"Why're you worried for her? She's taken care of herself for this long, right? Well…" She looked down for a moment. Even she knew that there was more than enough reason to worry. She *really* needed to work on watching her mouth. Larxene blinked a few times to process what she was seeing now. 'shit. She's crying. Good going, idiot!' Seeing Aqua cry made her insides squirm. "I'm sorry," She murmured, watching the other girl get up and make her way over to the makeshift bed. "N-No…don't," Larxene paused for a moment as she stood. "Don't cry…" Larxene closed the distance between the two in a few strides. "S-seriously, please." What was one to do in this situation? With a quiet sigh, she hugged Aqua as gently as she could, what with her wings and all. She didn't need to *ask* why the other girl was crying, really, but if she could somehow help her stop… "It's gonna be okay, really…I'm sorry for getting you into this mess." Larxene felt…numb. An odd sense of dejavu washed over her that she tried to shake. There's no way she'd let this happen again. Regardless if she could take her place, or not. Somehow, she'd fix it.
Aqua nodded, though the tears wouldn't stop. Extending her arms, she held Larxene close, still holding the stone tightly. She felt strange suddenly… Though she couldn't place why… "She has taken care of herself… thats just it. She's so alone…" Her wings extended, and wrapped around Larxene, knocking the blanket off of her. The feathers began to sparkle and shine more than they had before. A flash of light erupted between the two of them, blinding them for a few seconds. When the light faded, they both opened their eyes to find they were in the same room, except things seemed… hazy. "What…?"
Heat rose in Larxene's cheeks, to her ears. well at least Aqua wasn't one for wanting 'space' when she was upset. Though Larxene wouldn't exactly admit it, she was thankful for the hug too. "Well, maybe, but she's…not alone now, y'know?" Larxene's gaze softened a little. "And neither are you," she could feel her ears getting warmer. Shit. "and neither am i." she added quickly, trying to will away the blush that was seemingly taking over. "we don't have to be—" Larxene's voice left her for a moment. Was she seeing things? Everything went…white. Larxene sat back and rubbed her eyes with her fingertips. "What was…that?" was that something that Aqua did? why? She never thought she'd catch herself thinking the words 'Anglels are intriguing', but here she was.
A small screech erupted from the front door as a dull colored fuzz scurried in and ran in circles around the room. When it finally stopped, it stood there facing the door with its tongue hanging out and rear end wagging. It looked like a much younger and much smaller Pooka. Aqua wiped the tears from her eyes, and stared. "Is that…?" Her breath caught in her throat as she realized the stone she was holding was gone. Asha would be so upset if Aqua had lost it. She searched around her, but could find no trace of it. Odd. Pooka ran in a circle again, not noticing the two of them at all, and stopped in the same place once more.
Larxene stared, half in amazement, half in horror. Whatever Aqua did, It seemed like one of Roxas' gimmicks, back at the Circus. It was…what was it's name? Pooka? "He almost looks…cute…" It's staring at the door as if it's waiting for someone…but who? Larxene hadn't taken part in one of Roxas' 'Jars' in quite a while but this seemed like it was almost on the same level of 'surrealism'. it was strange. Sort of like an out of body experience? But this was…different. Almost like they were seeing…something that wasn't meant for them. Larxene was pulled from these thoughts as Aqua moved. "Wh? What is it? What's wrong?" The performer searched around them with her, though she didn't exactly know what she was looking for.
"The stone is gone… I-I think I lost it…" Pooka made another lap around the house, and ran straight through the two of them, as if they were ghosts. This startled Aqua a bit. This was just like the dreams she had been having. Muted colors, visions of the past. Like sitting in a room while no one knows you're there. A small giggle was heard at the front door as a little girl skipped inside. She stopped short to ruffle the fluff on Pooka's back as he light the small child. Her eyes were bright as she smiled, holding a ribbon in her other hand. "You're going to help me practice my routine, right Pooka?" To this, the small creature spun around and licked her once more. Aqua's blood ran cold. She didn't enjoy seeing these things, and often wondered why she was subjected to them. Aqua reached for Larxenes hand and held it firmly.
"L-Lost it? When did you have it last..?" it was sort of hard to concentrate. Everything looked…off. was that…was that Maggie? Larxene couldn't recall actually seeing her before. It must've been, right? She looked…happy. And her faceless friend seemed a lot less threatening, somehow. Larxene felt Aqua's hand on hers. Judging from her expression, this was really bothering her. "Aqua, have…have you seen things like this before?" She asked quietly, eyes still locked on the little girl in front of them. "Wh-when does it…stop?"
"I… I can't control when they stop. They stop on their own time… we just… have to wait. I… I have been having dreams like this. I wasn't going to tell you, and I was just going to write it off as some sort of nightmare string but…" Aqua stopped short as the small child looked in their direction. She wasn't just looking their way. Aqua could swear Maggie was looking at them. Her small head turned sideways in confusion as she started to step towards the two young women. Someone else walked through the door and which made her stop moving. "Whatcha' lookin' at, kiddo?" That voice was unmistakable. A much younger Xigbar crouched next to Pooka, trying to keep the creature from jumping on him, but to little success. Maggie tore her gaze from Aqua and ran over to the kneeling performer and wrapped her arms around his neck. Lifting the small child up, he spun her around and set her back down on the ground, standing before her and smiling. "Who was that man that came to yours and Mommy's show today? Was he a rich man? He looked like a rich man." Aqua frowned at the conversation before her. This kind of experience always made her uncomfortable.
"W-well that's okay, I mean, you don't have to tell me stuff, you know? It's just that—" Was…was the kid actually looking at them? Larxene froze. This…technically wasn't real, right? This is a little…unnerving. Larxene opened her mouth to speak, but instead was silenced, by her Coworkers voice. Larxene suddenly felt like she was doing something wrong, moreso than before. She wasn't meant to see this, nor did she want to. Maybe Xigbar really *did* care about the kid. A-at least at some point, right? Dammit. Larxene had to find a way to apologize. Again. She hated the word 'sorry'. it always felt weird for her to say. The thought of Xigbar being a father at all didn't really sit right with her either but it seemed like he had his shit together at some point, at least. A 'Rich man'? Oh boy…
Aqua gripped Larxene's hand tighter. Something felt very wrong… she couldn't tell what, but something was definitely off. It felt like something was coming, but if Aqua had to explain why she felt this way, she knew she could not. Xigbar smiled softly at Maggie and answered her question with a shrug. "Well.. I wouldn't say rich, but who knows. He wants to partner with us, and says that maybe we won't have to perform on the streets anymore. Whaddaya think?" Maggie jumped up and down happily and spoke, "That's great! Will we finally have a real show where everyone will come to see? Perform for the whole town?" Xigbar chuckled and nodded, "I think so Mags… I think so." Maggie spun around twirling her ribbon as Pooka followed it, though she stopped short, and stared at the two girls once more. "Theres… s-something there Dad… Something-" She broke off her sentence with a scream, pointing behind Larxene and Aqua. Aqua craned her neck to look at what had terrified the small child so much. She let out a small scream of her own as she gazed upon a towering red snake, the heat from its scales burned their faces, as if they were standing near an open flame. With a loud hiss, it lunged forward, mouth agape as the world flashed white once more.
Aqua held tightly to Larxene and shut her eyes, waiting for the nightmare to end. When their vision had returned to normal they realized the world around them had changed. They were now sitting on a dusty road, in the middle of what looked like a run down part of the city, littered with tents. This time, the colors of the world seemed much more diluted. Perhaps this was further back in time than the last dream? Aqua tried hard to regain her breath from the horror she just witnessed.
Larxene's heart sank a little. Of course. It sounded like a dream then, didn't it? He'd say anything to make it sounds like you were getting a sweet deal but of course not… It was so strange, being stared at this way. What, does Xigbar suddenly see us too? Surely not…right? The Temperature increased, that's for sure. Roxas could do that too, with his jars. it always put a weird feeling down her spine. What'd the protocol be if they really did see the two of them? She winced a little. Now the kid was screaming? Larxene's attention was torn from the two when Aqua's voice filled her ears. N-Now Aqua is screaming? She glanced to the other girl and followed her gaze after a few seconds. Her breath seemed to stop entirely for a few moments. Larxene closed her eyes when everything went white again. She sat still for a few moments before speaking. "Is…is it over?" she murmured as she opened her eyes. her stomach turned again. This was going to be a long night.
No… it wasn't over. But Aqua had no time to respond. A young woman came barreling through an alleyway to their left a few feet away, scrambling to catch her footing as she fled. She ran carelessly, as if she were running for her life. She stopped in the middle of the area, whirling around, her tight black curls bouncing with each movement of her head. Scrapes and dirt covered her body, marring the perfect paint on her shoulders and legs. Tears and sweat had ruined her face paint as well. Aqua didn't need to guess who this young woman was. The woman looked about in fear, like a scared rabbit, searching for her pursuer. Though ridden with anxiety, Aqua couldn't manage to look away from the scene before her.
Larxene shifted somewhat uncomfortably, still holding the other girls' hand. That was definitely Asha. but what was she running from? She stared in silence, honestly hoping that she'd forget these things once it was over. Dreams, you could talk about. But not...this. Whatever this is, it wasn't meant for them. At least, not meant for Larxene. Despite the sinking feeling in her stomach, she was glad Aqua didn't have to be subjected to this alone. Her eyes narrowed a little, unsure if she wanted to look away, or not. Larxene couldn't exactly anticipate what they'd be shown next. Having no other choice, she waited for the scene to run it's course.
A deep bellowing voice came from the alley Asha just ran from. "Where… did you hide him…? Where did the gypsies take him? I know he is alive." Asha shuffled backwards slightly, staring at the alley to the left of Aqua and Larxene, though the two girls could not see who was there. Asha's voice cracked as she responded. "They… he's gone… You lied to Asha! You used Asha...You said you couldn't possibly bear…" Her voice faltered even more as she clenched her fists. Stepping forward angrily she shouted at him, "The Elders were right! You demons are all the same! Out for nothing but the destruction of order and humanity!" The voice laughed a chilling baritone of a laugh before speaking once more, "Maybe so. However-do not forget that you yourself are not so very different from us. Now… It would seem that I must punish you for your transgressions…"
A bright red glow erupted from the left alley, and Asha's eyes widened in fear. She shook her head wildly and backed into the brick wall of the run down building on the right. The snake Larxene and Aqua had seen before came sliding towards the frightened woman with its mouth agape, bearing its glowing fangs. Without warning, it lunged forward as Asha screamed in terror. The world went white once more, but the scream had not faded, but rather changed into one of true pain.
Larxene's eyes widened a little upon hearing Xemnas' voice. Asha looked younger, but Xemnas certainly didn't sound younger, if that's the case. ….Used Asha? Did she hear that correctly? She assumed they were referring to Xigbar… nobody else came to mind. But was Xigbar really That important to him? Xemnas likes to get his way, sure, but he didn't go to these extremes with Larxene, when she stepped up the way she did. So what was so special with him? The sight of the snake made her shiver. She was thankful that he didn't go that far with her. Larxene flinched a little too, thought she wouldn't admit it. Were these...legitimate past events? Her eyes closed tightly as things went white again. If this continued, it'd only get worse, wouldn't it?
The white faded as their vision returned. The color of this world was much richer than the past two visions, but still a little grey. Larxene and Aqua sat in the middle of a large tent. There was a desk before them, and a few other pieces of furniture adorning the perimeter of the room. There were two men in the room with them. One of them Aqua recognized to be Xigbar. He didn't look much different than he had in the present. The other man was terrifying to look at. He stood with a regal air, and looked down on the performer with an emotionless face, golden eyes piercing. Aqua didn't know how she knew, but she felt that the man before them must be the Ringmaster.
The white haired man spoke first, "You come to me to plead, do you not? You wish to leave the Circus, and yet you know the rules, and the contract you and your….wife… signed. The answer is no. Though…. you seem to not like that answer. Neither does your wife… Nor your child. Yes. I know she lives here as well. Do not look so surprised…" Without skipping a beat, the Escape Artist spoke his mind. "Cut the crap and hear me out fer a sec… I get that we signed a contract… I get it. But I'm here to make a deal… a-alright?" The mention of the word made the Ringmaster smile slightly.
He nodded and spoke, "You come to me asking for a compromise… and yet I caught you earlier breaking our contract and trying to sneak away… do not think I did not see you and your family…." Xigbar held his breath for a moment, unsure of how to respond to being caught. "Y-Yeah yeah… jus' hear me out… You let my wife and kid go, safe an' sound… and in return I'll work fer ya fer double the time the contract stated originally. Do we have a deal?"
Xemnas chuckled a deep and menacing chuckle. He thought about the words his underling spoke for a few moments. Xigbar couldn't stand the silence. "I said, do we have a deal?" He said again, even more sternly while holding out his hand to shake. Xemnas hesitated but took it and shook it firmly. "Yes… we have a deal…. You should see your family off now.. Although- I do not think they will be able to miss you much..."
The Ringmaster turned to the desk behind him and reached in his jacket pocket, taking out two jars and placing them on the table. One held a green soul, and the other pink. "N-No!" The performer summoned his guns and pointed them at Xemnas. "You said you'd let 'em go! Safe and sound! You gave yer word you sonofa-" Xemnas whirled around, cracking a burning whip-like weapon directly at his assailant's face.
"I kept my word, whelp… Which is much more than you can say for yourself. Now… Go see your family off… It will be a long while before you see them again. Begone! Before I see fit to finish the job and kill them both myself! The room swirled as Xigbar knelt there, in front of the Ringmaster holding his face. The world around Aqua and Larxene went black. Moments later, they were back where they had started. The world in full color, and Asha's home returned to normal. The stone Aqua had lost appeared on her lap as she sat, covering her face with both hands.
Larxene's mouth felt dry. She knew exactly where they were now. Whatever was about to happen, it wasn't good. She shook her head at the scene before them. She had been there too. But she knew now, there was no real bargaining with Xemnas. Ever. "There's always a fine print…" She murmured, mostly speaking to herself. "We're always too desperate to read it, until it's too late." Larxene shook her head again, knowing what the general outcome would be. The colors caught her eye. That Pink one must be that kid's, then, right? As awful as this was to see, it was at least ….vaguely...helpful? Larxene winced again as the whip connected with her unfortunate coworker's face. She was thankful she didn't get any sort of treatment like that. After a few seconds of holding her breath, she sighed in relief upon realizing that whatever that was, had finally come to an end. She took a moment to try to shake the uneasy feeling that loomed over her. Larxene reached a hand to the other girl as she scooted closer, before falling short. Her fingers shook a little as she spoke. "How long has this...been happening…?"
Aqua let out a shaky breath, putting the stone on a nearby table, wanting nothing to do with it anymore, not now and not ever. "It… has been happening for a few days now… None of them were as… terrible as that was, though." Aqua inched closer to Larxene, and sat next to her, resting her head on the smaller girl's shoulder.
Larxene nodded numbly. "Does anyone else know?" She murmured. Probably not, right? That was a dumb question. She eyed the stone carefully. At least it was still within an arms reach if they did need it. She hoped it wouldn't come down to that. Larxene fought to surpress the heat rising in her cheeks, to her ears as Aqua rested on her shoulder. After a few seconds of silence, she drew a breath to speak. "Before you…" she cleared her throat, hoping for a subject change. "Before you stumbled onto this mess, what was it that drew you to Circuses?" She asked, keeping her voice somehwat low. Asha and whatever was left of Xigbar were probably asleep by then, weren't they? She couldn't remember going to a normal circus herself, if she were being honest.
Aqua shook her head, still leaning on Larxene. "I… loved the magic of Circuses. It was always a place where I felt like the outside world didn't matter. I could just sit, and watch someone work their very own magic. Forget about the world… at least for a few hours.." She closed her eyes for a few moments before speaking again, "I came to your Circus because I wanted to get away. To make a decision for myself for a change, without Terra…" A sound came from Asha's room. Her door opened and out she came. Awkwardly walking over to the two young girls. She stood in front of them for a moment, and then sat down. "Asha… apologizes for her behavior earlier. Asha hopes that you both understand her apology, though she acted so suspiciously before."
Larxene nodded just barely. That was understandable, really. "I'd like to go to a normal one, myself, you know?" She smiled, though it wasn't a laughing matter. Shit. maybe she shouldn't have brought it up. "I-I'm sorry," Larxene could swear that she'd never get used to saying that word. "You were very...brave," her voice trailed off for a moment. "F-for doing that without him, i mean. And hell, moreso now, you know? I didn't think you'd get caught up in all of this, to be honest…" Larxene bit her tongue to stop herself from speaking. She nearly swore under her breath as Asha made her way over. After all that the two of them had seen, it was hard to look her in the face. She made an effort to not look so...remorseful, though it may not have worked. After a few seconds, Larxene nodded in acknowledgement. "Where do we go...from here?"
The blue haired woman watched Asha with sorrow. She didn't try to hide her feelings… it hurt too much. Asha shook her head and looked at her hands. "Asha wishes she was not to act as the leader in these types of situations. Though she is wise.. she knows so little… And she never learns…" Her voice faded for a moment… but she resumed speaking shortly. "Asha supposes… that we should move. Xemnas knows where Asha lives… His beasts will not be far behind."
Larxene listened as best as she could. If anyone should be leader, it should be Asha, for sure… "M-Move? Where? ...when?" Her stomach turned a little. The circus itself should be relocating soon too, right? She couldn't remember where that was supposed to go next. "So...now would be a bad time to return to the circus grounds, yeah?" Larxene had to go back eventually, whether she wanted to or not. It's not like she could just call up Luxord, and have a civilized talk over coffee or something. It'd be a big risk to return on just an assumption alone, but if he didn't know something, why'd he let Aqua in, in the first place? Larxene shook the thought and returned her focus on Asha, awaiting a response.
Asha's breath caught in her throat. "Yer… Yer planning on goin' back dere?! No…nono Asha would never allow that. Tis a fools errand that is… If…" She struggled a bit to say the demon's name aloud. "If… Xemnas were to find you… there would be little chance of surviving… or worse." Asha sat and shook her head for a few moments. Aqua took Larxene's hand and squeezed it tightly. "Why…? Why would you go back…?" She spoke softly, concern dripping from her words.
Shit. Larxene wasn't sure what sort of response she was expecting, but part of her wished she'd just kept quiet. "I-I…" She shook her head. "No, I wasn't planning on anything," there wasn't really a way she could talk herself out of this situation. "I'm just saying, he seems pretty…preoccupied right now, doesn't he? I don't think he'd really notice if I went back for a few hours…" Aqua's voice made her heart sink a little. "B-Besides, your girl is still there somewhere, isn't she…?" Larxene never minded lying much, but something about lying to Aqua made her insides squirm.
Asha looked at her hands that were folded in her lap. She spoke softly and without thinking. "Yes… she is… Asha cannot lose Maggie too…" As soon as the words left her mouth she bit her lip, cursing herself for being so soft and thinking of such things. "We will… We will move, for we cannot stay as long as …Xemnas knows where Asha lives. Those beasts will come…" Aqua sat, listening to Asha in a dull confusion. She knew certain things about the woman before her… but Aqua doubted everything would ever be completely clear about her. She truly was a mystery.
Larxene's eyes narrowed a little. 'can't lose Maggie too?'…'too'? "You've got Xigbar back, don't you? Sure he's a little…well, different, but," She paused for a moment. "Sorry, but, who else is there?" Did she just…hear Asha incorrectly? Maybe she was just talking about Xigbar. "A-Anyway, what I'm meaning is, he seems pretty focused on, er, you. Would he really notice if I came back? Even if it's just to get the kid and leave? He didn't notice the first time I left, right?" Larxene wasn't sure what she was getting at, herself, but if it'd throw them off track, why not? Larxene ran her thumb over Aqua's hand absentmindedly. Maybe Xemnas did notice when she left. But he didn't seem to care. …did he?
Asha's face flushed, she stared at her hands once more, completely flustered. "No. Asha's street rat is of no concern to her… Lost causes are lost causes… no doubt he will leave again." Asha shook her head, "But… Maggie should be safe… Pooka has been keeping an eye on my child… She seems to be living there with someone. Though Asha does not know who…" Aqua was concerned for Larxene with her sudden idea to leave. Surely she knew how dangerous that would be. Aqua had a hard time thinking about letting the performer leave alone. There was no way she could do that… right?
Larxene weighed the options for a moment, letting Asha's words sink in. Did his sudden 'Demon' situation deem him a 'lost cause'? or was it his line of work? Wouldn't she be in the same boat, then? "Pooka can't just go get her, then? He's gotta know who she's with if he's watching her, right?" she murmured. She's with someone? Who? There aren't many people she worked with that were a 'friendly' type… none would really want to take in an outsider. Vexen, maybe? Her eyes narrowed slightly at the thought. If it were him, she'd be performing by now. "Why would Xigbar leave again? Aside from keeping up appearances?" she really should have kept her mouth shut. If he gets to leave to keep up appearances, shouldn't she do the same? Asha dodged the question. Maybe she didn't hear her? Larxene decided to ask again. "Not trying to like…dig around here, but," She made sure to speak a little more clearly. "Who else is there?" Maybe she was just…reading too far into it? Asha did have an odd way of speaking, after all.
"Have you seen the size of my dog, child? He cannot make another appearance in your camp like he did with Asha… too dangerous. Xemnas is becoming…. more rash…" Asha was trying to move through the questions as best she could. The constant stream of them was almost calming to answer them and just focus on that. "He… he will leave. The bones have predicted it so… Likely to try and retrieve Maggie's soul. He is an idiot who tinks he can just… cheat his way to his goals. Must be the reason he was overtaken by that demon… If only the elders could help…." Asha cringed slightly as Larxene continued to pry. She couldn't become angry at the girl for asking… Asha, after all, was at fault for leading her in… "N-No one else is there… Asha is jus'… jus' afraid of death. She has known too many losses in her life and she cannot watch another family member die…" Hopefully that answer would be enough to quell her curiosity.
Larxene nodded in agreement, thankful that she responded the way she did. "So why not let me go?" deep down, she regretted saying this. She didn't really have a 'plan' to get the kid. If Xigbar was going to get her soul, why not send her too? She'd say anything to get back there. She had to. There was no way she'd let anything happen to Aqua… Larxene's eyes narrowed slightly at Asha's reaction. There was something she wasn't saying, but at this point, she wasn't sure if she wanted to know. 'Another family member?' Shit. Her stomach turned. "S-Sorry, for that… nevermind." Larxene hoped that Asha wouldn't press the subject further than she had.
Tiredness overtook Aqua suddenly. No doubt it was from the crazy visions she and Larxene had experienced before. She tried hard not to show it, but she could feel her eyelids drooping by the minute. Asha watched the girl and smiled softly. "It is late… But… Larxene… Asha trusts you will make the right decision when the time comes. I must return to the afflicted one…" She stood and nodded to them both as she quietly walked back to her room and shut the door. Aqua laid down without much to say, though she mumbled a few tired words that neither of them could really make out. Her wings curled around her body like a blanket.
The right…decision? Larxene blinked, letting Asha's words sink in. when it came down to it, it'd be up to her to decide what's right… right? She nodded numbly in agreement as Asha retreated to her room for the night. Silence fell over the room now, save for the sleepy murmurs from Aqua. That must've taken a lot out of her… and for this to happen so often, too… Larxene shifted silently in the makeshift bed, curling up on her side. Her gaze lingered on the front door of Asha's home before she resigned to laying next to the other girl. Though Aqua was facing away from her, she took a moment to watch her sleeping form, lost in thought. The two of them hadn't known eachother for very long… If Larxene went through with this, who would she be doing it for? Aqua? Or the one before her? Can't even remember her damned name… so who's it going to be, Aqua, or a memory? Not that she didn't want to do this…she didn't want to be like Xigbar . Larxene laced an arm around Aqua's midsection, pulling herself a little closer than she was. "I'm sorry," she murmured, hoping the other girl was asleep enough to not register what was being said. Larxene's eyes closed for a moment, as if to keep her composure. "Please trust me, Aqua." She placed her lips gently to the other girls shoulder, as briefly as she could manage before making her way *out* of bed and toward the front door. On the way, she swiped her broken choker from the floor, taking extra caution to be quiet. The performer hoped, that if by some chance Aqua was awake for that, she wouldn't try to follow.