Just-here-for-writing

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[just-here-for-humor]

Do you think Ava ever stepped inside the Iron Lung when they built them?

Do you think she ever stood at the control panel of the SM-# and thought about being sealed inside?

Did she run her hands over the levers or buttons and consider that it would be the only thing that would be real? The only thing that would truly respond to you when you were in the blood?

Did she ever look up at the speaker and think that it would represent the only human contact you would know once the ocean was over your head?

Did she ever go into the crawl space, creep through it in an army crawl, and think about what might cause one of the interred to do the same?

Do you think she ran her fingers feather light over the camera button and thought about how it would be your only knowledge of your surroundings?

Did she sit herself in driver's seat, the captain's chair of a solo craft, and let the sobering finality of the expedition wash over her?

...when do you think she stopped?

[just-here-for-writing]

(This is a first time trying to write anything kinda COD related)

You ride through the town feeling weary, this last political outing had been more than tiresome and you were ready to be back at the manor and curled up in your own bed. So when carriage lurched to a stop you already felt a groan leaving your lips before you heard the commotion. There was yelling and you could hear your own guards shouting.

Curiosity had always been your weakness.

You lean to look from the carriage window and see a giant of a man being beat in the street. Your own guards are trying to clear the path so that you might safely reach your manor but another man with a switch seems enraged and unwilling to move.

The man you could only describe as a giant is on his knees, his arms up, trying to cover his head from potential blows.

The scene causes anger to bubble into your chest and despite your handmaiden's warning you step from the carriage with your head held high and a tight expression.

"What is the meaning of all this?"

The man with the switch stops arguing seeing you and ducks his head. "Just putting some things to rights my lady, I apologize for causing you delay."

"And what exactly are you putting into right?" Your gaze lingers over the man on his knees.

"My purchased help is anything but. He has broken many of the projects I've had him handle. He does not learn, a beating is the only language he knows, the only one we have in common."

"So you intend to mistreat your help in public?"

"He ran my lady. I used good money to purchase help and I won't let him just leave and waste that."

Anger festered. Lashing a man in the street was something you wouldn't stand for.

"And you would behave this way in public, in my town?"

His eyes widened. "My lady I swear to you I'm only doing what is necessary. He can't listen and when I'm lax he feels he can do as he wants."

"I have been gone from this town for to long then. I didn't realise the rules of decency were changed in my absence. Because here you are doing as you wish while my attention was lax. Should I treat you as you have treated him?" You gesture to the man.

The certifiable giant had slowly stood to his feet while this exchange was taking place. He seemed uncomfortable not just from the lashing but also from the attention of everyone around the square.

The man dropped his switch as he stammered. "I am allowed to oversee my property as I see fit."

"And I am allowed to oversee my town and it's citizens as I see fit. You said you purchased this man?"

He stammered more before telling you yes.

"How much?"

"What does..."

You cut him off. "How much? I intend to take him off your hands, since you are unable to control him and he is unhelpful to you. So how much? I will purchase him for the same amount you originally paid."

Your tone and expression leave no negotiation and you leave a guard to settle up with the man. You step towards the hurt man and gently tuck his arm in yours. He looks down at you with suspension, his slightly wavy locks stick to his forehead. You tug him towards your carriage and wave off the concern your guards give at your actions.

"Come we'll get you cleaned up and taken care of."

He mutters something in a language you don't know.

"Ah. I see." You speak to him with a soft voice as you coax him into the carriage behind you, propriety be scorned.

Your handmaiden eyes you and chastises your recklessness. But you ignore her and continue to speak assurances to the man that has to hunch awkwardly to fit in the seat across from you both. Even if he can't understand your words hopefully he can understand your tone.

When the man seems less unsure you try to learn his name. You point to yourself and say your name and then point to Lucy, your handmaiden and say her name. You repeat this a few times and then gesture to him.

He seems to understand what you want and simply says, "König."

Part 1/?

[just-here-for-writing]

What have we here? I can feel the strands humming with struggle.

*walking*

My my, What a treat! A human has found themself in a sticky situation. *hum of amusement* I know, I know. If it weren't for your growing fear I'm sure you'd roll your eyes at that.

But I think I'm allowed to have some fun. I do so love to play with my food.

Oh squirm squirm squirm all you want. Even if you manage to break a few threads I'm right here. No escaping that truth now. But all that thrashing is making it hard to focus.

*sound*

There. Nice and tight. Are you comfortable my little morsel? All snug and secure.

...

*laugh* And now you start begging and pleading? Not before I wrapped you tighter? Did you think there was still a chance of escape then?

...

Shh shh shh. I would quiet down if I were you. Screams are my dinnerbell after all. All you're doing is making me hungrier.

...

There. Now we're back to "civil" conversation. Much more fun than pestering the rabbits and squirrels I normally catch. And so much larger. I do get the occasional deer every now and then. A grand feast those are. It has been a while since I've had a grand feast. *amusement*

...

And now we're back to the squirming. So much struggling. Are you getting impatient? Should we end our little chat and head to dinner?

...

No? I didn't figure that notion would entice you.

But you are so enticing to me. So deliciously captivating.

...

How long are you going to beg? All that squawking, like a frightened bird. Saying the same things over and over isn't a good way to plead your case. *amusement* Should I let you plead your case? Should I give you a chance to sway me? Well now, what an interesting thought.

My usual prey doesn't speak. Go on little morsel. Tell me exactly why I should let you go. If nothing else, I'll be having dinner and a show.

...

Wouldn't taste very good? Oh but morsel how would you know? You are different than my usual fare. Exotic even. A rare treat. Try again my treat.

...

You have someone waiting for you back home? Is that the best you could come up with? The rabbits have their warrens. The squirrels and birds theirs nests. And the deer their little herds. I didn't consider their loved ones when I ate them. Why should I consider yours?

In fact, I'm sure you'd run back to them and tell them of your horrific experience. And from that a mob would form bent on my destruction. It's in my best interest to ensure that you remain where you are.

I think my mind is made up then. Thank you for that. And now, to dine.

...

Oh what now, you want one more chance? A rule of threes you say? I'm not a genie. But I suppose I could listen a moment more.

...

And how could you be useful? Would you clean my home, dust the bones and bobbles? *amusement* Would take care of the washing and mending? Or perhaps! Oh perhaps you could bring prey into my web. Would you do that? Lure a suitable replacement?

From your expression that last suggestion is going too far it seems. Did it upset you? Poor little morsel.

...

Ah so you're saying you'd do whatever you could to help me. Anything other than luring someone out. Really? Anything?

*laugh*

My treat you look horrified. If nothing else perhaps you'd be good for my amusement. You could be my jester. You're already a fool after all. How foolish you are, trying to make deals when you have so little to offer.

But for now, my entertaining morsel, I will spare you. May you wish I never get bored.

[just-here-for-writing]

I woke with a hand gripped around my mouth, their fingers digging into my cheeks. They were straddling me, making it hard to fight back as I was trapped under the blanket. As my eyes opened I could see him grinning, sharp toothed, like a maniac. And his eyes... his eyes seemed to glow as if lit from within. I couldn't look away. I couldn't look away. Even as my heart shuddered and my breathing quickened, I couldn't look away.

"Shhh... stop fighting. Lay still." The man murmured.

Immediately my body went limp, the hand I had managed to worm out of the blanket dropped benignly upon the bed. I felt thrust aside, my body heavy and not my own.

"There we go. If you would promise to be good I wouldn't need to use such tricks," he sighs. "But we both know that's not how this will go. Prey are rarely silent before their hunters." He let go of my face and stretched himself out beside me, propped up on an arm, "Close your eyes."

My body obeyed. He hummed and pushed my hair to the side.

"So warm. So soft."

Gently he tilted my head to the side and kissed my throat before smiling against the skin. I could feel his fangs pressed against my neck. Fear seized me but my body would not respond.

He chuckled and kissed along my jaw and then my cheek. A hand went to my face, his thumb running along my cheekbone and then softly pinching it between thumb and forefinger.

"So supple and soft." he kissed my cheek again and I could feel his fangs. "It would be like taking a bite from a peach. And I imagine it would be just as sweet."

My pulse began to quicken and I was able to let out a shakey breath.

"Perfect. I had hoped I hadn't pulled you in too deely. And with your eyes closed you will begin to slowly regain yourself. I love it." His lips were at my neck again and he spoke against me. "The beating of your heart had become so dull when I calmed you. But I love the way it spikes and thrums when you become afraid. It truly shows just how alive you are."

He brushed along my neck. My skin felt like it was burning wherever he touched as if my mind was trying to burn away the feeling of the unwanted touches since my hands could not push him away. The slightest whimper escaped me. He softly shushed me again, sounding as if he were calming an upset child. I felt him shift on the bed beside me.

"Come here," he guides with a hand to my shoulder.

My body turns to him, head tucking under his chin.

"Hmm." Fingers trail along the back of my neck. "Practically a perfect fit." He kisses the top of my head and holds me close for a moment.

He slowly guides me back to laying on my back and tilts my head away from him. I manage a whimper again and am able to tremble.

"Shush now. I haven't hurt you." he rests against my throat. "My bite won't hurt much anyway. A slight pinch, nothing more." He hums in time with my panicked heart. "What a melody. It can drive me wild, frenzied. To take from your throat,"

He sits up, pulling me with him, a hand between my shoulders and one cradling the base of my skull. I feel his fangs on my neck and a shudder runs through me. I can feel him smile.

"To take from your throat is to drink deeply, to be filled with ravenous swiftness. I become a creature, an animal of desire only wanting more until every last drop is gone and my senses return."

My breath comes to me uneven and sharp. I would cry out through tears if my body would let me. He rubs the crease between my eyebrows, smoothing it. The tension held there relaxes and I now realise they had been furrowed. He tells me to open my eyes and after a moment my body does, it is not my own. And as he gazes into my eyes with his glowing ones I can feel what control I'd had being wrenched away once again.

"I had to calm you. You'd give yourself a headache if I'd let you scrunch your face up like that for too long." he smiles like he's done me a favor before bringing me close once again. "You are smaller than recent meals. To take from your neck, well the meal would be over far too quick. And I do like to relax while I dine. It's not like either of us are going anywhere, there's no need to rush things. And that frenzied feeling of drinking deeply is wonderful now and then but I like the choice to savor my food. To drink deeply I cannot stop, cannot even have the thought to."

He pulls me in and leans me against his chest. The hand at my skull slides down to cradle behind my shoulders. With the other he picks up my wrist. He rubs circles with his thumb and then slides his grip to a spot a little up my arm and taps.

"No I like to take from here. A smaller offering but still a steady flow. I can drink at my leisure and stop if I wished." He gives another small smile before humming with a thoughtful sigh. "But now. I think we should head to dinner."

He scoops my body up, the blanket trailing behind, and slowly walks out of my room.

"So warm. Such a nice feeling."

He walks through the house, and stops at the kitchen. Fear strikes me though my body doesn't respond.

"Some like to have their meal at a table, their prey presented before them on a platter. Aware but tied by fine cords, their prey tries to struggle, their quickened heart beat a chime that dinner is ready." He grips a little tighter. "And then they eat. And they feel the struggle slow. And it makes them feel alive."

He hums disapproving of the option. "No not for me. Not tonight at least."

He continues through and finds my small living room. After setting my body on the couch he looks through the music I have with amusement and starts something up. Then turning he lifts me and sits holding my body on his lap.

"Do get comfortable. No need to sit so stiffly. After all we are here to enjoy the music and dine at our leisure."

My body shifts at his guidance and rests against him, my head laying perfectly tucked at the curve of his neck. He smiles again and lifts up my arm. There is a pinch, nothing more. The only other sensation is an odd tingle as if my arm has fallen asleep.

He drinks for slow periods at a time and then pulls away to enjoy the music or chat at me. Eventually it gets harder to hear him and my eyes shut without his command.

~~~

Her eyes droop shut during my meal and I consider her. I could continue, finish, it had been some time. After a moment I leave her and search the house before coming back and bandaging her arm. I start to don my coat but instead dress her in it. She's colder than before. I lift her once again and leave the house as careful as I had entered it.

When we get to my car I gently lay her across the back seat and secure her before getting in and pulling away. She'll wake eventually but by then we shall be cozy in my humble retreat. She fits against me so well. I simply must dine with her again.

[just-here-for-writing]

Circus of Dreams - 7

“These ones are really easy to wear. It’s basically a headband that has the veil loop loosely around the eyes,” the snake lady said.

Nadine placed the veil over Blue’s head and adjusted the way it hung. Blue looked in the mirror and shifted back and forth seeing the way it swished. The fabric was light, almost see through, but an overlay of lace had been sown on to obscure the image beneath it.

“What do you think about this kind? Do you like it?”

She nodded in response still watching the mirror. She liked the way it flowed.

“Do you want to try this kind? It’s a little different to wear. It gets tied and pinned.”

She thought for a moment before shaking her head. The headband style was easy. She could put it on herself easily but she wasn’t good with tying up her hair and didn’t want to try to pin and tie a veil.

“Alright Blue what colors would you like? You can have any of these.”

Nadine laid out more veils in front of Blue. She looked through them and picked a green veil and another that was yellow.

“Do you like the purple one you’re wearing?”

Blue nodded, swinging her feet.

“Good! I think that color looks really nice on you. And it goes well with your dress. Actually wait right there I think I have something else you may like.”

Blue turned back to the mirror bobbing her head to make the veil move.

“Found it!”

Nadine came back over and pulled Blue to her feet. Nadine had her pull her arms up and tied a beaded hip scarf around her waist.

“What do you think?”

She watched as Blue turned this way and that in the mirror. Blue nodded and smiled.

“That one was always a bit shorter, just remembered that I had it stuffed down in the trunk. And it’s the same purple. You could probably wear any of the veils with the scarf. All the colors would match.”

Blue twirled watching herself in the mirror. She liked the way it looked. It was fun. Nadine was nice to share and give her these. She turned back to the snake lady and took her hand, pressing it between her palms gratefully. Nadine smiled back her.

“You’re welcome kiddo. If you ever need help with them just come to me.”

Blue nodded and waved goodbye as she left Nadine’s tent. She went to put the extra veils away and went to find Josiah. She was stopped in her search by Lutz, the wolf man.

“Trying a new style there Blue?”

She nodded.

“Looks nice, like a little princess from Lastrot. All you’d need to do was braid your hair up and you’d fit right in.”

Blue pulled a piece of hair forward and twisted it around before raising her arms in an exaggerated shrug.

“You don’t know how to braid?”

She shook her head.

“I could show you sometime if you want,” Lutz told her, pulling forward a braided lock of his own hair.

She nodded and he shooed her away.

“Josiah is in the main tent with Artemishia. They’re fixing some of the benches. Go and see him. I can teach you later.”

She gave a small wave and hurried to to main tent and stage. She wanted to show Josiah what Nadine had given her.

Part 6 

Part 8 

[just-here-for-writing]

Circus of Dreams - 6

Little by little she came back. She was still quiet as ever but she wasn’t hiding anymore. The cast was still curious but seemed to decide that she had always been a mystery and there was plenty of time to solve it. Their pace of life returned to normal.

One thing had changed though. Since she was a surprise act Morpheus didn’t want the audience to recognize her when she was just helping with the tickets or seating. She tried to hide her face more, finding an old cloth and using it as a kerchief, and smudging her face with charcoal. Still Morpheus wasn’t satisfied with this.

“A mask would work better you know.”

Her nose scrunched up. Apparently she didn’t like that idea.

Nadine spoke up as she walked past, “Masks are irritating. They come loose easily. A veil would do the same job and rest more securely.”

Blue’s features smoothed out. Apparently that idea wasn’t as detestable.

“Well then she needs a veil.”

“You can have a couple of mine kiddo. I have plenty.”

“Good that’s taken care of then.”

Morpheus turned his wheelchair and rolled over to talk to the twins. Blue went off looking for something to do. Today there was no show. Everyone was resting. She had already finished her chores. Maybe she would see what Josiah was doing. Or she could go to the river and relax. She decided to do the latter for now, she could always find Josiah in the evening.

The river was calm and lazy. It was a quiet sort of day. She skipped some stones and then climbed out on one of the wide flat rocks that was sitting in the water. The stone was warm, the water cool. It was a refreshing time  away with no interruptions. She was able to think about the sideshow and about herself. She wasn’t sure what exactly Morpheus expected of her. She was a helping hand and now a sometimes preformer. She always felt like Morpheus had more planned than just the sideshow. They were all different in some way whether it be in appearance or abilities. It made sense for them to band together. It didn’t make sense to die. Their acts were amazing already. Why was death part of the show? That had always confused her. There was something larger here. She just wasn’t sure if she wanted to know what that was.

After a while she headed back to the camp. It was about midday and lunch was probably being made. She decided to wait for now and just listen.

Part 5

Part 7

[just-here-for-writing]

Circus of Dreams - 5

Morpheus leaned back onto his cot. The show was going brilliantly. After showcasing the Blue Angel their attendance had doubled. Everyone wanted to see death reverse. Everyone wanted to see an angel.

Morpheus didn’t showcase Blue very often. The constant stream of attention would be too much for the shy near silent girl. Showing the revival process over and over would just be another act. Besides they were known for death not life.

The cast’s interest in her had increased as well. Hearing her speak more even if it was just singing reminded some of them that she wasn’t actually mute. Seeing her wings either up close or from backstage had also been quite a shock. Before the performance only he had been privy to that fact that she wasn’t human. The ensuing spike in interest seemed to cause her to revert back to how she had been when she first arrived here. She clung to the shadows, her small size allowing her to slip into them, and she refused to speak. Usually she was a little more vocal with him, but there had been nothing but nonverbal cues from her. Morpheus would be concerned except for the fact that every now and then he would hear her quietly singing to herself in her tent. If this continued for too long he might try to coax her back out but for now she could continue.

Blue was also on her cot. She wanted to sleep but couldn’t. It bothered her. Other than a quick hi, Josiah hadn’t talked to her at all since their performance. Was he mad at her? She hoped not. Everyone was looking at her weird trying to see her wings. She made sure to keep them hidden. She didn’t like all the attention. But she did want Josiah to still be friends. Thinking about it a bit more she made up her mind and padded out of her tent.

She walked towards Josiah’s tent and was glad to see that lamplight spilled from the edges. She went up to the tent and picked up a stone, using it to knock against one of the support rods. The flap unbuttoned and Josiah poked his head out.

“Oh hey little one. Did you need something?”

She nodded and he stepped from the doorway allowing her to come in.

“What did you need?”

She looked away and fiddled with the edge of her dress. Josiah waited patiently. She would find a way to show him what she wanted.

“You mad at me?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

He blinked surprised that she had intiated the conversation, “Mad at you? Why would I be mad at you?”

“Cause the act.”

“I’m not mad about the act. We were both performing.”

“But you don’t talk.”

He was confused at first before he realised that she meant he didn’t talk to her. Her habit of cutting sentences to reduce the amount she spoke sometimes got in the way of her meaning. Josiah let out a sigh. He hadn’t been purposely avoiding her.

“I’m sorry Blue. I didn’t realise I hadn’t really talked to you. I’ve just been confused. I knew that you would be singing when I came back. I was prepared for that. I was stunned to see wings. At first I wasn’t sure if I was hallucinating but the others talked about wings as well. I was just trying to make sense of it. I was trying not to stare, didn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

She looked at him and gave a small understanding nod.

“Still friends?” came her next question.

“Of course we are. Don’t worry little one, we’ll always be friends.”

She smiled then giving an enthusiastic nod. She let out a big breath and yawned. She smiled again and turned to the doorway giving Josiah a small wave.

“Hey Blue?”

She paused and looked back to him.

“If you ever feel comfortable enough could I maybe see your wings without the haze of just coming back.”

She looked away then and started fiddling with the hem of her dress again. Josiah worried for a moment wishing he hadn’t asked, but then she turned towards him. With a small shimmer of displaced magic her wings appeared. They tucked tightly against her back but she eased them out slightly. Josiah looked them over making sure to keep his distance. He didn’t want to test her comfort.

“Thank you. I’m glad that you felt you could share them with me. They’re very beautiful.”

She tucked her head seemingly embarrassed.

“Go get some sleep little one. You seem very tired.”

She nodded, her wings once again disappearing as she turned back to the door. She gave a small wave before leaving and going back to her tent. She was happy and felt like sleep might come a bit easier.

Part 4

Part 6

[just-here-for-writing]

Circus of Dreams - 4

The final act was before them. The returners in the crowd knew what was coming the newcomers screamed in fear as Josiah died, the cannon ball he was meant to catch had left his chest crushed and concave. They waited for the curtains to fall but they never did. Instead Morpheus appeared in his wheelchair and spoke to the crowd.

“Each night you return knowing that one of us dies. Each night you return seeing us all alive once more. Tonight we have have chosen to share with you the truth of our return!”

The lights went dark and a single spotlight shown on the body. Morpheus was gone, tucked away inside his booth readying the components to bring Josiah back. The crowd watched as the body’s hand was lifted. A young girl in a simple but elegant blue dress appeared before them. She was kneeling, holding the cooling hand of Josiah. The light catching on her sandy colored hair, she closed her eyes and sang.

The pure sound of the girl’s voice sent the magic into the hearts of the audience. They were stunned by blissful noise. Then slowly wings appeared on the girl’s back. The blonde feathers reflected the light making them seem to glow. The crowd could not move, could not speak, could not breathe as they were transfixed by the image before them.

The body of Josiah began to lift into the air. The girl stood with him stretching her arm as he hovered, head hanging and shoulders slouched. Silvery light seemed to wrap around his chest which reformed. The light entered his parted lips and seemed to push the chest out and in as if forcing the body to breathe. A stuttering cough escaped him as fresh air filled his once crumpled lungs. His eyes blinked open and the silvery light seems to flow like tears down his face. He was lowered and as his feet touched the ground he went to his knees. The girl still sang, her hand gripping his. He in return grabbed the cloth of her dress as if trying to make sure she was real. He seemed to weep and the audience with him, their hearts too full of serenity and innocence.

As her song came to a close she looked up to the audience then to Josiah. Slowly the pair faded away and the spotlight shown on an empty stage. The audience sat in awed silence. The curtain never fell.

Eventually someone coughed and a bench creaked as a man shifted. They looked to each other and stood unsure before turning and heading towards their homes.

Had they really seen that? Had they listened to the song of an angel?

Part 3

Part 5

[just-here-for-writing]

Circus of Dreams - 3

They had rehearsed. No one died in rehearsal. They pretended to. One of the acrobatic twins would purposely fall into the waiting net, always making it appear accidental. During the show there was no net. The blade artist and her assistant would use dummy knives and accidentally miss. The strong man would collapse the load crushing him. Poisoned pie, a too sharp sword, and fire are hard things to swallow. But no one died in rehearsal. It was always fake. Just a way to understand your act. Just a way to practice. Nothing was actually dangerous in rehearsal.

She liked that.

Morpheus had explained the plan to the others. She was to appear when someone died and pretend to bring them to life, by singing a magic-laced song. They didn’t know of her wings that was to be kept secret until the real time. Backstage was adorned with a small wooden booth. Morpheus could sit in there, lock the door and be totally hidden from the audience and cast. He didn’t need to see them he just needed to be in range and know who was dead.

They played dead. She played doctor. No one had heard her speak so much. Morpheus ordered her to sing each time, to get her accustomed to singing before others. He had taught her a song, an old forgotten song that created a serene feeling when heard. It was a spell meant to be sung to the dying to ease passage and remove fear. It was now their song of life. A gentle voice calling out in reassurance.

The first time she sang was nervous and halting, shuddering the spell and not allowing it to work. The contortionist laid there in his unnatural position and told her jokes to make her smile. It calmed her nerves and when she tried again she did a bit better.

The wolf man was next, dead by a silver stake held under his arm. She sang for a third time and got through most of the way but came to a stuttering stop as the cast looked at her in blissful wonder. The spell broke once again.

The snake lady next, dead by a bite. Blue got to the end of the song but only those closest could hear her. Morpheus told her to try once more and pointed to Josiah, the strong man.

“Here little one, borrow my strength,” he said holding up a hand as he laid on the floor.

She took his hand and he squeezed hers encouragingly. He looked uncomfortable with one hand high, the other balancing the considerable boulder on his chest. Blue knelt beside him and pushed his hand to the side of the rock so that it could be put to use while she held it. She looked at the slight grin gracing his face and focused soley on their hands, trying to ignore the others. Josiah had always been kind. He’d told her stories before bed when she first arrived, trying to help her feel welcome. He’d always ask how she felt even though she never responded. Maybe this could be her story for him.

She breathed slowly, closed her eyes, and sang.

Everything fell away. She poured herself into the song, trying to drown out her fears. It engulfed her and she knew nothing else but the words and the melody.

As the last note turned in the air and winked away she opened her eyes and saw the surprise on everyone’s faces. It was silent as if no one wanted to break the spellbound nature of the air.

Slowly and softly Morpheus began to clap. The cast seemed to blink and remember where they were before joining in. She looked away and let her hand slip from Josiah’s grasp. Josiah pushed the rock from his chest, grinning at her.

“I think we have a new act.” Morpheus said a prideful gleam in his eye.

Part 2

Part 4

[just-here-for-writing]

Circus of Dreams - 2

The cast gathered around the body of Rantel who was most certainly not coming back.

“Was it true? Was someone stealing coins?” Nadine asked.

“Yes it is. And he’s the one who did it. I could hear the coins jingling in his pockets from onstage. Check him. And divide the coins amongst yourselves.” Morpheus stood then, stretching and cracking his back.

He turned as the twins started rummaging through Rantel’s pockets. His gaze landed on Blue who was still huddled on the ground.

“And you need to come with me.” he told her.

Dumbly she stood and followed after him, keeping her head low. He walked Blue to her tent, which confused her. Morpheus turned and held out his hand.

“I’ll be needing those back.” he said, gesturing to the rings.

She pulled the rings from her fingers and handed them over.

“And there’s business to discuss. I want you to have an act.”

Morpheus ducked into her tent and she followed. He had never mentioned this. She had always been expected to be an extra hand.

“I know you sing. You have a very nice voice.”

She looked down and shyly shook her head.

“Yes you do. I want you to use it. And you can drop the masking spell. My eyes see through it anyway. I’ve known since the day I found you.”

Her eyes widened and heat rose to her face. She looked away and dispelled the magic that hid the pair of blonde feathered wings. Morpheus looked them over. She really did look like an angel. She had the wings. She had the voice. She only needed to use them.

“I’m not sure what exactly you are, I’m sure you hardly know yourself considering the circumstances I found you in. But you shouldn’t have to feel the need to hide. I want you to show off your voice and wings.”

She dipped her head again, this time from fear.

“What is it Blue?”

“Don’t wanna die.” she replied in her quiet voice.

“That’s not the part I have in mind. Don’t worry Blue, you wouldn’t have to die.”

“But…”

Morpheus cut her off, “Listen. You’re very good at that so Listen. The sideshow constantly shows the macabre, all of it real. We never show the revival though. As you know that is a safely bound secret.”

He paused to see her nod before continuing, “Still wouldn’t it be amazing to watch? That’s what I want to showcase and why I need you. You’d be an angel in the spotlight pretending to heal as I stand in the shadows doing the real work. It would be a sight to see. A new wonder.”

Morpheus watched as curiosity replaced the worry in her features. A face so young and innocent even in this sideshow, that was the real wonder. Still she seemed interested. He could just order her to do it, but that would provide stiff acting. If she wanted to do it then she could preform.

“What do you say?”

“I could try.”

Part 1

Part 3

[just-here-for-writing]

Circus of Dreams - 1

She walked the couple to their seats and handed them their concessions. With the last in the line seated the girl in the blue handkerchief hem dress took her post by the door. She didn’t mind staying there, even if it hurt her feet, she liked watching the crowd’s reactions.

Morpheus rolled to the front of the stage in his wheelchair and started announcing the show to the crowd. It was a sideshow that was centered around the macabre. Someone died every night but it was temporary. That was the thing about the show that kept people coming back. They could witness the darker side of reality without the grim feeling of permanence. There was no guilt in coming, no lasting issue of morality. The crowds came in droves and many came back night after night.

As such the show was constantly changing. Acts would shift as the different talents of the preformers were showcased. And of course the deaths were changed. Someone new each time, chosen as the preformers drew straws. The chosen was given two rings. One removed pain. The other prolonged life. After a death the “body” was taken to Morpheus’s office where the process of revival was finished. Morpheus was a powerful elf, with practice in the dark side of magic. None of them knew what the final step to the process was. Only he did and he was terrifying, because sometimes they stayed dead. This is what gave Morpheus so much power, why he was in charge, and why they all listened to him without question. If you became a hinderance, you became a corspe.

She had never died. She was just a stage hand really, a grunt, not a preformer. Morpheus had found her in the streets, a girl in a blue dress, too stunned and scared to speak. He brought her back to the cast and introduced her as Blue. She spoke rarely, only to affirm or apologize, and was generally considered a high functioning mute.

Today was different though. As she stood at her post by the door Rantel, the dwarf, slid up beside her.

“Sabin got sick, can’t leave his tent. You gotta play along understand?” Rantel said holding out two rings.

She looked at them in fear and quickly thought through all her actions. She had done her work as asked and kept herself tidy. She hadn’t angered anyone that she knew of. Certainly she would come back right? Hesitantly she took the rings and put them on.

“Good. Just wait for the final act. I’ll call for you to come on stage. I’ll make it easy for you.”

She gave a small nervous nod and quickly averted her eyes. Fear crept in and closed her throat off even further.

When the time came for Sabin’s act she felt cold and sick. Morpheus was going to skip over the act and end the show when a voice from offstage made him pause. Rantel slowly appeared

“Hang on. Hang on! We have something to discuss. It can’t wait another minute. Someone stole from the money box. Morpheus this can’t be overlooked. And I think I know who it was. You.” Rantel spat as he pointed at her, “Get up here.”

Almost shaking, she stumbled to the stage and stood beside him. Rantel grabbed her arm and shoved her down in front of Morpheus, who had narrowed his gaze. She tried to tell herself that it was only an act. Rantel poured out accusations and would-be facts, shoving her at each one. She felt the hot eyes of the audience on her, waiting. She sank lower and lower as if trying to hide, practically grovelling before them.

“She’s not saying anything. She knows she’s guilty. We can’t have traitors in our company.”

She heard the ~schick~ as a knife was unsheathed. Her breath hitched. Fear clung to her huddled form like a leech. A splatter of blood, gurgling, and the sound of metal hitting the wooden stage. She peeked to the side and saw Rantel suspended in the air, a clawed hand coming from his chest.

A sourceless growling voice replied, “No we can’t.”

The audience screamed as the shock wore away. The curtains closed.

And very quietly in the midst of it all she swore she heard Morpheus say, “You don’t kill The angel.”

Part 2

[just-here-for-writing]

a first draft

Red, pink Yellow too The first person To greet you

Simple person Exotic taste Always moving Around in haste

Here there And everywhere Living life Without a care

~~

Red, Blue Black, White You give in Without a fight

Broken body Shattered sight Left alone You decide

Let me in You have a choice A whole adventure Without a voice

[just-here-for-writing]

A WKM Poem

Who Killed Markiplier Spoilers.

The production turned a year old a few days ago so here’s to it.

@markiplier

~~

Star and actor

Soiled fame

A welling ego’s

Hard to tame

A lovely party

To celebrate

And sure to invite

His old mates

So many wounds

Seems overkill

A game of Clue

For some thrill

~~

He leads you to

A dreadful thing

A shattered bottle

What could it bring?

A cleanly man

With fashion sense

You’re wearing that?

You must be dense

Loyal, thoughtful

Has cocaine?

But risk his life

And he won’t remain

~~

A room of secrets

Endless string

He is searching

And truth will sing

He takes control

And investigates

As he argues

With the man he hates

All his friends

Dead and done

His heart broken

By a gun

~~

Prepping, boiling

Tempered rage

He talks with a

Strange turn of phrase

Baking, cleaning

Camera’s gaze

See into this

House’s maze

Waving knife

And gleaming eye

Keeping secrets

That someone’s nearby

~~

A man with

Just one goal

He only wants

To dig a hole

Why should he

Look around

When what he needs

Is on the ground

He won’t go in

Unless there be…

And there it is

Can’t you see?

~~

Simple, proper

Sees the best

But he ends up

Like the rest

A good man

And this is true

The only one

To check on you

Caring brother

Mindful friend

He doesn’t make

It in the end

~~

She comes in

And stops a fight

Determines to fix

This with all her might

Simple mystic

Of dark arts

With crystal ball

And shuffling cards

Questions, visions

A strange sight

Silhouetted

Smiling wreathed in light

~~

Isn’t it funny?

He starts to smile

You really had him

For a while

Gone off to find

His hidden friends

But can he find them

In the end?

A broken mind

A shattered world

He starts to travel

His life unfurled

 ~~~

Let me in

You have a choice

A whole adventure

Without a voice

Red, blue

Black, white

You give in

Without a fight

Broken body

Shattered vision

Left alone and

It was your decision

 ~~~

[just-here-for-writing]

Monster Monologue

    I’m coming for you little piglet. Small and succulent you are. A perfect little snack. You run away squealing but the chase only increases my hunger and fuels my desire to have you.

    I will catch you. It might not be today but you have caught my eye. I will get you one day. Today I might take a slower or dumber pig, but tomorrow I will come for you.

    You must evade me every time but I only need to grab you once. The odds are not in your favor. One wrong turn. One bad decision. You will tire. You will falter. I will be ready. One mistake and you will be mine.

    And once I have you in my clutches there will be no hope of escape.

[just-here-for-writing]

Halloween writing prompt

   I don’t remember who I used to be. I was probably someone more dutiful and docile. Someone who felt too much or too fully. Someone utterly normal, so normal that it’s forgettable.

   At least that’s what I would assume, since I’ve forgotten myself. See I’m different now. Assertive. Methodical. Rational. In fact I can’t feel anything anymore.

   I’m told it started with a voice in my head. Which is strange right? The only voice I’ve ever had in there is my own. Yet all these people are prodding me and saying that it needs to get out and be dealt with. That this is abnormal behavior. That this is an anomaly compared to how I used to be. Well I don’t remember what I used to be. So how would I know? It doesn’t matter to them. They push and push until I feel trapped and they get mad that I don’t behave, that I don’t remember. And, and…why did they have to be so cruel?

   Well? You’re one of them! So answer me! Why did you drive me to this? You’re the reason why I’m like this! You and the rest of them! Though I suppose it’s just you know isn’t it? You don’t have to worry about them. It’s okay. They’re gone now. After all, the weakest must go….

   What I’m saying is, my eyes are wide open now. I can see my future. I know my path. I can hear it calling my name. I don’t need you anymore. And I know what you want to say, “I deserve to rot.” Rot for all the things I’ve done. Well as I said you and all the others made me like this. So don’t you deserve to rot as much as I do?

   …

   You can scream if you like. It won’t bother me. After all this time the screams all sound the same. Things will be better this way.

   Though you won’t be around to see why.

[just-here-for-writing]

His Puppets - 3

Who next? There were plenty of options. Anti was almost giddy with eagerness and his body glitched around the room as he surveyed the puppets. Perhaps the hero? That would be fun. And so many options. Little Jackieboy Man was a hero, a decent one at that. He was mostly a watchful eye who could parkour as he chased after crooks. There were so many options. Would he harm the lawbreaker or become one? Maybe he’d turn on his the other egos. Anti grinned at the possibilities trying to decide what to do first. He could always come back and try something new.

Anti carefully followed the onesied hero, being careful not to tip him off. The hero was the most alert of them all; while he didn’t have specific powers, he was hardier and his senses more keen than most humans.

Once again he made the puppet mimic the actions of its counterpart. When static began to flit across the strings he knew that he had the hero. Jackieboy Man stumbled as he landed from vaulting over some sidewalk railing. The hero looked around but didn’t see another person. He began to keep moving but Jackie changed directions. Anti grinned as he controlled the hero, who was now walking towards a storefront. He forced Jackie to sneak around the back. The hero seemed too stunned to even try to speak as he watched his forced actions with mounting horror. Anti made him try every window and each door. His grin became a satisfied smile when one window began to open. The hero crawled through the opening and landed among the shelves. His small backpack slid from his shoulders and was unzipped. Products were thrown in at random. Anti watched with glee at the hero’s disgust and discomfort. But there was nothing he could do otherwise. Once the bag was filled with petty items Jackieboy Man crawled back through the window. He walked from the building and stood in the parking lot with the stolen goods. The hero looked incredibly ashamed even though he hadn’t been in control. Anti drank it up from his vantage point before releasing the puppet’s strings and letting the connection end. Anti watched as a shudder went through the hero and he sank to his knees. Jackieboy Man almost desperately ran towards the store and began to unpack the backpack. Anti laughed to himself before leaving the scene.

[just-here-for-writing]

His Puppets - 2

Anti crept outside the doctor’s house watching Henrick move around the kitchen. Smirking he grabbed the puppet’s strings and began. For a moment he made the doll mimic what the doctor was doing, then he began to feel static fizzling along the strings and the patch in the puppet’s chest began to glow. Anti watched with a growing grin when Henrick shuddered as if a tingle had been sent up his spine. Schneeplestein looked around for a second before going back to preparing his dinner.

Anti then began to move the puppet differently from Henrick. At first the doctor seemed confused but that was soon replaced with fear. His body was moving against his will. He tried to call out for the mute that lived with him to no avail. Anti hadn’t given the doll a mouth for a reason. He saw Henrick’s horror as he forced him to pick up the carving knife from the rack. The doctor slashed at the wall spelling out ANTI in jagged letters. Satisfied with that he released his hold on the puppet, breaking the static connection. In the kitchen Henrick sagged against the counter. The doctor clutched at his throat and looked at his hand. He seemed relieved from the fact that no blood stained it. Faintly from outside Anti could hear Henrick start to cry out. It was soft at first but grew in volume when the doctor realised that he could once again speak. Schneeplestein ran from the kitchen still calling out to the little actor.

Anti snickered. This was going to be beautiful. He collected the doll and glitched away.