Wrath stood in the early autumn air and shivered slightly. He was thankful that there would be no shows tonight. But he did want to know why that was. Perhaps the meeting that his master had called to order tonight would explain this. He and his brother Pride were already at the meeting at the precise time that Xemnas had said to be there. But of course there was a missing link, that black sheep Greed. Greed was late as usual and they were quickly sent to retrieve the idiot from his tent. Glancing at Pride with his peripherals, Wrath spoke softly and evenly. "What do you suppose he is doing in there? Doesn't he know the master has summoned him?" Waving a hand at the former Escape Artists tent that they stood in front of. Things were completely silent in there as far as he could tell.

His eyes narrowed slightly. Of course the ringmaster would send them to get him. Why bother calling greed to meetings if he's just going to do this? There was no way he'd voice these opinions, despite how much he disagreed with Lord Xemnas' orders. Pride rolled his eyes, hearing his brother speak. "Oh, I'm sure he does." With a small shake of his head, he stepped forward to step through the curtain doorway. Of course, Wrath wouldn't be bothered to open it. "I will never understand why we have to play 'fetch' all the time." He murmured, shooting his brother a quick glare. Instead of empty air, he was met with a flat surface. What in the world? Is this a joke? He flicked his tail forward with some force, causing the boxes to scatter. Anger began to build in his chest. Was he hiding? Something seemed….off.

"Peculiar…." Wrath stepped through the curtain and into the room with the large stage. All the benches seemed to be tipped over and strewn about the room as if some sort of struggle took place here. Wrath took a deep breath so as not to make himself angry and stepped over the mess and toward the doorway in the back. He reached his hand out, yet again finding a blocked door. "Another one…" Planting his foot on the blockage, he kicked the boxes out of the way with ease and entered the room, searching for Greed. What he found was not what he suspected. The room was a wreck. In the corner, sat Greed's vessel handcuffed to the wardrobe, slumped over in an odd sort of sleep. Greed succeeded in his possession of course, since the performers body has the features of this demon. Those features being the tail and horns. The wings… were a tad off though. Wrath squinted at what he thought to be sleek black feathers on the top part of each wing. He clenched his fist and grate his teeth, turning away from the scene to calm himself.

Pride couldn't help but doubt their brother at his 'abilities' sometimes. Greed didn't seem suitable enough to even take possession of people, in his opinion. A form of surprise took hold of him for a moment after finally stepping into the disheveled room. "Oh," He began, narrowing his eyes a little at the state of his vessel. "It seems he can do some things right." His eyes fell closed. Spoke too soon, it seemed. Great. Feathers. What happened here…? Instead he turned to Wrath. Thankfully he seemed to be doing a moderate job in keeping his temper reigned in. "Come one then, let's….gather this heap." He gestured to the vessel on the floor. Their lord wouldn't be too pleased, he was sure of that. Feathers were never a good sign.

Xigbar woke with a start at the sound of those voices. The hell were they doing here? Whatever it was, it certainly couldn't be good. Looking up, he locked eyes with Marluxia, er… what looked similar to Marluxia anyway. He had a tail… and wings… and horns… much like what had happened to him in the recent hours. It was like some sort of strange club to be a part of. Or so he guessed. Ideally, Xigbar wanted to continue sleeping and ignore the two… performers? in the room. The previous night was hell. He had never felt a pain quite like growing wings… and horns… and choppers the size of a sabre cat. Triple whammy. In fact, thinking back on this, he couldn't tell how much time had actually passed during this odd transformation. At least Greed had been pretty much silent since he barricaded his room. "What… er… aare you guysh doin in here anywaysh?" Talking with these teeth was another feat entirely. Wrath stared at what had become of Greed with an icy glare. "What is wrong with you? Did someone manage to cut out your tongue before I did?" He seethed, but tried to rein in his anger once more. Xigbar bit his tongue, unsure of how to reply, or even if he should. Shit. Taking his ability to talk back was truly embarrassing.

Lo and Behold. Pride let a deep sigh escape him, hearing his poor excuse of a brother speak. Greed's mangled question rang in his ears. 'What are you guys doing in here' is he serious? He threw his hands partially upward in resignation. "He asked you a question, brother." Not that he wanted to intentionally spark a tantrum from wrath, but, to be technical… He folded his arms across his chest and flicked his tail in aggravation. "We're going to be late. Get on your feet." Was Lord Xemnas aware of this mess? Is this some strange set-up? He ground his teeth in silence. This was going to be a long night.

Wrath's mouth curled into a toothy grin. Something was truly off with Greed. By now he would already be cracking jokes about being the late one for once in place of Pride. Simply by the way the creature before him acted, he knew that was not entirely his brother. Could Greed have failed at possession? The demon who once threatened to overthrow the balance of power had… failed? The thought made Wrath want to laugh. Lunging forward, he grabbed the handcuff chain and snapped it under his grip. He brought Greed roughly to his feet, which made the performer before him visibly annoyed. "Brother… would you care to take a look at this?" Plucking a feather from the top of Greed's wing without a sliver of delicacy, he studied the feather before passing it to Pride. "Curious isn't it… That's not like you, Greed. There's no room for betrayal here you know." Wrath knew Pride understood what feathers meant. All of the brothers and sisters of sin have faced angels before, and each of them have come to resent the sight of them, be it holy or not. Disgusting creatures.

This is foul! Pride wanted to recoil. Wrath is touching it. He narrowed his eyes and took the feather between the nails of his index finger and thumb for a moment before letting it drop to the ground. Betrayal wasn't something that he was particularly surprised by. Their brother had grown awfully quiet. Perhaps it was a good thing. "Well come now, let's go then." Time was surely dwindling by, not that he was one for 'meetings' but with Pride's new…appearance he certainly didn't want their lord to come searching for them. Surely Wrath's temper would flare up even more later on too. His eyes rolled at the thought.

Xigbar didn't like the feeling that started to brew in his gut. Normally, he'd be able to play along to get out of situations like these. The only problem was… he had barely any knowledge of what was going on. That was the part that made him ill, and maybe even shake a little. Clenching his fists, he tried to quell the shaking as best he could. Finally, Greed broke his long silence. It had been many hours since the last time he spoke, and for some reason it almost comforted the performer. 'Looks like someone might need my help this time, huh? Not so proud now are you? Silly human.' Clicking his tongue, he brushed Wrath's arm away and stepped forward, still trying to remain calm. He sent a reply to Greed in his head, following Wrath's lead out of his tent. 'So I take it they don't like the fact that I'm still… me?' A laugh erupted in his mind, 'Not in the slightest. But you would do well to stick with me, otherwise this endeavor will not end well for either of us. Try and act natural for now, since you so rudely won't let me take over. Selfish human…' Wrath's tail smacked him in the back as if to spur him on faster into the Ringmaster's tent. 'Look who's talking…' After letting the rest of the group into the empty room, Wrath stood, arms folded in front of the door to Xemnas' tent. He didn't actually believe Greed would make a run for it… but he had a strong idea that the demon before him was an imposter. And the thought delighted him. There may be some excitement tonight.

Pride followed after them carefully. He couldn't help but cringe when Wrath's tail came in contact with Greed's back. 'He's touching it again.' Despite being disgusted, he hoped that their brother wouldn't run. That'd mean that he would have to go after that slippery little escape artist. …though of course he would, right? He had the biggest, strongest wings. Pride smirked at that fact, momentarily lost in thought. He was brought back to reality after realizing that he'd have to touch greed if he were to run. 'I'd rather saw my own arms off. touching those filthy feathers…' His posture straightened as he stepped through the doorway to their lord's tent. Squaring his shoulders and holding his head high, he waited in silence for further directions.

The air in the ringmaster's tent was eerily quiet. Not much could be heard, even with a demons ears. The three waited in silence for their leader to emerge from the darkness. But it seemed like an eternity until he actually made himself known. Wrath grew more and more impatient while watching his brothers. Greed stood stiff as a statue and visibly shaking a bit, whereas Pride stood relaxed, admiring his hand. Xemnas soon pulled back the curtain deeper in the tent and emerged into the bigger, front room. Though this time he looked quite different. Wrath felt a smile creep across his face as he basked in his Lord's glory. Large jet black wings folded behind him, horns arching backwards, sleek and polished: a sign of demonic nobility. Even his dress was more formal than usual, red velvet was not something he wore on a daily occasion. Perhaps soon they will all be able to drop this idiotic charade. Xemnas stood before the three of them, hands folded behind his back. "Finally… you three have arrived."

Pride held his tongue, despite wanting to reprimand his brother. If Wrath's temper flares up in front of Lord Xemnas, there's no way he would get in the way of it. Instead he looked down, admiring his nails. They were quite sharp. Better than Wrath's, he'd wager. Certainly better than Greed's. Pride looked up almost lazily, before straightening his posture, having been lost in thought moments before. His eyes darted to Wrath, who was…smiling. It sent the strangest of shivers down his spine. Odd. Shaking the thought, he squared his shoulders with his hands neatly behind his back. Pride's tail coiled slightly around his feet, and his wings were cast downward. He bowed his head slightly in a nod, to show respect. Velvet? Well aren't we fancy today… This truly was an urgent matter then, wasn't it? His eyes narrowed slightly. 'Finally?' As if we are to blame for that? If his schedule is so important, why did we have to play fetch? Why couldn't he do it?' That's absurd. His eyes fell closed in an attempt to quell these intrusive thoughts. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke. "We seem to have…a problem." Or did they? Perhaps Lord Xemnas already knew…? His gaze trailed to their brother, Greed. Not that he needed to say much else, the proof was plainly visible.

Xemnas followed Pride's gaze, and knew immediately what he spoke of. Though this problem was more entertaining than he could have imagined. Greed had managed to corrupt an angel before it ascended. Had something this unorthodox happened before? Likely not.. or rather, not in this millennia. Xemnas' eyes narrowed, and gleamed in the candlelight, making Xigbar even more nervous. The creature before him was unlike anything he had seen before, to say the very least. This was the thing he had been working for all these years?! Asha was right… Xemnas took a step forward and took Greed's hybrid wing in one stern hand, extending it to its full length. Xemnas wondered if such an abomination was even capable of normal flight. He shook the thought and spoke. "Greed… it would seem only someone of your…. talents…. could fail at traditionally killing a human and possessing them, but in turn conquer an angel. The outcome is quite… entertaining to say the very least. You never cease to amaze…" Greed spoke through Xigbar before the performer could stop him. "Er… Why thank you my Lord. You had better watch all these compliments around Pride, however. He might flip his lid."

Pride fought hard to hold his tongue while their lord spoke. His eyes narrowed and his tail flickered. Were his ears deceiving him? And of course Wrath was just standing by like a hunting dog awaiting command! 'compliments'? Pah! As if someone like him is amazing? that hardly seemed like the correct word…' Pride drew a silent breath, squinting at the thought. Anger began to build in his chest, his pupils were no longer neat slits. The demon refused to move but cast a side-eyed glare at the two of them. "Are you seriously praising him for this?" His fists flexed behind his back. He'd deal with his brother's smart comments later but he couldn't stand by and listen to this any longer. "If anything, this should be branded a failure, Sir." He added emphasis on the last word he spoke before continuing. "Corruption or not, this is revolting! It hardly deserves praise. I'm sure you're entirely aware of what they are to us, so why?" He hardly felt like calling something like Greed his 'sibling 'at all anymore. He didn't seem worthy of the title. Pride's tail flicked with more urgency now. He needed to refrain from further comments, despite how badly he wanted to continue. Lord Xemnas would have his head for sure, but someone needed to say it.

The edges of the room seemed to darken, despite the candlelight. This was a phenomenon that Xigbar had become wary of back at home. Asha did the same thing when she was angry… His breath caught in his throat as he watched Xemnas' expression harden. As Xemnas' smile faded, Wrath's grew wider. The archdemon turned to Pride and snarled, "My praise is not unfounded, whelp. I'm sure you're entirely aware that a demon of such low stature as yourself does not even deserve to stand by my side on this earth. But since I am generous, you three shall share in the fruits of this land once I have secured my longevity above ground." The room regained the light that it had lost moments ago, as his anger was quelled, though Xemnas' mood had been ruined. He stepped to the side and folded his arms across his chest, pacing back and forth slowly. "I had praised this corruption for the reason that those foul holy beasts have caught on to my plans, and have begun to finally make moves against me. It would seem that the soul that I desire has undergone the divine transformation. Though she must not know the power she possesses, this still stands as a threat to us all. For of course, as we have living proof in front of us…. these feathered beasts breed like rats…" Xigbar could barely believe what he was listening to, and truly struggled to understand any of it. He was just glad that Xemnas had begun to ramble and stopped bringing the doom and gloom as he had minutes ago. He stayed silent, trying to understand any of what was being said. "Regardless…. I called you three here today to warn you of the Angels… and to call to attention several things. Time is running thin… I must acquire that soul. I trust you three will do everything in your power to ensure that she is delivered to me, harmed or not… but she must be alive …. You do understand that, correct, Wrath?" A question to which Wrath gave a slight nod.

Pride ground his teeth a little and remained still. 'Your praise isn't unfounded? Neither is my anger…' Xemnas' words echoed in his ears. Of course, if it isn't one of Wrath's temper-tantrums, it's his. He wanted to stand his ground and continue but that'd get them nowhere. Suddenly he was more interested in this 'divine transformation' Xemnas was speaking of. Great. The demon's eyes failed to regulate, though he did bow his head. He knew what his lord wanted to hear. "I apologize for my insolence." His tone was somewhat short. 'He called us here for a warning? Since when was that necessary?' Pride arched an eyebrow and murmured in agreement with Wrath. This is vile. Another round of 'fetch' it seems…

Xemnas ceased his pacing for a moment and said sternly, "Also do understand that I would like to secure my rule on this earth long before any of the greater Angels come to join the fray. Time is of the essence…" He motioned for the three of them to follow, as he pushed past Wrath and exited his tent. The Circus grounds were completely desolate and silent, perfect for the group to stand and talk unnoticed. Wrath could sense a rising anger in his master, a sort of rage that excited him in the most pleasant of ways. He struggled to hide a smirk as he followed closely behind the Ringmaster. Xigbar followed Wrath, but was wary of the whole situation. Greed spoke loudly in his head, 'Do not mess this up… Just stay close and quiet and do as they say. Trust in me, human. Things shall work out!' Though none of these words were of any comfort to him. Xemnas turned to face the three of them slowly, and looked to the stars above them. "Another thing I must address… We will be moving camp in two days. Seeing as the fruits of this town have begun to run dry… You all have done truly excellent work in your collections… However …. I do have a present prepared. A special gift, if you will…"

Pride listened intently, despite his bored expression. Their Lord seemed to be droning on about things. He eyed wrath carefully, following the three as instructed. His brother had always been obedient. It struck him as strange. Sure, he was loyal, no question. But there's no chance that Pride would ever be so easily excitable in their Lord's presence like Wrath. The demon's gaze flicked to Greed. Strangely silent. His eyes lingered for a moment before turning his attention back to Xemnas. "Moving camp?" He spoke, eyebrows raising a little. 'it's about time, isn't it?' Pride cleared his throat in an attempt to stifle his intrusive thoughts, thankful that Xemnas did not possess reading abilities. 'what? A present?' He couldn't help but to roll his eyes at the thought. "and what would that be?" Pride began, before turning to Wrath for a moment. "Easy there, brother. You aren't going to start wagging that tail of yours too, are you?" His eyebrow arched for a moment before turning his attention back to Xemnas.

Xemnas' tail flicked at Prides comment. He turned on the lesser demon, eyes glowing a bright gold. Though he made no point to address Pride's arrogant outbursts, he directed his anger towards him. In an instant, that the three of them barely noticed, he was behind Pride, both clawed hands on his shoulders. "There has been a thorn in my side for many years… Each lifetime I have come to the surface these … Gypsies have always sought to destroy me. Though none have tantalized me as much as… well… Let us leave it at this. I intend to end this little game…" Stepping to Pride's side, he took his wrist firmly and examined the lesser demon's palm, before swiftly cutting it with his nails and squeezing the blood onto his own hand. Roughly pushing him away, he took a few steps forward and knelt to the ground, smearing the blood in two neat designs in the dust.

Standing slowly, he heaved both arms in a steady arc to the sky, his hands glowing the familiar crimson of the weapons he so often summoned. The ground before him began to burn, though no kindling was there to even keep a fire going. Sparks flew left and right, as smoke rose from the ground. The sparks soon took shape and entwined in the air before them, before sliding back down to the ground with a loud hiss. The creatures before them revealed their slender faces, baring their large fangs and forked tongues.

Xigbar took a slightly defensive stance, shuffling one leg back, knees slightly bent. He had never seen a beast like the ones right in front of him, and part of him was begging for the whole thing to be a dream. Cursing under his breath, he tried his best to comprehend the situation. This couldn't be a 'gift' for…. Xemnas' breathing became more and more shallow. The summoning of those two beasts was much more than he could handle with the loss of Asha's soul. He knew this, but he was going to remedy this problem soon. Looking up at his servants, he gave them a soft order. "Find the witch… and if she will not come willingly… destroy her and whomever gets in the way of that young girl's soul… Now go…" With a wave of his hand, the glowing serpents hissed and slid away, leaving scorched marks in the ground as they left.

Xemnas turned and nearly fell onto the shoulder of Wrath, who had crept up behind his master to hold him up, swinging his arm over his shoulder. "I must… retire… meeting adjourned… you three know what must be done…" To this, Wrath nodded, and Xigbar's mouth ran dry. All he could do was stare blankly ahead.

Pride watched Xemnas intently. In an instant, he felt claws in his shoulders. His breathing ceased for a moment. He hated when he did that. The demon continued to listen, his tail flicked in anticipation. His initial reaction was to recoil but he knew to keep still. He'd prefer to keep his arm attached to his body. Pride's eyes narrowed as Xemnas' nail pierced into his skin so easily. Not that it hurt, of course. 'my blood is mine…' His hand flexed as Xemnas walked away. What was that for? The demon continued to observe closely, his eyes widened a little. He couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. This was magnificent! of course Lord Xemnas needed Pride's blood for something like this. That was understandable. His expression turned somewhat serious at the sight of Xemnas being so weakened so quickly. Of course, Wrath was always within reach. Useful for something, he supposed. The demon watched them depart for a few moments. Xemnas' words rang in his ears. His tail flicked in excitement. He turned to his brother, eager to get on with their orders. Something was off. The silence was great and all but he looked…ill. He called out to him by name. before giving his brother time to respond, he jabbed him in the side with his tail. There's no way Pride was going to put his hands on him. Yuck. "Have your ears failed you? You heard Lord Xemnas. Work needs to be done."

An annoyed voice rang through Xigbar's head as he stood motionless, staring ahead with a concerned scowl. 'Hey! Blockhead! Answer him before he gets all pissy! Yooo hoo, anyone home?' He quickly snapped out of it with a small shake of his head. Side-Eyeing Pride, he scoffed, "Work? As if. Catchin' this soul will be a piece of cake, angel er not." Beginning to walk away, stepping over the large scorch marks in the ground, he headed towards the Circus entrance. With a wave of his hand the performer spoke one last time, crushing his nerves with the largest bluff of his lifetime. "If anythin' you should be the one who needs to get to work. I know this place like the back of my hand, no help needed here. Ya better get goin'… Ciao." Not bothering to wait for a reply, he kept walking, although Greed had a lot to say. 'Where in hell's name do you think you're going? You can't just run around all namby pamby without discussing these things with me first, you know. We're a team! Do you understand what that means?'

Pride watched him carefully. God he's acting so…odd. He watched in silence as Greed made his departure. 'The nerve! As if I don't know how to do my job? Please.' Silence fell over him now, and he was thankful for it. Pride examined his hand for a moment before exhaling. Might as well get started covering up this mess before people start slinging questions.