THE DARK CIRCUS
Chapter 3
By: Twilightspire
Natalia created by Amy Salazar
Kurama sat in class daydreaming. Normally he didn't have a problem concentrating on class but lately there had been so much more piled on his delicate shoulders. It had been three months since the Tournament at the Temple of Shiori; three months since he took control of the apparitions of Bukasen and was named Demon Master of Bukasen. All these years spent hiding in Mortal World and finally accepting his life as Suichi, nay not only accepting but choosing that life instead of his former demon fox identity. All these years and he was thrust back into being among the apparitions again. True, his idea of a tournament to decide who would lead Bukasen after the Headmaster's death was genius. The decision not only threw him in with the demons again but it also stopped the bloodshed in the streets and more importantly stopped it from spilling over into the Mortal World. There has always been a sort of Shadow World within the Mortal World where the apparitions loved to play but if it were ever to come to light all three worlds would be in peril. Kurama shook the thoughts out of his head. Too much thinking would only land him into trouble; better to just push it aside and hope deal with it one problem at a time. By the time his head cleared, class was over. He joined the other students crowding for the exit and breathed in a deep lungful of spring air. Spring was his favorite season; the time of rebirth and the feel of newness and crispness was intoxicating. It didn't help that he spent the good portion of his former life as a Spirit Animal. He chuckled to himself at the thought. A strong hot wind ran across Kurama making him freeze in place. He recognized the sudden rush of power. He looked intently around the spacious campus looking for the transgressor. It didn't take him long to settle on the large muscled man strolling easily through the crowd toward him. His shirt was pulled tight across his frame and his face leaked hostility. Kurama recognized him immediately; his name was Juxor, a member of the local werewolf pack. His power shrieked out from him causing fear in the mortals around him. Kurama didn't wait for Juxor to cross the space to him. He quickly walked to the man, cutting off his confident strut and walked almost within touching distance.
"Reign in your power Juxor or I will reign it in for you. I do not think your pack leader will appreciate making me angry," Kurama threatened. Juxor stared at him for a moment, gauging how serious the little man was. He closed his eyes and with an effort forced his power within himself. After it was sucked back in, Juxor opened his eyes.
"Better?" Kurama glared at the insolent wolf.
"Do I need to remind you that among the mortals you are to blend in?" Kurama stated patiently. "I don't think that Skyler would appreciate your insolence in this matter, I would hate to have to make an example of you this close to the end of the Tournament," Kurama said in almost a sing song threat. Juxor's face was a mask of rage and Kurama could feel the man's power start to leak out again. For a moment Kurama thought he had gone too far but Juxor seemed to get a hold of himself and let the moment of anger pass.
"I've been sent by Skyler to bring a matter to your attention. The Dark Circus has returned. Apparently they aren't aware of the change of power," stated Juxor. Kurama knew Juxor was testing him, trying to call his authority as Master into question. He smiled up at the werewolf.
"Thank you Juxor but you can tell Skyler I was already aware of the Circus and I am taking steps to deal with the issue. If that is all, you can return to Skyler and inform him that I appreciate his concern." Juxor scowled down at Kurama for a moment or two then huffed and turned around. Kurama continued to smile and couldn't help himself.
"Juxor…" Kurama started. Juxor didn't turn but did stop. "If you ever come looking for me here again, I will skin you alive and send you back to Skyler as a present. Do I make myself clear?" Juxor tensed but nodded curtly then continued on his way. Kurama hated to do that, he hated acting like Yoko but it was needed. The apparitions understood only one thing, power. The Master of the city was only as good as the power he could bring to bear. Fortunately for Kurama, he had his past to back him up. Doing this may have cost him the peace he needed but Kurama was no stranger to living a double life. He sighed and continued to walk to his next class. He was only slightly aware through rumors of the Dark Circus. He was going to need to check it out. His brain began to wrap around this new problem even as it began to prepare for his next class. He sighed again, breathing in the crisp clean spring air. College, family, tuition, and now every demon problem in Bukasen; his life would never get boring.