mask for anywho?" She stopped dead, stuttered, and slowly backed away from the counter. "U-uh, I'm a....traveling performer! Yes that's it...I do my stunts with my best friend! We'll be doing an act tonight, so don't be late!" I gave her a gold coin, whisked the bread from her hands and fled, yelling as I went, "Keep the change!". Bug practically broke down the inn door to get their room. She ran inside, panting. "Wanderer! I got us in trouble again..." The girl sighed and sat up. "What did you do this time?" "Well, I was at a bakery and the lady asked me about the mask and I panicked!" "And?" "And I told her we were circus performers." "And I said we were performing tonight." Wanderer was silent, contemplating how they would deal with this particular situation. They would have to go anyhow, because if the woman questioned the mask she most definitely would take what Bug said seriously. They needed a plan, and fast.
*****
It was night, and the duo was ready. Instead of skedaddling, they decided that Wanderer would juggle spirit flame and Bug would lift her giant hammer. It was a glorious thing, and her most prized possession, with the gold and silver handle and lemon symbols. She was always saying something about 'When life gives you lemons'. Wanderer never knew where it came from, and Bug would never elaborate, so she just assumed it came from the same place as her lantern. The hammer was powerful enough to turn a person into lemon juice, so the girl usually kept it unsummoned, and the hammer was the main reason people wondered about their identities so much. After all, no ordinary person would wield such a weapon, let alone stash it away without a trace. So they came to the towns square, Wanderer's lantern on her shoulder, Bug's Hammer in hand, and clamored onto the stage, which was usually used for elections.
*****
Just as they suspected, the baker was a blabber-mouth, and quite a few people had shown up. Wanderer cleared her throat awkwardly, and 200 pairs of eyes turned towards her. "Uhm, as the baker lady most likely told you, we're here to perform a magic show. First up," she said, her voice growing more steady, "Is me juggling..drumroll please... FIRE!" Balls of blue flame materialized, hovering above her hands, and she started throwing them, a new ball materializing after every complete loop. The crowd began to ooh and ahh as the glorious flames lit up the square.