Ashes And Rain

DGM

Chapter 3

The Circus

Lenalee covered her ears because of Lavi's and Krory's howling. THey were currently at the circus and oh boy, were they enthralled. The saw the acrobats perform several times, each a different act. They flung around like it was nothing. Funny thing is, it looked tough despite all of them being a capable exorcist. Lenalee wasn't even that flexible. "Wow." Miranda admired.

Lenalee smiled. If you excluded the loud howling from her friends, the circus was a great experience. They've seen simple acts that most people expect, but for some reason, it was special watching it up close. There was juggling with glassware and balls and random objects that looked hard to hold let alone toss around in the air. Trapeze artists wowed the crowd. 'Special' acrobatics were performed while on a unicycle and while riding on a horse-which Lenalee marveled at.

Along with those there was baton throwing, dancers, dancers on beautiful streams that glistened in the light. Oddly enough, there weren't many clowns in this circus, but what was there, well, they were the best. There was this particular clown that caught her eye. A teenager wearing a black, white, and gray clown outfit. It was decorated very exquisitely and neatly. It looked like it took forever to make. He was really, really good. He did a solo act and joined other clowns when they did a group play. They were so funny and very talented. They did a bit of everything!

Whether it be juggling to bits of gymnastics and humorous jokes here and there. After the clowns rolled around on big starred balls with blue or green stripes, or a very small ball no bigger than a soccer ball. It was odd how they could do that. They did a bit everything. How could they accomplish that task? Still, through and through, the boy won her heart with his act. It was so good, she was left speechless. Lenalee didn't know how to describe his act besides extraordinary, superb, excellent, marvelous. She had been mesmerized at the skills he possessed that she practically zoned out, but she was still there. . . . How much sense did that make?

None at all.

When the show ended, everyone immediately clapped. Well, almost everyone. There were a few grumpy people who didn't want to. Lavi hoot and hollered and Krory roared and cheered. Miranda applaud normally, as did Lenalee. The audience began to leave, but the exorcists stayed and then, they noticed some very familiar faces on the other side of the arena. More exorcists. In fact, General Tiedol's group! "Well, what do ya know? Yuu's here." Lavi said, slapping his knee and bending over in laughter. "Put that in the newspaper!"

"That's mean Lavi." Miranda squeaked.

But very true.

General Tiedol must've noticed them because he trailed away from his spot and over to them. Kanda, Daisya, and Mari obediently followed. "Hiya buddies!" Lavi greeted.

"Hello. It's nice to see you all again so soon." Tiedol responded, sitting down on a front row bench and he took out some paper and something to draw with. He sketched the circus from inside. Lenalee found it amusing to watch him do so in such an expert manner. "How did you like the circus?"

"It was amazing!" Krory answered and Lavi nodded.

"I thought it was lovely. You could tell they worked really hard to perform terrifically." Lenalee agreed.

"Ah, yes, a vast glory displayed in a beautiful way. A magnificent piece of art." Tiedol pondered aloud.

"Che."

"Kanda, be nice. You didn't have to say anything."

Lenalee lightly giggled as Kanda's brow ticked. General Tiedol knew just how to get under the samurai's skin. "Excuse me, ladies, gentlemen." A kind, motherly looking woman said. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave. We need to prepare for our leave tomorrow."

"Oh, you're leaving tomorrow?" Tiedol asked, putting his work away.

She nodded. "I see. . ."

"Ma'am, would you mind telling us who's in charge here?" Bookman inquired.

"Huh? Why that'd be Nigel Phillips, Sir. Why, do you have a complaint of some sorts?"

"No, not at all. You see, we have a special job and it seems that some . . . "things" are trailing about your traveling circus and there've been rumors going around about a cloaked white clown." Tiedol said.

Ahhh, that was why Tiedol was here. He knew. That meant he was going to join their investigation. "Oh, I understand. . . . Could you inform me a little more about those-what's the correct word-monsters?" she responded quizzically.

"We would gladly do so, but isn't there anybody else we should talk to that this might be important to know for them. We don't take this lightly, so we may also be a burden by being cryptic." Bookman added.

She sighed. "I'm sure we're all very well aware of what you're doing. It's an easy guess, I suppose. . . . . If it's that serious I doubt anyone will ask you to explain more than necessary until need be or until the time calls for such a thing. . . . . Nigel is going to be busy for quite some time, but you're welcome to stay for as long as you like."

"That's kind of you ma'am. We'll try to stay out of your way, or we could possibly help if you need an extra pair of hands." Lenalee told her.

She smiled. "No need for that. We have more than enough hands, but I appreciate the offer."

A loud noise came from behind them and everyone turned to see what it came from. A child of maybe six or seven had a pan and spatula and banged them against each other. This caused the horses to get all riled up. "Jude!"

A few people ran over to calm the horses or pull them away from Jude since one just upped and kicked him, causing him to drop the utensils. He wailed and cried, holding his arm tightly. The lady ran over to the boy and some men got the horses out of there and in the back with the other animals. Another boy was already there by Jude and he picked him up gently. You couldn't really see his facial expression, but his comforting smile was evident. His lips moved and you could instantly tell he was whispering soothing words to him because the boy stopped crying, nodding.

The lady whom the exorcists spoke to stopped, setting her hands on her hips. "Is he alright?"

Jude shook his head expectantly, but the boy holding him nodded yes. "I think he'll be okay. It's just a scratch," He examined Jude's arms once again, gently rubbing it, causing the poor boy to flinch. "However, he may not be able to use his arm that much."

"You sure it-*sniff*-it isn't broken?" Jude asked.

"I'm certain."

Jude was glad about that, but it dawned him how much trouble he'd be in for causing a ruckus like that. "However, it was your fault Jude. You should've known better than to do that."

"I know, I'm sorry, Allen. I wasn't. . ." Jude blushed. "I wasn't thinking."

He only received a smile. "That's okay, I've done that a million times before when I was around your age." He muttered, winking. "Don't do it again, though, promise?"

Jude dipped his head to show his agreement. "Good."

Allen knelt down and placed Jude on his feet, patting his head. A man, Jude's father to be exact, tended to his arm with a first-aid kit, shaking his head, but saying he used to do the same thing when he was young and angry, too, but Jude's mother wouldn't just sit back and laugh like himself. "All better?" His father asked.

Jude mumbled a yes despite the pain in his arm. It was going to hurt for awhile. "Great, now we have to go find your Mom and tell her everything. Thanks Allen for helping, by the way. Catch you later." Jude's dad said and they walked off with a whiney Jude.

The lady tsked, but during her disappointment reaction, she took a moment to take in the appearance of these people who stayed after. They wore a cloak that she was well-accustomed to now. Especially the one with the gold rims. "I wonder. . . ." She looked at the boy who was about to get back to work and then she stopped him. "Hey, Walker!"

At once Allen stared at her. When her head tipped he knew she was calling him over. His eyes wandered as he ran over to her and he found a standard outfit he knew far too well. He remained calm, but he was silently cursing. Now, really? Blasted! Just another thing HE could blame him for. "Yes, Shandy?"

Shandy smiled and escorted Allen to the exorcists. Shandy explained that they would be sticking around for a bit longer and gave faded details why. Enough for Allen to understand though. "Anyways, this young lad is a one of our talented performers. I hope it's not a bother, but would you please answer any questions they may have and show them around, I have a feeling they'll be here for some time." Shandy queried hopefully.

Allen stared at them for a second before smiling brightly. "I'd love to!"

"Great, thanks a bunch. I'll come by to check on y'all later. I need to make sure the kids don't do anything rash." Shandy noted, waving as she walked off.

Allen awkwardly stood there for a moment. Another general. Just great. Please let him be. . . Anything NOT like Cross! "Hello, my name is Allen Walker. Apparently, I'm your chaperon." Allen said welcomingly.

Lavi squinted his one visible eye and got in Allen's face. Allen didn't like the closeness and felt awkward by the action. He ended up taking a step back, laughing nervously. "Is there a problem?"

"No, I'm just wondering, what act were you in, cause I don't remember seeing you in the show?" Lavi wondered.

"Lavi is right, but there's no need to be so rude." Lenalee said, whacking Lavi, though just as curious.

"Eh?" Allen rubbed his head sheepishly. "Well, I'm a. . I'm a clown."

They blinked. He didn't like the type to be a clown. Not at all. "Is that so?" Tiedol said astonishingly.

"Yep, I was in a dark suit-black, white, gray. I had a solo performance this time, too." Allen said, half proud, half embarrassed.

Lenalee knew what he was talking about. He was that elegant-uh, maybe not the proper word-clown. "Really? That was you?" Daisya asked.

"Well, yeah."

Tiedol smiled, remembering Allen's performance very clearly. "You had fun." His words were more of a statement rather than a question.

"Of course!" Allen exclaimed. "Performing in the circus is just as magical as watching it first-hand."

Tiedol was already attached to the boy, that was clear. There was something unique about him. He thought Allen would be the best person to actually ask these questions. "Allen, I'm assuming you've been in this particular circus for a long time, correct?" Tiedol wondered.

"Yes, I have been here for almost three years now, in fact."

That should be long enough to know. "Do you know anything about a white-cloaked clown with a silver mask?"

The boy opened his mouth to spoke, obviously in thought. He was told not to tell anybody anything, not yet, but they deserved to know. "Just that it's been, so to speak, 'exorcising demons'." Allen told him, not lying, but not telling the whole truth.

Tiedol had a hunch that there was more to what he was willing to say. "Have you met this clown?"

"No. . . ."

Tiedol had a feeling that he knew more than he was letting on. Maybe those questions wouldn't work. He may have to trick Allen into answering specific questions. He'll have to think about how he was going to do that. "Is there anything else you'd like to ask?" Allen inquired.

Kanda examined Allen and made a "tch" sound and turned his head. Marie hoped Kanda wasn't going to start trouble. Fortunately, Allen didn't mention anything about Kanda unlike most people. "Do you want a tour?" Allen asked.

"I think we'll manage fine on our own." Tiedol said, looking around. "However, you wouldn't mind if we wander around asking questions, would you?"

"I don't mind. Shandy doesn't think ill of it, so I don't either. Just be careful. Certain places can be dangerous." Allen said.

Kanda nearly laughed. Dangerous? Allen didn't even know what dangerous is! Or so he thought. "I would like to get a good look around, if you don't mind." Lenalee inclined.

"Sure. There's not much to see, though." Allen explained as she got off the bench and beside him.

Lenalee stared in awe at Allen. There was something about him that she adored. Perhaps the way she cradled Jude after he was hurt. It was then anyone could tell he was a gentle-hearted person. That smile he welcomed them with, that same he gave Jude, and a smile she has long ago seen, but from where? Thinking about that, Lenalee wondered she had possibly met this boy before.

Allen gave her a tour inside and outside. He showed her where there slept-in small tents in the back. Most share a family or very close friends in one tent, he said. After that, he showed her where they sometimes make food. Outside in the back right in front of a tent doorway. Surprisingly enough, Allen even guided her through back stage of the arena where the performers get ready. There were so many outfits, and so much makeup! You couldn't forget all the tools they use either. Staffs, hula hoops, a vast majority of rubber balls, dumb bells, weights, lights, and more.

Lenalee got a chance to meet a few workers, too. They were all kind. A lot liked to play jokes nevertheless. Everyone of them were circus folk through and through. . . Except Allen. He was different. How and why, you ask? Lenalee simply couldn't place it. It was just a fact about him that yelled out at her. "Now this way you'll find the animals. They're all residing in a smaller tents connected to the arena. This way we can keep watch over them and make sure no one messes with them like you saw earlier." Allen informed, showing her down a pathway and to a tent full of wondrous animals. There were elephants, gorgeous horses, a tiger, a handful of monkeys, a bear, a few birds, and more smaller animals like a dog. That's more animals than expected.

"Why are they're so many animals?" Lenalee asked.

"It's not easy to get rid of them for starters, and they're part of our family. We have many animal trainers here and each individual works with certain ones. We're allowed to have this many, we just have to be careful when we travel." Allen chimed, laughing. "I guess you think it's a tad weird that we consider tigers and bears family."

"Family?" Lenalee scanned the room again, a smile broadening. She never thought of it like that. The circus being family with one another in their hearts. That included everyone. "No, that's not weird at all." She shook her head. "I think that's sweet."

He gaped at Lenalee in surprise. There was a sense of warmth in her smile, in her expression, especially within her gaze. She was, Allen believed, remarkable. "Pardon me, but what's your name again?" Allen questioned.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I am Lenalee," Lenalee offered her hand, "Lenalee Lee."

Graciously, Allen grabbed her hand and shook it, getting lost in her violet orbs. Lenalee was pretty. So pretty. "Allen Walker." He properly introduced.

Lenalee stifled a giggle because he had already introduced himself, but it was formal to do it like this. "My pleasure, Allen."

Not realizing he was gripping her hand still, he released it, hoping it he hadn't shook her hand too long. That'd be embarrassing. Then, out of nowhere, a beautiful white horse neighed and pushed Allen forward, making him ram into Lenalee. "Oh gosh, I'm terribly sorry Lenalee." He said sheepishly.

See, it wouldn't of been so bad if Lenalee hadn't lost her balance and fallen back. That's what caused them both to fall. Allen tried reaching for the cage for the tiger, but didn't get to grip it. It wasn't a rough landing, specially since Allen managed to keep most his weight off her. "You alright?" Allen asked, worry in his eyes.

Lenalee nodded, trying to hide her red cheeks. Allen quickly got off her and pulled her up to her feet. After that, he spun around and narrowed his eyes. "Carla!"

The female exorcist blinked, tipping her head in confusion. Who was he talking to? Hearing a laugh-like noise come from nearby made her realize there were still animals around them. Now she felt even more nervous and embarrassed because the animals saw Allen fall on her. "Carla, i-is that the horse's name?" Lenalee inquired, trying to get her mind off of what just happened.

He grinned, petting the said white horse. "Yeah, Carla is this lovely girl. The problem is, she has a major attitude at times. If you don't. . . pay attention to her, she can get kinda edgy. I've noticed she gets jealous of the women here in the circus as long as a male is in here, too."

Allen grabbed a brush and got in Carla's stall. He pampered the horse, grooming her hair until it sparkled. Lenalee did envy that horse. . . In so many ways. The horse-as she has mentioned before-it so lovely! Beautiful fur and shining light blue eyes! Allen gave her plenty of attention and affectionately petted the horse and talked to her now and then. He hugged Carla, pressed his head against her neck. "I can see why Carla gets jealous when there's a woman here with you Allen." Lenalee stated, reddening when she caught what she was saying.

Allen glanced at Lenalee, keeping his smile on. He probably did give Carla the most attention. "You wanna pet her?" Allen questioned, letting Lenalee forget her previous statement.

"I couldn't."

He figured Lenalee was afraid to. So he took her by the wrist and brought Lenalee close to Carla, pressing Lenalee's flat hand against Carla's soft fur. It was amazing. Lenalee had done all sorts of things in her life, but never did anything like this, pet a horse. Lenalee liked Carla, a lot. "See, Carla's gentle. So long as you baby her." the boy vocalized.

"Right." Lenalee agreed, staring at the brown-haired boy and back at Carla.

Allen handed her a giant brush and offered it to her. "Want to help me groom the other horses? It's fun."

Lenalee gladly took one of the brushes and helped Allen take care of the animals. They were all much gentler than you'd first anticipate. They were trained really well by these folks. Little did either know, their friends watched from the sidelines as they bathed the elephants, laughed and joked around, got to know each other and the live beasts.

Here's my third chapter. Thanks for the reviews people! Please continue to review. And I hope you like this chapter. I added a lot more on this one, so I hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks for reading!

~ Anon Novelist ~