{The Circus of The Forgotten}

[QueenofDorks]

{Dork & @Dethbycoffee }
​

 

[QueenofDorks]

The circus grounds were abuzz with preparations for their upcoming feature show that was set for tonight. Daring supernaturals practiced swallowing flames or two swords simultaneously, seers poked at their tarot cards to see into the future, et cetera... the ring leader, Jack, was in high spirits and had a swell of a time ordering others around to make things just perfect. However, later in the night, after the curtains have fallen and customers abandoned all grounds, it was then they would get to the gritty seriousness of today. Another hunt, another set of monsters to kill -- once sane supernaturals who were consumed by the darkness of their kind. Many were preparing for that too, and in this case, one in particular was Miette. The siren sat perched on a bench, sharpening each curve and crook of the knives she owned, occasionally lining it up to see the metal blade glint within the sunlight that passed through the clouds. One would suspect it nearly being because of her surpassing as both an acrobatic and occasional act of knife throwing, but it was merely a necessity for the hunt. Nothing more than that. She lowered her hand and furrowed a brow at a certain spot she hadn't quite cleaned off correctly, swabbing up the small towel to run it over the patch of mixed dirt and blood that clung reluctantly to the metal.


--


Out behind the circus top tent where varied cages of all sizes were and contained ordinary and odd animals to be in their acts, was Nikolai. The scruffy bearded man paced amongst them all, begrudgingly raising a hand to those whined and whimpered through the metal bars, sometimes scraping his mind with their thoughts. And that was one of the misfortunes to being part animal. You get to hear the various musings from the closest ancestor to a wolf, and boy was it a pain. In the meantime, he had been pinned with the job of feeding the creatures, he sporting around a bucket of blood and meat chum for many of their carnivores. He approached the rumbling lion that stretched out before him, squinting through sleepy half-lidded eyes as the werewolf approached. The big wild cat growled, a softer warning than one would have expected but Niko took no mind. Instead he tossed half of the chum into his large cage, and proceeded to the next animal he had to feed. Sure, he should have been training for something about right now but... he couldn't find it within him today. Being around others would just agitate him and put him on edge. The approaching full moon didn't help with that. Nonetheless Jack would understand if Nikolai didn't participate tonight. More or less he would understood, but be slight disappointed for the lack of trying.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter yawned as he finally rose from sleep, a mere few hours behind him from having spent the majority of the night putting the final touches on the tents and other setups so that they'd be ready for the day's beginning. He stretched as he climbed from the hammock he called his own, mock tripping and gracefully landing on the ground. His "twin" laughed, rolling her eyes from where she sat, a gown stretched over her lap. "Haven't you completed that yet, Sera?" He asked, scratching his head as he splashed his face with the cold water from the portable basin Sera had already fetched.


Sera shook her head, "No. I've nearly finished though. Just a few more things and it'll be ready. I do hope she likes it. I think it'll enhance her performances." The angel answered, humming lightly as she continued sewing. Baxter shook his head, chuckling and left the double tent he and Sera shared. The angel having the one cot in the tent, he having the hammock. She was the one with wings after all. He blinked as the bright sunlight assaulted his pupils when he left the tent, raising an arm to shield his eyes. "Time to get to work." He sighed, and strode toward the main area of the circus where the guests would be allowed to roam. His first order of business would be to make sure his dare devil props were in proper order. Even if he wasn't in any true danger. As he was passing toward the outdoor arena that held the large spherical cage he rode a motocross bike around, he noticed the usual werewolf that had the pleasure of feeding the animals that morning. He grinned, "Niko! So you drew the short straw today, huh?" He asked, altering his path slightly toward the man.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Nikolas raised his eyes at the approaching blonde demon, he reluctantly setting down the bucket and what little remained in them, to face the fellow carnie. The last spot he had to deal with was the wolves that were part of his own act, last for the sake of avoiding their chattering telepathic thoughts. He shook his head, "No, I merely requested to have some low end jobs around the grounds today. I'm not training like the others, don't feel it within me." He stated, shoulders hitching up into a shrug. The werewolf pulled absently at the gloves he used for handling the animals while he fed them, adjusting the fabric, and then pivoting back around to scoop up the bucket awaiting him. "Anyways. I gotta finish this up." He quipped, a bit in a hurry to edge himself away and find some solitary peace again.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter shook his head, "At least someone is willing to feed these poor beasts. As for training, what's there you need to train?" he shrugged, smiling before pivoting as well, "See you later, Wolf Man." he chuckled and continued on his way to his main stage. He had to be sure the pyrotechnics were all in working order, and that his bike was ready and running. This was only his opening act, something he had fun doing before the curtain rose on the three-ring performance that he and his sister took part in together.


--


Sera smiled as she made the final stitch, and stood, holding the gown up before her. "Perfect. Oh, I do hope she likes it." she said to herself, grinning as she rushed from the tent. It wasn't hard to locate the one person she was looking for, as most everyone had their own places that they inhabited there at the circus. The angel's grin only seemed to grow as she spotted the colorful siren who seemed to be cleaning and caring for the knives she was so good with. "Jinx! I finished it!" she said happily as she grew closer to the woman. "Here. I think it will match wonderfully. And the way the light with glint off it, oh. The guests will be in as much amazement of yourself as they are of your gown." she smiled, and held the gown out to her. "I do hope you like it..." she added, biting her lip slightly from nerves.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The siren drew away from her thoughts at the approaching angel giddily announced that she had finished 'it'. As she examined closer, she realized that 'it' was a dress tightly clutched into Sera's gripping hands. She didn't mind the blonde, and the eventual giddiness she would show -- in this very moment to be exact. Her brother, however, wasn't entirely her favorite amongst the large group of carnies. Gingerly she wiped her hands off with the cloth that had meant as a way to keep things contently clean. And brushed aside her knives so they were sitting upon the empty space, but also cleared her lap she could stand. "The gown looks wonderful, Sera... I cannot even comprehend them into words. Whether in my knife throwing or acrobats act I'm assured that it will look well." She lifted her arms and swaddled a briefly held hug upon the angel, mouth tilting into a wide smile that mean everything to her right now.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera smiled, returning the hug warmly, a laugh escaping her. "Oh. I'm so glad you like it!" she grinned happily, stepping backward slightly when the brief hug ended. "Speaking of your acrobatics, I made sure that the skirt has cloth shorts underneath and the main body can be removed with a zipper. That way the long skirt won't get in your way." she said lightly, the large lavender wings flexing behind the angel in her excitement. "So it's like two dresses in one!" she laughed, and brushed loose blonde strands from her face. She paused, glancing around, "Have you seen Niko? I was wanting to wish him good luck since the full moon is approaching. He always seems to be a little more tense around then." she sighed, her angelic concern showing through. She bit her lip, and shook her head, "Never mind. I'm probably sticking my nose where it doesn't belong." she said softly.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx smoothed out the dress into her grasp as she held it, examining every stitch and detail that had been embedded into the seams, the various curve of the design. Honestly, it was pretty. It would fit well as a differing design from her usual Victorian-esque style. However a corset secured around her bodice would certainly add that aspect to it... that would be sorted later. The siren quirked her brows in question as the subject shifted to Nikolai, the werewolf that had joined after she had, the man older than her. Nonetheless the two had a mutual understanding, and tended to join together on acrobats, or his main act with his wolves. "Uh huh... last I heard of him, he was out back feeding the animals. I'm sure a gentle kiss on the cheek will make him feel comfortable." She toyed with a slight tilt of her mouth, head inclining to the side in a swaying motion.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera blinked, flushing a right pink at Jinx's comment, and shook her head rapidly. "Jinx! Why would you say that? I... I can't k-kiss him!" she practically squealed with embarrassment. She glanced around, shifting her weight as she cleared her throat before looking at the siren again. "I'm just concerned for a friend. Nothing more. It's not like I like him..." she started, jumping slightly as her eyes snapped to Jinx's eyes. "N-not that I don't, I, I mean he's a cool guy and all..." she started to ramble, only to sigh a few moments later in a defeated fashion as she pressed her palms to her face. "Forget I said that..." she mumbled, with a small embarrassed laugh as she turned on her heel. "Thanks, Jinx. See you later." she smiled, and started to head back toward the tent she and her brother technically shared. She rubbed her left palm with her thumb, a worrying motion she was nervous. Her lip basically a permanent chew toy. Before she noticed, she was on the pathway toward the animals out behind the large allotment of tents, looking for Nikolai. When she spotted the werewolf, she froze in place, watching him for the a moment. She blinked finally, and threw her hands up to brush her blonde curls out of her face and behind her ears before pressing onward toward him. "Hey, Niko." she announced her presence, casting a sideways glance at one the animals as she passed by.

 

[QueenofDorks]

An impish grin stuck out against Jinx's features, prominent with mischief and pure trouble as Sera furthered herself into a state of embarrassment, stumbling over her words about the werewolf. She snickered to herself, and then threw her hand up in a bidding goodbye. "I'll see you later, Sera!" She called after the angel, then turned her back to her retreating form. Her hands folded up the knives into the cloth, the blades securedly held in place, clean and well cared for. She tied the leather binding around it, then tucked the make-shift case under her arm. The siren was a bit curious as to how the dress would be able to enhance her show, what she could to present it to the crowds. And perhaps a good pratice would just show that. With her mind made up, Jinx crossed over to where a trailer had been set up -- her own, an oddity against all the other tents they carried around. The door creaked open, the rickety structure groaning underneath her steps. She maneuvered inwards and began to undress, slipping on the dress then pausing briefly to grab her dance shoes and a spare IPod. The siren left in a hurry, aiming to get over to a tent that was secluded by itself - hopefully.


--


Nikolai dropped the meat chum bucket from his grip to the ground instead, he raising a hand to wipe his sleeve across his forehead, sweat beading at the temples. The morning sunlight was bleary and baring down on him. But all animals were fed and accounted for, that's what mattered the most he supposed. At the slightest sound of footsteps he tilted his head, and focused his gaze upon Sera as she made her presence well known. Except after making a fuss of brushing the hair from her face, so yes he saw that. But not a comment surfaced from his mouth about the little unnecessary display. "Hey Sera," he addressed, inclining forward as he reached down and picked up the old, and badly smelling bucket. "What's up?" He prompted for the angel, as his steps pivoted to the right and over to where a water pump had been set out behind the tents, a way to provide clean water for baths, cooking, and for cleaning as well. He stuck the bucket underneath it, and twisted the handle till water poured out and begin to fill the grimy dirty insides of the container. The werewolf then raised himself to face Sera.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera smiled warmly, "I just wanted to wish you good luck. With the full moon near and all." She said, a momentary pause between statements as it seemed she jumped to explain her words. Her cheeks tinted pink again, though nothing as bad as from Jinx's comment had done. She mentally scolded herself as she realized he had been looking during her momentary frozen instance when she fussed over her hair, but was relieved when he didn't make a comment over it like her brother possibly would have done. She followed him over to the water pump, a slight bounce in her step and smile on her face. Her hands swung behind her, clasping them together behind her back. "So... how are you feeling?" She asked when her eyes settled back to the werewolf. "I mean, I see your fine, but I just wanted to ask... since you're usually keeping to yourself... n-not that that's a bad thing..." She said, starting calmly but by the end of it feeling more embarrassed with every word that came out of her mouth.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Nikolai was contemplating in silence as he listened to her speak, seemingly stumbling over words to get herself across. Though she did, alas, hit a nerve within him at the briefest of mentions about the full moon. What? Did he seem vulnerable or something? Did he seem more on edge than usual? Such questions sprouted even further in his thoughts as Sera prompted on how he was feeling. "Is it a bad thing? Distancing yourself? Most likely is..." He mumbled to himself, and emphasized on a sneering scowl. "Well sometimes you shouldn't pry too far. It can get you into far too much trouble." He scolded the angel, reluctantly pouring out the bloody mixture of water onto the ground to make a sloppy mess against the ground. His nose twitched at the smell of iron, and turned sharply as he abandoned the bucket next to the now crevice of a puddle, before making his exit from the area of cages.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Sera jumped slightly at the sudden scolding, immediately biting her lip as her stomach turned with guilt for upsetting the man. Her eyes darted to the ground as the water cascaded from the bucket onto the ground, the foul smell decently strong that it even made her grimace. "Ah..." she started when he began walking away, jumping forward to follow after him. "I'm sorry Niko... I didn't mean to upset you. Honestly. You just seemed a little down and I thought saying good luck might have cheered you up a bit..." she said, her smile gone from her face. Her eyes followed the ground like a pup in trouble as she walked, her hands still clasped behind her back. "I wasn't trying to pry, honest." she added, her feet pausing. "Sorry, I... I just remembered something I need to do." she said, lifting an arm to motion back toward her own tent, sidestepping before fully turning in the same direction. "See you at the show." she added softly before rushing off toward her tent like there was something of import she had remembered. She couldn't even bring herself to look back at the werewolf before disappearing into the large tent, throwing her hands over her face. "I'm such a fool. Why? Why did I have to open my big mouth?" she muttered, shaking her head. There was the feeling again. One she hadn't felt in a very long time, and the one thing that seemed to be her only fear. It felt like she had been rejected. Unwanted tears sprang to her eyes and she wiped at them in frustration. "Come on, Sera... I didn't get rejected. I just hit a nerve or something." she whimpered at herself, forcing her breathing to slow and calm herself before she became a weeping mess. She wasn't a small child. After taking a glance around her tent, she moved to the large hope chest that she kept all her materials in. "I'll make him something as an apology. Yeah." she huffed as she continued to calm herself, opening the lid. She knelt on the ground and fingered through the fabrics, thinking over the new project she was going to start.


Baxter patted his palms over his pant leg as his feet lit on the ground beside the ladder he used to climb to the top of his metal cage for his dare devil act. "Still holding nicely." he told himself with a grin. He paused and looked to the sky, judging by the time there was still several hours before the first of the guests would arrive. He chuckled lightly, "Still time to make sure the bike doesn't need any work." he told himself as he moved over to the trailer that held the three bikes he used in his act. He paused at the door and glanced over his shoulder, seeing Sera flee away from Nikolai. "Wonder what happened..." he mused, shaking his head as he disappeared into the trailer. "I'll ask her later." he mused before settling in to run through the checklist to make sure nothing exploded or stopped working in the middle of his act.

 

[QueenofDorks]

(Hope you don't mind a timeskip. :'D)

Night of The Show

​

Within the next few dwindling hours of the later afternoon, many customers were showing up to get their seats early for the big opening of the circus. While others made their way to the big tent, few crowds stayed behind to watch the carnies in small acts that took place outside. Children doted on cotton candy that was bought for them by their parents, and onlookers munched on popcorn while the circus grounds came to life with activity. Excitement was in the air, heavy and intoxicating, but what followed after their performance was what had carnies on edge. Jinx, in particular, made sure she had her set of knives tucked in the loose belt like sheath that wrapped around her thigh, concealed by the skirt of her dress. The siren had her regular makeup on for tonight, face powdered white, and a singular curling flowery painted on with precise accuracy to make it match and mess within the slight coating of dark eyeshadow. She was one of the carnies that had her minimal acts outside to entertain the customers, performing acrobatics with her dances, and a few tricks of her knives that curious boys questioned to see. This night, or to be accurate every opening night, made her feel alive, a fiery passion lit in her stomach. It was a good feeling, one she relished in. Because as soon as tonight was over another set of supernaturals would be hunted down and killed. It pricked fear within her, a reminder that she needed to quell the aching hunger in her stomach tonight before she acted out of hand. At the corner of her eye, halfway through a brief explanation on how she was able to hit targets with such accuracy, she saw Nikolai from the corner of her eye.


Tonight the werewolf was dawned in a long jacket, tattered and ripped at the sleeves, with a dark undershirt underneath and accompanying leather pants. The whole outfit alluded to his whole 'big bad wolf' persona, even more so with the eyeliner that was smeared around his eyes and the prompting sneer that was plastered to his mouth. He ducked into the big tent, maneuvering out into the back area where the wolves awaited him, their minimal barks nipping at his mind with their words. He raised a hand and they were silenced, eyes fixated on him as he moved about to unlock the cage they were held within, he being cautious all the while, aware of the sly tricks they would play on him.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter howled with laughter as he stood beside the motocross bike, suited up and helmet tucked under one arm. He was putting on a rage of a show, as usual, and many were gathered around the line of ropes that kept the crowd a safe distance from the dare devil. "Welcome to my first show of the evening!" he cheered, waving at the crowd before delving into his usual antics that wowed those watching. The small children stared with wide-eyed fascination, the parents with quiet disbelief. After a long spew of words, and few comedic exchanges with a few members of the audience, he tucked the helmet over his head and straddled the bike. The engine roared to life quickly, and he made a few small loops around his little stage area. Another woman, his assistant for the act, began speaking as he wheeled the bike through the entrance of the steel sphere cage where he did his gravity defy acts with the motorbike. His eyes were peeled on the surrounding crowd and everything that was going on, for after the show, the real fun began.


Sera stood just outside the large tent where the main act would be held, still a few hours away. The crowd would get their fill of the small acts and games, the booth shops that sold exotic baubles for the children, and all the sights and smells of the carnival like circus. Her nerves were on high alert, the feathers on her wings puffed from anxiety. Her hands were clenched in front of her, knuckles white. Every little thing made her twitch, and jump, as she waited for the opening of the show. Where she'd start things off by wowing the crowd with an aerial flight before the Ring Master would step forth and begin the main act. She was still upset of the confrontation between her and Nickolai, but pressed the startling emotions down to focus on the night. There was much to do, and to still be done, and she needed to focus. Her mind drifted back to the lone werewolf, with the ever closing full moon not far away, and the wolves that helped him in his act. It wasn't hard to notice him when he ducked from the tent and moved to the back where the animals lay in wait, and a shiver passed over Sera as she tried to pry her eyes from the scene before her. It always seemed to intimate when he dealt with the wolves, and any time she caught herself watching, she felt like she was eavesdropping. Finally she was able to turn her attention back toward the tent, dancing from foot to foot in anticipation. Every show was like this. Would the crowd love her? Would they run screaming from the woman with wings? Would they find her feathers beautiful, marred as they were with black speckles? The continuous back and forth drummed out anything else to the angel, fear, excitement, worry, all ranges of emotions passing over her ever-so readable features. Her stomach churned as she waited, wishing she could do more than merely wow people with power of flight, even if every last human there would chalk it up to wires suspended from the roof of the tent. Which also seemed to hurt Sera, but she knew that they couldn't approve, or deny, the wishful thinking humans put to what they did. Her hands continued to wring each other with worry. Sera loved what she did, but that didn't quell the fear of being rejected by a huge crowd of people every time. Her phobia was intense, but she refused to let that stop her. At least the crowd was full of strangers. It'd be worse if she knew any of them personally.

 

[QueenofDorks]

The brash loudness of Baxter's beginning show nearly startled Jinx, for once her throwing aim a bit too high as a knife flickered over the target mid-air, embedding itself into the wooden beam that upheld a food booth. Murmurs rose from the children that watched, and adults raised a brow. She struggled to maintain composure and forced a smile, uttering the briefest of apologies. Though her eyes darted deviously to the side to embed a glare towards the dare devil and his influential act he had going on. Half of her crowd had diminished to keenly view it, certainly more enthralled with what he was about to do than her minimal act. She huffed, cheeks nearly puffing out like a dejected child, but then there was that brief reminder that alighted in her head, telling her that she still had to put on her acts and that there were people watching. Don't act like a baby, she scolded herself mentally. She continued on, albeit reluctantly keeping an eye on Baxter and his crowd, she kicking her act up slightly a notch to draw back some of the crowd's attention towards her. She demonstrated acrobatics, intertwining a few dangerous knife tricks in the process, gaining a few more onlookers. She smiled smugly to herself and, as she flipped her body, she chucked the metal blade into the air and, while landing, caught it between her teeth. Onlookers cheered wildly and she bowed, sneering pridefully.


Each wolf slipped from the cage and crowded around their master, sitting in a row, relaxed and panting out happily. Nikolai raised a hand to each, brushing a hand over their rugged, yet well brushed fur. "All three of you better behave tonight..." he hushed to them in an informative manner, wry cold eyes glowing as he proceeded to get his point across to the wild canines. "Otherwise you'll regret it when the full moon comes around." He growled lowly, and all three wolves wined, high pitched and nervous. He snapped his fingers together, their yipping concerns ceased. They trailed behind as the werewolf stepped his way out from the back of the tent, toeing his way across to merely check out the acts that were coming to life outside.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter, in all honesty, couldn't keep the small glimmer of mischief from his eyes, knowing he'd disturbed Jinx. She was always the object of many of his pranks, rather enjoying teasing her and making her flustered. Just as he did with Sera, only over the years it seemed his focus shifted more toward the siren than the angel. Not to mention his pranks and teasing grew less and less dangerous. For those witnessing. Not necessarily for himself. He made several loops in the cage, first around one way, then the other. Many times coming to ride in quick circles where his body was literally horizontal with the ground. The next step being when he'd make full circles. One wrong move and his head would be crushed. It actually made him snicker to consider how many of the circus companions wished he'd make that one fatal mistake. Of course, it'd never happen. Baxter was to careful, without seeming all that careful. The show didn't last more than ten to fifteen minutes before the demon was once again outside the cage and dismounting the bike. He gave grinning waves to the crowd before yanking off his helmet, giving a bow, and disappearing behind the makeshift curtain that would allow him a small reprieve from the glaring eyes of wonderment. He grabbed a water bottle and swallowed the refreshing liquid in large gulps.


Sera jumped slightly when she heard the sudden nervous high-pitched whines of the wolves, glancing back toward where Nikolai was dealing with them. She was jumpy, and she knew it. She, then, recalled the earlier confrontation with Nikolai, and part of her heart sank. Ordinarily, she'd have made the rounds of wishing everyone good luck in the show tonight, mostly to help calm her own nerves, but Nikolai's exchange earlier had taken the wind from her sails. She was nervous, and to scared someone else might get mad at her as well to say anything. She stretched her wings out suddenly, a trickle in anxiety sliding down her spine, and winced, quickly folding them again. "Ow, ow.... what did I...?" she questioned, glancing around. It wasn't hard to spot the rough top of the large metal peg that held some of the tie downs for the large tent. Not to mention the shimmering lavender feathers that now scattered around it. "Ouch..." she muttered, carefully stretching a wing out to examine the damage she had done. Her feathers were clearly misplaced, and she reached tenderly for the wound. Prickles of blood seeped from the area where the feathers had been roughly yanked out. The soreness spread quickly, and it wasn't hard to tell she had injured her wing tip. Nothing horrible, but she'd be unable to fly for the night. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, "Damn it. Stupid jitters." she scolded herself loudly, slowly caressing the wounded wing tip, jumping at the loudness of her own voice, her eyes dancing wildly in wonder if anyone had heard her.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx let the watching crowds avert themselves towards the mini-games that were set up, allowing herself a break to breathe and compose herself from the little minor mishap flaw in her act. If there's one thing the siren despised, it was screwing up on any of her tricks -- whether knife throwing or acrobats. She watched with narrowed eyes as Baxter's own performance drew to an end, and he, unfortunately, made it through without taking his head off. As the cheering groups diminished and faded, she allowed herself to be daring and confront the demon about it. She strode, pushing past his assistant, and threw back the makeshift curtain that conceals him at the moment. "Oi," she hissed aloud. "You did that on purpose didn't you? Setting up close and performing nearby where I usually put on my acts. Admit it." She insisted, annoyance and persitance all settling into her tone of voice.


The slightest scent of blood filled Nikolai's senses, he slowing to a cease in his ambling steps. His heart thumped against his chest, concern etching it's way into him. Did something happen? Perhaps another incident at their big opening event? Was someone severely hurt? These questions prompted him to backtrack to the big top tent, the wolves slinking behind, tails tucked between their legs. He maneuvered closely, turning the slightest corner that protruded from the big top tent, to find Sera. Lavender feathers lay together in a heap on the ground, some embedded and sticking from a metal peg that protruded from the beams that held the tent all together. The tip of her wing had been damaged, the sight of blood confirmed that. He swallowed thickly, "Do you need to see Becca?" He prompted, referring to the stand by nurse they had. Not a supernatural, that's for sure, but she was trusted by Jack and that was enough assurance to the carnies that they could handle her presence, let her aid to any wounds or injuries they might receive. Whether from hunting or circus acts.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter grinned mercilessly as Jinx hissed at him, laughter rumbling in his chest. He shrugged in a nonchalant, i'm-so-innocent kind of way, twisting on one heel slightly as he turned to his side, lifting the water bottle and draining what remained of the liquid. His eyes settled on her, and a smirk stretched at his lips, "What's there to admit? You know I love messing with people. You, in particular." he chuckled, lifting the hand that held the water bottle, his pointer finger stretched out toward her. "You shouldn't have to ask. You already knew the answer." he continued to smirk, his body twisting again to face the siren. "Ya know, you're cute when you get all flustered when you mess up. Even under that pasty white make up I can still see the red." he said in a clearly teasing kind of tone. His eyes were shining clear with mischief, the tight leather suit he wore when he performed molded against his body. "Need a shoulder massage? Might relieve some of that stress." he continued to tease, motioning toward a metal folding chair in a half-offer for her to sit. "I've been told I have magic fingers." he added, his voice dropping to a near seductive low, his eyes narrowing at the siren. He knew she was getting hungry, and it was always clearly the best time to get under her skin. Of course, that was probably the most dangerous of all his dare devil acts. Part of him wondered if that could be made into an act.


Sera visibly jumped, her wings flying up, extending toward the sky straight from her back as her eyes snapped to Nikolai at the sound of his voice. Her eyes were wide, and doe like, as if caught in headlights. She winced, and quickly let her wings fold again, one tight against her back, the other slightly looser to allow the injured area to relax. She forced a smile, though when she spoke her voice was thick with nerves, "N-no. It's fine. Just a scratch, honestly." she attempted to sound nonchalant, though it came out more of a forced squeak. She coughed, clearing her throat as her eyes darted to the ground, her hands clasped tightly behind her back to quell the shaking they had taken up. "Though wings are a delicate thing... I won't be able to fly... tonight..." she once again attempted nonchalance, and failed miserably as unshod tears threatened to choke her words. She swallowed thickly, "Sorry. I don't mean to be a burden. Don't worry about me." she continued quickly, bringing her eyes back up to Nikolai. "How are the wolves tonight? I haven't had time to stop by and visit them lately. I've been so caught up with making Jinx's new dress." she forced a small laugh.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx tightly compressed her mouth together, and struggled on the near verge of not using her knives against the demon. Though, it became increasingly tempting and that temptation was becoming hard to resist, her fingers itching to chuck a metal blade at him. However, his teasing began to throw her game off of the whole 'i'm super duper pissed with you right now'. His teasing became embedded into flirts and seduction, as if she was just another woman he would be able to woo with his good looks and charm. Such emotions like that, his particularly, sent a slight jolt of energy through her. It eased the scraping hunger in her stomach, as much as she hated to admit it, but she wouldn't allow that to be known to the dare devil. He sure would use that to his advantage if he was acknowledgeable of that tidbit. "If I wanted to relieve some stress, it sure as hell wouldn't be with you." She insinuated, cheeks puffing out with annoyance, a certain aspect of redness to her features. Her eyes casted one last look at the metal chair, back to him, and then she turned, pushing past the curtains. "Pig," she muttered underneath her breath.


"Woah... no need to be so jumpy. You'll only aggravate your wing more." Nikolai informed, a little bit harsh... but somewhere mixed within was an aspect of concerned. A slight warm spot for helping those injured. He stepped closer and brushed aside the pile of feathers with his foot while he plucked the ones from the metal peg. "I suppose one should inform Jack about that, you'll have to sit out on any flying acts tonight. He'll probably have Baxter replace you for the main opening. His energy always gets the crowds revving up." The lavender feathers soon discarded from his hand, and the werewolf turned to look at her, watching as she stammered briefly over her words before finding some firm tone that didn't squeak. His eyes wound their way back to the wolves that dared to leave his side, the three nudging themselves against the angel's legs, and whining out their happiness to see her. The werewolf looked confused. "They're fine... a little mischevious more than usual. But uh. You... visit them? Why would you want to do that?"

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter's grin was all to noticeable as he easily spotted Jinx's slip in her actions, the way it seemed to soothe her almost, and he cackled as she pushed out of the small area. "Hungry, darlin'? I'm a mean cook!" he called after her, placing emphasis on the word mean in an effort to send her the silent notion he was talking about the emotion rather using it as a description of his cooking skills. Of course, he'd never cooked a single thing in his life, so there was that. Laughter rattled through the demon, already planning tricks to mess with Jinx the rest of the night, knowing when the show ended, so did his games. Until tomorrow that is. He sighed after a while, and found he was bored, so he glanced at his assistant, "I'm bored. Put me on break, please." he said before shuffling off to find something else to placate his mischief.


Sera smiled, a nervous laugh slipping from her as she bent her knees to level herself with the wolves. A careful hand extended to stroke each one's fur, a slow, caring motion. She glanced up at Nikolai, the feathers falling from his grasp, "I'll find him in a moment to let him know. I don't know why I'm so jumpy. I know I get nervous before the shows, but I've never been this bad." she rushed through the explanation, her cheeks coloring a light crimson. She tore her eyes away from the werewolf and looked at each of the wolves, giving each one their own, personal greeting before straightening herself. Her eyes came back to the confused expression on Nikolai's face and his question about her visits to the wolves. She shrugged her shoulders, "I like them. They're beautiful and magnificent creatures. Intelligent, and loving." she smiled warmly, "You're the only one who really ever sees them, and I just thought they might get lonely. I visit all the animals when I can, but I spend a lot of my time with these guys." she added, gesturing toward the three wolves. "I adore their singing. I wish they were allowed to sing more often." she giggled, though the action made her blush deepen.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx hurried her striding stomps, trying to put some distance between her and the mischievous Baxter that had even the slightest nerve to call after her, taunting on her hunger that had become more evident than normal. Her hands were balled at her sides, she pushing back away from the crowds to be secluded, alone for the time being. "Damned demon... flirting and teasing on whim...!" She growled, the siren scowling with utmost annoyance. Her face still felt hot, flustered and warm by his seducing offer for a shoulder massager. Never, never ever in her life would she allow herself to stoop that low to the demon's level in hope for some kind of relief from the hunger. He would never quell the teasing towards her, and he'd think he was special, untouchable. Her thoughts spurred her to run, diverting around a stray group, before emerging into the rickety old trailer that belonged to her, hoping for some quiet that would ease the emotions that ran wild in her.


The three wolves reveled and relished in each affection that was brought upon them by the angel. One, in particular, lapped his rough tongue against her hand and whined with delight that she still thought of them. Nikolai stared, dumbstruck, at the actions that were playing out before him. These wild canines rarely accepted or doted on affection. It was a side that never really emphasized within their own seperate personalities. "Really? Huh... I never, ah. I never thought that others particularly enjoyed their presence. That's why I found it a bit odd. I'm sorry if I offended in anyway..." He stated sheepishly, and smoothed a hand over his head. His eyes fell back away to the wolves that began to bark in high pitches once more and howl, brief but emphasis in excitement.

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter snickered to himself as he meandered around the grounds, tossing up between finding a new victim to toy with or possibly locating Jinx just to continue his irritating teasing of the siren. Then again, the idea was all to tempting. She was the one and only, aside from Sera, who seemed impossibly immune to his charms, though he cared little for charming his angelic sister. It was possibly that single fact alone that drew him to the siren, pressing her buttons and poking at her. He needed to know why she wasn't affected like anyone else was. He wanted to know, and the only way to find out was to test her. Well, there was a simple matter of merely asking, but that just wasn't Baxter's style. It seemed that had made his decision easy for him as his feet twisted and turned is direction, headed straight for the only places he could think of that Jinx would go off to hide. He'd start with her trailer. The old thing came into view easily as he approached, already mulling over the things he could taunt at her. When he stepped up to the door, he lifted a hand and knocked firmly, "Oh Jinx-y~" he chimed in his best sing-song, sultry voice, just loud enough to be heard through the material of the door. "You're personal massage therapist has made a house call!" he sang liltingly, hiding the laugh that attempted to enter his voice.


Sera smiled as her eyes dropped to the wolves, the brief howls seeming to act like a balm on her frazzled nerves. "Such beautiful voices." she smiled at the wolves, scratching each once more before looking back up at Nikolai. "No, there was no offense, Niko." she said lightly, her cheery self once more the dominating presence in her. "Is it alright that I visit them?" she asked, a sudden concern entering her voice, thinking the werewolf might not like her doting on the creatures he basically commanded. "I don't want to interfere... or anything." she added, sheepishly looking down at her hands, shifting her weight nervously from foot to foot. "And... I'm sorry... about earlier... I never meant to offend you." she added in a softer tone, more guarded. "I just notice how you and they get anxious around the full moon... I wanted to try and maybe... cheer you up a bit... is all." she said, attempting, but failing, to keep the sad edge out of her voice.

 

[QueenofDorks]

Jinx had just settled into the comfort of her trailer, mulling through the fridge to find something that would take the edge off of her nerves. She hasn't even been there long. Perhaps six to ten minutes but that wasn't certainly enough to relax and dwell in the calming silence. Because, alas, such silence didn't last. Instead it was broken up by the sultry tone of a sing - song voice that belonged to the persisting man that surely wouldn't given up on teasing her, let alone flirting with her. Her fingers twitched slightly and she slipped a blade from the sheath wrapped around her thigh. The rickety door of rusted metal creaked with minor protest at the firm knocking of his hand, threatening to pratically break under it. She held a breath and flung the flimsily held thing open, bracing the knife to his neck. "You are luring me straight to committing murder," she hissed, voice low and eyes narrowed. "I suggest you back up and wipe the smugness from your damn face, demon. Otherwise..." Otherwise what? She jerked backwards suddenly. The hunger had gone straight to her head, weaving thoughts that made her go squeamish and images of things she didn't quite want to see. "If you could so kindly leave that'd be great. Totally would relieve stress on me. 'Kay? Good." She set the knife at the counter adjacent to the door, which she began to close. Prepared and ready to slam it in his face.


Nikolai pressed his lips together and whistled in a high pitched tone. The wolves' ears pricked at the sound and presented a round of rough kisses to her hands, a way of bidding goodbye, before padding their way back to their master. All three sunk back on their haunches to sit and wait. He scratched underneath the chin one nearest to him, "I don't mind, honestly. Just don't spend too much time doting affection on them. They might get troublesome and expect it from me too." He merely observed, his eyes raising to look up at Sera but they faltered. Instead they fell back away to the wild canines. "Forget about it. It's fine." And that was the only response he dare uttered about it. He didn't want to delve into details, present anything remotely personal to how the full moon pratically frightened him to death. Instead he let his feelings about it remain and fester within him. He waved a hand to her injured wing, "Are you sure you don't want Becca to take a look at that? I can always walk you over to her y'know..."

 

[InactiveCoffee]

Baxter smirked, mischief clear in his expression as his eyes glanced down to the knife that Jinx held to his throat. Adrenaline rushed through his veins and he couldn't help but think how much fun it was to irritate Jinx. He couldn't quite tell what exactly made him do it, but the reaction was there, and it was clear. As the door began to close, he pressed forward, strong hand coming against the closing door to press it open as his feet ascended into the trailer. Lightning quick, he had basically pressed Jinx into wall or counter that was behind her, across from the door. Fingers gripped her wrists tightly, but not painfully, as his eyes locked with hers. "Trust me, Jinx. I'm not so easy to kill." he whispered, his tone soft, seductive, and just as dangerous. Power seemed to surge through the demon, and it was almost as visible as if a fire had been lit behind his eyes. "I know your getting hungry. I've seen it when you do." he continued, as if a completely other person than who he was mere moments ago. "Needless to say, taunting you is entertaining, but we both know the Ring Master wouldn't be happy if you killed me." he smirked, his face mere inches from the siren's. Then, just as quickly as he had caught her, he released her and was back to being just outside the door. "I'm a demon, Jinx. Endless supply. You only need just ask if you can't take a hint." he purred in a dangerous way before turning his back to the door way and taking a few steps. "Good night." he called casually over his shoulder before sauntering slowly back toward the rest of the circus.


Sera finally found the courage to move, walking closer to the werewolf and his wolves, a smile on her lips. "Sure. I should go see her. Make sure nothing gets infected." she said gently, mostly not wanting to stop her conversation. Though of course she knew it was going to have to, as the show must always go on, but this had been, so far, the longest conversation she could remember having with Nikolai. Her smile grew minutely over the idea, and she had to quickly stifle the giggle that threatened to bubble from her chest. "I'll try not to dote to much on them, and I'll remind them that when I do, they should expect it from anyone but me. 'Kay?" she asked with a bit of a girlish giggle in her voice. She just couldn't help it. Nikolai was the one person that was always in the background, so mysterious and fascinating. She couldn't help but hope if he did ever decide to have a friend, that she wanted to be that friend, and this looked like she was taking the right steps. She did love the wolves, and it was apparent that information had seemed to have an effect on him.