Chapter 27: Going to a Circus
Well hello lovelies! I'm sorry this new update took so long, but I bet I surprised you guys with my last update. I know I surprised myself. ^·^ In regards to my other fics, I am working on a new update of The Missing Goddesses. After finals, I will be free for the summer until August so I will have more time to update. Hopefully. Anyways, like I said, I am incorporating The Noah's Ark Circus into my story. So get ready for Joker, Snake, and the others. Not to mention Prince Soma and Agni. It looks like everything is mentioned so on with the quote.
For the love of the Circus. How much would we give?
Just twenty four hours of each day that I live
Travelling the road with one thought in mind
Each gaff will be better than that left behind.
A mere stretch of road boasting grass nothing more
Will suddenly erupt with excitement galore
and then overnight when we've passed on our way
Just memories remain to tell of our stay.
For the love of the Circus what are the rewards?
No Bouquets, Diploma's or Glittering Awards
Just knee deep in mud – the strength of the gale
Before none of these would my devotion pale.
High out of reach the adrenalin soars
When Children are laughing and hands give applause
Roll up! Roll up! Pay your Money come in
The Elixir of life is about to begin.
Cath "Shandy" Carpenter-For the Love of the Circus
Before I go on with the story, it's time for the magic.
Micky-Moo: Thank you so much for your continued support of An Earthbound Angel. ^·^ I am so grateful for you my precious lovely.
LunaWolfSunTigress15: Thank you and welcome to the family new lovely!
Sammy3210: Why thank you Sammy girl! I welcome into my lovely family!
Lunaconspiracy365: Thank you for pointing out this mistake for me. I have no beta so errors are unfortunately common. I appreciate your help to make my story better for future readers. And last but not least, welcome to the family new lovely!
Without further ado, I give you the newest chapter of An Earthbound Angel! ^·^
Thoughts
o0o0o0o An Earthbound Angel o0o0o0o
A week has passed since the curry contest and I found my daily routine of tutors awaited me back at the mansion. Prince Soma and Agni on the other hand now lived in the town house. His wish to mature trumped his wish to travel so Ciel gave him the job of looking over the town house for us. The look on his face was too adorable with how excited he was to be "working" for us. As for me, I was sort of happy to have settled back into my old routine but I was also longing for the times when Ciel and I were constantly on the move for his cases. Sadly, Queen Victoria hasn't sent a letter to us since the curry contest. However, my routine was altered one morning when I woke up with an extreme case of nausea. Bolting upright in my bed, I clamped a hand over my mouth and I quickly ran into the bathroom to empty my stomach into the toilet.
Ariel! Malphas shouted in my mind before hands moved to pull my hair back from my face while I vomited to contents of my stomach. What's wrong?!
It's nothing Sebastian. I must have smelt something bad, I dismissed as I caught my breath after flushing the toilet. He seemed satisfied with my answer for he helped me to my feet and helped me clean up.
"Is your stomach well enough for breakfast?" he asked me while I leaned against his chest.
"Yes," I smiled. "I'm fine now."
He let out a contented rumble as he buried his nose into my neck.
"You smell simply divine this morning, my mate," he breathed.
"Thank you Malphas. Now, why don't I get ready for the day while you head downstairs?"
"Can I help you?" he smirked down at me.
"Not today Mal," I smiled softly back up at him. "I feel like we'll be needed for a case today and Mei needs to help me dress in one of her uniforms."
"Her uniforms," he echoed in confusion.
"Trust a woman's and angel's intuition," I smartly sassed while tapping my hand to his nose. He looked pleasantly shocked at my mannerisms, but he didn't complain.
"Of course Ariel."
On impulse I stood on my tip toes and pecked a kiss to his lips.
"Now hurry up and get Mei."
A low growl left him at my kiss before he swept me up into his arms to hungrily capture my lips with his. Our lips moved in a passionate dance as my hands came up to grasp his strong shoulders while his hands were secure on my waist. When I began to run out of air, he pulled away which left my chest rising and falling quickly to catch my breath. Another growl left him this time, which I think was possessive, when he sat me back down on my feet.
"Mal," I reprimanded him breathlessly.
A sigh left him, but he none the less sped down the hallway. What is with me today, I scolded myself in shock. I'm not usually like this.
I'm not complaining, Malphas sent me right before he and Mei showed up at my door.
"You wanted one of my uniforms and assistance, Young Mistress?" she asked timidly.
"Yes, I do," I confirmed brightly, ushering her in. "Sebastian, could you tell Ciel that I'll be down in a few moments?"
"As you wish, Young Mistress."
Once the door was shut, Mei became all business and helped me through putting the dress and apron on before I pulled my brown ankle strap high heels and put my hair up into a braided bun with some of my bangs frame my face.
"Thank you Mei. I'll be down in a moment."
She gave a nod and left while I reached into my wardrobe to grab the bag that had Malphas's and my costumes that Miss. Nina made. I had a feeling we were going to need these. Satisfied that I wasn't forgetting anything, I finally made my way down to the dining room where Ciel was waiting for me.
"Good morning Ciel," I chirped happily.
"Why are you wearing?" he demanded at once.
"I take it we have a case?" I questioned instead while I tucked in to my breakfast. There was a silence that confirmed my suspicion.
"I had a hunch that I needed to dress like this."
This got him to sigh and rub his temple.
"Is that all you have to go on?"
"Yes."
This time he groaned but dropped the subject. After that, we quickly ate our breakfast then headed out to the carriage. It was time to venture to the town house.
"Ariel!" Prince Soma exclaimed when he caught sight of me. "I'm so glad you came to visit!"
"Prince Soma!" I returned with equal gusto while wrapping my arms around to to reciprocate the hug he gave me. "Agni, it's wonderful to see you again."
"As I am most pleased to see you again, Lady Ariel," Agni smiled from beside his prince.
"You seem...brighter, than usual," Prince Soma noted aster he held me out at arm length.
"Why thank you Prince Soma."
"Sorry, but we can't stay for long," Ciel told the prince and Agni while Malphas dropped luggage off into the town house. "We have a case that needs Undertaker's information."
I could feel myself light up at the mention of my other mate while Malphas grumbled.
"I understand Ciel," Prince Soma assured him. "We will be waiting for you if you should need us."
"I appreciate it Prince Soma," I said earnestly.
"It's not a problem Ariel," he grinned. "After helping me with Agni and Mina, there isn't anything I could do to make up for it."
"You sell yourself short Prince Soma. You confronted both problems on your own. I merely gave you a push in the right direction."
With that I gave his hands a squeeze and then followed Ciel and Malphas out to the carriage. Until we reached Pheobus's parlor, I bounced slightly in my seat and hummed to myself.
"What is with you today Ariel?" Ciel voiced after seeing my bounce for what seemed like the tenth or fifteenth time.
"Don't know what you're talking about," I replied with a large smile.
"That," he pointed out. "I mean that. Your energetic attitude."
"You haven't acted like this since you were a child."
I simply shrugged and continued to move about restlessly. Ciel sighed again at my attitude.
"You sound like an old man," I teased with a giggle.
"Well someone has to act like an adult," he retorted lightly. At his words I calmed down enough so that I sat still, but my eyes flew over the scenery that passed us. I have no idea why, but ever since I woke up I had a new reserve of energy that I hadn't had before. I couldn't liken the experience to anything I've ever seen, read, or heard about which fascinated me. What could be happening to me?
In no time at all we reached the parlor and I was out of the carriage before it stopped.
"Undertaker!" I shouted on my way in.
"Ariel," his comforting voice washed over my ears from the back of the showing room with a skull on his fingers. "How nice to see you luv."
As he said that, he let the skull roll like a bowling ball until it hit the grave markers set up like pins. They all fell down in one hit.
"Strike," I grinned, skipping over to him and giving him a brief kiss. He smiled at my energy and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Hmm. Your soul looks amazingly bright and brilliant today luv," he commented. "Did something good happen?"
"I don't know," I answered honestly. "I've been like this ever since I just woke up."
"Undertaker," Ciel called from behind me when he entered the parlor.
"Case?" Pheobus asked me.
"Case," I confirmed.
"Little Earl, come in. Come in. I just baked a cake."
True to his words, I smelled the scent of a freshly baked cake from the kitchen in the back.
"Could I have a piece?" I pleaded at the prospect of fresh cake.
"Of course luv. I'll talk with your brother and you can pop in the back and grab a slice."
"Thank you."
I didn't need anymore encouragement to head towards the back. Malphas was mildly displeased with me being out of his sight, but I pushed that back. With me being a Phantomhive and I girl, I loved freshly baked sweets and took any opportunity to eat some. When I reached the kitchen, I saw a pretty vanilla cake frosted nicely with vanilla frosting. My lips quirked up into a smile at the sight while I cut me a small sliver of the cake. While I did like sweet things, I also knew that I couldn't eat a lot because it would ruin my appetite for dinner. Humming to myself, I made my way back into the parlor where Pheobus was laughing softly, for once, Ciel was looking very tired with his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and Malphas was peaking in from the front door.
"Is the 'payment' over?" I asked offhandedly, sitting on Pheobus's lap when he resituated himself for me.
"Quite," Pheobus chuckled. "Your brother truly is loyal to the queen."
From the way he said the title with disdain, I gathered that he didn't like her, but I couldn't help but wonder what had happened for him to not like her. Considering I had my cake to worry about, I let the conversation fade into the background so I could enjoy every single bite of the cake. Oh my gosh, Pheobus can make a delicious cake. I dared not compare it to Malphas's in case he was listening. I savored each and every bite until it was all gone. I so wanted another slice, but I refrained from doing so when I remembered dinner.
"Come on Ariel," Ciel said to catch my attention. "We're leaving."
"We are? Okay, I'll..uh.."
"I'll take that for you luv," Pheobus smiled while he took the empty plate from me. "You go on and help your brother."
"Thank you Undertaker."
I pressed a quick peck to his lips before I trailed after my brother and Malphas.
"Where are we going?" I voiced to alleviate my confusion.
"You weren't listening," Ciel groaned. "We're going to investigate Noah's Ark believe they have something to do with the missing children Queen Victoria wishes for us to find."
"Hmm," I mused out loud. Maybe this was why I had the idea to wear Mei's uniform.
What is on your mind, my mate?
Nothing Malphas. Just thinking.
He made a noise of interest in his mind as we ventured towards the large area in what looked to be a park. Oh wow, I though in amazement at the huge sign that read Noah's Ark Circus. I've never seen anything so...so...wondrous. The way the lights lit up the now night sky around us (wow, Pheobus and Ciel must have been talking for longer than I had thought), the exotic sound of animals such as a tiger in the background, and the smell of freshly popped corn. Malphas pulled our tickets out from his tailcoat and handed them over to the person at the gate so that we could head over to the main tent. Numerous people around were bustling with the joy and wonder the circus brought as families made their way over to the main tent.
"By all appearances," Ciel began as we took our seats. "There doesn't seem to be anything unusual, but..."
He couldn't even finish his sentence for all of the lights dimmed except for a spotlight on a rather tall ginger in a rather interesting costume.
"Ladies and gentleman!" he called out enthusiastically. "Boys and girls of all ages! Welcome to the Noah's Ark Circus"
He bowed to the whole crowd with juggling balls in one of his hands that...looked like a skeleton?! What in the world?! I could sense the evil aura that coated the unusual appendage. To my surprise, the man was able to juggle easily with his skeleton hand.
"My name is Joker and if you'll look here...whoops!"
I had to hold in a giggle at the silly mistake he made of letting the juggling balls falling on top of his head.
"The whole circus is jostling for a chance to give you a fun show!"
Seven more members then stepped out from the shadows to reveal four males and three females. From right to left was a big burly man with interesting tattoos, then came a pretty girl in white whose left eye was covered with flowers, a busty woman with short, very curly black hair, a blond and brown haired man, a man with white hair and snakes all over his body, and two twin children who settled on a rope above the rest.
"Here we go! With one shot from the fire-eating man! The show of the century begins."
The large burly man then stepped forward with a torch that he then proceeded to blow against throwing the fire away from his body in bursts. That is impressive for a human, I couldn't help but think. It is almost in the range of a supernatural being.
"Next is our gasp-inducing flying blanco!"
Next were the twins who looked to masters at flying from swing to swing only to be followed up by the duo haired chap who turned out to be a knife thrower.
"He never misses his mark! The bulls-eye knife thrower!"
Ciel and Malphas questioned the performers during their acts but I chose to focus solely on the acts.
"And next is-The princess of our circus and her death defying tightrope walk!"
We all looked up to see the girl in white's skillful dance on the tightrope.
"Next is a rare snake/human halfbreed. Our snake man's dance!"
His performance is the one that had me entranced the most. I have never heard of this kind of being before and I didn't sense any supernatural energy from him.
"And finally! The star of our show, our wild animal tamer!"
This only left the woman with with curly hair who appeared with a whip and a large cage with tigers inside. Awww, will you look at them! They are so adorable!
"For this act, we'd like a volunteer from the audience!"
From the corner of my eye I saw Malphas stand from his seat.
"That really distinguished looking man in the tailcoat!" Joker called out to him. "Please step onto the stage! Come on down!"
"Can I come down with you?" I asked, looking up at him. "I wanna see the tiger too."
"Of course you can-"
Call me Ariel Malphas. IF we are investigating these people, we can't have them thinking that I'm nobility when I'm dressed in this maid outfit.
Yes, you can come to the stage with me.
"Ariel, don't draw attention to yourself," Ciel warned me as I stood to follow Malphas down to the stage. To keep up the maid image I reigned in all of my energy to walk down behind Malphas with my hands folded over my skirts and my head tilted slightly down. We had just reached the barrier separating the stage from the seats when Joker walked over to me.
"I'm sorry Miss," he told me, his purple eyes meeting my blue. He looked taken aback when he looked me straight on which I found odd. Did I do something wrong.
"Angel," I voiced as if thinking he was looking for my name. Since we were looking at a potential undercover case, I decided to give him a false name in case if he would recognize me on the streets after the investigation was over. It was not everyday you met a white haired person that looked like me.
"I'm sorry Miss. Angel," Joker tried again. "Only the volunteer is allowed on the stage."
"Oh! I'm so sorry," I hastened to apologize like I had witnessed Mei do so often except I kept mine soft and demure like what maids were imagined to be. "I just wanted to see the beautiful tigers up close."
"It's alright Miss. Angel," Joker assured me. "Ye meant no harm."
"Thank you Joker," I smiled. He looked a little more flustered before he walked back over to the act only to see Malphas get bitten by the large tiger he kneeled in front of. Wait. Tiger...cat...I see where the plan went wrong.
"Betty! Let him go!" the animal tamer shouted at the tiger, sending her whip for the poor creature.
I on the other hand was relaxed about the supposed "harm" done to Malphas. Even if he did have slight wounds from the fight, they would heal in an instant. I was more worried for the tiger. She shouldn't get beaten just because Malphas got a little to friendly with the tiger. Malphas seemed to think the same thing because he caught the whip before it could hit Betty.
"She did nothing wrong," Malphas said. "In the face of such loveliness, I was unintentionally rude. And besides that...If you simply recklessly swing the whip, you'll never be able to train her."
At the end of his little tirade, Betty the tiger ended up biting his head again from the back.
"My, my, what a tomboy," Malphas sighed in contentment. Oh my gosh, this demon. As soon as Malphas rejoined our little group, Ciel voiced his displeasure at Mal[has acting out of turn. He even made Malphas stand a little ways back because of his cat allergy.
"Miss. Angel!" Joker called out to grab my attention. I immediately stopped and turned to face him.
"I wanted to say I'm sorry for earlier," Joker directed at Malphas.
"No," he denied. "Please accept my apologies instead."
"I was surprised 'cause you suddenly got so close to the tiger," Joker admitted. "Are you okay from the bite."
"If you two will excuse me," I interrupted the two. "I have to get the Master home."
"Oh, okay Miss. Angel,"Joker said with a hint of sadness. "I hope ya liked the show."
"It was simply divine Joker," was all I said before I led Ciel back to our carriage.
"What are you doing," Ciel hissed lowly under his breath.
"Setting him up for a position within the circus," I replied in hushed tones. "If we're lucky, he will invite me to join with him."
"Like hell you are," Ciel protested at once.
"I am the best choice Ciel," I argued back. "Out of the both of us, who has the training need to pass the entrance exam?"
Ciel sighed heavily at the sense I made and quietly entered the carriage. I made sure none of the circus folk saw me enter in the cab with my brother.
"We'll probably leave in the morning so I need my rest and a hearty dinner."
Not soon after Ciel sneezed three times in a random pattern.
"Sebastian is talking about you," I pointed out.
"How come you're not sneezing?" he sniffed.
"Who knows?"
When we arrived back at the town house, I quickly ate dinner then retied to sleep. all of the energy I had earlier had dissipated leaving me very ready to sleep.
Sleep my mate, Malphas sent me while I felt his aura beside me as he pressed a kiss to my temple.
I was only able to make a small noise of acknowledgement before I slipped off into the realm of sleep.
o0o0o0o0o0o0o An Earthbound Angel o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Well, this chapter took a long time to write. I don't think I have any errors in here, but I could be wrong. I do not have a beta and I typed up the rest of this at 3 o'clock in the morning so I apologize beforehand. Besides that, I want to say how happy I am to be writing for this story again. It has been took long. Nothing else seems to need to be said, so I will leave off with this. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the chapter, another chapter, or the whole story please leave me a review or pm me. Remember, reviews are magic!
-White Wolf