"Now practice with me, Miss Pierrot." The jaw physiotherapist instructed.

Sil had been suffering the past few days. One side of her jaw really started to ache like the dickens. She could not stop screaming in pain. No spells could cure her. And the dentist directed her to him.

"Put your hands on your jaw's hinges. Like this." The therapist did just so to himself. Sil was very stubborn about keeping her mask on. "And regularly do this motion until it falls out of habit." Sil mimicked the motion.

Turns out her stress had been bottled up and bit her back.

"This is it? Oooo~oooo~ooow!" Sig was there for Sil.

"That is it. That should reduce your stress levels. You should be able to perform again in a day or two, give or take. "

"Than- OW! Thanks, doc."
"Haha. You're welcome. Take care, take it easy, feel comfortable in your skin."

Silvana and Sig left the room. Sig wrapped his arm around his friend's waist. She was busy rubbing her cheeks.

"Just a little longer, and you can finally rest again." He told her gently.

"M-My body's gonna kill me, Sig." The demon boy was kinda got caught off-guard with the suffering harlequin's pain quivering statement. "Let's face it, Sig. I wasn't meant to live this life… I shoul- YOOOW!" Sig had pinched her make to stop. "M-Meanie."

"This is not you, Sil. Uncle has the this too."
"Aaaaawhh… What do you mean?"
"Just remembered he has the same problem. It's normal."
"Reallyyyyyooow?"

"Sig…?"
"What's up?"
"W-Will…"

"..."

"Nevermind. I'll tell ya when I… I wanna sleep…"

Sil lost her train of thought.

Chapter 38: Silvacation Day 1 of 7

"Haaaaaaaah~" That was Sil's first conscious thought of the day. Her jaw didn't hurt anymore. She hadn't showered or brushed her teeth. But she feels like she was the queen of the universe. She rubbed her cheeks just be on the safe side.

She wanted to go to school. But it was the weekend, she had lost track of time. She kissed Arms on the head, showered, brushed, got dressed up and was ready to get some training in. It is a practice day. And she missed the exercise.

But first, she made curry to celebrate the passing of the pain! A very special recipe too~

Sil heard her door open. Her body overloaded with happiness and relief. She stayed in the kitchen and awaited her hero.

She kept an ear out. Now that the time she sneaked to the corner. She surprised Sig with the biggest hug she's ever given. She lingered like this. She didn't say anything, just a few giddy giggles.

She broke off to make sure her home doesn't burn down.

Sig himself smiled as well. And not one of his hard to read smile too. "Happy to see you happy again. Is it really gone?"

"You betcha!" She replied with boundless energetic vigour. She could run a marathon. "Wanna stay anyway? Now that I finally can enjoy your company?" She playfully put on big puppy dog eyes.

"Yeah. Of course." Sil pecked him on the cheek, and blushed for having done so. She wasn't alone.


The two had their fun, caught some beetles, trying to teach Sig a handstand. Pierrot entered her circus with him.

"Hi, guys!" Pierrot greeted her crew. "Nice to see you all again." Everyone walked up to congratulate on her recovery. "It's nothing." She chuckled so she wouldn't have to relive the pain. "Just a simple cheek massage."

She got a hug from Amitie and Vento, cheers from Donguri, Hohow and some of the employed no names, the other's shook her hand. "Ahem, Ladies, and Gentlemen. It's time." Oshare Bones pointed attention to himself. "Silvana, we have a surprise for you."

"R-Really now? Go on. You got my curiosity."

Out of his sleeve, he pulled out a pamphlet. He flipped it around and it suddenly became a pamphlet and some coupons. Pierrot took them.

"Free trip to Puyo Puyo Spa? Week pass on Zeri camping site? These are out of town. Why?"

"Because we don't you to stress yourself out again. You've never taken a vacation, Sil." Amitie said. "Raffine always brags about how wonderful she feels after visiting that place."

"We all chipped in, ho ho."
"Ribbit~!"

"Oh. Wow." The clown was taken aback by that. "Hm…" She thought about it. 'A vacation. Out of town… Zeri? As in Zeri Town? Lemres' Town?' "Why the heck not?" She shrugged. "I could use a change of scenery. Maybe walk around maskless for a bit."

She distinctly heard some say "ooooooo."

Oshare giggled. "You had no choice in this. We really insist that you take it easy for a while. Not that we ever get to see it but stress does unspeakable things to your face."

"Thanks for the concern?"


"You can't come with?" Sil was disappointed.

"Sorry, Uncle needs my arm for something."
"Aw… How about I get you some nice souvenir?"
"Sounds good."
"What do you want, and don't say "I don't know"."

"…"

"…"

"…"


The day came. Sil had prepared her caravan for traveling. Now she had to wait a little for her ride to show up.

'Donguri manages the circus. So if it burns down it's not his fault. Amitie gonna be Pierrot… She better not embarrass me… As long keeps out of doing anything she should we should be a-okay. She has the clown part down at least. Fufufufu.'

And there they were. Lemres and Baldanders. "Took you long enough." Sil playfully jested.

"My, you're in a good mood. Blue licorice?"
"Oh, thanks~"

The clown walked up to Baldanders to give him a few rubs. *Pant pant*

"Are you sure you can pull my home to Zeri, Balders?" The hellhound gave a firm lick in response.

"It's a small hike. It's not like it's that far away."
"If you say so."
"Are you ready, Silvana? Need to hit the outhouses?"
"Already done."
"Alrighty, let's go. I think you'll enjoy Zeri."
"Can we stop out of Primp's sight. I don't wanna be dressed as clown. For a li'l while."
"Oh. Any reason?"
"Not to look like a clown."


"Think this is far enough from Primp?"
"I'd say so. Primp's out of sight and Zeri's too."
"'Kay. Gimme a sec to change."

Two minutes later after entering the caravan a dark redhead, with red eyes, a low-hanging ponytail. She wore a simple dress with a cotton jacket over it. She wore red socks and sneakers.

"Hi. Who're you?" She joked.

"My, my, Silvana. I have never seen you look so… so… average? For lack of a better word."

Silvana giggled and blushed. "Thanks. That's the point."

"So are you sick of being a clown? Or…"

"Nah. I just wanna be normal for a bit. I am kinda a celebrity, people from surrounding towns go out to see my circus. I don't wanna be recognized."

"Fair enough. Smart move."

"Plus if they didn't know me. I'm dressed like a clown 24/7, Primp's used to it but in retrospect, it's kinda silly to walk around like I do…"

"My previous comment stands."

"And what do you think, Balders?"

"Woof. Woof?"

"…What? B-But I. Thought you knew… Oops. Please don't tell anybody! Not even Feli, no matter how much she asks!"

Baldenders let her know her secret's safe, relievingly so.

"Oh, guys? Just everything straight, I'm going fully incognito. Pseudonym and all!"
"W-Won't that hurt you?"
"No. I haven't felt the name change pains for months."
"Lucky…"
"I am not Silvana Pierrot. I am…"

Sil left a moment of anticipation. She grinned, her clown genes had their colourful fingers craft this names. She laughed when she came up with it.

"Sylvana Jones."

Lemres suppressed laughter. "Haha. Good one." He said unironically.

"I know right? I like it too much. Too late to change my name now. Sleep in the bed I make." She shrugged with a smile. "Lucky enough to pick my own name to begin with."

"That you are. Now, Miss Jones. Let's get back to the trip shall we?"


"I present to you, Silvana…: The town of Zeri!"

Sil was mildly impressed. The architecture was similar to Primp but seemed to be upper middle class opposed to Primp's middle class. It seemed bigger and the buildings were a bit higher too. Seemed to be a little more diverse in species as well. Akuma must be a bit too extreme.

"Look's neat."

"The camping's a little to the west of here. Hungry? I got some more candy."

"I'm good."

*Later…*

"Alrighty, your caravan's all set up."
"Thanks for the help."
"Yap Yap!"

"Enjoy your stay, Silvana." He tapped her shoulder. "Oh, before I forget. Here's a map. Give me a sec." Lemres pulled out a pencil and scribbled on it. "Here. Circled the Spa, my apartment, some points of interests and such."

"Oh, thanks. This'll come in handy. Uh. What's wrong with your face, Lemres? Something bugging you?"

"N-No." He shook his head. "Can you see me tomorrow? I have something I want to tell you."

Sil was a bit at unease seeing Lemres as such. "What is it?"

"I can't tell here. Please. Don't worry about it until then. It's no bad news bad or anything. More like forgotten news." He mumbled. "Just visit me tomorrow. I'll be home all day. Just enjoy your trip to the spa, "Jones". Don't worry your pretty li'l head over it. You're here to relax."

"O-Okay."
"And if you need anything just ask me."
"Will do."
"Oh, and definitely go for the massages and the hot tub. They're awesome."


On Silvana's stroll to the Puyo Puyo Spa she looked at all the folks around her. No matter if human, mammal, amphibian, reptile, fishperson, undead, hybrid, or anything else. Nobody looked at her funny.

She was in a great mood. She had nothing to hide in this town, nothing to be covered up by a mask and a silly outfit. There was nothing to fear, nobody knew her. "I feel amazing." 'Why couldn't it always be like this?' Enjoying having her face, arms and legs exposed to the elements. 'I'm way too attached to Primp to actually move out now. Don't think my mind and body will allow it anyway. I hope a week away is alright…'

'Hm… a week of no one knowing who I am.' A lightbulb went off. 'What if…? I have everyone call me…' She groaned and crushed the lightbulb. "Silvana Pierrot. My name's Silvana." She checked if anybody caught her acting weird. She covered up her face and dashed off.

'And it's Sylvana Jones. Idiot.'


"Welcome to the Puyo Puyo Spa, we wash your troubles away. How can we help you?" The cute receptionist harpy greeted Silvana. Harpy as in an actual, but not quite a harpy. Not the angel we know.

"Hi." She fished out her coupon and placed it on the table. "I'm here for a free day." The harpy looked at it with a sharp eye.

"This can't be for real, right? You scamming me?"
"No, some friends gave it to me. I can pay if I must."
"I think you should. What kinda place gives this away anyway?"
"Can't you just show it to a higher up?"
"Hm… Hadn't thought of that, gimme a sec."

The harpy trotted off. Leaving the coupon on the counter on account of not having proper hands.

Sil was not prepared. "Here it is, lady." The harpy brought a familiar face in.

"This legitima-"

If Sil was still suffering from the stress in her jaw, this would put her out of her misery. She had locked eyes with Rulue.

"Are you who I think you are?" Rulue wanted to know for sure. And this was unmistakably Rulue. Her tone made Sil scared for her life. She hoped she wouldn't out herself.

"N-No."

"My name, now!" Rulue slammed the desk.

Sil, having used that tactic before tried to fake it from a moan. "Hmmmmmmnnnnaaaanweeeeellsonnn?"

Rulue's face got skeptical. "Plume?" She addressed the harpy. "Go find a room that needs dusting."

"Yes. M'lady." Sil and Rulue were left alone.

"Forgive us, let's start over. My name is Rulue. Welcome to the Puyo Puyo Spa, we wash your troubles away. How can we help you, Arle?" Sil just barely caught on to her little trap. She kept quiet. She slowly tilted her head as improvisation to smoothly work in the thought process.

"What's an 'Arle'?" It stung a little bit, nothing she couldn't hide. "Is that a slur against red-eyed girls in Zeri?" She acted insulted.

"What! Nonono. I apologize, Miss. You just looked like an awful lot like a despicable Doppelganger of a friend." Rulue backtracked, a mentality she's only taking because she's an employee no doubt.

"O-Oh. I'm sorry, lady. Can I get my spa day please? I come from out of town specifically to relax here. I felt like I was dying of stress." Sil grabbed her jaw.

"Certainly. Forgive me. What's your name?"

"Ah… Uh… Um…" Sil was distracted. "Sorry, I'm Sylvana, S.Y.L.V.A.N.A. Jones. J.O.N.E.S."

"Pardon me, but what kinda name is… Jones?"
"Can we just go on with it?"
"Fine. Do you want a back massage?"
"Sounds, nice?"
"You sound as awkward as she would too. Are you sure you're not Doppel?"
"D-Doppel?" 'Is that what they call me?'
"Ugh, nevermind. Hot tub?"
"Sounds nice."
"Mud bath?"
"NO!"
"Are you sure? It's heavenly, it does wonders."
"I'm pretty sure."
"You seem a little too tomboyish for this. How about pedicures?"
"No."
"Guessed that. A facial?"
"Even if my face wasn't usually always covered, um, I think I'll pass it off."
"Miss Jones, you can have everything this establishment has to offer! How about a sauna?"
"Maybe another time."

*Some more declined options later…*

"Public with other people or private?" Sil felt more and more awkward being here.

"Pruh-Private! Please."
"One final question: Want a male or female host?"
"Um… Surprise me?"

Sil needed to relax more than ever. And a prayer that Rulue doesn't investigate further.


An attractive human female at least half a decade older than her walked up to Sil. "Sylvana Jones?"

"That's me."

"Hello." She reached out her hand and they shook hands. "I'm your guide and masseur today. Follow me this way, we've got a hot tub ready just for you for the next half hour."

"Sounds nice." Sil almost salivated at the thought.

"And after that your massage. I'll be gentle." She wiggled her fingers.

The lady walked her to a room with a glass roof. The wallpaper had the stereotypical outdoors hot spring look to it. Silvana liked it.

"Take it off your clothes and enjoy yourself. If some pesky peepers show up on the roof just pull onto that rope, towels are over there. If you hear that bell there that means we are coming soon and you should dry yourself. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'm."

"Enjoy yourself~ Oh, before I forget, this should go without saying, but don't do anything your mother would be ashamed of you doing in public."

Sil felt like her intelligence was insulted.

The warm waters, combined with the cloudy sky did put her at her ease. The waters anybody would find relaxing, it's comparable when the pain in her jaw was over. "Bye-bye, jaw pain." She smirked.

The cloudy sky is something not everybody would enjoy. Most prefer a sunny day as long it's not too hot. It's not become she herself isn't a sunny person, her mind can get rather cloudy. It's the thought of rain she thought about.

She heard a few comforting dribbles on the glass. She sighed in content. "This is heaven~"

Rain was something that Doppel found nostalgic in a bittersweet way. It brought her back to her homeless days. Sleeping the caves, the forests, lucky enough to find a dry place to sleep. Sil's grateful for having a permanent home now. And the days of being alone in the cold are over. But granted, anything looked fine after being looked up in that box for so long. She was happy the circus she found remained exactly where it was after being locked up so long.

It made her feel thankful for the for the life she had now. Even if she hates it too. But that's out of her control.

It rained a bit harder, and as such, Sil's mind drifted off.

"Rulue…"

*Ding!*

"Wuh? How long was I out? Where's Carb…" … "Remember who you are, Sil. Should've brought the dreamcatcher…" Sil was bummed out. She dozed off, she barely felt she started. She vaguely remembered fantasizing about Rulue. And that's where her thoughts are now.


Sil was lying on her stomach on the massage table, her face was a bit red for what was about to happen.

The masseur cracked her knuckles. "Have no fear, honey." Sil yelped at the fingers' pressure on her back. "You'll feel real good in a sec."

"I hope."

*Massaging*

"Are you into sports?" The masseur brought up outta the blue. Sil being relaxed had no qualms having a chat.

"How do you figure?"
"Hmhmhm. Precisely of your figure. You have the muscles for some gymnastics."
"Uh huh."
"And you had your chest wrapped up. You clearly do some work out at the very least, Miss Jones."
"…You're right. I. Uh. I'm an acrobat in training."

*Massaging cont.*

"Oh, do you work for the Puyo Puyo Circus in Primp?"
*Internal snort* "Yeah."
"Hoh, pretty cool. I heard good things about it in the Zeri times."
"Gotta be better than what the Primp Journal prints."
"What do they print?"
"Enough that I really should sue them."
"The other papers are kinder, right?"
"Thankfully."

*Massaging still cont.*

"My nephew wants to go. But he can't until a month from now. Is the Donguri Gaeru really as amazing as he's croaked up to be?"
"Be careful how you say that. The Donguri Gaeru [plural] don't like that joke in the wrong context."
"Oh, sorry. But is he?"
"Yeah, even the Primp Journal can agree he's amazing. He's our main attraction for a reason. He's also the circus' accountant."
"Reeaally?"
"Hmhmm."
"Woah."

*Different type of massaging*

"What about the clown?"

"What about me?" Sil jumped a little.

"Woawoah. Miss Jones, keep lying down, will you?" Sil did. "Now what did you say?"

"Uh, what about, Pierrot?"
"How funny is she? Lemme guess~ She makes balloons and makes a lot of boob jokes with them."
"N-No."
"Then what does she do?"
"C-Certainly not that! She's the ringleader."

She could feel the surprise on her back.

"Oh. But how do you know who's the real one? She always wears a mask, right? Seems important to know who's in charge."
"They're reserved for jokes." 'Freaking Amitie…' "We're a close bunch. Not close enough to see Pierrot's face, but hey, what can you do."
"*Giggle* Oh, I don't know. Take it off, maybe?"
"Don't do that."
"Alright, but there is an actual Pierrot, right?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, good."
"Why you care?"
"My nephew does. Is she an actual clown, or a subversive one? You know, ironic?"
"Don't ask me. I don't pay attention to that."

The massage got to a good part.

"Strange. You seem like the type to pay attention."

Sil knew she was making some impression on this woman. She is curious about her image though. With a small feeling of regretting it later. "How do I come across?"

With an audible smile, the masseur answered. "You come as across as a troubled type. Easy to annoy, a short temper but with a heart of gold. Wanting the best for all your friends. You adjusted yourself for them to like you more. To the point you've grown so used to your facade that you feel awkward being your normal self. In other words, you don't want them knowing in fear they might catch on."

Silvana moaned. "You're not wrong…" She mumbled. The truth hurts.

The masseur kept doing her job. "It's okay, honey. Relax. Sorry for raising those goosebumps. It's okay to like girls."

"…" 'Wait…' "What?"

"Oh, am I wrong?" She sounded so surprised.

"Yes."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Lady Rulue assumed you were-"
"Why?"
"Don't ask me. Something about your face being flushed when you saw her." *Audible shrug*

"In my experience that's called love at first sight."
"No! I'm hiding something else completely!"
"And what is that?"
"N-Not gonna tell ya."
"Then how do you explain the flushed face?"
"She… She just… Reminds me of a… A girl I used to know…"
"So you are into girls."
"NO! I THOUGHT YOUR ANALYSATIONS WERE ON FACE VALUE!"
"No yelling, Miss Jones. I can arrange a meeting with Lady Rulue if you so wish."

Sil made some grumbles.

"Relax, Jones. Even the straightest girls love Rulue. She is taken, I believe. And even if she wasn't her personality is frankly horrible. You'll get over it."

"C-Can we please change subjects? Please? I'm not into her."

The masseur giggled. "Sure you are, Miss Jones." Sil shivered, she could feel her wink.

"I was just simply flustered…"
"Not helping your case."
"I like a boy."
"So you're bi. Nothing to be ash-"
"Stop. Stop talking."


Sil was in a unique position to say that hell was a more pleasant experience. It was pouring outside, even more than before. One second out there and she'd be soaked. She casted Go Home and made herself a warm bath to wash off the embarrassment.

It worked. Her mind felt clear again. The tormenting infestation plaguing her mind was muted once more, she's feeling very spry. And thanks to the bath, and the rain dropping on her home.

Landing on her bed, Arms had an important question. *Monkey question?*

Sil raised her head from the pillow. "I don't wanna talk about it." Head went back into the pillow.

The rain kept pouring. She brought Arms closer. Wrapped them both in a blanket. And kept listening.

"G'night, Army." She smiled, knowing what she has. "6 days of vacation left. Better make the most of it."

Author's Notes:

Thanks to the concern to the guest review from the last chapter. Even if I chose it somewhat ignore it. My pain has died down. Thanks antibiotics!

Don't worry, I'll probably die of blood loss and go to hell after the teeth pulling.

And Silvana Jones isn't an Indiana Jones shout out. It's a Scooby Doo one. The higher form of art.

To be continued…