Luvia awoke at early sunrise the next morning. She heard birds in the distance. They're strange creatures. Why must they sing? Sitting up, she noticed that she felt much better. She couldn't figure out why. Surely wounds of that severity would take much longer to heal to this degree? They still hurt, but at least now she could move. There was one thing nagging at her, however. Kicking the blankets off of her, she stood up from the bed and stretched, tossing the tangled top she had to the side. Her and her siblings had… a special way of survival. Each of them had to sin the way they were meant to in order to gain strength. It was a deep and primitive need, true, but it was still there. Similar to food for humans. Fixing her hair, she quietly made her way over to the sleeping figure of Xaldin. He was sprawled out in a chair, arms folded. How in hell could he sleep like that? Odd. Luvia crept over to him and swung one leg over his lap as she gently sat facing him. Placing both her arms over his shoulders, she patiently waited for him to awaken. Which happened sooner than she thought. Well. She did promise that she would repay him for his kindness. Didn't she?

Xaldin's eyes fluttered open just barely. Had morning come already…? Something shifted against him, causing his eyebrow to twitch. Was this a dream? His hips stirred slightly. No. This…wasn't right, was it? He could feel something on his shoulders now. Blinking sleepily, Aurulent eyes met his. Xaldin jolted awake. Luvia. "What a-are—are you mad?" he shifted in his seat uncomfortably. His cheeks and, much to his misfortune, his ears turned a deep shade of pink. This was certainly not the sort of 'thank you' he had in mind. "Y-you…you really shouldn't be moving arou—what're you..." He shifted in the chair again, averting his gaze in vain. "What're you doing, exactly?" He desperately wanted to escape this situation.

Luvia smiles softly and scoots forward. She purrs softly in his ear, "Honey... Just relax..." Her fingers delicately trace around the back of his neck as she presses herself against his chest. "This is my thank you~ don't you worry about anything..~" Her tail slowly snakes around his leg as she purrs again.

Xaldin grumbled a little, shifting uncomfortably in the slightly small chair he sat in once again. Something in her voice had changed entirely, causing his breath to hitch, much to his discomfort. This wasn't right. Her 'thank you'? oh no. no no no. is eyes fell closed for a moment, feeling her fingertips make their way to the back of his neck. "I think," He cleared his throat and locked eyes with her, despite the redness still lingering in his cheeks. "It'd be best if you were to get…off of me." He murmured, keeping his arms down at his sides, ignoring whatever intrusive thoughts made their way into his head. "If you'd be so kind...?"

Something's… off. He reacted, that's for sure. She could tell by his face. But Luvia was disappointed that she wasn't quite getting the reaction she needed. "Why can't I read you…? No matter. I'll fix this problem. Don't you worry about a thing, honey~" She wiggled her hips before standing up and gracefully turning slowly. Side-eyeing him sensually she spoke again. "Perhaps… Perhaps you would like something else? Something a bit more…." Her body shape changed in a flash. Though she didn't get any taller, she did get wider. Her bare chest became toned and muscular as she rested both hands on her hips. Taking the shape of a male wasn't her preference, but if it worked, it worked, she didn't judge. She finished her sentence with a much deeper voice, "Similar… Does this fancy you? Even the playing field?" Bending over him, she smiled waiting for a response.

'Read…?' what was she talking about..? She got up though, finally. He exhaled in relief, only for the breath in his lungs to cease entirely. His eyes widened in horror. What? …. what? If someone were to walk in now… His face reddened once again. "I don't know what, or how exactly you're doing what you're doing, but," He made sure to keep his voice as even as he could manage. "But you're ….severely mistaken." This had to be a dream, right?

Luvia's brow furrowed as her form changed back to her original. What the hell is wrong with this man? "Then… what does turn you on?! I'm usually able to read humans' desires like a goddamn book… but you… YOU!" She pointed a hostile finger at him before sighing in annoyance and stamping her hoof. "Then what do you like? Are you already head over heels for someone else at this circus?! FINE!" She was desperate to get some sort of answer. Though using her powers for this would make her hunger worsen, she didn't care. She would win. Stamping her hooves again her form changed into the likeness of Larxene. "How about now big boy? Do you like this form better?~" Her voice had changed too as she smiled at him, slightly bothered by how small she was.

Xaldin turned his head to the side slightly. What was that, now…? "What turns m—that…" He straightened his posture. "That is no concern of yours." He murmured, looking away from her. 'head over heels'? how childish. "what exactly are you trying to accomplish here?" He asked, The man's eyes narrowed, recognizing the voice that was speaking to him now. Seeing Larxene staring at him in the place of Luvia had become more disorienting that he thought. His cheeks reddened a little. This was *far* more of Larxene than he ever needed to see. "Stop this ….weirdness. I will not speak to you like this." He said stiffly, making it a point to stare into her eyes and nothing more. It was strange. Too strange. He had questions that demanded answers now. Xaldin was never one for 'thank-yous' but this wasn't a normal way of giving thanks that he knew of. He suddenly wished that he could go back to the previous night and resume her interrogation about his hand. This situation was beginning to spiral out of his control a little too quickly.

Tears stung her eyes suddenly. What… What was happening to her?! Her hands shook slightly as her anger faded. She dropped her disguise again and resigned to sitting down on the floor. Perhaps her lord was right… she was useless… much worse than her siblings. As far as she was concerned… she was broken. Her wing slumped to her side as she covered her face. She tried to wipe her tears to stop the beginnings of her crying. "H-he's right… I'm not cut out for Earth… Something is wrong with me… I cannot use my powers…" Luvia whispered this to herself before looking back up at him, covering her chest to try to make him feel at least a bit more comfortable. "Please. Could you show me your hand? Then I'll answer any questions you have, human." Her voice was shaky.

Well this went south awfully fast. Xaldin blinked quickly and sat up in his seat. She was crying now? …was he too harsh? Shit. What could be worse than a half-naked girl in your room? A crying, half-naked girl. He sighed and ran his tongue over his teeth, contemplating what to say. He froze when he heard her speak. "What….?" He murmured to himself, shaking his head. Rising to his feet, Xaldin knew that she definitely didn't give him the full 'story' as to whatever happened, but watching her getting reduced to tears so quickly… " Hey," He spoke, unraveling the fabric from his palm. "There's….nothing wrong with you." The sentence felt strange coming out of his mouth, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. "Come on now," He continued, guiding her upwards by the shoulders. "Dry your eyes." something in him felt 'off', seeing females shed tears like that. He didn't like it.

Luvia looked at him. She didn't quite know what to do with this sudden kindness. Was it because she was a woman? Typical. She shook her head and dried her eyes once more, still covering herself for his sake. "Let me see your hand..." She held out her palm and patiently waited.

Xaldin exhaled slowly. Something in her expression changed… was she offended? Females were strange. This again? Good lord. "Why is this so…important….to..." He held his hand out and glanced down, voice faltering entirely. Whatever this meant, it couldn't have been good. It was the same mark that he noticed the night before, on her back. Something told him he shouldn't have touched it. "You know," He spoke. His throat felt dry. "I was hoping that was a tattoo, but…" He shook his head in silence. She really did do something, then. Xaldin made sure to keep his emotions in check, especially since she had already began to weep. Who knows how she'd react to this. "I don't suppose this is just an odd 'thank you'?" He murmured carefully, finally looking up at her. He ran his tongue over his teeth and shifted his weight on his feet, waiting for an explanation.

Luvia took his hand gently and stared at the symbol in both awe and horror. "N-no way…" This couldn't be happening. But she saw what she saw, and she couldn't deny The Demonic Code. She spent centuries studying it, and even dabbled in Angelic Law. The concept of both fascinated her, and she was the only one of her siblings that seemed to take any of it seriously. In fact, most of the others would tease her for honoring the Code so precisely. She shook her head at the thought. Despite how ill this made her feel, the evidence was there. He had the mark of ownership. And she believed what he said about it being on her back as well. This is what would happen. She bit her tongue and lowered her head. Not letting go of his hand, she knelt before him, eyes still lowered to the floor. As was tradition. Luvia spread her wing proudly out to her side before speaking as if reading from a script, "I am yours to do your bidding, human. For you have saved my life, and in turn I will serve you until my debt is repaid." Although she enjoyed Demonic Code and all it entailed, actually saying this line made her feel ill. No wonder her siblings bent the rules so much. This was disgusting.

Xaldin's eyes widened, gasping under his breath in shock. What… what did she just say? Surely this was a …..joke, right? 'yours'? 'serve'? 'debt'? "N-No…" He wriggled his hand free from her grip and took a step back. "get…" He cleared his throat, despite the hollow feeling in his chest. "Get off of your knees…" He glanced away from her. Something about this whole façade made him feel strange. "What're you talking about, 'debt'? there's a debt, now?" He arched an eyebrow, offering his other hand, hoping she'd take it. Please stand up. This is getting so….weird so quickly… "If I recall correctly, you didn't expect to be saved? N-Not that I expected to save anyone, either." Damn, that didn't sound right. "Y-you're…" He gave a short laugh, hoping he was wrong, "You're making it sound like there's some form of ownership—er, involved, or something." Saying those words made his stomach turn. The thought of it was revolting. She isn't an Animal! …despite her strange magic tricks. "This….can't be right. Surely you're not….serious…?" He asked, voice faltering a little. Something unfortunately told him 'no,' and he wasn't entirely sure if he wanted to hear her response…

Luvia looked up as he spoke. Hesitation? Really? She nodded thankfully and took his hand, grateful that she could stand. Standing before him she looked him right in his eyes. Letting go of his hand, she smiled a mischievous smile. "I am quite serious, big guy. You saved my life. And in the Demon Code it is written: A human who saves a demons life is to be the master of said demon until their debt is repaid. Trust me, bub… I don't make the rules. If I did, I'd be much better off…." Folding her arms and leaning on one leg she eyed him up and down. "Because of this, you're now in charge of your very own Demon. Congrats. But not just any demon. You've successfully nabbed yourself one of the notorious Seven Deadly Sins." Luvia raised an eyebrow, eager to see the reaction to this news.

Demonic code? He blinked a few times, allowing himself a moment to process exactly what she was saying. Come on now, Demons can't be so….far-fetched, can they? After literally taking souls for a living? Xaldin raised his eyebrows and gave a half nod, reasoning with himself. "There are….rules?" He asked, speaking more to himself, than Luvia. Xaldin turned his head to the side just barely, as if it'd help his hearing. "S-Seven deadly—is that right?" he murmured, arching his eyebrow. Sure, he'd heard of the 'seven deadly sins', who hasn't? But he didn't expect for them to be demons, Let alone….sentient beings, at all, for that matter. He exhaled slowly. She looked serious. "Well alright then, which one are you?" He couldn't help the hint of amusement in his tone. He'd really outdone himself this time. It makes sense though, he supposed. It figures, the one person he decides to 'meddle with' and 'help'—the image from the previous night still made him uncomfortable—She would turn out to be a fucking demon. Incredible.

Luvia smiled at his reaction. Though she would have liked to see him cower in fear. She kind of hoped for a reaction like that from a human. It would be lovely. But she didn't really expect him to scream in terror anyway. She giggled softly, touching her breasts carefully, using a bit of her power to make a new top for herself. She didn't really like to make clothes like this, but she didn't feel like making him more uncomfortable at the moment. Luvia decided she would go in search of other clothes later. She eyed him carefully and saluted him halfheartedly before flipping her hair out with her hand with a bucketload of attitude. "You, fuzz face, have the privilege of being the caretaker of the one, the only, Lust the Lascivious. More commonly known as Lust." Taking a small step forward she continued her introduction, running a sensual hand up her leg and over her curves. "Demoness of desire. Ruler of all things lewd and caretaker of sexual pleasure. At… your… service~" Luvia winked and stuck out her forked tongue a little before dropping the theatrics. "But I'd much rather be called, Luvia if you don't mind."

Xaldin listened in silence, making sure to keep his eyes on hers, refusing to let them wander. She's touching herse—oh. Is…is that how demons dress themselves…? Peculiar. He bit down on the side of his tongue, in an attempt to ignore the heat rising in his cheeks as she spoke. The performer wanted to protest at the 'nickname', but couldn't bring himself to interrupt. His eyes narrowed a little as she continued her introduction. That was it. He'd never help anyone again. Of all of the demons that could possibly land themselves here, of course it'd be… Sighing in resignation, his gaze followed her hand. what in the world? A hint of a blush crept across his ears as well. Xaldin shook the thought and took a step back, moving his eyes back to her face. Well that's…..different… He cleared his throat, ignoring the woman's tongue. "Luvia." He repeated, glancing away from her. 'Service?' what was she on about? Shit. This is rude. Turning his attention back to the woman, thankful her hands were no longer wandering. "Xaldin." He murmured. "How exactly is this 'debt' supposed to be repaid?" His eyebrow arched, awaiting an answer.

How difficult was this man? He was blushing, but it certainly didn't seem to break him. Pity. Luvia brushed her hair out of her face before speaking once more. "As for the debt… I have no idea how this is supposed to work. Well… I have some sort of an idea. But not much. I will have to do more digging on the subject." She huffed and folded her arms across her chest. "This type of thing hasn't happened for centuries. Lucky me…" She stared at him intensely, trying to see what she could read from him.

He blinked, listening to her speak. Had this happened before…? So it had? Xaldin shifted his weight to his other foot, thinking for a moment. He certainly couldn't perform with this mark on his hand. What would he say to his coworkers? Sure, there weren't many that had the nerve to speak to him, but he needed some shred of a plan in case, right? He shook the thought and opened his mouth to speak. "what's your….sort of….idea, then?" He asked. That sentence felt strange to even say. Xaldin looked away from the girl for a few seconds, still listening for a response. His eyes flicked back to hers as she finished speaking. What happened last time? shit. She's staring now. Say something to her, idiot. He arched an eyebrow. "Wh…what is it?"

Luvia smiled at his sudden uncomfortable expression and tone of voice. Though she was very frustrated that she couldn't read him at all. She couldn't even delve into his mind to find out what his favorite color was. What the hell? Nonetheless, she tried to move on from her disappointment. "Well… The laws state that when a demon is saved by a mortal… The demon in turn must save the mortal's life. I'd imagine that's what I would have to do in order to leave you. Such a nuisance really…" Running her fingers through her hair she twirled a piece around her finger. She made a small sigh, one filled with air and a girlish cuteness. This was a sigh that never failed to make any man, woman, or otherwise, ready to take her to bed. She smirked at him and brushed past him, making sure her tail curled around his arm before she sat back down on the bed. "Well… big guy… What's your first wish? Since I'm stuck here with you for sooooo long~"

His eyes widened a little as he begun to understand the concept of the 'rules', if it were true. That seemed simple enough. Right? Just….pick up a knife…Xaldin weighed the options for a moment. Feigning suicide seemed a bit silly, but…He shook his head at the thought, turning his attention instead to the woman before him. "First wish?" He asked, wriggling his arm out of her tail's strange grip. "There are 'wishes' now?" Xaldin shook his head again, trying to get the sound of her sigh out of his ears. suppressing the heat rising in his cheeks, he spoke again. "Why? What do you wish for?" Something in the pit of his stomach made him regret the question as soon as he said it. The performer folded his arms across his chest, waiting for a response.

Luvia snickered at his question. What did she wish? Well... Wouldn't he like to know. All she really wanted right now was to gain some power back. But he was being such a limp noodle that she doubted that he would be any help. But it was worth a shot... "Me...? Well... I want something simple.. Something that you could help me with... Hotshot~" Suddenly, she felt something stir in the air. A disturbance. Though she may not be able to predict the human before her, she could still feel the presence of her brothers and sisters. Luvia was also pretty talented at knowing who was who when she felt these auras. Not many demons could. But she had practice. It pays to know who is around you. And she didn't like the answer she found. Her skin paled as she understood who had just surfaced. Her face fell to that of concern as she softly spoke to herself. "Who... Lord Xemnas let him out too..? He was sentenced for many more centuries.. How could he just forgo the laws..?!"

Help…? Was she serious? Now she's asking for help? Women were strange, even if this one just so happened to be a demon. Just a bit ago she denied ever needing help at all! 'Hotshot'? What on earth….? "What more could you possibly need my—" his voice broke as her mood shifted entirely. What was this now? Xaldin raised an eyebrow, watching, and listening to her carefully. She talks to herself too? He leaned a little closer. "Let him out?" He repeated quietly. Xemnas? "Who?" He asked, hoping she wouldn't be so cryptic in response. What was she on about? "Do you really think…." He paused, trying to choose his words carefully. "Do you think your 'laws' really mean much, now? Look at yourself, will you?" The performer didn't understand what exactly the ringmaster had to do with the situation, but he'd asked the question nonetheless. He cleared his throat in an attempt to sway her attention.

Luvia hated to admit it... But the mortal had a point. The Demonic Code didn't mean much. Especially with the way things were going around here. But even still, the sigil on her back was much more than a simple rule. It was something that she had to obey, simply because of what she was. Either way, something in her wanted to tell the man before her just what was happening at this Circus. She desperately wanted to burst his bubble of peace. I mean why not tell him? She was already being hunted by wrath for simply existing on the surface, so why not break a few more rules? "Your... Ringmaster, as you call him, is our Lord. He is an Archdemon of hell. And this little Circus you work in? Well... It's nothing more than a cover for world domination." She watched the man carefully. Her voice shook a little as she continued, "L-Lord Xemnas has... Has taken my family to the surface to help him in this venture. I believe two of your own performers are my siblings now. A blue haired one with a scar... And the flamboyant pink nightmare. It suits them really. Wrath and Pride didn't really disguise themselves too well..."

"Archdemon…?" Xaldin repeated flatly. "World…domin—are you serious? ….Surely, you're joking?" He arched an eyebrow. Well, it's not like reaping souls was something 'normal' to do, but, 'world domination', really? …. Really? The performer sighed, unfortunately still listening to the woman speak. All of this seemed too surreal. His stomach turned a little as her voice shook, and he couldn't exactly pinpoint why. His eye narrowed a little at her subtle description. Blue hair and a scar…? Only one person came to mind… There's no way! No. People can't just 'become' …siblings… Though, Xaldin wasn't entirely stupid… Saix wouldn't be weak enough for that, so how…? "Flamboyant…p-pink…" His voice trailed off. Marluxia. He sighed in resignation, pondering what to say next. "I applaud your….enthusiastic descriptions," a smirk played on his features, despite the seriousness of the situation. "But I don't think either of them would just….roll over and allow such a thing to happen…." He couldn't believe his own ears. if anyone else were to try to sell him this heap, there's no way he'd buy into it so easily. So what is it about her that's making him want to believe any of it? "Will you explain any of this further?" He asked after a few moments. If The ringmaster willingly….'brought' these creatures here to aid him, why was she left in such a sorry state? Peculiar…

Luvia shivered violently as a sudden cool breeze enveloped her. Was the surface always this dreadfully cold?! Her teeth shook a little but she tried to ignore it, wrapping her one wing around herself to try and regain some warmth. "I... Was promised a human vessel once I got to the surface. Lord Xemnas said that there was a human woman who had her soul taken long ago: thus it'd be that much easier to take her form as my own. The soulless are much easier to kill. Upon death, we can possess the body, that way the human soul cannot interfere... But... It seems the plans have changed." Luvia's voice softened, she tried not to show much emotion while continuing her explanation. "Lord X-Xemnas ordered Wrath and Pride to destroy me... I-I guess I disobeyed him by coming to the surface without his permission... But I could wait no longer!" She swallowed hard before continuing, teeth still chattering from the cold. "But... If Wrath and Pride are already here, completely blended in by the looks of your reaction... Why in Holy Hell would they let Greed come here too? Wait... Are there any soulless humans in the Circus? Do you have anyone like that..?" Luvia hated asking these questions to a mortal. But she truly needed to be prepared for who Greed was. Could Xemnas really have favored him over her?! He who nearly overturned the balance of hell?!

Xaldin listened quietly, keeping his eyes on hers, waiting and watching for a sign of another emotional change. She's shaking now… is this a normal thing for demons? His eyes narrowed. What she was saying was true, he couldn't deny it. The plans changed? "Wh…" he cleared his throat. "This city is filled with hollow humans now, why not just take one of them?" That was wildly unspecific. Something wasn't adding up, here… "Wait," He spoke, letting out a sigh. "first off, why don't you conjure up a better excuse for clothes? You're shaking like a leaf, you know." The performer put his hands up for a moment before continuing. "Anyway, That doesn't make much sense. If …..If he'd been intending to bring your…family…here, wouldn't you be included? Surely you would, right?" His voice trailed off as the weight of her words began to sink in. The fishboy's friend….hm. "Maybe, why? If…does…does that mean those two have passed on?" He asked, moreso to himself, than to Luvia. "Peculiar." He drew a breath, moving to pick up the blanket on the ground. After giving it a few shakes, he tossed it over to the girl. If she wouldn't cover herself, he'd do it for her. "Warm up, will you? Nobody will understand you if your teeth are just…chattering away like that." Shit. That was harsh. "Besides, you could damage them from that, anyway…" He murmured, hoping to quickly derail the topic. "There's one that I know of here." He straightened his posture a little at the statement. No use for secrets now, if they were going for honestly, he needed to play the part too. "The soulless have an unmistakable look to them, I'm sure you can recognize it too. There's only one that I've seen. But why?" He waited quietly for a response. The sudden influx of 'guests' on the grounds couldn't be good. His stomach turned at the thought.

Luvia made a snarling face with her lip as she reluctantly took the blanket. Who was he to give fashion advice? Come on. Look at him. Either way, this information about the soulless one being here on the grounds was interesting. Perhaps that was the vessel that Greed took. It would be easy enough. "That might be the human Greed chose to take. He just surfaced recently… that's why I asked. Whether he took that certain human or not, it doesn't matter much. He's here now. Theres no stopping him… E-Especially not when I… I-I'm in this state." Her voice lowered, each word sounding sadder and sadder. Her eyes glanced to her torn wing next to the bed, but she quickly closed her eyes. Just forget it. Please. Silence fell over the room, until she heard a faint sound in the other room. Luvia's tail flicked under the blanket as she listened harder. "Wh-What is that? Were you expecting company?" She arched her eyebrow at Xaldin, highly doubting he was one for having friends over… Let alone having friends in the first place. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized who the uninvited guest could be. Though she tried her best to remain calm and wait for some sort of an answer.

Xaldin's eyes narrowed at her silent sneer over the blanket. Stubborn. Typical female, human, demon, there was hardly a difference. He rolled his eyes at the thought, and sank down into the chair by his desk. The performer continued to listen to her speak, despite wanting out of the situation. "That couldn't be…. Could it? She may as well be a child." He murmured. Child or not, that 'friend' of the fishboy was rather small compared to Xaldin, so 'child' it was. "Alright then," He cleared his throat. "Do you really think it'd be on you though? surely your, er, siblings would know too then, wouldn't they? Who's to say they wouldn't 'take care of' him?" He asked, chewing his tongue with the last comment. Did they know she was even still alive? Is that something they'd be able to feel…? Xaldin looked away from her at the thought. There wasn't a good way to ask something like that… his eyes flicked back up to Luvia, hearing the noise too. Company? No. not a chance. He shook his head slowly, hoping that she'd stay quiet. He brought his finger to his lips briefly before standing. Whoever it was, he needed to act casual about it. Things were strange enough around here… Xaldin shook the thought and drew a breath before beginning to make his way to his showroom. He sincerely hoped that he wouldn't be met with the ringmaster. Anyone else but him… Xaldin sighed. This was just his luck. "Do you need assistance in here?" He called out, stepping through the doorway.

A strange voice answered Xaldin's question from the center of the room. "Why yes, I would like some assistance, kind sir. Do you know of any-" Though the voice was cut short by a loud cough and a grumble made by the Escape Artist who stood before Xaldin. He continued to cough and clear his throat, while grimacing at the circumstance he found himself in. "Look what ya got me into now, dumbass…" Xigbar muttered through his teeth as he kept a dumb smile on his face. How the hell was he supposed to play this off? Greeds voice screeched through his head. "Who gave you control?! HUH? I told you there is someone I must see in this tent. It is much more important than your stupid image. Now let me take over. And it'll be done before you know it." The force of the voice in his head made his eye twitch as he shook his head slowly at the demons pleas. "Hey stupid! Are you even listening!? Theres a demon in this tent that I need to have a chat with! My SISTER. So head past this oaf so I can do that!" In the other room, Luvia's senses were going wild. She stood abruptly, knowing who was waiting on the other side of the tent walls. Was manmeat smart enough to realize who he was talking to? He wouldn't do anything stupid would he? She squinted her eyes and crept towards the doorway, peeling back the curtain so she could peer through. Luvia saw the two men before her, and laughed to herself. Well… if it did come to violence, maybe she'd be able to save his life sooner than she had thought. Perfect.

Xaldin blinked slowly, hoping that his eyes were deceiving him. Great. Perfect. This is just what he needed. ….although it's…better than the ringmaster, right? The performer drew a breath. "I thought you had your 'payback' all squared away, so what is this about?" His voice faltered before finishing his speech. He narrowed his eyes a little. Xigbar looked like he had…seen better days, that's for sure. But… is this right? He's…arguing…with himself. Xaldin narrowed his eyes. "have…have you been drinking?" dammit. This situation was growing more uncomfortable by the second. Demon? Shit. "Keep your voice down, will you? Do you even have siblings…?" He took a step forward. "I don't know what you're on about, but I can very much assure you that there are no sisters of yours….here…" Xaldin closed his eyes in silent resignation, hearing the curtain shift behind him. So much for a low profile…

Though Greed was trying hard to take over, Xigbar knew that he couldn't let that happen. If he did, who knows what would happen? This was becoming a problem. A big problem. Something inside him made him want to warn Xaldin in some way. To tell him just what was happening at this Circus. Maybe even tell him about the whole Demon possession. But would he..? As if. "Nah.. I'm not drunk… jus'… Jus' forget what I said. But… But listen to me fer a sec. Somethin' crazy is happening here. Be careful man. Watch yer back. Trust is uh…" Movement caught his eye behind Xaldin at the doorway to his room. Who was that? Odd… Xaldin didn't seem the type to actually have company. "Trust is hard to come by.. Especially now." Greed shouted through his head once more, 'You IDIOT. What are you telling him?! You can't give me away. Not if I have any say in it. Now move over and let me get you out of this mess!' And with that, the world seemed to glaze over with a purple haze, as his limbs went numb. He would've cursed out loud, but the privilege was no longer his. Luvia noticed the difference. Greed was really there before her. He had chosen an…. interesting vessel… but she didn't expect anything spectacular from her brother anyway. Chewing her tongue, she debated joining Xaldin in the room before her. But she decided she would stay hidden for a few more moments to see how the big lug would handle himself. This could be interesting.

Xaldin's eyes narrowed as Xigbar spoke. Shit. He knows something. The performer stood his ground, making sure to keep his expression stony. Relax. His stomach turned a little. This wasn't good. "You're one to speak of trust, friend." He stated carefully. Xaldin wanted to glance behind him, even for a mere second, but that'd risk giving Luvia away. Xigbar was already being weird enough… "I think it's time for you to get some….rest…" His voice faltered as he folded his hands behind his back. Shit. What's he doing now…? Always one for making a scene. Xaldin flexed his hands in silence. His coworker didn't look well. Part of him hoped that this wouldn't end in a fight, but Xaldin was ready if need be. As far as he could tell, he had already dug himself into a hole. …might as well dig deeper, right?

Xigbar's posture straightened as Greed took the reigns. His entire demeanor seemed off, or it would to anyone who knew him. Luvia noticed the difference, for she knew her brother. He was always a pompous asshole who swore he was good at acting. But he couldn't act if his life depended on it. That was her thing. Not his. But to him, everything was his thing. Arching an eyebrow he replied to Xaldin's suggestion clearly enunciating every syllable he spoke. "Perhaps it is you who need the rest, dear friend. I just came to warn you about the woman in your bedchamber. Nothing more." Greed flinched as a screaming thought echoed through his mind. 'THE HELL WAS THAT? Uhuh and you think ya made the situation better?! No way! As if!' Greed clenched his fist and dug his nails into his palm to try and stop the noise. Thankfully no one else could hear it. He was smart enough not to reply out loud. Luvia on the other hand was struggling to hide her laughter.

Xaldin turned his head just barely to the side, as if it'd help his hearing. Was this a damned joke? He chewed his tongue for a moment before drawing a breath to speak. "I understand that…'imitation is a sincere form of flattery', friend, but…" something was amiss. He watched his coworker carefully. 'Bedchamber'? Perhaps'? Who speaks like that…? Vexen, maybe. Surely not Xigbar. Unless…"I'm sure I've stated before, it never hurts to sit down and read." He nodded curtly. If Xigbar wanted to go to these lengths to make a jab at him, than Xaldin could certainly give him a taste of his own medicine. "Nothing wrong with broadening your vocabulary, eh?" His eyebrow arched in anticipation. How could he know about Luvia though? …was she really just standing behind him? Had the two of them been too loud the night before? The performer refused to turn around, despite how badly he wanted to. "I have to say, I'm not, er, one hundred percent sure what you're talking about exactly, but I suppose I can heed your little….warning. Is that all?" Xaldin wanted to just spin him by the shoulders and force him to leave, but he didn't need more attention drawn to his tent. Especially if one of the biggest loud-mouths already knew something was out of place. He kept his stance firm and waited silently for a response.

There was a glimmer in Xigbar's eye at that statement. Greed wasn't usually a temperamental kind of demon. Certainly not to the degree that his brother Wrath was. But certain things… bothered him. Being talked down to was one of them. He took a step forward looking up at Xaldin's towering frame with a scowl. Pointing a finger at him, he seethed, "Broadening my vocabulary?! ….Cheeky… Watch your tongue. You know not with whom you speak, huma-AHEM" And with that, in the middle of his chastising, Greed lost his battle as Xigbar coughed and croaked, pulling his hand away to cover his mouth as if he had a cold. He coughed one more time theatrically and stepped backward, honestly fearful that Windmill would gut him right then and there. "Aww man… EXCUSE me fer that. Ya know… every time I come to the city I get some nasty colds. Fever, chills, weird hallucinations. I'm pretty sure I sleepwalk too. I dunno man, sorry, but ya better keep yer distance. Might be contagious. ….Jeez this is embarrassing. Whatever. I owe ya one, aight? Sorry bout that.." Keeping his arms up he spoke as he slowly backed towards the door watching Xaldin carefully. 'WE OWE HIM?! HARDLY. HE OWES ME FOR NOT TEARING HIM TO PIECES. THE MONGREL.' "Aww shut it!" As soon as Xigbar's reply to Greed left his mouth, he felt his stomach flip. That was loud. Something told him Xaldin wouldn't like that too much. Greed however, just wouldn't give up. As a final jab to the human who insulted him, he spoke through Xigbar loudly and clearly, again enunciating every word in a smoother more regal tone. "Do not say I didn't warn you, human! I know who you're keeping back there. But don't get too attached to her. She revels in stabbing men's backs when they're not looking! Give my regards to Lust you lumbering oaf!" And with that, his expression faded from annoyance, to one of horror as his hand slapped over his mouth.

Xaldin stared down at Xigbar in silence while biting down on the side of his tongue in an attempt to quell the anger building in his chest. "Colds." He repeated flatly, keeping his eyes locked onto his coworker. "….right." Xaldin hoped that Xigbar had only been barking orders at himself. He didn't want to ask. He didn't want to know. Honestly, he just wanted to return to his sleeping quarters in peace. His spine straightened a little at Xigbar's final statement. Being called 'human' was Peculiar enough, but to hear…that… Xaldin cleared his throat. "I think you've overstayed your welcome for now, friend. I would tell you to stay and talk, but it seems you're preoccupied with speaking to *yourself* rather than anyone else, so if you'd kindly…" Xaldin made a shooing motion to the doorway that his coworker stood in front of. Not that he didn't want to interrogate the hell out of the smaller man, but he didn't want to risk exposing the…creature in his sleeping quarters to more potential danger.

Xigbar silently thanked his lucky stars or whatever the hell it was that spared his life today, he nodded shakily at his coworker, not daring to remove his hand that was plastered over his mouth. He closed his eye tightly and gave Xaldin another nod and a thumbs up as if to say thank you and quickly phased from existence back to his room. Making a mental note to move any and all heavy objects in front of his door to keep anyone out. But more importantly, to keep himself…er… Greed IN. Luvia let out a gasp of laughter as soon as she found the coast to be clear. Her laughter continued as she pushed through the curtain and stood behind Xaldin. "That. Was the most pathetic display of demonic possession I have ever seen in my life cycle. No. ANY life cycle! That I can remember anyway…" Luvia pressed herself into Xaldins back as her hand crept to his neck, caressing it ever so slightly. "Forget what I said before about being worried. That midget is no threat with you as a bodyguard.~" Luvia's hand went to touch his hair, but she thought better of it. Perhaps later.

Xaldin exhaled slowly once Xigbar disappeared. His head turned to the side slightly, hearing Luvia speak. Possession. Great… well, at least he was correct in his assumption. "Life Cycle?" he arched an eyebrow, finally relaxing a little. "what does that mea—" His breath hitched, as much as he didn't want it to. God. This is… what is she doing?! He stepped away from her somewhat quicker than he meant. He cleared his throat a little. "C-Calm yourself, you're not going to ….get very far with that." He murmured. "Xigbar isn't a threat to me." He protested, hoping to derail the subject. "But are, er…are we supposed to turn our attention away from that headache?" He wanted to ignore Xigbar and whatever strange 'friend' he may have picked up, but something in his gut was telling him that it wouldn't be the case. "Well?" He asked, hoping she'd focus and shed some light on the situation.

Luvia smiled slyly at his reaction, stepping past him and folding her arms across her chest. She took a seat on the first bench past his stage and stared at him for a few moments before speaking. "Well… There isn't much we can do about it now. You see… possessions… Possessions only occur if the host has been killed first." Luvia honestly couldn't believe she was freely explaining the procedures and talents of her own kind to a human. What did it matter now though? She was already in deep, and it wasn't like this big lug would do anything about it anyway. "Although, from the big show we just saw it certainly looked as if your friend survived. Though rare, there are cases where the creature survives, but the result is comical and hardly ever works." She laughed at the thought of Greed's failure. Perhaps she didn't have to worry about him rising to power after all. "But anyway, to answer your question beefcake, I'll keep an eye on them. Those two won't be much of a threat as long as they keep acting like a hellhound with its tail cut off. On the off chance they're able to work together… I'll just take em out before they have the chance to do any real damage!~" Luvia flexed and angled the sharp tips of her wings, but paled visibly when she remembered that one was missing. Biting her tongue, she looked away from him praying that he wouldn't say anything about it.

Killed? His eyes widened a little in disbelief. That couldn't be right, could it…? Xaldin was more than certain that, Demyx's new… friend was his child. There'd been just…too much resemblance. How could he be so reckless? Xaldin exhaled silently in relief as Luvia finished her explanation. So he is alive still. Good. "Them?" He asked, "Surely you won't…kill the both of them? Is there no other way?" There had to be another way. Right? He watched her carefully. The color drained from her face. Shit. "I….listen, I don't doubt your abilities. But are you alright? You don't….look so well…" Was it because of her missing…appendage? He narrowed his eyes for a moment, choosing not to ask. "Do you need rest?" He couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to repair it. Logically, the answer would be 'no', but if there was a way, he'd find it. He hated it when females got this way. He couldn't place why, but it made him uncomfortable. Emotions truly are strange.

"I know nothing of 'another way' as you put it… This hasn't happened for centuries." He was right though. She didn't feel well at all. She felt a wave of tiredness that overtook her the previous night. Luvia hated this feeling. Demons had no need for sleep… so why was she so tired? She knew the reason. She was weak, very weak. In fact, who was she kidding? She couldn't kill Greed if she tried, not in this state. "S-Silence Human. I shall be fine… just… leave me be…" Shakily she got to her feet and stumbled past him, hurrying to his room as best she could under the circumstances. Practically tripping over the chair Xaldin was in earlier, she grabs hold of her severed wing and holds it tightly to her chest as she sinks back onto his bed. "The surface is s-s-so… damn… cold…" Shutting her watery eyes tightly, she tries to will herself into sleep. Luvia hated the sensation… but she would rather experience this death like state instead of dealing with that prude of a man for the moment. She promised herself that she would try harder to crack him tomorrow. Funny… her savior might be the death of her at this rate.

The nerve! Part of him wanted to protest, but, if this situation were to be reversed, Xaldin knew that he'd be too proud to accept assistance as well. He couldn't deny the tiredness that tugged at him, too. He kept his hands behind his back and nodded without a word as she passed by. A tiny sliver of him wanted to help her, despite his understanding, but he decided against it. Xaldin instead waited for a moment before following suit. Demons were….intriguing. He couldn't help but to look at her face, though he made an effort to not let his gaze linger. Oh no. She's going to cry again. God this was the worst. His stomach turned a little. The performer couldn't think of a real way to fix the situation without upsetting her more. He looked away for a moment before pulling a blanket over her. Her eyes are closed, if he did it quickly enough, maybe she wouldn't mind too terribly? Just don't start yelling again…

Luvia felt Xaldin's presence in the room. For once she hoped that he would do nothing. Although, the blanket he placed over her was well appreciated. It didn't help as much as she'd like it to… but the thought was… charming. Almost. Keeping her eyes closed, she spoke softly, feigning sleep. "Human.. I command you not to leave… Or… Or suffer my wrath…" Pulling the blankets closer around herself, she evened her breathing, trying yet again to fall asleep.

Xaldin exhaled as if he were holding his breath. Good. This is fine. Now to just… He turned on heel, planning on making a beeline to his showroom to give the woman the privacy she had demanded. He'd rather leave. Sitting in a room whilst someone is sleeping was….strange. Luvia seemed quick to anger, he didn't want to know what'd happen if he were to wake her. Before his hand could reach the curtain to slip through, he froze, hearing her speak. The performer looked back at her sleeping form, and nearly did a double-take. What? He did hear her correctly, right? She just….minutes ago she made it very clear that she'd rather be alone, now, he was confined to the same room? Xaldin shook his head at the thought and grumbled to himself, choosing to, reluctantly, take a seat on the chair he sat in the previous night. He didn't normally sleep for so long either. It was peculiar. He stared down at his hand in silence, the soft sound of Luvia's breathing filled the room. This mark was proving to be quite….interesting.