Two, big, dark brown eyes gazed through clear water and impaled the thick shell of the reptile within. Deep thought was held within the expressive facial features of the girl. Consideration of the night to come and the dangers it may or may not possess. The deep recesses of her mind couldn't help but assume the worst.

She'd most likely sit at home all night again, just like this, watching Malcolm glide around on his wet belly, occasionally slurping up air from the surface and receding back down into the depths of his tank.

That is, after all, how most of her existence was spent.

Alone.

Fuck this.

Des leapt up and spun around until her eyes connected with her emergency preparedness bag. This was as close to an emergency as her little life in the middle of illinois would have. In a fell swoop, she fled out of her room and downstairs, bag in hand.

"I'm going out." At this, her parents sat dumb founded in their respective chairs, television blaring about some foreign evil on an ancient terrestrial world. Before they questioned anything, she was gone. Out the door and down the street, headed towards the fairgrounds.

For some strange reason, Des felt suddenly empowered; like she could win any fight, slay any beast and scale any mountain. Her feet fell surely against the pavement of the sidewalk. The passing gazes of suspicious neighbors bounced off of her as if her own skin was like that of Malcom's tough shell.

The calliope jeered as she approached the bright lights of the circus.

This was a great idea.

Des strode closer and closer until she meshed with the tight crowd.

This was a bad idea.

This was a very bad idea.

The crowd crashed like the ocean it was, leaping back and forth. Yells and screams wailed out as parents strained to find their children who were probably wonderstruck with the bright lights and ornate decor. Elbows and hands flew around, seemingly having a toast among themselves.

"Step right up! Witness the world famous wild cat exhibit!" the ringmaster called, hushing all of the men, women and children as he made huge, grandiose gestures with his arms. Behind him sat a rather bored looking cougar, a lion and a tiger.

Des could feel her heart beating out of her chest. There were way too many people here. What if something happened? What if a meteorite struck down in this exact spot? What if the lion suddenly decided the circus wasn't for him? What if acid rained down from the sky and-

"Ma'am?"

Someone was talking to her. She looked up slowly to see none other than the ringmaster himself reaching down to take her hand.

A wrist rose up, offering dainty fingers to the big, strong palm. Des was hoisted up and the crowd cheered and clapped. A wide, cat like smile spread over the clean-shaven face of the performing man.
"Our brave volunteer will now calm the ferocious beasts, with only the dust of the sand witch!" he yelled, stepping back and waving his hand at the three cats that yowled and snarled as they paced up in tandem.

What has she done?

Her hand began to shake, sweat dripping down her palms.

What has she done?

The cougar headed the trio, a fire in its eyes. Des could only watch as they reached her figure, sniffed her twice, and bared their teeth once more.

What has she done?

Starting with the cougar, the three wild beasts laid quietly down at her feet. The crowd gasped as their tails twitched. Finally, sudden applause and cheers erupted, soaring through the air.

It felt as though Des was flying. It was as if the crowds excitement sustained her in mid air.

She stayed like that for a long time, staring at the cats and reveling in her achievement. She stayed even after the crowd had dissolved into minnows swimming through the ocean.

The ringmaster stepped up. In her panic, Desdemona had failed to see the flashes of tattoos she now noticed.

"Des," She recoiled at the snakelike fluidity with which her name was said, "won't you come with me?"

The feline smile fell naturally on the man's lips, his eyes enchanting the girl as he bowed and reached out his hand.

Des stared for a moment, dazed.

"But-"

"Ah, ah, ah. Your actions will speak louder than any word possibly could." He purred. Des took a deep breath. She would be ok. Nothing would happen, despite all of the red flags here. She had her phone and she was probably much faster than this guy.

Once more, her hand reached out as her shoes floated over the cats. Her knuckles were politely kissed.

"The name is ." Said the man. "Better known as the illustrated man."