Chapter 5: Bittersweet Connections

"Happy Seventeenth Birthday!" A crowd cheered before low popping rang out, red and black confettis flying in the air. The little papers showering the one who is turning seventeen.

The dining tent was decorated with ceiling swirl clip outs of ghost and spiders, tombstones and coffins. The table cloths had spider web patterns, with fake little spiders on the table. The cake was grand, cut up fruit in the inside of the three layers. The three layers of cake are soft and fluffy. On the outside, the cake was black with red icing. Seventeen blue candles were alight with small flames. Cups and jugs of drinks filled up the table with various plates of food.

Darrell laughed as she carefully brush off some of the confetti that got stuck on her hair and clothing. "Thank you everyone!"

It has been three years that Darrell left the orphanage and joined the famous Cirque du Freak. Three years that she has been reunited with the man who saved her those many years ago from the vicious Vampaneze. Three years that she has been side by side with Larten Crepsley.

A lot has happened during those three years. For starters, Darrell has not been blooded to be a vampire. Larten has explained to her that vampires do not blood children (in other words, minors) Darrell must wait until she is right of age, meaning between eighteen and twenty-one. Darrell has learned to be patient, so she has extra fun while she still lives in the Cirque. For once she is blooded, it is most likely that she and Larten would leave the Cirque. Vampires never linger in one place for too long. They are always on the move.

Darrell has also been practicing her phantom tricks. Although she hasn't fully gain an act of her own, she has been sometimes been partnered up with several other performers. Like pulling crates of food and various of objects for Twobellies act, or having Truska pick her up with her beard. Dance around while Alexander Ribs plays a melody. And even have Madam Octa slide down your middle finger with her web like a yo-yo!

Eventually, Darrell played small acts with playing cards and making objects 'disappear'. It's usually after the Wolfman scare, to calm down the audience. She also do other magic tricks, such as levitate objects, do the Indian rope trick, the dove pan, quick-change, etc. Her little acts aren't exhilarating as the other performers, but still fun to watch/do.

Darrell has mastered the art of going through solid objects, both while moving or motionless. It's fun to use when she and Evra play around during their free time. But Darrell can't use it continuously, for it eats away her energy. She had to be careful whenever doing her little phantom trick, not wanting to give up all of her energy, for she may end up dead.

That isn't the only ability that Darrell gain during those three years. She discovered that she can move objects at will, with enough concentration. She first found out about this power when she got frustrated with Larten. His training to sharpen her senses are becoming very difficult, almost impossible! Complaining that his training was impossible and dumb, an object flew out and threw itself at Larten.

It was a spoon.

Seeing that this power was quite dangerous, Darrell had to control her rage. While doing so, she tried using different emotions to move objects. It was hard, and tiring, but she got the hang of it. Now she don't need to use trip wires to levitate objects whenever she doing a short performance. Then she began to think, instead of levitating objects, how about myself? And so she did, and then next thing Darrell knew, she was floating a few inches off the ground before fainting of exhaustion.

Darrell knows that she can do more, but she must find a way to expand her limitation. But for now she is taking a break for it is her birthday!

"Make a wish, Darrell!" Hans said as he carefully slide the cake towards Darrell.

Darrell smiled to herself, thinking up a wish in her head before taking a deep breath and blowing out the candles. The gang clapped their hands and Darrell began to cut up pieces of cake for everyone. Darrell helped Truska serve everyone cake. "Want one ?" Darrell asked, holding out a plate of cake towards him.

He stared at the plate before nodding his head. "Very well." With a small smile, Larten took the plate, "Thank you."

Even though Larten has celebrated two of Darrell's birthday, this is the first time of him eating a slice of the cake. It made Darrell very happy.

After eating her slice of cake, Darrell began to open her presents. "Cool! I new soccer ball! Thanks Cormac!" Darrell smiled as she held the blue ball with white stripes. Her last soccer ball was accidentally kicked onto the road and a truck ran over it, exploding the air out of it and ruining it beyond repair.

Her second present was a smaller one, Darrell opened only to laughed happily. "A Walkman player! And two Michael Jackson cassettes!" She gasped with excitement. "Awesome! Thanks a lot Alexander!" Her gift also came with headphones and extra batteries. Her last gift was in a flat box, but Darrell eagerly -yet carefully tear the wrapping off and opened the box. Darrell was filled with shock as she gazed at her present. With a tender touch, Darrell pulled a white collar shirt and a pale blue vest with frills on the front. She then took out slim white dress pants with pale blue stripes running downwards. Next were two pale blue fingerless gloves.

"This is..." Darrell began to say but was speechless to say anything. A hand was placed on her shoulder. Darrell already knew who gave her this present but still faced Truska when she laid her hand. Truska revealed a coat, similar to a ringmaster's one, only white with pale blue stripes on the edges on the flaps.

Truska spoke and Evra translate. "She wants you to put on the coat. To see if it fits."

Darrell slip her arms into the coat, and once everything was in place, she nod her head, showing that it fits perfectly. "This is so incredible." Darrell bubbled with joy as happy tears dripped from her eyes. As Darrell did her best to wipe her tears away, Truska embraced Darrell and stroke her head. Darrell cried more and hugged her back. "Thank you so much. Everyone, thank you."

Darrell now truly felt one with the Cirque, for she was given her first performance costume. "I promise I'll make a grand performance!" She exclaimed with determination after she wiped away her tears.

The rest of the party was spent telling stories, eating the rest of the food, and then playing a small game of soccer. Darrell shared her love of soccer the fifth month of her joining the Cirque. They were able to find a ball and began to play with it, until the air was exploded out due to a car running over it.

Of course not all of the members participated, most of them watched. Darrell was paired up with Evra, Hans, and Cormac, along with some Cirque helpers. The opposing team composed of Alexander, Rhamus, Alexander and some other Cirque helpers as well. Darrell searched the crowd and was surprised to see her mentor among the viewers. She couldn't help but smile. During the three years, Darrell and the others would mostly play during the day, for she always had lessons during the night with Larten.

Seeing that he was there, it was time to pull out some awesome moves on the opposing team. Several of the moves confused the opposing team. Whenever someone was running along side her, trying to get the ball, Darrell would do the roulette move, change direction and easily score a goal. Some other moves she did throughout the game were the rabona, flip flap, rivelino, etc. They didn't know what hit them.

At the blow of the whistle, the game was over. Darrell's team; 6. Opposing team; 1.

"Another awesome win" Evra cheered as he and Darrell high fived each other.

Some of the players huddled around Darrell, asking her to teach them those moves. She smiled and agreed, showing them step by step the more simple moves.

Whenever she plays soccer, Darrell was thrown back in time. She would recall the days when she, Darren, Steve, Tommy, and Alan used all play together, verses grade schoolers and middle schoolers. Of course, recalling the good old days brings back the bad memories of her past. Darrell would scowl whenever that fat fucktard appeared in her mind. But then she would remember Sophie, and how sad Darrell felt when she had to leave behind her dear friend and roommate.

I hope that she got adopted to a nice family. Darrell would think to herself from time to time.

At times, Darrell would cry, missing her old friends and wishing to see them again. But as time went by, she overcome such thoughts, and knew that her friends were doing well and that she had no need to cry.

"So Evra, still got the hots for that Merla girl?" Darrell questioned him after her little soccer lesson, a smirk tugging on her face.

Evra became flustered as he shushed her. "Please Darrell! Not so loud!"

"Me? Loud!? Oh I would never let your little love secret spread throughout the camp like wild fire!" Darrell announced with her boisterous voice. Darrell caught Merla giggling from the corner of her eyes.

Merla was a newcomer and it has almost four months that she started living in the Cirque. Similar to Evra, she was from another freak show, although this one was mean and nasty. Although, Merla escaped that freak show and was on the run. She stumbled upon the Cirque when they stopped at a town by the sea. That was the first time Darrell ever saw the sea.

Darrell and Evra founded the half starved Merla at the edge of the camp. After feeding her, Merla told them their story and the two were able to convince to let her stay. Merla was cautious to the group, seeing that this was also a freak show. But after a month, she began to feel comfortable and she soon told everyone about her detachable ears. She didn't want to tell any of them, for she was embarrassed and that she didn't fully trusted the travel show.

But now she has been living comfortable in the group.

However, before Merla made her appearance to the Cirque, Darrell's relationship with Evra looked like it was going down hill. When they were both sixteen, Evra confessed that he really liked her. Evra would blush and feel a tingling sensation within him whenever she was around. Sadly, Darrell shot down his feelings, saying that she appreciate it, and that it was sweet of him, and that he was brave to confess to her. But Darrell explained that she only saw Evra as a brother.

Darrell also wished to tell him that she'll be a vampire soon and that their relationship -if they did got together- would be far more complicated. Evra would grow old and she would live longer, look younger than him. But, Darrell didn't even dare to tell him such things, for she wished to keep their friendship intact. Whatever was left of it.

But when they found Merla, appointed them to take care of her and showing her the ropes around this place. How things were done in the Cirque. Working together, their friendship strengthen once more and things weren't awkward between them anymore.

"Look, why not just sit with her for dinner tomorrow?" Darrell proclaimed. "Me and Truska can cook up something special if you want."

"I don't know if I can do that..." Evra murmured, sounding a bit defeated.

Darrell playfully punched his shoulder. "Come on! Snakes show no fear! What are you afraid of? You were never nervous when we talked to her."

"That's because you were with me! Me, by myself with her is another story! What if I mess up and say something dumb?!"

"If you mess up, you mess up. That doesn't mean you should give up." Darrell said with a shrug. "Just keep going. You'll feel more comfortable and then you two would chat around like nothing happened and that everything is normal."

Evra opened his mouth to counter her, but saw that there was no point. So he closed his mouth and remained quiet.

The sky went fully dark. The stars began to appear in the dark blue sky. And slowly but surely, the moon began to show itself. And another vampire lesson began: the history of Vampaneze.

Darrell already heard of the purple skin blood suckers, but she never fully learned about them Larten kept her busy with physical lessons, strengthening her and sharpening her skills. Soon enough, Darrell's body looked like between an athletic swimmer and gymnastic. She remembers watching her body grow and harden, seeing her reflection, eyes on her stomach, seeing her abdominals shaping. Never has she thought she would be so fit. Although, she still had a nice body. Nothing muscular that would make her look unattractive. Unless there are people out there that like very muscular women.

Larten and Darrell sat at separate bonfire, smaller than the one that warmth up the Cirques. Her mentor was already full with the meal of her birthday, so there was no need for Darrell to cook anything up.

After settling down near the fire, Larten began the tale of the Vampaneze.

"Long ago, the laws of vampire were not the same as they are now. Back then, vampires killed the victims that they drank from." Larten began to say before going quiet, watching Darrell's reaction. Of course she had a slight disguised look, but she didn't say anything, allowing Larten to continue. "But as plagues, famine, and war threatened to wipe out the existence of humans, the vampires established a law the forbid us of needless killing. Some were not content with this new law, and seven hundred years ago, seventy vampires branched out of the clan and proclaimed themselves as vampaneze.

The vampaneze established their own laws. The vampaneze believed that it was dishonorable for consuming small amount of blood. They saw that it was esteemed in draining the human whole and absorbing part of the soul."

Darrell heard that as well. If a vampire -or vampaneze- suck every ounce of blood from a human, part of the human's soul becomes one with the vampire -or vampaneze. Their memories and feelings along with it. Darrell wished to asked if Larten did such a thing, but it's more of a personal thing, so she kept quiet.

"The vampires disagreed of such actions, and thus began the war between the two clans. Many lives were lost, so much blood was shed on both sides. The vampires were winning and they were able to hunt the vampaneze into extinction. However, the very humans that we were trying to protect got into the way. They could not tell the difference between the two groups. And when the vampaneze began to slaughter the humans, they panic and with their modern warfare, they fought against the two and the vampires were on the verge of extinction."

Darrell was surprised to hear such a thing. "So I'm guessing that the vampaneze were so colorful back then." She questioned, waving a hand in front of her face.

Larten nod his head. "The Vampire Princes met with the vampaneze and there was a pact. They both agreed that the two groups would live apart from one another. And that we would leave them alone as long as the vampaneze ceased their rampage killing. For centuries, we kept that truce and time has changed the vampaneze and their appearances."

Vampaneze stand out like a sore thumb among a crowd of humans. They had purple skins, along with red eyes, hair, nails and lips.

"They submit to such changes for drinking far more blood than vampires." Larten added.

Although, the abilities of the vampaneze are the same of vampires, since they were all once the one and the same. Super strength, speed, hearing, sight and smell. Faster reflexes, flit, healing spit, longer life, and so on. Darrell wasn't so sure about their laws. Larten hasn't said such things, perhaps waiting for Darrell to be blooded.

"The vampaneze are similar to us in many ways." Larten began to say before Darrell let out a 'pfft'.

"Is that so? I bet they're honorable and respect humans!" Darrell said with sarcasm, with a bit of eyeroll.

"As matter of fact, I was about to state that, until you interrupted me." Larten replied.

"Oh please! They can't possibly be honorable creatures of the night!" Darrell said with a huff, arms cross. "They kill their victims! The humans didn't ask for their soul to be part of the vampaneze! They aren't respectful at all!" Darrell hollered with rage.

"Calm yourself Darrell." Larten firmly said.

"How can I calm down when you told this bull information?!" Darrell snapped as she launched to her feet. "Or have you forgotten on what those monsters did to my parents?" She snarled with venom.

"No, I have not forgotten about your parents. Nor how I forgotten that your father put his life at risk for killing a vampaneze." Larten countered as he too stood up, towering her. Darrell met his gaze, not backing down. "I will not lie to you, the vampaneze that killed your parents was following their law; by avenging one of their own by taking the life of the murderer. But vampaneze was savage and insane. So yes, you do have reason to hate them, but not all of them."

Then his gaze softened and turned sad. "I will not lose you to the path of hatred and revenge. Not again..." He murmured the last part to himself.

"Again? What do you mean...again?" Darrell questioned him, with a gentle and soft tone this time.

Larten averted her gaze before turning away from her. "Go and be with the others. Today is your day and-"

"Oh no you don't!" Darrell intervene as she grasped his arm. "For three years, I noticed that you would react sadly to what I say sometimes. I want to know why. Did I offend you? And what do you mean by 'again'? Did you had another assistance before me? Please tell me! I don't want to be left in the dark anymore." Darrell said, locking her eyes with his, showing that she was serious.

Larten knew well enough that Darrell will not let go of his arm until he answered her question. With a sigh, Larten nod his head. "Very well. I will tell you..."

"I was a young lad when I met Wester Flack." Larten began to say. This time, they were outside at the bonfire. Instead, they decided to stay in the privacy of their tent, which was further away from the other holding tents. "The day I met Wester was the day after his family were killed by a lone vampaneze. Seeing that he had no place to go, Wester stayed by my side in the Cirque while my mentor traveled to Vampire Mountain. He soon became a vampire assistant. But after what happened to his family, Wester seeked out a way to get rid of the vampaneze forever. Even if it brought out another war."

Darrell listened in complete silence. She knows so little of Larten's past. Darrell knew that he was born during the Industrial Revolution, 200 years ago or so. He was poor, lived in a cramped home with many siblings in one home. And that is all. He has not told her on how he met his mentor nor how he ran away from home. Darrell guessed that it was easier to do so back then, since there were no technology to easily locate a person.

"Wester started a campaign, creating a small Anti-Vampaneze group. In the beginning, hardly anyone took notice. But over time, some fellow vampires agreed with Wester and tried to bring this topic to our leaders. They did not want to hear any of it." Larten said before falling silent.

Darrell licked her lips before speaking, "What...what happened to Wester?" She asked hesitantly.

Larten was still silent but continued to talk, "Wester became a poor example of a vampire...and he was put to death." He summarized. Darrell noticed his eyes began to look water, and she realized that her mentor was on the verge of tears.

Darrell find it hard to swallow, like she was trying to gulp down a dry rock. "He was like a brother to you." She said even though Larten didn't confirm it. Darrell stood up and walked up to the vampire. Darrell then kneel down in front of him, and timidly gave him a soft embrace. "I'm sorry. If I knew that...this topic...your life...was hard for you to talk about...I shouldn't had push you."

Larten was surprised at Darrell's response to this, and her embrace. He had a small, sad smile before gently press his face onto her shoulder, letting his tears soak against her shirt. He returned the embrace with a single arm.

Darrell was secretly happy that Larten wasn't pushing her away. He was actually letting her comfort him. "I'm sorry that you lived a hard life."

"It is alright. What is in the past has passed. We must focus on today and the future." Larten replied as he pulled his face away from her shoulder, his tears all dried up. "I tell you this for I do not want you to live on the path of revenge. Do not be a vengeful person. Live your life, Darrell. Either as a vampire or a human."

Darrell smiled at him before nodding her head. He returned the smile as she fully let go, giving his space back.

Neither of them knew that this moment helped strengthen their relationship and bond, which will create some beautiful in the end.

Three weeks passed after Darrell's birthday and that emotional night between the assistant and the vampire. Darrell hasn't press Larten for more about his past. She knew that the story of Wester was not the whole thing. She knew that Larten was hiding a secret or two within that story. But like she said before, she won't force him to say more. It's his decision, and Darrell will have to learn to wait.

Darrell learned that Evra did a great job during dinner with Merla. Sure, he admitted that he stumbled here and there, but everything turned out great in the end. Darrell knew that soon enough, Evra would be hanging out with Merla much more. But that was cool with Darrell, for that's life. But she knew that they will always be friends.

During those three weeks, Darrell continued to work on her phantom powers, making sure that she was ready for the show. The list of members wasn't full, so there were no performance. But a old member returned to the fold before their next stop, making it possible for them to perform for two nights.

The Cirque du Freak next stop was in a small city up north. They set up in an abandoned factory, where all the tools and machinery were removed, leaving the walls and roof top. It's been a while for Darrell to visit a booming town, even if it's small. She ventured around the town, seeing the new stuff that's being made. But she didn't linger for long, for she was in charge of buying new spices and flavoring for the food.

Upon returning, Darrell noticed a shadowy figure at the back of the factory. Darrell decided to sneak up on who was stalking the Cirque. Thanks to all that training with Larten, she was much lighter on her feet, lighter than humans. She moved swiftly and silently, hunched lowly so that the person wouldn't see her coming. As she got closer, Darrell noticed that it was a boy. A boy dressed in torn up clothing and smelled bad. Darrell knew instantly that this kid was homeless. Or a runaway.

Darrell watched the boy, who looked around 13 -14 maybe- years old. The boy moved around the whole factory, cursing lowly as he saw that the doors were blocked off or board up. Darrell had a feeling that the boy wanted to sneak in and, maybe, join the Cirque or catch an up-and-personal experience.

Soon, the boy left back to town and Darrell ceased her animal like stalking.

"A kid was trying to sneak in?"

Darrell nod her head. She thought of telling , but she decided that it wasn't that important. Although she still had to inform someone. And that person was Evra. Darrell was able to speak to him in private, while he cleaned up his snakes. Merla is still gets nervous around the snakes. Darrell overcome of the reptiles and sometimes offer to help Evra with them.

"Well, that's nothing new. The Cirque sometimes have little visitors who want to take a peak. Since kids aren't allowed to see the show, they usually try to sneak in." Evra said with a shrug. "Some of us usually scare them off or they get too scare to venture even further."

Darrell got a cold chill run down her back when she heard 'little visitor' and 'take a peak'. Reminded her on how she easily snucked into the abandoned theatre back at her hometown. She had other reasons to do so. "Oh. Although this kid looked homeless. And smelled like one too. Maybe he wants to join."

"I still say we should scare him off. Normal people aren't usually allowed to join. Especially if they're kids." Evra replied as he continued to wash the snake's scales clean.

"I understand. But how will we do that?" Darrell asked as she cleaned out a cage, letting the non-poisonous snake curl around her arm. "Everyone is going to be busy fixing up the place and the performers would be practicing their acts."

Including me. She thought to herself but decided not to say it out loud.

"You're right. The kid will go away on his own." Evra concluded as he put the dirty towel into the bucket. He moved the bucket away as his giant snake curled away in the corner. "Come on. We got more work to do."

"Aye aye Captain!" Darrell grinned as if they were kids again.

Although it was a Thursday night, the place was busy getting everything in order. Darrell was used to this rush hour work. Running here and there, fixing this, piling that, trying this, and moving that. In the end, Darrell was at the kitchen stand, making the last meal for the Cirque. However, Darrell will have to warm up whatever is left over for Larten when he wakes up.

An hour before Larten wakes up, Darrell left the factory to get a fresh breather. As did so, Darrell spotted the boy again, which he didn't noticed her. Grinning to herself, Darrell quickly went back, grabbed some long, thick rope and rushed back. Luckily, the factory was surrounded by trees, besides the front. Darrell found a spot where gave a good view of the Cirque within the trees and began to set up the trap.

And now, Darrell wait.

It didn't take long for the kid to appear. The hoop was suspended in the hair, only camouflaged within the leaves. It was large enough for the boy to fit half of his body, up to his waist. The boy notice the view through one of the large windows, which gave a nice view of the inside of the factory and Cirque. Darrell, hiding up in the trees, held tight on the rope, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The kid stepped forward, trying to get a clearer look. Until he felt something tugging his mid-section.

Now! Darrell swung down, pulling the rope down with her.

"What the-AAAAAHHHHHHH!" The boy exclaimed in surprised as the rope tightened around his waist, locking his arms against his sides and he was pulled up into the air, swinging back and forth.

Darrell landed on the ground, holding onto the rope tightly before tying the end of around another tree. "Wow kid. You're really light. I guess that's what happens when you become malnourished. I should know; I've been there." Darrell said as she faced the kid, hands on hips. Now that she up close to him, Darrell noticed features that she couldn't see before. The boy was tan skinned, skinny, black curly hair and dark brown eyes. He worn a beanie, even though it was that cold outside. An overly large jacket, where was smug and old looking, filthy. Same went for his pants and shoes. This kid is homeless. "What are you doing here anyways?"

"Duh! Ain't it obvious?! I want to join them!" The kid wiggled around in the rope like a worm on a hook. "I'm sick and tired of living in the streets!"

"Calm down. There's no need to shout." Darrell said annoyed, rubbing her ears. "The Cirque ain't for kids."

"Says you!" The boy snapped back.

Darrell let out an irritated sigh. Concentrating, she let her body become hazy and see through. The kid gasped as Darrell approached him, making the temperature drop and moaning sorrowfully.

"AHHH! Get away you freak!" The kid wailed as he wiggled around even more, desperate to get away from Darrell.

"That's right. I am a freak." Darrell said as she solidify herself, going back to normal looking. "And even though I'm one year away from being an adult, I'm a kid with special -freakish- powers." Darrell informed the youngster. "But normal kids like you don't stand a chance living upon us."

"And why's that?"

"You just saw it; powers. Something that makes us unique and stand out from the rest of society." Darrell said with a shrug. "You don't, now do you?"

The boy looked down and shook his head. Darrell didn't like being the bad guy in this situation, but what else she can do? Suddenly, she heard a loud rumbling noise and the boy blushed. "I see. You're hungry. I'm guessing you were trying to sneak in, not only to join, but 'borrow' some food." Darrell pointed out, only to have the boy nod his head.

With a sigh, Darrell glanced back at the Cirque, smelling the food that's just been cooked. She looked back at the starving boy. She began to remember how she and the rest of the orphans would be left half-starving while the fat witch stuffed her face with mountains of food. Letting out another sigh, Darrell spoke, "Wait here. I'll get you something to eat."

The boy murmured angrily underneath his breath. "'Wait here' she says. It's not like I'm going anywhere!"

Darrell was able to sneak a small plate of food and slip away back to the kid, who was still being hanged from his mid section. Darrell slowly lowered him down and handed him the plate. Once the plate touched his hands, the boy began to wolf down the food. "Whoa kid, slow down or you're going to choke. Savor it." Darrell warned him, which he listened, slowing down and taking his time with the food.

Darrell watched the boy, wondering what should she do with the him. After a few minutes of her being silent and him eating, Darrell asked him for his name. "Tyson." He answered through a mouthful. "And you?"

"Darrell." She simply answered back. Cue awkward silence again. "So...you're all by yourself?"

Tyson nod his head as he continued eat, more sadly this time. "Sorry, shouldn't butt into your personal life." She quickly apologized.

"Nah, it's fine. Been a homeless my whole life. Don't even more what happened to my parents." Tyson said as if it was nothing.

"How is that possible? Aren't there any...orphanages?" Darrell asked, hesitating on that last word.

"Oh there are." Tyson belch before setting the plate down besides him. "But there's no way I'm going to live in one of those. Besides, who wants to adopt someone like me?"

Darrell frown. She can tell from experience that orphanages aren't fun. But...not all orphanages are bad, right? But Darrell remain silent on that.

"Anyways, that's my life story. Can't help to be interested; but how about yours?" Tyson questioned her, eyeing Darrell suspiciously.

With a shrug, Darrell gave him a quick summary; came from an orphanage, heard of the Cirque, ran away, showed them her powers, and was accepted. "And...I'm going to be performing soon on stage." Darrell concluded, couldn't help but feel proud about herself.

"Really? Good luck, don't get stage fright, and whatever you do; don't fall over." Tyson said sarcastically.

Darrell grumbled with a roll of the eyes. She then noticed how the moon slowly rising up and cursed to herself. "You should leave soon. You don't want to be here after dark."

Tyson froze up, not snickering anymore. "W-why?"

Hmm, this can be my chance to scare him away. "Well, not all of the freaks are performers. Some are too insane to act normal, let alone talk. And sometimes, they escape their enclosure." She said, staring at him coldly from the corner of her eyes. "Now, I never seen how dangerous they are. But...the others told me that they have a desiring taste...for human flesh!" Darrell shrieked in horror, causing Tyson to yelp and fall over in fright. "And their remains are never found. So...I should run if I were you. Who knows, perhaps I can be an insane freak pretending to be nice, only to wait for you to turn your back so that I can eat you!" She said before taking two steps forward, hands raised up high, fingers curled and giving him a toothy and devilish smile.

Tyson screamed in fright, stumbling to his feet, running for several feet before tripping. He quickly got up and made a run for it, screaming at the top of his lungs, disappearing into the darkness.

Darrell laughed at her little scare trick. I can't believe that worked. And if he's smart enough, he won't go ragging to the cops about this, or they'll think he's crazy and be dumped into an orphanage since he's a minor. And with that, Darrell took the rope and returned to the Cirque.

Howdy hoo!

Hoped that you guys enjoyed this chapter of the story. As you just read, I'm putting in some bits and pieces of Larten's story for his four book saga into this story. As matter of fact, you could have figured out this might had happened with little hints that I threw in on the previous chapter.

Anyways, were you guys surprised that Evra had a crush on Darrell? Yes? Good. No? Meh. Anyways, I read that we don't know how Merla became part of the Cirque, so I kind of threw my own spin off of her background story.

Like I said on the previous chapter, I'm conducting research on how life was like in the 1980s. Since I wasn't born in that time, I had to research a lot, giving me a light headache. But it's worth it if I wish to make this story much more believable. That's why Darrell was excited to get a cassette player. Because Ipods were not invented in the 1980s!

*Ahem*

Well, I did received a review for my previous chapter when I asked if I should introduce a vampire or a vampaneze. And what I got was this:

Ampire8: vampaneze, that should be funny

Funny, huh? Sadly no, there will be no laughter in the next chapter "Ghoulish Beast".Unless you that kind of person who laughs at people dying and suffering.

LE GASP! Now THAT was a spoiler. Oops...

Well! See you all in the next chapter; Ghoulish Beast.

R&R please! Thank you!