Chapter XXI

I stood from the side wing with Evra and a whole bunch of other people, watching the show. Like the last show I had seen, the wolf-man went first, then Rhamus Twobellies. Mr. Tall went on after we had our break- he just disappeared and reappeared on the stage, without seeming to move. When he left the stage, Truska was up. After her, it would be our turn.

A few minutes into the act, Ariel showed up, holding a flute of her own. She smiled and waved to me when walking into the wing, so I waved back.

"Where were you?"

"Practicing." She answered. "I'm not as experienced as playing the flute as you are; I just wanted to go over it a little so I don't screw up."

Oh, and I had Valinty give a ticket to R.V."

"Really?" I smiled. "Cool."

I just wanted to go over it a little so I don't screw up. Ariel's words repeated themselves over and over again in my thoughts.

If I were to slip, I could make the spider bite him. I could make Madam Octa bite Mr. Crepsley.

The idea of killing Mr. Crepsley took me by surprise. It had been awhile since any sort of thought had crossed my mind, and I never dreamed I would actually have the chance.

It would mean total payback. He took my life, I took his. But now I wasn't completely sure if I wanted to do it. And besides, there was Ariel to think about. If we were both controlling Madam Octa at the same time, our thoughts would be intertwined. She would know.

We were up, and I hadn't yet figured out if I were going to kill Mr. Crepsley or not. The lights went low, but my eyes quickly adjusted, and I could see R.V. in the crowd. Ariel and I exchanged a quick look, hiding our smiles. We were told to look as miserable and gloomy as possible.

Mr. Crepsley gave a speech about Madam Octa, Ariel standing by his right side, me to his left. I was considering the idea in my mind, but I had to think fast.

I could just say it was an accident. Everyone would think I made a mistake, that's all.

No, no, no.. Ariel would still know..

The stage was dim, and I could see the scar run up from Mr. Crepsley's lips, making it seem like the long, scary grin I had noticed last time. Most of the stage light was upon him, and some on Ariel and me, making the rest of our bodies hidden by shadows.

A loud, angry gasp came from the audience when Madam Octa killed the sheep. I should have been expecting R.V. to do that, but the idea never came to mind.. Eh, whatever, he'll get over it.

I again considered the idea of killing Mr. Crepsley, the idea running over and over in my thoughts. I would have to decide right now.

The light enlarged, now covering all three of us. I was nervous, and my stomach began to tie into knots.

I placed my lips onto the flute and began to play. My fingers moved quickly, and I blew into the instrument, sending my thoughts to the spider. It was just me for a minute or so until Ariel started. Her tune was different then mine at first, but they came together and made a great melody, as planed.

It wasn't long until the knots untied in my stomach. (Not counting the already sick feeling from the lack of human blood) Candlelight flickered, making my face heat up, beads of sweat ran down my forehead. Madam Octa danced on her webs, which hung over Mr. Crepsley's mouth.

I.. I didn't do it. I didn't kill Mr. Crepsley. I played perfectly, not one broken note came from either of our flutes. I wasn't exactly sure why I didn't want to kill the vampire…the will to do so just kind of left me.. Maybe I just didn't want to be a killer, or maybe perhaps I wouldn't be able to survive without the guidance of Mr. Crepsley. Whatever the reason- I didn't know.

Once the act was over, we took our bows, the lights went completely off, and we exited through the left wing. Backstage, when getting a plastic cup of water, I could hear the next act go on.

"You considered killing me." Mr. Crepsley said, his voice soft and barely interested.

I put my hand over my mouth and pretended to almost spit out the water.

"What are you talking about?"

"You would not have succeeded; I milked the poison out of Madam Octa's fangs."

I stared at him, and felt the same hateful fire for Mr. Crepsley start to ignite in my chest.

"It was just a test?" I looked away, then glared back at him.

"You.. You.." I couldn't find the words to describe my anger and hatred. I wished I would have let Madam Octa bite him, even if her fangs had been rid of poison. Without further discussion, I stomped out of the tent, mad as hell. He was probably just seeing if he could rely on me, which deep down I knew made sense, but if I ever had the chance to kill him again- I'd take it.

Outside, I was walking to my tent when I heard Ariel behind me.

"Hey! Wait up!"

She ran up besides me and walked with me toward the tents.

"What's wrong?"

I looked away, not wanting to tell her about my thoughts of killing Mr. Crepsley.

"Don't wanna talk about it?" She nodded. "Well, you okay?"

I shrugged. "Yeah, I guess."

"That's good." She glanced back at the circus tent, and stopped walking. "Hey, listen, let's keep an eye on R.V., okay?"

"Well, er, I understand he was probably upset about the goat and all.." My voice trailed off. I didn't see why she seemed so suspicious.

"Trust me, I have a feeling he's going to start getting curious about the cirque. It's not just the goat either- there's Madam Octa, Evra's snake, the Wolf-man.."

What she was saying was starting to make a little sense, but I didn't consider it too much. I mean, it's not like R.V. poses a big threat or anything.

"I will." I said, as we continued to walk to our tent.

I should have given more thought to her warning..