Carnival music filled the air along with the sweet essence of candy and popcorn. Fireworks exploded with glee and overlapping conversations reached one's ears. Inside Circo de los Sueños' tent everyone waited for the performance to start, eyes darting around the dark ring in front of them, anxiously wishing for the show to start.
As we move behind the tents we see the whole cast of performers and mistresses as they prepared themselves for the premier performance. Their show today would be seen around the galaxy, either on television, in the papers, or live. Let's review the actors, shall we?
Sword was polishing his weapon with a tattered cloth, leaving it glistening against the moon's beautiful reflection. His weird-looking helmet was sturdy and well-prepared to receive any hits coming for him, his yellow orbs quietly studying his surroundings. His performance was one of the most awaited; since WolfWraths have a fearsome reputation, taming them was quite a spectacle. Hanging limply at his hip, a leather whip waited impatiently to lash out at anything in its way, specially a WolfWrath.
Next to Sword was the renowned Flamer, Jessica Blade. Blade was a pyrokinetic princess of beautiful, wavy, red hair that fell over her shoulders with grace and ruby bangs that brushed to her side. Her eyes were painted hazel, contrasting on her auburn-colored skin. Also humanoid like Sword she was high enough to reach the latter's shoulder and she was sometimes lightly mocked because of her height, she was one of the lowest performers in the cast. But she'd push it aside and remind herself that not everyone can control fire like she can.
Blade's best friend would be Fumu, another humanoid being of short stature. Fumu had mustard-colored skin and hair that shone brightly like her emerald green eyes. Her hair was also wavy, but hers reached up to her waist, almost to the floor. Her glossed pink lips were curved into a smile as the young assistant toyed with a pink lily settled on her hair. Fumu helped Sir Meta Knight in his magic tricks. She sometimes gets too shy to act with him, the reason why because she finds a small attraction to the old, experienced, ex-warrior, but she doesn't share much about it. This girl is one of the most intelligent in the crew.
Fumu's younger brother is Bun, the knife thrower. Bun is a humanoid creature too, but he is most unfortunately blind. He lost his sight when he was under Nightmare's filthy reign and let his yellow and green hair grow enough to cover his eyes and hide away the shame. Despite the loss of his eyesight, he has an advanced sense of hearing. Due to being blind, his other senses advanced to reach the expectations eyesight fulfilled in use. Smell and taste helped him much too, especially when it came to choosing an accurate knife.
Knuckle Joe… Knuckle Joe is the strongman, son of the deceased Star Warrior, Jecra. He inherited the soldier's strength and determination, but also his stubbornness. Though he can lift things twenty times heavier than himself, the young, humanoid boy was as stubborn as a mule. His spiky, loose, blond hair shadowed over his shady eyes, but they were held back by a white headband. A spandex suit of navy blue covered his small, muscular body and his short legs were secured by linen bandages that protected them form any harm.
Rumored around the tents, Silica the acrobat may be Knuckle Joe's love interest. Silica was the most beautiful female in the cast, aside from the two sassy ringleaders. Also short in stature, she bares both skin and hair in ivory colors. Indigo eyes show off their beauty against grey eyelids, matching her ebony gown. She is the daughter of the now dead Star Warrior, Garlude, and the daughter inherited her mother's skill and persistence. The girl is very flexible and very skilled when it comes to showing off with twirls and loops.
Standing on Silica's left was the Circus's own Daredevil, Escargon. Escargon is an anthropomorphic snail that wears just for performances a white helmet with red streaks. Due to his slimy, soft body, stunts cause no harm. But, even if he risks his life for tedious acts, the snail wanted to originally become a professor. Under Nightmare's realm, the snail would often lecture the… less intelligent… and remind them of Nightmare's fury. But under Rose's realm, the snail learned how to keep quiet.
DeDeDe is Escargon's only company. They've both been together as friends even before Nightmare's rule. DeDeDe is an anthropomorphic, gluttonous penguin wearing a thick robe over his slumped shoulders, with a knitted cap along to match. This penguin has the ability to open his mouth and suck things into a void that could be referred as his stomach. DeDeDe eats forty times more than he should, and still feels hungry. When he belonged to Nightmare, DeDeDe was the chef. And there's no denying that DeDeDe's food is delicious.
Akin to DeDeDe, Kirby is also a bottomless pit. Kirby –a small, pink, round, blob-of-a-creature of small height— eats even more than DeDeDe does. But, don't let his cute appearance fool you! The puffball packs quite a punch. By inhaling a creature with a natural or outstanding ability, he possesses the same ability and uses it in battle. Tremendous battle tactic, don't you think?
Kirby has a best friend called Marx. Marx became mentally unsound when he was only a small child and has been neglected by others ever since, except for Kirby. Also round and kind of blobbish, the lavender puffball has perfect balance when standing upon a giant ball. Also, Marx has no arms and somehow developed telekinesis to control the objects around him.
Now that I remember, I told you before that Fumu was Meta knight's assistant. Meta Knight plays the role of a magician in the circus cast. Being the oldest and most experienced member of the group gives him certain privileges that mark him as high in power as the mistresses. He learned spells and chants in many of his great adventures throughout the world and respects the ringleaders greatly, often saying that they share similarities.
…
Overlapping conversations between the performers filled the air as the two ringleaders and their followers exchanged a few words.
"This is the premier performance, Rose. If something goes wrong… we're dead," Athelas reminded, her soft voice coming out of rosy lips under an olive hood that covered her eyes. Athelas was one of the ringleaders of Circo de los Sueños, and was discerned for her mysterious aura. It is said no one knows much of her past, only her subordinate and Rose. Her outfit consists of a long hood that covers her head and most of her body
"I know about the consequences, you don't need to remind me," Rose replied, flicking her wrist nonchalantly, "Besides, are we not prepared to do this?" Rose was Athelas' partner and owner of Circo de los Sueños. The blonde female, bearing a tuxedo-like outfit outlined by fishnet pantyhose and classic stiletto heels, was known as a magician as well as Meta Knight, but Rose wasn't a magician in general. She practiced Black Magic and claimed it was her specialty.
"We obviously are," Athelas answered, voice faltering as an eyebrow rose under her hood.
"See? No harm no foul. We'll get out of this in a snap and count of three," Savage Rose winked and turned around, disciple in tow. She made her way to the center of a circle of performers and with the simple snap of her fingers, every conversation going on shut down dead.
"Good," Athelas mumbled under her breath, "She gets too cocky sometimes." The hooded girl chuckled to herself and smiled at her friend's behavior. Mystifying Athelas walked next to Rose and cleared her throat, preparing herself for an inspiring speech.
Her disciple, Stranger the Wanderer, followed his teacher's way and stopped short behind both females, next to Rose's own apprentice. Rose's apprentice was nothing short of a knight similar to Meta Knight. With a round, charcoal-colored frame and violet-colored armor, the creature was addressed as Charge Knight. The spherical knight had a visor weirdly shaped like an 'X' and often communicates with Rose in French. Also, instead of using a classical sword like other knights, the shadow followed his master's footsteps and learned Black Magic as well. Yet, he admits that magic fails him at moments and uses a small gun as his weapon of choice. Even though Stranger –being a human— was much taller he couldn't help but feel curious about Rose's apprentice. Charge Knight and Savage Rose were names commonly heard in exotic lands. Both appeared out of nothing and offered Athelas her post in the circus, and if Athelas went to the circus… so did Stranger.
" … Let's just hope everything goes alright. I want you guys to do your best out there, everyone awaits a grand performance. Will you give your best?" Athelas asked, eyes darting around the performers. Everyone agreed with an indistinct murmur and a nod, wanting to just get on with it.
"All I heard where mumbles," Rose stated flatly as she crossed her arms across her chest, "Are you or are you not going to prove you're worthy enough to act in Circo de los Sueños?"
"Yes ma'am!" Everyone said much louder.
Athelas' lips grew into a small smile, "Good. Now get ready… the show's about to start."
BREAKLINE
The crowd was silent, siting at the edge of their seats, eyes wide and pupils dilated at the sight of a woman entering the circus ring. Lights were out and only a spotlight shone to show the female the way to the center of the ring. She wore a top hat that shadowed over her eyes, matching her outfit, and a black staff in hands. The black staff drawled attention, made out of ebony metal and ending with a crystal rose to help the woman grasp the cane. Her heels made a rhythmic tapping sound alongside her staff banging against the floor. Once reaching the middle of the stage, her red lips curve into a sly smile and her eyes narrow under her hat. Her hips cock to the side and both her hands rest on the floral staff as she took in a deep breath and raised her view, displaying a pair of honey-colored eyes.
"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen…. to Circo de los Sueños," she announced, her suave voice cutting through the thick atmosphere.
A round of applause followed her words as she bowed her head in response.
"Now, now. My name is Savage Rose. But I'd prefer just Rose," she winked at the audience. After a sigh she continued, "Welcome, my friends to Circo de los Sueños, where all your dreams come true!" Her hands extended into the air as applause filled everyone's ears.
"As of today, Circo de los Sueños will be performing on Ripple Star, and we'll be waiting… just for you."
Whistles and cheers beat against Rose's eardrums and the girl took that as her cue to call on the second ringmaster.
"Listen here, I'm not the only one holding the reigns for this. Please welcome, the Mystifying Athelas!" And at that a pair of cymbals crashed together and in came running Athelas on top of her ivory mare, bow tied well around her back. A spotlight followed her until she reached to be next to Rose and mounted off her horse with her hood still over her eyes. She was immediately greeted by applause and screams and chants, recognized around the world for her mystery. The hooded blonde did a slight curtsy and patted the mare's neck. The trained horse knew well that his meant to run off into the exit and be greeted by Stranger, who'd guard her in the stall. So the beautiful animal turned around and trotted towards the opening at the end of the tent.
"I hope you enjoy our performance, dear audience," Athelas greeted, flicking some strands of hair away from her covered face.
Hands reached to make noise and applaud, screams and whistles and cheers coursing through the air.
"Sword's on now," Athelas whispered to Rose as the crowd calmed down.
"Charge Knight's already bringing him here, all that's left is the boy's intro," Rose replied through a whisper.
"Alright, then," Athelas breathed in some fresh, cool air and nodded to herself,
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you… Sword Knight, the WolfWrath tamer!"
Please review and go to my profile to view the link for my DeviantArt account. My gallery has images of the ringleaders. :) Until next chapter!