Lights glow down unto the rings from the distant top of the tent, from the ground it may appear to be normal spotlights but are in reality a nice touch of magic. They flashed harshly in time with the off-key, speedy, and thumping music blasting from no where. The tent smelled of smoke, sweat, and a sort of.. Naturish fragrance. Like a bed of flowers.

Three large rings sat in the middle of the tent. Benches, couches, bleachers, and stools were placed crazily around the ring. These seats are packed to the gills with a cheering crowd. They hooped and hollered as all manner of unspeakable things happened in the ring. Things too big for most of them to even comprehend, but yet they still enjoyed it incredibly.

With a thunderous boom and a blinding flash of light the crowd roared a renewed cheer to the grand finale of the act now passed. The music lulled a beat slower but not a bit more, and the crowd hushed to a murmur.

A woman with greying hair and a wise face waltzed slowly to center ring. Even from the back of the tent you would be able to see the large grin on her face. Why did she smile so? Who could know.. Perhaps it was because she had in some way or another made sure that Dragon Senior would be a bit late to the stage. Perhaps because she ever so loved to goad the fearsome Dragon, and not being their to strut his stuff would put the little man in one of his amusing little moods.

But really, who could know?

She straightened the colorful jacket she wore and spoke to the entire crowd. Her words echoed throughout the entire tent and yet she didn't have a microphone. Quite peculiar, wouldn't you say?

"Wasn't that act incredible everyone?!"

The crowd cheered back in response. A few people even whistled above the yells.

Nora's grin widens and she continues as she walked around the ring.

"So glad to hear it! We hear at the Silverheart and Rockjaw Underground Circus always strive to do our best!"

At this a quiet chuckle went through the seats at Nora's joke. Dragon would always be one to correct her whenever she misspoke the name. But once again, he wasn't hear. So instead Nora just stood there and let out a small giggle herself. Then again... Maybe he should be here.

Nora spoke up again, "Now I know most of you are without a doubt wondering where my other half is, yes?" A few mores cheers and she kept going. "Well, I suppose the show can't go on without him!" Nora then turned around towards a door to backstage and started calling out sweetly, "Dragon! Here Dragon!"

A small Corgi waddled out from behind a colorful stitched together curtain. It tumbled towards Nora, barking excitedly and wagging it's small tail. It ran up to Nora's feet and started hopping at her legs. Nora laughed and crouched down to give the dog a pat on the head. As she did the crowd once again started laughing.

The next round of performers had started to come out into the rings, so Nora knew it was time to rap up.

"Well, I guess that's enough of that. If you like that act let's see how you enjoy what we have in store next for ya!"

His act was everything to him, the birds hiding throughout the stadium and waiting for him to give signal. They were always different, depending on the state but it never took long to convince them to work with him. They knew the calls to come to him and the calls to leave him, the birds were more in tune then he was sometimes and he forgot that. The birds were sometimes much smarter and he appreciated their patience in his act. Birds were fickle creatures sometimes, they didn't like crowds and they went through a lot just to help him perform, though he usually paid them in food and loving compliments.

The birds were the true star, he was just their orchestrator, they counted on him to make sure that every move was precise and he counted on them to follow every precise move. They danced together and one could not hold a dance without the other. His act would be nothing without them.

The young man was in a sparkling jumpsuit in peacock blue and vibrant green, covered in glittering sequins and studs that caught the flashing lights around them. It almost seemed to glow against the light. Braided throughout his long black hair were feathers of all colors that shimmered and twisted with each move that he made, they seemed to do their own winding dance. His black hair was the only contrast to the brilliant colors that adorned him. It spilled like ink down his shoulders and framed his thin face, his eyes were a pale gray that always seemed to look faded against his skin. They sought the crowd as he walked towards the ring, drawing in a deep breath and spreading his arms to each side of him.

His mouth seemed to curl as he stood there, his eyes shining at the brightness of the crowd and the cheering that rose around him as he took his spot. He shut his eyes for a sputter in time, a sharp chirping noise broke from between his lips and the flurry of wings that followed seem to come from all around. The sound a whispering thunder, a flurry of soft noise. Birds were tearing free from seemingly nowhere, their tiny bodies flying towards him and landing along his thin arms. They collected up to his fingers and dug their claws in for support, his breathing was even and soft so none of them became overwhelmingly frightened by the noises in the crowd.

They shifted silently and he pressed one arm forward, sending its occupants towards the crowd and directing them back with one sharp chirp that resembled a cooing lark. They followed his commands seamlessly, swooping and soaring around his head while he directed them through a series of hoops and twisted them through a dance of wings and feathers, his limber body moving in an eloquent shifting of weight and half spinning. It was a brilliant show of color and feathers, the boy moving as gracefully as a dancer. They almost seem to do their own tricks midair and they spiraled and spun like rockets through the air.

The act was a quick one, more of a dance than anything. It was beautiful though, colorful and silent except for the few brave birds that seemed to endlessly chatter through each spin and step. After some time, the birds moved in quick circles around him, dodging one another and collecting along his arms once more and he collected himself into a bow, the birds shooting off to both sides of him and soaring overhead like an overcast cloud.

Looking at Finn Lockhart, you would've never thought him a werewolf. He was slim, with legs that made it so that he looked down on most people. Most humans were under the impression that werewolves would be muscled and have an angsty look in their eye. Finn had neither of those things. He did have some muscle but not nearly enough as the characters you would find in movies. That wasn't to say he wasn't strong. Even in human form, Finn's senses were enhanced and he could lift more than most humans. But most people wouldn't expect a tall boy in a black coat and beige pants to be a werewolf.

For this reason, no one would expect that his act had anything supernatural involved. How could it? This was a normal boy. Most humans would never suspect magic, even if it was looking them straight in the face. And so, as Finn walked out after Lark had gone, he smirked. It always brought him a little bit of joy to see the excited looks on the crowds faces. When he reached the middle of the ring the tent went dark. Howls sounded all around the ring as his wolves were released.

Finn's heritage as alpha was what had given him his act. Being the blood of an alpha werewolf, it gave him the ability to communicate with wolves, and train them. His act utilized his two pet wolves, Remus and Silver. Finn had found the two soon after running away from the tribe and they became his constant companions.

When the lights came up, Remus was on his left, snarling at the crowd, and Silver was on his right, nose turned up as if she couldn't be bothered to look at the crowd. "Ladies and gentleman. It's an old saying that one can not actually tame a wolf. That a wolf's true loyalty is to the wild. Well I am here to dispose of that myth," Finn shouted, a grin spreading across his face. He snapped his fingers and his pets took off, running in a circle around the ring. They hurtled over stools and jumped through rings. The act, which continued for several minutes, finally concluded with the two wolves coming up to him and nuzzling his side, earning many affectionate noises from the crowd. Finn then bowed, albeit in a slightly over dramatic fashion, before leaving the ring, Remus and Silver padding behind him.

Celeste's light blue eyes scanned the crowd as she stepped forth into the ring. The humans around her were all staring eagerly with bright eyes, the "performers" before her had done an excellent job at getting them intrigued. After taking a deep breathe her delicate feet carried her to the center of the ring where she raised one long fingered hand up into the air and called out in a chiming voice, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my most humble honor to stand before you tonight. My name is Celeste..." At this point she paused to smile and curtsy with a flourish of her raised hand. "And it is my most sincere hope that you shall be thoroughly entertained by my act tonight." Her dark hair fell across her shoulders effectively hiding her pointed ears. Standing still such as she was her elfish features only appeared mystical, a trick of the light or cleverly done makeup as most of the observing humans would assume.

"So without further ado..." In a single motion one long leg was held by her ankle above her head with her toes pointed towards the top of the tent. The bright lights shined down on her making the light blue silk dress she wore shimmer and sparkle as if it'd been fashioned from the summer sky. She released her ankle and proceeded into her performance. Lightly she moved around the ring in stunning aerial feats that drew gasps from the observers. Some of the movements were a bit too fast for their eyes to latch onto and it made her appear to hover before she fell back to the Earth again. To them, this was a dangerous performance that was riddled with room for error. To Celeste though, this was nothing that any other young elf couldn't manage. As she ran to a box set in the center of the ring she took a leaping jump and landed on a handstand on the top of the sturdy wood. Lifting one hand up she kept all of her sparse weight on her one hand. The humans looked on from the edges of their seats as if they expected her to fall. Twisting around so she was on her feet again she lifted her hand again and gave a beaming smile.

For a moment she wondered what her family would think if they saw what she was doing in recent years. Of course, they wouldn't take too kindly to a lady running about in a circus ring when she should be learning to prepare a meal or hold a conversation. Celeste dismissed the thought, she had many decades ahead of her to do as she was told; this was her one moment of rebellion and the crowning jewel of her experiences. The mortals were cheering excitedly while a few sighed in relief. One child was crying and clinging to her mother in despair over the wolf's disappearance. Can't please them all she mused.

"My dear friends, that is all. I bid you a warm and sincere farewell." With a last bow and charming smile she turned on her heal and made her way out the ring for the next performer to steal the show.

And steal it he shall! Toby was already in the background at the time watching all the performances and would clap after each one along with the claps of the crowd so he wouldn't be noticed. His plan was to actually wait till everyone had finished but the weeping sound of a little girl made him spring into action! He popped out of nowhere behind the child, gaining the attention of both her and everyone else nearby to the goofy face he was making to try to make her smile. At first she was still confused but a couple seconds later she started giggling.

Now the clown wasn't finished just yet, as he pulled out a small balloon out of his pocket and began to blow air into it. After making a rod shape, it is when he started bending it in different directions for about a minute until the balloon was now in the shape of a bear. Satisfied with his work, he handed the balloon animal to the girl who was now smiling again. He had finished one task but his work was not yet complete thus he jumped into the ring where some of his equipment were already lying around. "Now you most likely had already heard these lines plenty of times but LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! Your attention to me please~" now gaining the attention of everyone he didn't have to think twice about the act he wanted to do.

He's not like the others who use their abilities in their acts, or is he a skillful animal tamer like Finn and Larkus but Toby had his own ways of performing. He pulled out another balloon but instead, this ones color was black. He blowed more air into this one than the other balloon till it was as big as his head. He placed it on the ground and suddenly hopped on one foot on top of the balloon which mysteriously didn't pop. This was because unlike the balloon he gave out earlier, this one had magical properties preventing it from being popped. This allowed Toby to bring out rubber balls from his sleeves and juggle them without fearing of losing his balance.

After a full 10 minutes of him showing off his perfect balance by hopping from one foot to the other, he knew it was about time to bring it to an end so he purposely tripped with all the rubber balls landing on his head, which earned him the roar of laughter from the entire crowd except for the girl from the beginning of the act who looked concerned for him. He picked up his things and bowed before leaving the ring. He had a big smile on his face as if he was saying try and top that.

Meghara stood in the adjacent preparation tent, listening to the performances take place as she prepared herself. She often had props of some sort, rings or fabrics that she would set on fire, but this time she had decided to forgo them. She had worked on a new trick she was quite sure would set the house on fire. A little chuckle came to her red lips at the pun. A delicate eyebrow arched in annoyance as Nora's voice drifted into the tent. Mocking Dragon with her use of the corgi. Meghara would have had something to say for sure, but she couldn't change Nora's decision, and she doubted the idiotic little stunt would bother Dragon much.

She looked up from her mirror as Toby re entered the prep tent, smiling at him. Although the werewolf was a bit happy and enthusiastic for her tastes, she knew he'd admired her performances and incorporated them into his own and as a result, thought of him almost like a protégé. She rose from her stool, giving him a few claps of praise, and then running into the main ring. She wore a leotard that was similar to Larkus', but, as she liked to think, better. It was an orange one that suggested fire, covered in sequins and gems that caught the light in a dazzling show with every movement she made. However, the crowning glory was the long phoenix's tale the leotard had, feathery and fiery, that trailed behind her. She did a cartwheel, coming to a stand in the centre and pausing for a moment to enjoy the feel of the crowd's adoring gaze. Sometimes the circus felt a little too unglamorous for her tastes, but moments like this reminded her why she did it.

Meghara's act didn't include much talking. She liked to start small. Walking delicately to the first row of the crowd, she held a little flame in her hand. They looked on in amazement, wondering how she conjured such a sight and how it wasn't burning her. She walked round the perimeter of the ring, holding out the fire for them all to see. She picked up speed as she did so, running, leaping and flipping by the time she was three quarters of the way through, trailing tails of fire behind her, from her legs and arms, in an intricate pattern. Coming to a stop near the point shed started out, she slowed down once more and walked to the centre of her stage. Spreading her arms, a line of fire joined her hands, rising up. It curled as it did so to form a circle, then quickly shifted through increasingly more complex flames until she had conjured the image of a phoenix in the flames. It let out a loud, keening cry that hushed the crowd, then the image dissipated. Meghara was particularly proud of that trick. It had involved a small charm from a witch she knew to create sound, but it was worth it.

She flipped and leaped back to the entrance of the ring, looking round at the crowd with a mischievous smirk. Lifting an eyebrow, she raised her hands and was engulfed in a cylinder of fire. When the cylinder dissipated, Meghara was gone, and the crowd erupted into loud applause. She stood just inside the entrance, basking in the adulation for a moment. Another flawless performance.

Clapping along at Meghara's performance, his sharp eyes quickly sought her out and he gave a wide grin, before donning his mask and retrieving a pouch from his back pocket. He wore an all black suit, fitting him snugly with an elegant tie. Adjusting his top hat, he breathed in and out slowly before he strode out into the ring, grinning and completely in his element. Bowing smoothly, he spread his arms, voice just loud enough to be heard above the crowd.
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. I'm sure you've found all of tonight's performances enchanting. I hope you'll like mine just as much." Quickly, he cupped some of the powder from the pouch in his palm, fine white hair falling over his face before raising his head to blow it up and out. It seemed to group together at the top of the tent before dispersing and becoming delicate snowflakes, large as your hand and perfectly white. Wherever they touched the ground, icy flowers seemed to sprout out of the ground, petals peeling open to reveal their rainbow frosted centers. A soft layer of snow covered the ground, a cold blanket hushing all sound and breathing a fresh, cold breath.

Walking forward, he plucked one of the fragile roses gently, and displayed it to the crowd, before covering it with one hand. He waited a moment, closing his vibrant blue eyes before gingerly revealing it to be...a small, snowy white rabbit. Nose twitching curiously, it's ears twitched nervously, and he stroked it reassuringly, before strolling towards a young boy and handing it to him with a gentle smile.

"Do you like her?" A hurried nod was all the answer he needed, and he returned to the center of the ring, and with each step he took, the flowers slowly closed and disappeared into the retreating snow. Then, the ground was clear, ready for the next performance. The silence lasted for another second, before it cracked and the crowd burst into applause. Bowing again, he caught the eye of the boy still holding the rabbit, and winked, before tipping his hat and disappearing in a swirl of icy wind.

Wolves? Rabbits? Snowflakes? Flames? How boorish. What this show needed was an active does of fear! Too many of the performers focused on the end-game applause, contending with each other on who got the most acclaim after the show. Did they worry about losing their jobs? Pointless thing to think. You could easily get rehired by threatening the idiotic dog that Nora kept everywhere! It was a foolproof strategy!

Hypate gave Anpheus a look of scorn as he walked into the ring. The man was better suited for a clown act, and he still continued to pester her about his hair. Yes, he used a nice shampoo with a refreshing smell. No, she would not go out on a 'date' with him. She had made that perfectly clear. Yet he kept winking at her and pushing his hair back! Just the thought of him doing that again made her shudder.

-
In the ring, the crowd began to grow restless. It had been a few minutes since the last performance, but no one had appeared yet. Their unsettled nature was increased by the sudden drop of temperature as the long night dragged on. Large gust of white wind stormed around the tent, leaving many patrons clutching their arms together for warmth. Had something happened inside the performance tent? Odd night, this was. But as all the circus-goers sat there and increasing talked louder and louder, a scream went across the pavilion, sounding like this:

"IT'S A SKELETON! IT'S LOOKING AT ME!"

This yell was soon raised by many other audience members, though they avoided the same words. What had happened became obvious soon enough: In the empty seats of the audience, bone-like figures had taken their seats, shrouded by the lack of light and overly loud wind. Was this it? A rather droll performance. But no! There was a sharp hiss from the air, and the bones clattered to the floor. Another hiss sent them rolling down the wooden bleachers, through unhappy onlookers legs and popcorn some unlucky children had left on the floor. The bones continued rolling 'til they hit the sandy floor where the performances played out. They they just. . . . . Vanished!

Well, except one suit of off-white bones. To the audiences shock and surprise, shown by their loud "Ooohs" and "What the !@#$s", the skeleton form began talking. The grating voice itself caused many to shudder and get goosebumps, like the cringing noise of chalk being scraped across a board, but the deformed head situated oddly on the small body caused even the mature audience to get a feeling of nervousness.

"Good evening." croaked the bizarre form. "I am Anpheus, one of the most annoying ex-circus goers to ever live! I was cursed by a vile witch to live my life in these bones, losing all my luscious and attractive hair, for a great sin I committed! What sin is this, you ask? I didn't turn off my cellphone!"

This was followed by a sharp, confused laugh from the audience.

"You laugh? You dare insult the great authority of the ones above? Very well. I have been tasked by my masters to show you true discipline. Observe! This man has a cellphone!"

In a quick second, the spotlight flashed to a middle-aged woman in the far right corners, clutching a Nokia 3310. How horrid! The audience gasped as the woman suddenly screamed, and gasped even more as the woman began bleeding from her now glazed-over eyes and jagged mouth. Screams began echoing from each side of the tent as many more people fell to the curse of the witch. You did turn off you cellphone, didn't you?

As the screaming got louder, the overhead lights flickered on, revealing everyone in the audience to be holding a Nokia cellphone! The skeleton host began rattling his bones and laughing with glee as people appeared to expire in a weird variety of ways. One woman disappeared, leaving a large pool of crimson liquid where she was previously was, and another man was flung across the room like a child throwing a toy. The shrieks and wails continued to increase as the audience members realized that the entrance to the tent was blocked by a WALL OF SKELETONS! People began crying, praying, and screaming out obscenities to the witch who had cursed them. They had followed the circus guidelines! The witch had made those phones appear by her own will, and was now taking her cruel wrath out on innocent bystanders!

Yet then, in the very heat of the moment, where the fear and worry was so clear you could nearly smell it, the work of the witch began vanishing away. First was the bloodstains, then the corpses went second, and finally the bony figures collapsed into the dust. "I hope you enjoyed-d-d-d the show" wheezed out Anpheus the skeleton. "Remember to turn off your-" but before the figure could finish his advice, he turned into dust!

The audience started clapping very slowly, unsure if they were supposed to clap. But as they gradually came to the realization it had all been faked, the crowd showed the approval very loudly. Unnoticed to the public as they discussed the act, Hypate slipped down from the sitting area and vanished once more into the performance tent.

Now to think of a new act.

Waiting quietly in the wings, Jayce glanced at his twin; Lissia had given a stifled snort when Hypate's skeleton had introduced itself as Anpheus and shoved a fist against her mouth to muffle her giggles. Her shoulders were shaking now, as the skeleton bemoaned the loss of its hair and the curse of a cellphone. Jayce was more concerned as the audience appeared to suffer the necromancer's wrath - yes, it looked like an act - a very convincing act, but still... the young man shivered slightly.

It was a new development, Hypate's act being on just before theirs, but the two seemed to dovetail together well - a sharp tang of spice to enhance the sweetness of their own performance. He gave Lis a nudge as the audience broke into applause and she elbowed him gently in the ribs in response, flashing him a quick smile.

The spotlights flashed on the sequins on their simple green and white outfits as they ran into the ring, music starting as they began a half-dancing performance, performing a few basic moves, handstands and tumbling, enough to get the audiences attention, enough to loosen their muscles, leaving them loose and limber for their main act.

They climbed quickly up the ladders to the aerial platforms and Jayce unhooked his trapeze. The first part was performed solo, his moment to shine; he performed a few simple swings, before swinging around the bar like a gymnast, spinning a full 360 degrees before performing a handstand and holding it for two full swings, toes pointed up to the ceiling, before sliding down, hanging upside down from his knees.

That was the signal for Lissia to swing from her platform, quickly reaching the peak of her swing and flinging herself free. The audience watched, tense as she flew free for a couple of seconds before Jayce caught her, his hands closing after her wrists. They performed a couple of basic throws before she flew in a swan dive, Jayce swinging in to grip her by the wrist and ankle while she struck a pose, other arm and leg stretched out straight. He flung her back to her own bar and she swung up high and back before leaping free again. The crowd gasped as she folded into a ball, turning three quick somersaults and one person cried out - surely the catcher had left it too late!

But no - his hands closed over her ankles and she swung upside down, arms outstretched, a wide smile on her face as the audience broke into relieved applause. Jayce flung her back for the last time, and she turned a half circle in mid air, catching her bar and swinging back to her platform. Jayce performed his own dismount, somersaulting back to his own platform and they bowed in unison. It was doubtful anyone in the audience noticed that there was no safety net.

Yoko was in the back taking a quick break from practicing to watch the twins preform. Staying in the shadows, so would not be seen by human, he watch as the twins put on their act. When the twins were done he returned to the target, pull out his throwing knifes and put them back in the pouch on his thigh. He waited by the exit and waited for the twins to pass by.

Everyone else's performances were just wonderful. Probably. With a yawn, Tarit finally opened his eyes. He attempted to rub his eyes, before noticing the straps holding his arms in place. His groggy eyes flickered around, then widened at the realization that he was going to be late for the show! Tarit could've easily removed his restraints, but instead looked around for what was most important now. He awkwardly hopped onto his unbound legs, and turned to get a full view of his residence.

"Uh, where the hell is my jump suit?"

Tarit asked, hoping that someone else decided to take a nap right before the big show, but he heard no response. Oh well. Screw it. There was no way in hell that he would not get to perform in front of that audience. Arms still strapped in his electric chair, he dashed towards the prep tent; the over-sleeper going as fast as he could with an electric chair on his back, and generator trailing behind him. He chuckled when he looked at what he was wearing while sprinting. The tattered suit was something he would wear on his own time, and wasn't fit to perform in. How unsuiting.

Still running, he bent over and chuckled at his own joke. He was so clever. Looking up again to make sure he was still going in the direction of the prep tent, he was greeted with the bright lights of the tent. Electric chair and all, he dragged himself inside and grinned at all of his fellow performers. "Greetings everyone! I bet all of your acts were simply mind-blowing and what not. Larkus, would you mind giving me a hand?" Tarit pointed towards his leg straps and nodded towards his generator.

"I don't mind."

ϟ ϟ ϟ

In the middle of the ring sat a young man in an electric chair; bent over with his eyes aimed towards the ground, with the occasional whimper escaping his lips. The crowd was silent. This act contrasted all performances before it in every which way. No introduction or action occurred. It was seemingly just a man sobbing in a seat meant for wrongdoers. Doubt of this even being a show that would lead to anything entertaining clouded their minds.

Any suspicion was either affirmed or denied when the man's body convulsed, as electricity flowed through him. Arms shaking and feet tapping rather violently, the unwelcome shift shocked the audience. Screams took the place of his cries as actions replaced the audience's silence. A few of the braver spectators who barely managed to hear their own thoughts over the unfortunate man's shrieks attempted to help, but couldn't manage to pull the plug. The victim's writhing shook the straps that struggled to hold him still, and the chair itself threatened to give way under all of the shaking.

One of the not so bright onlookers reached out towards his hands to either comfort him, or remove the straps that held him so harshly. His eye caught the person about to risk electrocution, and he halted mid-jolt. Guess I can't fuck with these people any longer. Tarit vanished from his chair in the same moment that a flash of light forced the audience to blink.

Shocked expressions and gasps were abundant in the people that circled around the chair reserved for audience members now filled by Tarit. "Sup." He hopped from one chair or lap to the other, the audience only seeing a flash of light, or a glimpse of what appeared to be light traveling. He smiled as he traveled in his lightning form. Nothing could amp up a crowd more than knowing that someone wasn't actually on the brink of dying. The only thing really bothering him was the cold breeze he felt while displaying his abilities. It was only when he looked down that he realized he was displaying way more than his electric powers.

With the strike of lightning, he zapped to the center of the ring. He covered whatever he could with his hands and clothing that wasn't obliterated, before looking out at the crowd and grinning. Tarit bowed shamelessly to the people he screwed with, then made his way back into the prep tent with his electric chair, before hearing the hesitant applause of the audience. "Can someone get me some clothes?"

Dragon shoved a wad of damp clothes into Tarit's chest and squelched angrily into the spotlights, dripping water as he went. His hair hung in wet white tendrils; his tunic and breeches stuck to him, soaked.

Feathers, wolf fur and bone dust stuck to his waterlogged shoes. Parts of the ring had been singed, frozen, thawed and electrocuted. He had missed almost the entire show while trying to escape Nora's water-torture. He snarled under his breath at the applause and laughter of the human audience -- Nora would not get away with this.

Speak of the she-devil, Nora's voice rose up in announcement from across the ring: "I knew you were all washed up!"

A slow, fangy grin slithered across his face.

"Ladies and gentlemen." It was a dangerous tone of voice that amplified throughout the tent. He reached behind a pillar and drew out a shining dwarven axe.

"At the end of the show, I promise I will cut the still-beating silver heart out of Nora's chest and feed it to the wolves for your exclusive entertainment." The axe flashed in his expert hands, and his odd-colored eyes gleamed murderously.

Nora interjected once again with a pleasant smile: "Do be careful! I would hate to break your fragile glassjaw."

Dragon's eye twitched. He blatantly ignored her, though he was prepared to attack, and he spoke to the audience: "But you're all here to see Atla, aren't you?" he hissed, and the audience cheered and whistled. Atla, the princess. Atla, the sweetheart. Atla, the adored and perfect angel. Nora's pride and joy, the star of the show and the only reason tickets sold out each night. Dragon's fist clenched around the axe.

Nora's gloating voice rose above the swell of hoots and hollers: "You know they are."

Oh yes they were. Nora nodded to herself with a smile.

Nora paced around the ring with Dragon Jr. behind her. She said, "Are you sure you don't want your son to come back out Dragon? I think a few children still have their innocence intact." Her words this time met the ears of the crowd. A few laughs, a few nods, and a few parents hugging their children. She smiled and gave a shrug to the Dragon.

Dragon spat back, "After being subjected to Hypate and Tarit, I doubt Jackal's swords can scar them any deeper."

Nora said, "Well actually.." She then paused. Actually that was a fair point. Not that she was going to tell him that. With a shrug she said, "It wasn't the swords that scarred them, it was his likeness to you." Cheap of a shot as it was she was going to take it.

"Right? How about something softer." She walked next to Dragon with Dragon Jr. still forever at her side. With a point to her counterpart she said, "A song?" As though the idea had just dawned on her.

Spotlights in the circles started to move around crazily before settling right where Atla would be making her entrance. Nora whispered to Dragon, "Did you bring tissues? This song always brings a tear to my eye."

Dragon's expression turned poisonous and dark. He did not utter a word. All he did was press the blunt side of his axe into Nora to push her away. Knowing her boundaries she took a step back and rolled her eyes.

Nora for the second to last time tonight raised her voice and said, "Ladies, Gentlemen, children of all ages, and everything in-between! I am incredibly pleased to show to you our final act for tonight. A song so sweet and soulful some say it has made even Dragon shed a single tear." Nora stroked a finger down her cheek for emphasis. "A song masterfully accompanied by an act performed by my son Kendict and grandson Adir. I give to you my beloved granddaughter Atla!"

The heavy heart shaking music that had been played the entire show was now replaced by a slow melody. The music did not come from any sort of instrument but was pure magic. Soft hums played as the spotlights centered on where Atla and her family would make their entrance.

But no one came.

At least from where they were supposed to. A man came running from the opposite side of the ring. He was dressed in robes and scarves of different colors and was a bit taller than Nora. His face was shrouded from the crowd by the dim lighting and a hood he wore. An effect he always refused to get rid of.

It was Kendict.

If Nora's eyes could have shot out of her sockets they would have. Her face scrunched up in annoyance and anger. She was about to yell at her foolish son but stopped when she noticed his worried expression.

Kendict came up to Nora breathless and whispered, "We cannot find Atla. She is missing."

Nora stood still and wordless as she processed the information. She opened her mouth to give some sort of order. But she instead stuttered and found herself opening and closing her mouth like a moronic fish. An annoying buzzing in the back of her mind reminded her of the watching crowd. She turned back around to face them and gave a nervous laugh.

"HOWEVER!" She said. "Before our grand finale how about an encore performance?"

The crowd gave a slow confused clap in response.

Nora quickly turned around and gave her hushed orders to Kendict. The son then ran back behind stage right to the dressing area.

"Atla is missing! Anyone still in costume in the ring now performing. Everyone else get looking for her now." He said. Kendict then rushed off to one of the other tents giving little room for arguing.

The music again started blaring in the main tent, waiting for performers to fill the ring for the improvised grand finale. The confused murmur of the audience was getting louder the longer the ring stood empty.

Atla, the star act, had vanished. The last time anyone had seen her was earlier in the day, when she and Jackal had been seen screaming at one another at lunch.

Dragon stomped backstage with his axe and scanned the faces there with a menacing odd-eyed glare. "Someone took Atla," he snarled. "Come with me if you're up for some skull-splitting." He stormed off down the corridor, never for a moment able to consider that his grandson, Jackal, could possibly have anything to do with this.

Finn was sitting backstage with the others, enthralled in a rather good book when Dragon came storming through. He looked up yawning, though he was caught of guard by what Dragon said. "Someone took Atla. Come with me if you're up for some skull-splitting." Finn saw a few people follow him, however, Finn figured he'd be more useful searching for the elf's scent around the circus. He quickly made his way outside, commanding his pets to assist the others in any way they could, and then to the back of the circus where he knew there was a secluded area. When he reached the area, confident that no humans would end up near him, he began to strip, taking off his shoes and socks, then his black shirt and pants that he wore for performance. Last he took off the underwear, then placed his clothes in a nice neat pile. Most werewolves learned rather quickly that changing while clothed was a bad idea, one that resulted in many lost articles of clothing.

Finn rolled his shoulders as he felt the transformation coming on. His blood started to pump harder through his body. He grew hot, to the point of sweating. His arms and legs started elongating, and morphing. His teeth lengthened and grew razor sharp, as did his nails. Then came the hair. Patches of brown and auburn hair sprouted up all over Finn's body, until he was covered from head to toe. His snout came in and then the transformation was complete. To anyone looking at him, it would be obvious as to what he was. He was a werewolf.

The transformation wasn't necessarily a painful process. The body flooded itself with so much adrenaline that you never feel the pain. Uncomfortable would be the better word. For Finn, he hated the heat that took over, made him sweat profusely. Most werewolves could control their transformation. All of them turn at the full moon, but it's rare to find a wolf who doesn't have the ability to change at will. He crept around the forest, stretching his new legs before lifting his nose and sniffing. There he thought. He had a faint scent, one that was definitely Atla. He got down on all fours and bounded after it, moving through the night with the swiftness that only came from the best of predators.

Hypate recoiled at the sight of Tarit bounding into the room with not a stitch of clothes on his skin. No human should have to witness what she saw. No other-human creature, too. The horror! The horror!

Meanwhile, Tarit took the clothes Dragon gave him before promptly walking to a corner. He rushed to put on all his clothes, frowning when he realized they were damp; regardless, they were still better than the burnt remains he was using to cover up. Subsequent to the prankster getting not-naked, Kendict dashed into the preparation tent to order those who were still in costume to return to the ring and for everyone else to go look for the absent Atla; afterword Dragon came in asking for anyone that wants to smash some skulls to come with him. Looking at his fellow circus members, the performer reckoned that most of them would go searching, and that would simply not do. The show must go on!

Hypate's motives were less heroic and gallant; she just didn't want to leave the comfort of the tent. Yes, she could summon some mindless corpses to scourge the circus grounds, but she wasn't in the mood for that either. She settled into a laid-back position and decided she would just wait, unless someone asked her personally.

The male entertainer nearly darted into the ring, but halted right before going through the flaps. He already tricked them once. It would be difficult to deceive them again. Tarit strolled over to his electric chair and sat down; the man knew that he'd need more power to amaze the audience after everything they've seen. Larkus would probably help him if he asked, but the rascal wanted to make his day a bit more interesting.

"Hey Hypate! You wanna strap me in and flick that lever real quick?" Tarit asked with a smirk.

Not particulary inclined to exit her comfortable spot, Hypate paused, wondering if this was going to end well. "It depends! Is this another excuse for me to get electrocuted and ruin my hair?" She replied, eyeballing Tarit. At least he had put some clothes on.

---

"Come on! Do you really think I'm that cruel?" he asked, his grin as wide as ever. Tarit extended his hand invitingly, looking at Hypate and anticipating her response. "Besides, I'm gonna need to charge up a bit if we're going to charm the audience. So... pretty please?"
Regret was already flowing through her, and Hypate couldn't help create far-fetched images of what was to come. Flashbacks stirred in her head, along with a burning odor that she faintly remembered. "Who said we were working together?" she put in weakly, trying a faint excuse. It didn't work, and Tarit continued smiling like a fool and stretching his arm out. He did ask personally. She stood and languidly made her way toward the chair, continuing to hope that he would stop extending his arm and say 'Nevermind!'
"Whatever you say." He chuckled while returning his limb to the armrest. With a poor attempt at a serious expression, Tarit reclined in his seat and closed his eyes. Electricity openly flowed through him, but he didn't feel any pain; instead, invigoration took the place of dying. The lounger idiotically expressed how carefree he was with his now happy face, and no foul darkness could get rid of it. His damp clothing causing his batteries to be charged a bit faster, the man soon stood up and stretched.
"You need to lighten up. Also, you mind turning that off for me?" he asked, gesturing to his beloved chair. The performer was ready to perform and strolled towards the ring, stopping right outside the flaps of the tent and looking back at Hypate. "Ready to shock 'em?"
Hypate witnessed the transformation with an expression of wonder on her face. People with powers such as Tarit's never ceased to amaze her, and for a moment, her bored face was replaced with affection. Then the process was over, and Tarit was already out of the chair, spewing out jests. She flicked the lever back up before calling to him: "Lighten up? Is that supposed to be a pun? "
Despite this, she still followed him out toward the performing ring. "Ready to shock 'em?" Ugh. When would it stop?
"What am I supposed to do?" Hypate hissed, reaching for inspiration in the clouds. "The skeleton shtick won't work, and I can't spare another disapearing audience member!"

And so, Tarit leaned over and began to whisper his scheme into her ear.

---

Pitch black. The audience was incapable of perceiving anything, other than the breathing of their fellow spectators and the footsteps of two performers. The magic that once illuminated the the tent was absent. Several of the onlookers took out their phones, only to find that they wouldn't help them regain visibility. A deathly stillness came over all of the unfortunate beholders; indifferent towards any attempts to move, their limbs would not respond. The screams of fear and gasps of surprise that filled the tent couldn't be heard, for their mouths would not open. Unable to run or scream, the only important thing that the audience retained was their ability to observe.

The tent was brightened by a flash of light prior to a chortling from somewhere within the tent. Lightning struck the ground disorderly.

Then a cry echoed round the tent, a howl most unnatural and spine-chilling, as the lights flickered back on. The cheery, yellow circus lights were gone, and in their place was a dim and unsteady green glow being cast down from the roof.

There, in the center were five figures. One could easily mistake them as humans, but upon closer inspections, it would be revealed that that was not the case. Their skin was of a porcelain quality, with rosy cheeks and empty, blue eyes. The forms wore black jackets and matching trousers, and each had a bowler on top of their too-perfect head. The audience waited.

Then, as what could follow as one of the most bizarre things of the night, music began filling the tent. It was Fred Astaire's 'Putting on the Ritz.' The puppets, if they could be called that, began shuddering in what was a ghastly attempt at a tap-dance routine. The audience continued waiting. How horrifying! But how stylish those jackets were!

The audio abruptly cut out, and the figures swiftly halted their convulsion-dance. The eerie blossom of light was replaced by the amber shine from the original lights, and the audience found that they could once again talk and move freely.

Tarit zapped back into the prep tent, and immediately started clapping along with the audience that reluctantly did the same. "Nice show hmm?" he said once Hypate was inside.

"Irresponsible, dangerous, reckless. Shall I go on?" she said, still stealing glances at the audience who were still clapping. "I only hope that they've managed to find a trace of Atla while I've been dangling these strings. And speaking of strings," With a flourish, Hypate brought up her hands, revealing a tangled knot of strings. "Do you mind getting something to cut these?"

The subtlety of his teasing—if it was ever subtle— vanished as the mischief-maker placed his hands on hers, and started vaporizing some of the rope; taking special care not to shock his fellow entertainer. When enough of the thread singed, Tarit undid the remains of the string. "That better?"

With a mumble of "Good enough." Hypate bowed slightly and promptly vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving the blonde performer alone in the bustling tent.

He crept around the forest, stretching his new legs before lifting his nose and sniffing. There he thought. He had a faint scent, one that was definitely Atla. He got down on all fours and bounded after it, moving through the night with the swiftness that only came from the best of predators.

The smell of flowers and cherries mixed with a tinge of sweat was indeed the smell Finn had come to know Atla by. Though there was now something foreign also. Smoke, cheap cologne, and perhaps most worrying of all, blood.

If Finn was to follow this scent he would find himself on his way into the nearby city Jameston about a half mile away. The same city Dragon was leading his band of bruisers to. Right into a neighborhood that is considered the "bad part of town".

Rabbit lane is rundown and dying. Roads are bumpy from quick repairs, the sidewalks covered in grass growing from the multitude of cracks, every building has barricades, whether it's bars to protect home owners or boards for condemned buildings, the street lights that haven't been smashed are dim and flickering, and at this time of night the only people that are out are the kinds you don't want to talk to.

Through all the foreign noises and smells Finn may track down the source to an abandoned warehouse. Both to the left and the right are more warehouses of the same kind. The front door of the building is sealed with a rusty padlock. There are multiple windows around it, most of them have been boarded up but some have been broken into. Graffiti is sprawled on the worn walls.

The gravel road leading up to the warehouse has car treads worn into it, and oil sits pooled in the dirt. There is a small trail of blood drops leading into the locked building. There is still the small of exhaust in the air, but there are no cars nearby.

Across the street are a group of people, it's too dark to see what they look like or who they are. But you can hear hushed whispers being thrown back and forth, and one man points a finger quickly at you.

Finally, standing next to one of the other warehouses is a small figure in a hoodie concealing their face. They are just barely hitting five feet, and they stand still and silent looking in your direction.

Then, as what could follow as one of the most bizarre things of the night, music began filling the tent. It was Fred Astaire's 'Putting on the Ritz.' The puppets, if they could be called that, began shuddering in what was a ghastly attempt at a tap-dance routine. The audience continued waiting. How horrifying! But how stylish those jackets were!

Nora stood at the edge of the ring for the entire performance, silently baffled. Luckily she didn't try to talk during any of this or she would have found she couldn't, and then somebody would've been in trouble.

Once the dance was over Nora slowly held her head in her hand. "I pay them for this." She whispered to Dragon Jr. who just wagged his tail in response.

Most the audience members were courteous enough to give a half-hearted applause. Though a few at this point had gotten up to leave. A yell of "Screw this!" could be heard from somewhere in the crowd, and Nora let out a sigh.

Nora walked back to center ring and with a clap of the hands said, "Well, It's been great having you all. I'm sad to say that Atla is not feeling well, so her performance will have to be canceled." Nora gave her best appeasing smile to the crowd hoping they would understand.

They did not. A second later cries and boos could be heard from the crowd, along with the occasionally shouted "REFUND" which made a chill go up Nora's spine. Dragon Jr. started yapping unhappily in response.

"Now, now! I know you all must be unhappy." A brown grey mist starts to flow in the from the doorways, with it the smell of rot and grime. "But there is nothing that can be done!" The mist begins to roll throughout the crowd. No one sees or reacts to the mist other than a stray cough. "Also, I'm sorry to say, but we have a strict no refund policy! So I must.. in-..sist." The crowd, and Nora, finally take notice of the mist that has engulfed the seats. Coughs are all that is heard from the crowd. But before anyone can move, scream, cry, or panic the entire crowd faints in their seats. A few of the people that were already leaving end up eating floor.

A one man round of applause can be heard from the back of the seats. "Beautiful as always!" A voice like gravel says.

From the back enters an Orc in a pinstripe blue suit with a large cigar, his mouth is set in a twisted grin underneath a thick black mustache and cold grey eyes. At his feet are three hellhounds, one could mistake them for rottweilers if it weren't for the fact that they were the size of small grizzlies, had patchy harcoal black fur, fiery red eyes, and teeth bigger than some people's hands.

Behind him is a goblin, his face of scars held in a sneer and a bowler hat to compliment his black jacket. He stands with his arms crossed looking to the orc. Towering above the goblin is a pack of Vampires. Not your sparkling lover vampires, the real deal. Fangs like combat knives, wide black eyes staring endlessly, appendages inhumanly long and thing with deadly claws. They stand motionless and silent, the only sound coming from them their ragged breathing.

The Orc begins to walk down to the ring with his friends in tow. "We have business to discuss." He says.

Nora sputters for a moment while Dragon Jr. gives a small growl at the advancing group.

"Nora Silverheart is it?" The orc asks, though by the tone of his voice it seems he already knows the answer. He smiles and looks down to the goblin. "What do you think Rufus?" The goblin scowls and with a shake of his head replies, "I don't like her."

The orc shrugs and extends his hand to Nora for a shake. "Call me Allister."

She shoves aside his hand and says, "I don't know who you and Mr. Sleeps-with-knives are." She gives a gesture to the goblin. "But we're a bit busy at the moment, so I want you out now!"

"Rude." Allister says. He snaps his finger and the same mist quickly engulfs Nora. Before she can do anything she has already fallen to the ground, with Dragon Jr. whining in worry.

Looking down at Nora, Allister says, "I like her." Slowly beginning to walk towards the backstage tent, he shouts, "Could everyone please come out! There is a dire matter that needs discussed."

Yoko watched as the ork put everyone fainted and talked with Nora before doing something to her. Throwing on his makeshift cloak, that he wears to hide from regular humans, he slowly walked closer as some other circus member joined him. He had no idea what he was going to say but he must of thought is was important to interrupt a show.