Chapter 2

When you perform at Cirque Du Freak you always have to do basic and small tasks…you do not get a wage instead you get a home, which is fairer than most. I walked back into the basement I was staying in whilst we were here, which I was sharing with Evra and sighed as I looked around it. My home…My only home.

The first time I came across Cirque was when I was sixteen years old, my family was separated, I was an fifth child of a poor family and so my life was hard and troublesome. I lived with my father since my mother died giving birth to my only younger brother and we travelled all over the world together the seven of us. Even though he never really had much time for me as a father should, which would have been hard enough with one child let alone six--it was by far an unforgettable experience. He preformed magic and live shows to paying guests and taught me and my brothers how to do the same, a lot like Cirque Du Freak, but he was the star. We were his assistants. Though he told me I was his best assistant to work with because the others were too clumsy…I don't think I'll ever forget.

When I was about eleven there was a freak accident. My younger brother had been my father's assistant for the show and he accidentally set the show was set alight…my father and younger brother was killed instantly, my other brothers suffocated as did the audience. Since I was not in the area at the time I was left alone to run for it. All I had in life at that age was the clothes I wore...

It was after a month in poverty, scrapping food and stealing money to survive when I run into Cirque--since I had always been fascinated by shows out of experience I stole some money brought a ticket and afterwards spoke to the owner--Hiberinus Tall about staying. Ofcourse Tall refused at first--but I insisted I could perform tricks and that I would do anything that he asked of me. So I got the job--I gained a new life…even when I went to Vampire Mountain I missed this place just too much to bare…

I looked around the basement, I was happy with the small possessions I own…my coffin--my handmade swords, the gold medallion from my poor mother in those early years I still wear around my neck and ofcourse my pride and glory--Madam Octa.

Even now after the fifteen years of being my personal pride and joy, she still fascinates me. I had brought the tarantula from a monk on my travels and with delicate care I can now control her thoughts…

I picked her up from the cage and mentally connected with a quick whistle. The spider crawled from my right hand to my left, taking a detour to travel my face and head on the way, the tingling as the spider crawled up my neck sent shivers down my spine. I then put the spider back and fed her a rat I had found on my way to the alleyway and just as I settled down I heard a scream--and then a howl.

"NOT AGAIN!"

I knew the moment I woke up this evening that something was going to happen and as usual my prognostic brain has scored again. Running toward a certain cage, I saw that one of the performers--Evra Von, was trapped in the cage with our most evil and terrifying acts, the Wolf Man.

Evra looked at me with a pleading face, the boy more snake than human with green scales instead of skin was a new addition to the line up though he had been here for about 2 years. This is not what I wanted to do tonight, let alone I was grumpy at myself as it is.

"Boy--keep perfectly still--It will only act if you move…" I ordered him, the snake boy naturally green face had turned an even lighter shade, as he darted a look at the Wolf man and then back at me.

Then I decided to act--as quickly as I could I climbed in and went to kick the Wolf Man. He let go of Evra before I could get an aim and then now provoked he turned to me as Evra scrambled out. Before I knew what was happening, two large furry hands were tightening harder on my neck--about to crush it. My life almost flashed before my eyes--when I felt a smirk appear on my lips--a sarcastic tone spoke--and it was hard to imagine even while I was in such trauma that I would say such a thing.

"1 have enough scars without you giving me more!" I scoffed, then aimed with my foot again, except this time I hit, the monster let go as I swiftly kicked him in the chin, knocking the wolf unconscious.

I slipped into my "Larten" mode again, as I climbed out and brushed off my cloak--checking for rips and tears. Then I turned to Evra who stood there shaking.

"You saved me thank you--" he began but I brushed him off, I was still in a mood and he did not help it by complementing me.

"If you want to live around here boy watch what your doing or you'll lose a limb! Understand--!"

"Yes sir!" he said shakily and obediently, "I just wanted to say thank you…"

"Do not mention it…ever…" I muttered and then walked away, my nerves were thin--I never used to be so snappy but I think the realization that I am now a bitter old fool kicked in. Thirty years ago I would have helped the kid out of duty, now I just do it for peace and quiet.

"I liked the old me better," said another voice--a voice I hated--my own.

"Shut up!" I thought in reply and without another word stepped into the trailer--the door shutting behind me.

When I woke again after the Wolf Man accident I was looking up at the door of my coffin. I remembered where I was and why I was here. . I smiled to myself, and got up. I heard a quiet scratching to my left, so I turned my gaze to the source.

It was Madame Octa she had obviously just woken up and wanted feeding. I groaned. I will get Evra to do it later, I thought to myself. When I remembered something important…It was show day and there would be no time for Evra to feed her, not that I think I should let him after yesterday's charade. I got up and fed Madam Octa myself knowing with no doubt in my mind that in barely a moments time someone like the little Evra Von or maybe a little person would knock on my trailer and get me up an about.

Little People, god them things give me the shivers--Crazy Vampaneze and psycho humans I can deal with in an instant--but Des Tiny and his miniature servants on the other hand are a totally different matter. Then my prognostic sight answered, a knock came at the door and I was already beating my own internal squedule. I put on my performing clothes and strolled out of my trailer, feeling in a better mood than I had yesterday. I held Madam Octa in her cage loosely by my side as I then walked to the stage. I had woken just in time…the show was about to begin.