Good Evening,

Yeah, I know I said I would work on "Mine" and "Cross Our Hearts" before anything else, but I wanted to write this one, especially since it's a one shot. This is a prequel to Monster Mayhem Circus and tells how Seras ended up joining the circus. I hope you guys like it.

Oxford Not Brogues

Welcome, Lady Crimson

It was quite comedic when Seras came stumbling out of the coffee shop trying to juggle two containers, each holding four piping hot coffee and a couple of iced coffee, a bag full of donuts, another full of bagels, and a third bag with muffins. It was her turn to get the coffee and, of course, she didn't get any help. She would think that Eddie would at least be kind enough to offer to go with her, but no. He was too busy fooling around with that dreadful Simon and when she was leaving they teasingly reminded her not to forget the sugar with their coffee. Sugar! Seras remembered in the middle of the sidewalk with a sharp jump. She forgot the sugar! The tired little blonde looked over her shoulder at the coffee shop door she had just been struggling to come out of for the past two minutes. She groaned out loud, not caring who heard. Several people gave her strange looks and some even entered the coffee shop, but no one offered her assistance as she tried going back into to get the sugar. These last few months had been so exhausting. London was just full of crime and she was constantly out helping put the bad guys away. She didn't want to take vacation time, but she definitely needed a break. Even if it was just a weekend of fun, she think she could return to work Monday feeling refreshed and ready to work. But she barely got weekends off anymore. It was like they were always low on cops. As Seras struggled to get the door open while juggling all the stuff she was carrying, she noticed something hanging in the window of the shop. Attracted by the bright colors, the small blonde shifted her head to see it was a poster for some circus.

"Monster Mayhem Circus?" She read. She'd heard briefly about it lately, but she knew how popular it has become over the last few years. It was a circus full of real monsters, or that's what the audience is led to believe anyway. Some people believed that the performers were actual monsters and others weren't so naïve. Seras would be the one who believed that playing a monster was all just a part of the act, and, admittedly, she found it very interesting. She looked at all the performers there on the posters, read off their names, and looked to see the location and hours. It wasn't far from here. And there was a performance tonight, a couple of hours when she gets off of work. Maybe this would be a good step in the right direction of a relaxing weekend. She hasn't been to a circus in years and she had always been intrigued by the thought of going to the monster circus. It sounds kind of wild and fun. Not seeing her, someone on the other side of the door pushed it open, accidentally knocking into her. Even though it was misfortunate, thankfully the iced coffee is the one that spilt all over her causing her to cry out from the coldness.

All day Alucard and Sebastian had been perfectly fine. They went about their business, the demon helped prepare for the show while the vampire lounged about lazily. They conversed with other members of the cast and were lectured several times by the ring leader about their behavior. It was a pretty normal day, until late in the evening. Half an hour before the show, a strange feeling came over both of them. They were antsy and unable to focus on anything. A tingling feeling kept starting on the back of their necks only to shoot down their spines. They kept catching a strange tantalizing scent. They had never smelled it before, but they were very much drawn to it. It became more than clear to everyone around them that there was something off about them. They weren't acting like their normal selves. Eventually, minutes before the show, Damien approached them looking beyond annoyed.

"What is wrong with the both of you?" The ring leader asked them in a low hiss. His red eyes simmered in fury and his teeth were gritted. Afterwards, he ran his hand over his face and tried to calm himself. "Look, we have tons of people out there, all who paid for a good show. So get your head out of your ass!" With one final dark look, he left to finish preparing for the show. Neither said a word as they silently crept over to the curtain to pull it back a little. They peered out at the noisy crowd, looking for the source that has been making them feel this way.

Seras felt somewhat funny sitting alone in the audience. Not only that, but she appeared to be the only person who is not Goth in the crowd. She looked around at all the teenagers, young adults, and children. Was this a show for children? She wondered as she watched a nearby six year old Goth play with a slightly older Goth. She couldn't help but view them as little monsters. They probably loved gorey things and found a monster circus to be wicked. Seras couldn't really judge, after all, she was here too because it sounded cool to her. She smiled at the little ones as the six year old impersonated a vampire.

"Why isn't there a girl monster?!" The slightly older Goth exclaimed and she flung her arms up in despair. "This is so sexist! A girl monster would be so cool!"

"You should ask the ring leader." The six year old murmured as she stared up at her sister curiously. But the thought of asking the ring leader anything made both girls shudder. He did not seem like a pleasant man and both were fearful of approaching him.

"Welcome," Someone spoke into a microphone causing Seras to jump in her seat. Her eyes flickered to the stage to see a man wearing a black and white pinstripe suit with a matching top hat. In one hand he held a microphone and in the other he was leaning on a cane. He had such a wide grin on his face that it almost seemed unnatural and quite sinister and his eyes were a dark red. The crowd of humans went silent as they brought their attention to the demonic ring leader. "Welcome all monsters, devils, and those who creep in the night." As soon as he said those words the audience went absolutely wild. They cheered, clapped, and yelled in excitement, causing the ring leader to chuckle in his microphone. He then stood up straight and threw out his cane to point it at the audience. "We're going to start out hot and heavy tonight!" He exclaimed, causing the crowd to cheer all the more. Seras was so quiet though. She just watched it all in fascination with a small smile on her face. Damien then pointed his cane behind him. "Welcome to the stage these absolute lady killers, these heartbreakers, the ferocious duo, Black Death and Grim!"

If possible the crowd got even louder. Some boys threw out their hands, people stomped rhythmically, and children hissed like little vampires to show their excitement. People who have come to see the show so many times instantly knew that there was something wrong as Sebastian and Alucard walked out onto the stage. They didn't show off their beautiful, sinister grins or greet the crowd in anyway. They seemed distracted as their eyes searched the crowd. When they reached the ring leader, they just stood there, but the crowd cheered them anyway. Seras furrowed her brows as she stared at the strange men. She didn't know if it was just a part of the act or not, but they seemed so…tense. If she didn't know any better she would say that they had stage fright. But haven't they been doing this for years? Why would they suddenly get stage fright? Eventually their eyes landed on her. The small blonde sat up a little straighter and stared back at them. She wasn't positive if they were actually looking at her or someone behind her or maybe in front of her, but it felt like their eyes were on her. And it made her extremely uncomfortable when they wouldn't look away. But she found that she was unable to look away from them either. It was like they had a strong hold of her and that she couldn't free herself. But it spooked her more because she didn't want to break free from that hold. Their grasp on her was broken when the ring leader spoke. Seras blinked several times. She blushed faintly as she glanced over at Damien to see him still trying to rile up the crowd. Alucard and Sebastian grinned in unison.

"Let's see if Black Death can tame the beast, Baskerville!" The ring leader exclaimed in his microphone. On cue, a giant black headed dog came writhing out of Alucard's back. It snarled as it bared its rows of sharp, bloody teeth and stared at Sebastian with multiple eyes full of hostility. The demon was ever so calm. In fact, he looked amused as fire sprouted from his hands.

An hour later and a few minutes after the show Seras was walking about the different stands. The air smelled of popcorn and cotton candy. She was tempted to buy one or the other, but another part of her was just telling her to go home. The show had been great and all, but she wasn't really much in the mood to stay any longer. Even with this thought on her mind, she walked about to see all the different games and watch the children as they ran about wildly, hopped up on sugar and rambunctious to play all the games that were around them. She stopped to stare at a shooting game that looked like a lot of fun, but she never did get the choice to go or not.

"Are you here by yourself?" Someone asked behind her causing the small blonde to jump. Was he talking to her? Curiously, Seras turned to find the two gents who had performed earlier, Black Death and Grim. His question repeated in her head, but she didn't know how to answer. Should she be honest or say that she was with her boyfriend who went to get some snacks? Instead, she avoided the question. She turned to fully face them and gave a pleasant smile.

"Your guys' performance was really cool." She stated. "And…frightening," She muttered the last part with a shrug.

"Thank you," Black Death chuckled and he lightly nodded his head to her.

"So…" Seras started nervously. "Is it true then?"

"What?" Grim asked with a grin.

"That this circus…" She trailed off there as she looked around them. After several seconds, she finally looked back at the peculiar men. "Are you guys really mon-" She again stopped and corrected herself. "Supernatural beings?" This caused both men to laugh.

"You're a skeptic?" Grim chuckled as he crossed his arms.

"I was," She admitted with a small smile. "During the show I tried figuring out all the little tricks, but I can't explain…Baskerville." She gestured her hand at Alucard. "So, am I being stupid or are you guys really something else?"

"I'm a demon," Black Death told her with a nod and he placed a hand on his chest. "And my name is Sebastian,"

"Sebastian," Seras repeated and her smile widened a little as something twinkled in her eyes. Sebastian then gestured towards his friend.

"And he's a vampire," The demon continued.

"Alucard," Grim added and he flashed a sexy grin that made her blush.

"Human," Seras joked as she waved her fingers. "Seras," Afterwards she dropped her hand and looked off towards the side where the parking lot was. They knew she was getting ready to leave and they couldn't have that. Alucard bent a little at the hip and held out a hand to her.

"Would you like to see another trick, my dear?" He purred. She shifted her head to look back at him, but before she could even answer he was already performing his trick. Seras stiffened as she stared into his red, hypnotic eyes. Slowly, she was drawn in and wasn't able to think or move. All she knew was that she wanted to do his bidding. Her lovely blue eyes became even lovelier as a blood red flooded into those orbs, tainting anything that was pure in them. Completely under his control now Alucard's grin widened. "Come with us," He ordered her softly. Without hesitating, the girl slipped her hand into his. His fingers curled around hers tightly. Before any of the other humans could take notice to them or that damn ring leader could try stopping them, Alucard started pulling her away to a place where they can be alone. He pulled her from the safety of witnesses to a place where everything will end for her and begin for them. "Seras," Alucard whispered her name, pulling her further into that trance as he crept slowly into a small tent for costumes and props. When they were finally all alone with the girl, the vampire forcefully pushed her back so the edge of a table grinded into her lower back. But she made no move to stop him; then again, she couldn't if she really wanted to. Seras stared deeply into his eyes as her body moved to his will. He caged her in, clamping his hands down on the table on either side of her and he leaned his large form over her.

"Raise your head and bare your throat, little lamb." Alucard purred with such a sinister look in his eyes. She did as she was told. Still not breaking her gaze from his, the small blonde lifted her head far back, arching her throat up temptingly to the hungry vampire.

"Do it before Damien catches on that we're up to something." Sebastian demanded as he stood in the opening of the tent, keeping a watch to make sure no one will bother them. "He'll be sure to come barging in once he smells her blood."

"She'll be a vampire before he even knows that there's something up." Alucard chuckled as he brushed his cold lips against his mate's warm throat. He parted his mouth around the curve of her neck and gingerly sunk his fangs into her vulnerable veins. Instantly, his bride came to life. She cried out softly from the pain he brought her and she thrust out her chest as her back curved beautifully. He instinctively wrapped his arm around her lower back and pulled her close to crush their bodies together. He then sunk his fangs further into her throat and consumed her hot blood while she panted heavily and whimpered. To help speed up her transformation, Alucard dug his nails into the palm of his hand, brought it to his little bride's face, and let his blood drip into her mouth. Not a second later, someone was grabbing him tightly by the shoulder and pulling him back off of his bride. Alucard merely chuckled as her blood drizzled from the corner of his lip to trail down his chin. Damien stood in front of him looking like a ferocious beast. His teeth were gritted, his eyes simmered darkly, and his black talons were bared, looking as if he was about ready to shred the vampire apart. Sebastian slowly stepped up to stand beside Alucard and looked the other demon up and down with a small smirk on his lips.

"What in the hell do you two think you're doing?!" Damien snarled at them, showing them his sharp teeth. But neither male felt intimidated. "Feeding on members of the audience is forbidden and you both know that! If you're hungry, go feed elsewhere! This has been the rules for two fucking centuries!"

"She wasn't a meal," Sebastian laughed while amusement danced around in his hellish red eyes. If possible, the ring leader's face paled and all anger drained from his eyes as disbelief settled in him. Alucard cackled lightly and gestured his head towards the woman behind him.

"And it's too late to go back. She'll be a part of this circus in a few minutes." The vampire purred. Slowly, Damien turned to look at the small blonde. Her eyes were blood red, but he knew that she was under the control of the vampire. She still smelled human, but that was slowly changing along with the color in her face, it was slowly becoming pale. Cautiously, the ring leader grabbed her chin and turned her head to find Alucard's bite marks there on her throat. He scoffed, even though he already knew that the damn vampire had bitten her. Afterwards, he pulled open her mouth a little to see leftover blood smeared over her tongue, confirming that she will soon be a vampire.

"Damn it," Damien hissed under his breath and his fingers slipped from her chin. He stared at her for a long moment but that's only because he was too angry to look at either man. "What enticed you to turn her, Alucard? What were you two thinking? Did she provoke you? Did she ask for this? Again, you both know the rules. We don't turn, feed, or hurt any members of the audience. We don't give in to their silly whims of wanting to be something powerful and invulnerable."

"She's our mate," Sebastian responded. Damien stiffened again. There was such a long moment of silence among them. The ring leader stared at her for another few seconds before he turned with a deep sigh and started making his way out of the tent. He still didn't bother looking at either man.

"I'll think of a part for your guys' little…girlfriend in the show. But you're both responsible for her and her actions, and you best train her because I won't tolerate a little fuck up ruining my show." With that said, Damien left. Sebastian sighed through his nose as he looked back at the small blonde. She was still deep in that trance and leaned back against the table. Her throat was bleeding and she still smelled of human, but they knew the transformation was close to complete. Smirking, the demon approached her. He carefully placed a hand on her thigh as he stared deeply into those blood red eyes of hers. With a soft hum, he cupped the side of her face and brushed his thumb over her cheek.

"Red is such a lovely color on you," He whispered to her. "Yes," He purred as his eyes trailed up and down her body slowly. "Crimson should most definitely be a part of your wardrobe." An idea then flashed in his brilliant eyes and his smirk widened. "Lady Crimson,"

"Lady Crimson?" Alucard repeated as he leaned back against a prop shelf lazily and folded his arms. He arched an amused brow.

"I can see it now, can't you? Our little bride cladded in a blood red corset and one of those high low black skirts while she flaunts her monstrous abilities that leave the humans flabbergasted and wanting more. Women will finally stop their bitching about wanting a feminine monster and the children will adore and want to be like her." Sebastian whispered.

"And men will want to fuck her," The vampire grumbled as his grin fell to show his clear disgust. "You wish to put our mate in some sleazy outfit just so it fits her stage name?"

"Men won't stare," The demon snickered ever so confidently. "Because we'll make it clear that she is ours and whoever even so much as thinks about her will be killed."

"I think you're forgetting about Damien. He's already breathing down our necks. He'll be sure to be watching us closely after today." Alucard reminded him.

"Damien isn't an issue," Sebastian responded. "We won't be killing anyone because the men in the audience will be too afraid to so much as look at our mate. The humans know of what we are, they've seen what we can do. If we show them who Seras belongs to, they won't come near her or look at her. So, our bride can wear anything she liked while on stage." Alucard's eyes flickered to his dazed little bride while he imagined her in that red corset the demon had mentioned. A wolfish grin spread across his face at the image that was displayed in his head.

"Lady Crimson," He purred. Sebastian chuckled and leaned in to give his mate a light kiss on the lips, wakening her from that trance. Coming free from Alucard's hold, Seras' eyes shifted back to that sparkling blue and she blinked several times. She was ever so lightheaded but was able to narrow her curious gaze on the demon that stood before her.

"Welcome, Lady Crimson," He whispered to her making her lovely eyes widen and her jaw to drop.

The End

I know it's short and pointless, but I wanted to tell how Seras ended up at the circus with Alucard and Sebastian. Anyway, the fics for "The Outcast, the Nerd, and the Hottie" and "Trapped" will be longer. I'm really excited to write those, but I don't know when they will come out. I'll probably start working on them now, but they probably won't be out until my other two fics are done.

Oxford Not Brogues