Saix ground his teeth as he looked out over the empty square. Tonight had better be profitable. Lately the intake of souls had been slowing down, no doubt because of the absences recently. Frowning, he turned to see Marluxia staring into the distance as well, though Saix didn't care to know what he was thinking. Performing was such a nuisance. He would much rather just take all the souls by force, no sugarcoating involved. It was pointless. Their fate is sealed anyway, why should they pretend to be merely entertainers? Speaking of pretending, he had enough of that as well. This form was weak, and using part of his power to simply appear human was irritating. Pointless. He couldn't figure out why his Lord continued to hide as well. Of course in public it was necessary, but even around his kin, he chooses to keep such a simple form. Peculiar…. A sudden shudder went through Saix, as his eyes narrowed. He felt something; he felt the presence of another demon. It was not the others that had already surfaced, no. It was someone else. Turning to Marluxia urgently he spoke, "Do you feel that…?" Saix already knew the answer, but he asked anyway.

Marluxia tried in vain to ignore the other man's near-constant brooding. Sure, taking souls by force would be more efficient, but there was a part of him that was proud to show off his skill. None of his coworkers had the capacity to do what he does. Larxene, especially. His eyes narrowed at her name alone. Something about that woman struck a chord with him in the strongworst/strong way. A weak human like herself couldn't even begin to compare… It's a shame they had certain appearances to uphold. Taking her soul would be sweet, indeed. He couldn't contain the grin that spread across his face at the thought. Marluxia glanced at Saix, feeling the familiar icy shiver that ran down his spine. He looked for any changes in the other man's expression. The feeling was unmistakable. He gave a single nod in response to his brother's question. Of course he did. He knew Saix wasn't looking for an answer, but this could only mean one thing. They needed to rendezvous with Xemnas immediately. Meeting Saix's steely glare, Marluxia spoke. "It looks like…" He flashed a toothy grin. "Things are beginning to get interesting, eh, brother?"

"That they are…." Saix nodded to Marluxia, and turned on his heel, heading straight for Xemnas' tent. It seems like yet another demon has surfaced. The problem was, no one was expected to join them here… so who could it be? Xemnas would be displeased. Saix hoped that he would have the chance to sate his growing bloodlust…. acting cordial for this long was beginning to wear on him. Entering the tent, he was met face to face with his Lord, who seemed to be expecting them. "It seems that we have a visitor….." He spoke quietly, smiling wickedly as he finished speaking.

Marluxia followed in silence, head held high. Whoever it was that decided to show themselves and crash their party would certainly hear an earful from him. He waited long enough for this, and here, someone else just…..shows up to take spotlight? His spotlight? Not a chance. He entered the tent after Saix, bowing his head slightly in respect. Of course he felt it too. Could Xemnas have called for someone? Doubtful. As if he and his brother weren't doing their jobs respectfully enough… and that's all his lordship had to say on the matter? Marluxia straightened his posture and spoke, making little effort to mask his anger. "Well?" he hoped this 'visitor' would show themselves soon. He'd desperately wanted to drop this petty disguise, and he was quite certain his brother wanted to do the same. He held his ground, silently awaiting a command.

Saix felt fire begin to burn deep in his stomach. His rage was already starting to get to him. Calm… Think of the night…Calm… He closed his eyes for a few moments, but still kept an ear out for Xemnas' command. Xemnas looked upon his faithful underlings with pride. Pride and Wrath were truly useful. He would say that those two were the most useful. Truly they were the favored two of the seven. He knew who had surfaced behind his tent, and was more than willing to grant an audience. Disobedience will not be tolerated. Though he admired her… bravery. "Come… let us meet who has surfaced behind the tent, there we shall be safe enough…" He turned, leading them both through the back of his tent and into the crisp air.

Marluxia eyed Saix carefully. He was always so quick to anger it was almost comical. Though he was right to be, wasn't he? Whatever. It was beginning to get very dull around here. "Safe? Pah! Like we need to be kept safe from such petty, weak creatures." Marluxia spoke, fixing his posture. "Well?" A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips has he followed the two.

Luvia stretched here wings and dusted herself, fixing her clothes that she deemed mandatory for her trip to the surface. The air is much clearer up here… She took the time to look around the area. The sun was beginning to set, and she would have liked to take in the scenery, but she sensed the presence of the other demons. Her face lightened as she caught her Lord's eye. She smiled at him, but tried to keep the smile brief, for two others were next to him too. She couldn't quite place who they were….Did they change forms? Saix looked up at his sister, twitching a little, waiting for any kind of order. Xemnas smiled and nodded towards her, "It would seem that you simply couldn't wait… could you?"

Marluxia narrowed his eyes a little. His expression turned sour, unfortunately recognizing his sister. Couldn't wait? He hoped that was rhetorical… the answer was clear. She had better get a punishment. He had to wait. His brother had to wait. There's no reason for her to suddenly get special privileges. Look at her. Smiling. Is she proud of what she did? ….does she think she's suddenly above her siblings? He scoffed at the thought. He waited in silence, hoping for an order. It didn't seem right to greet her. She was out of place here.

Luvia stepped forward, as she realized who Xemnas was standing next to. It must be Wrath and Pride. She wasn't certain… but that's the best guess she could come up with. "N-No.. My Lord, I could wait no longer. I wanted to come to the surface. After all, it is my turn to be here is it not? You promised that I would be able to reign here… with you." Something was off. She knew this as soon as an unfamiliar smile crept across his face. "You see… Lust…. There has been an unfortunate change of plans. Your vessel has escaped me… and now I have no further use for you. It is a shame too.." Her blood ran cold. No further use?! What…? Raising her voice a little, she clenched her fists and called out to him, though he was only a few feet away. It felt like miles all of a sudden. "W-What the hell is that supposed to mean?! It was only a night ago that you told me that I was yours! A special part of you! Does that mean nothing…?!" Wrath growled at her outburst, rage boiling inside him at the tone of voice she used. How dare she speak that way to their Lord. Xemnas sighed and waved his hand, turning away from her slowly. "Oh Luvia… It would seem you're as weak as these humans… Believing in such a worthless thing called 'love'…" He took a few steps back to his tent, and called back to them all before disappearing inside. "Wrath… Pride… Discard this broken thing… I have no further use for her."

Marluxia arched an eyebrow. She's advancing on us now? What's she going to do? She should be grateful to even be in his presence! 'smiling' is not a proper way to greet their lord… no. Someone as low as her should kneel… He was pulled from these thoughts briefly, hearing Xemnas speak again. He had to be bluffing, for his sister's sake… Nothing escapes their lord's eye. His eyes widened in shock at her sudden nerve. Has she forgotten who she is speaking to?! This was a new low, even for her. As if her job wasn't vile enough, she has to go believing in such garbage? Incredible. Marluxia shook his head, not bothering to stop the grin spreading across his face. Xemnas' final words echoed in his ears. How unfortunate it is, to lose a sister this way… He turned his head to his brother for a moment. Of course he heard the command too? Marluxia stepped forward, eyes locked on Luvia. He began to close the distance between the two of them. Discard her. He knew that they'd do just that. There was no way he'd disappoint, and he knew Saix wouldn't either.

Luvia jumped backwards spreading her wings in defense, as her hooves dug into the ground. What was happening? What had gone wrong? How could she have not seen this coming?! Letting out a shriek that likely couldn't be heard over the growing noise around the Circus grounds, "You… will pay for this! Mark my words!" Saix couldn't help it anymore. His laughter started quietly, slowly growing into a cackle as his wings grew from his back, tearing sizable holes in his shirt and spreading wide with loud cracking sounds. "Oh Lust… You've always been such a child when you get angry. Tantrums won't save you now, wretch." Grinding his teeth, he felt the familiar pressure on his forehead as his horns returned to their rightful place. It felt good to have them back. Humans have such weak forms.

Marluxia watched in momentary silence as his brother acted first. So quick to anger… His fingertips brushed his forehead before allowing his horns to show themselves. If he were doing it…why not, right? He ran his fingers through his hair briefly. Sure, he was excited to get started on carrying out his Lord's demands, but he wasn't a total savage like his brother. After this was over, they both needed to look like nothing had happened, right? Cover up the situation, without raising questions. He unbuttoned his shirt with haste, making sure to discard the garment completely before going further. His eyes once again fell onto his brother, hearing him speak. He couldn't help but click his tongue quietly at the state of his clothes. Marluxia rolled his shoulders as his wings took form. His eyes fell closed for a moment, the pressure in his shoulderblades never truly settled with him. He spread his wings out briefly, as if to stretch them. "This is much more comfortable." He murmured to himself, turning his attention to Luvia. Tantrums, of course. "Nothing out here to really…throw around, eh, sister? Or should we call you that anymore?" He spoke, tossing a hand up in a half shrug. "Will you enlighten me as to what…. we will be paying for?" He gestured to Saix and himself. "Because It seems…you've forgotten your place." He flexed his hands in anticipation, stepping closer to her. "To think you couldn't get any lower, it's a pity, really." He continued, closing the space between them now. "I know I certainly can't speak for everyone, but, I know I will miss you." He murmured, brushing the hair from her face as he spoke. He ran his thumb across her cheek as if to show affection.

Growling and spitting at him, she grabs his arm and pulls him closer. In an instant, her razor sharp wings stab him in both shoulders. The tips of her wings drawing his blood, though this was not enough to even make him flinch. Twisting them a little, she seethed, "I will earn my rightful place on this earth. Just you watch me, pretty boy." Saix's eyes shot to Pride. A smile crept across his face. Blood… yes… Perfect… Taking a deep breath inward, he relished in the thought.

He blinked, feeling the tips of her wings sink into his shoulders. He gave a slight nod in admiration for her effort, feeling them twist in further. "Cute." He spoke, making sure to keep his voice calm. No use in yelling like the rest of the children is there? He couldn't help but chuckle at her last comment. "Do you think compliments will help you?" He asked, arching his wings and jerking his arm out of his grip. Marluxia brought his wings down hard, sending himself a few feet backward from her in a gust of wind. He was thankful for nightfall. Hopefully their 'coworkers' would be smart this night and not roam about.

Luvia didn't give Pride much time to do anything else. Pushing off the ground with a growl, she launched herself forward, extending her wings to the side. She spun in the air next to him attempting to slice her wings out at him wildly. Saix took his time to watch the two of them... Slowly letting his claws extend from his fingers.

Marluxia raised his eyebrows, grinning openly at his sister's sporadic fighting style. Children will be children, won't they? His eyes locked onto her as he willingly took the hit, feeling the edges of her wings sink into his upper arm. She hasn't seemed to have caught on, that's fortunate. tendrils of blood made it's way down his arm as he reared his wings up again. Human bodies really were weak, yes. But he had an appearance to manage. Marluxia had already begun to plan his speech to his brother for later. …Making him mark up this body in such a way. The nerve! He shook the thought, dropping the last shred of defense he held. In an instant, his tail struck her side like a whip. Quick and to the point, just as he preferred. It's a shame really, none of his siblings' tails could compare to his. He brought his wings down again in a gust of wind, putting more distance between himself and his sister. She was taking the bait quite nicely. How much more time did Saix need?

Taking another sharp breath inward, Saix smiled wide. Nothing was better than the smell of fresh blood. Flexing his claws he focused his attention on Luvia, who had finally caught on to their plans. She held her side, and stepped back, eyes wide as she stared at Wrath. His eyes were glowing a bright yellow in the dimming light of the night. Turning sharply, she tried to run, but the sudden movement was mirrored by Saix lunging forward, using his wings to barrel into her. Their bodies collided as he tried tearing at her neck, a savage growl soon followed as she swept her wings in front of her, just grazing his cheek. Had she acted a moment later, he would have torn her throat out… luckily there was only a gash on her collarbone. Wrath wasted no time and sunk his claws deep into her wing crushing it in his grip. Luvia screamed in agony as her wing crumpled and snapped. She pushed and scratched at Wrath who pinned her to the ground, but nothing seemed to slow him. He growled again and twisted, dislocating her wing, causing her to scream yet again. Though he didn't stop there. Luvia could barely keep her mind focused, her head swimming as he continued to pull, until one final jerk of his arm rippled a burning pain through her back. Her ears were ringing loudly, and her vision began to blur. She saw his figure toss something to the side… Her stomach flipped as she realized what it was.

Marluxia flew to the side, grateful for his brother finally stepping in. He landed a few feet away, allowing room for the two of them. This could get messy very quickly. Once Saix catches that scent there's really no stopping him. Marluxia shook his head as Luvia cried out the way she did. If Saix didn't draw attention, that certainly would… He flexed his fingers in apprehension and surveyed the fight before him in silence, despite the wide smile across his face.

Roxas made his way to the other room carefully. Slow, even steps… He repeated these words to himself, keeping grip on his armful of jars and bottles, though his hands shook slightly. Something seemed…off about tonight. He couldn't place just what it was. He finally located the correct table and began to set them in place. "N-no, this one doesn't go here…" He mumbled, moving one quickly to a new spot. "There. That's good." He nodded to himself, holding the final bottle in his hands. He worked the longest on this one. Roxas really couldn't wait to try it out! A smile tugged at his features at the thought. And oh, he really did have the perfect place for this one. His hands still shook slightly as he placed the bottle down. A loud, echoing yell caused his body to jolt in surprise, knocking the bottle—and a few others—over. "Ack!" He scrambled to salvage what he could. Shit, shit, shit, this was bad. all of that time, wasted… but… that sound. A wave of anxiousness washed over him. It sounded like a ….scream. "what if it was….her?" his voice shook, despite only whispering the thought to himself. The boy drew a breath, and turned to the doorway of his tent. It was late… but the chances of it being the same girl… wasn't something he wanted to risk. He took a somewhat shaky step outside to investigate. Another scream echoed in his ears. Nobody else is out here? ….could he be the only one hearing it? He exhaled steadily and made his way toward the source of the noise.

Saïx growled a third time and grabbed her jaw forcefully, covering her mouth and digging his nails in her face. He relished in her weak whimpers and tore at her arm with his other hand. Her cries got softer and softer as he continued putting gashes on each of her limbs, enjoying the mesmerizing flow of blood from her wounds. Luvia closed her eyes tightly and tried to clear her mind. The weight of wrath on her was enough to tell her that this was the end. Her story was over before it really even began. "Oh Lust... Your flesh is so easy to tear... Like tissue paper..."

Roxas continued on, mustering courage. The noises were getting stranger now. …The ringmaster's tent? ….this couldn't be good. He started to think that maybe…he should go back… Pausing for just a moment, he shook his head. He couldn't, there's no way! He was the one to let that girl in. He didn't want to risk more trouble with Xemnas. and really, it could just be an animal. There were reports of a weird animal roaming around too… Surely there'd be a reward for him if he were the one to take it down? He smiled at the thought. He crouched down a little and continued quietly around the side of Xemnas' tent. "I really hope he's asleep in there…" He murmured, eyes widening for a moment at the sight of the figures on the ground up ahead. "Th-There really is an animal…?" He squinted in the darkness. ….wait… He crept closer. "There's two…? Three?" The boy swallowed hard and rubbed his eyes. He could have Sworn he saw blue….hair.. "S-Saix…? Is," He stepped a little closer, keeping his guard up. "Is that you?"

Marluxia shook his head at the scene before him now. He'd never understand why Saix felt the need to draw things out. "Brother." He called out to him, taking a step forward. Lord Xemnas said discard, not destroy. ….right? Surely, this'd attract attention… and there it is. His ears picked up the sounds of movement behind them. He turned in time to hear Roxas' shriek of surprise. "well this is going smoothly…" Marluxia ran his fingers through his hair, making sure to hide his horns and tail. "Brother," He called again, dropping his voice to an urgent whisper. What would it matter? He'd hear him, but he wouldn't respond. Once he gets going, he doesn't really...stop. "Always leaving me to take care of children, of course." Marluxia rolled his shoulders, thankful that he learned to hide himself well. He made his way to the small boy, looking just as Roxas knew him. "What're you doing out of bed, boy?" He called out to Roxas, offering him a smile and turning the smaller boy by the shoulders.

"Wh…wings? H-He had—Marluxia I swear he—" Marluxia shook his head, silencing the blonde. "What're you on about? It's late, Roxas, you should really be in bed, Come on now, I'll walk you. You know it's dangerous out at night…" Marluxia kept a firm hand on the boy's shoulder and escorted him back to his tent. He glanced over his shoulder at Saix and Luvia. The Ringmaster didn't say anything about killing their sister. He had better control himself…

He turned his attention back to Roxas, guiding him forward a little faster. The boy complied, and minded his elder, but still verbally protested. "Is….Is that blood?" He asked, Looking up at his coworker. "I swear you guys had wings…" His voice faltered a little, studying the taller man.. "a-and…." He looked down. Marluxia shook his head in dismissal. "You know about the animals that've been roaming about, that's why you need to stay put." Marluxia gestured to Roxas' tent a few feet away from them now. "It's late, and everyone's been on edge because of the animals out here. Your eyes are only playing tricks." He continued, hoping Roxas would take the bait. He still seemed doubtful, and opened his mouth to protest. This child is too persistent… Saix would definitely not hear the end of this. Marluxia stepped back and held his arms out. "Do I look like I have wings? Honestly?" after a few seconds of silence, Roxas dropped his gaze to the ground. "Well….no…" Maybe it strongwas/strong silly to think about…and it is technically late… "I'm sorry, Marluxia. Please…" he cleared his throat, causing the taller man to raise his eyebrows in anticipation. "Please don't tell the ringmaster a-about me bein' out." The blonde murmured, giving his best 'puppy-eyed look' to his coworker. Children! Good god. Marluxia nodded, and pointed to the doorway. "Go to sleep, you have my word." He nodded once for reassurance as Roxas reluctantly shuffled back into his tent. "Now remember, whatever you hear, you stay put. Understand?" Marluxia added sternly, getting a slow nod and a sigh from the blonde.

Marluxia waited a few seconds for good measure before rolling his shoulders again to reveal his wings. God the pressure in the shoulderblades from these things… He shook the thought, and kicked off the ground hard, willing his wings to take flight. He needed to be quick if he wanted to stop his brother from his …fancy tantrum. Marluxia landed on his feet proudly, next to his siblings. Was….Was she even breathing anymore? "Brother." Marluxia spoke with urgency. He glanced skyward. The moon… taking a fistful of Saix's hair, he reared his elder brother's head back with as much force as he could gather. His tail snapped around Saix's wrist and began to pull it away from their sister's face, despite the difficulty. Human bodies were so weak. Marluxia placed his other hand on Saix's chin, holding his head and face steadily. After a few seconds, he managed to get mostly between the two. "Look." He stated, raising his voice a little. He shook his brother's head in his hands to keep his attention while still trying to pull him farther away from their sister. "Look at what you're doing now, strongfocus/strong. " Marluxia directed Saix's line of sight to the moon hanging in the sky above them. "You did good. Think of the night. Focus, brother." He shook Saix again, only once, for good measure. His wings spread to his sides to further block Saix from their sister. Marluxia's tail tightened it's grip on Saix's wrist. strongIf/strong by some chance their sister were still clinging to life, she would bleed out soon. As far as Marluxia could see, their job here was done.

Saix's grip loosened on his prey the moment he locked eyes with the moon. The glow of his eyes started to fade as his breathing deepened. His mind began to swirl, as dizziness set in. The smell of blood was still thick in the air and he could hardly get away from it's sweet tempting scent. Wrath's eyes fluttered shut as he let go of Lust's limp body completely. Losing his balance, he leaned on Pride, barely able to sit upright. "Help me up… I must leave this place before I do my job… too… well…" His hands were caked with his sister's blood, and he knew Pride would whine about making his perfect self a mess, but Wrath could care less. Luvia was barely conscious as she felt her brother let go of her. So much pain… But she had to stay still and quiet… lest they come back for more. That was her only chance of survival. To play dead.

Marluxia blinked, his tail loosened grip around Saix's wrist when he heard him speak. He's talking at least, that's good… 'too well', oh please. Marluxia recoiled a little at his touch. Great. Good. No really, perfect. "Look at yourself, would you? This is a mess." He muttered, pulling Saix to his feet. He gave one last look to Luvia, shaking his head in pity. "she really needs a lesson or two in obedience. …Should have waited." With a sigh, he began to make his way to Saix's tent, with him in tow. At least he didn't have to worry about disposing of anything, thankfully. "Please excuse me brother, I don't exactly have time to stand around and watch the burning, and you…..don't need to either." He spoke, not exactly expecting a response. Kicking off of the ground, his great wings heaved, carrying the two of them in the air. Thankful to have the bigger wings of the two, he flew somewhat lazily to Saix's tent. They needed to get indoors quickly, he didn't need more of their coworkers to see their true selves. "Here." Marluxia huffed, escorting his brother inside like a child. "You need to clean yourself up. If someone were to find you, our lord wouldn't be pleased. Marluxia suddenly wished that he'd been given the order alone. He'd be done so long ago…