B. The Games We Play

B.02. Chekhov's Skill

Harly skipped through the fenced off area of the park where the performers practiced their acts.

Neil stood at the top of a crate, his purple head feathers curled in a wave. His left wing was spread out in a graceful swoop and the stump of what's left of his right wing moved in sync.

Some of the other performers, including Galant and Ivory, sat around the crate listening as Neil recounted the story of how he lost his wing.

"Then the sphinx came and bared their numerous fangs-" he mimed a bite with his fingers.

"What does that have to do with the fire orb and magic staff?" Ivory was a black and white striped felinn. She sat in a position that showed of the muscles she developed in hours of exercise. Black curls swirled elegantly over her shoulders, her gold eyes were teasing Neil. Her pet tigers, Blanc and Noir, lazed around her.

"I'm getting to that," Neil said insistently, "and then the chancellor came in and said 'ha ha ha, I'm actually the villian."

"You mean the prince?" Galant was a ghost that glew a gray-blue colour, chains hugged his legs and waist. His hair was long and unkept, the start of a stubble could be seen on his chin.

"Yeah, yeah the prince!" Neil corrected.

"I thought it was a pharaoh?" Ivory interjected, a mischievous smile forming.

"Wasn't it a royal advisor?" Harly asked.

"Shut up Harly you weren't here when I told the story!" He said annoyed, but he suppressed a laugh.

"Trust me Harly, I heard the entire story and it's pretty clear he is making it up as he goes."

Neil threw a nearby balloon at Galant, which passed harmlessly through him. Galant and Neil both laughed as they threw balloons at each other. The other performers present laughed along until one balloon was biten by Blanc and burst and scaring Noir.

Noir ran and hid inside a tent. Ivory went and comforted the timid tigress, with Blanc following behind.

"Sorry Ivory," Neil apologized.

"It's fine." Ivory said, "Because now you can make it up to me." She said the last part with a purr.

Neil gave an embarrassed chuckle.

Harly continued to her dad's train compartment. Ada was throwing knives at a target, blindfolded, managing to get three bullseyes. Yew was sewing eyes on a life-sized puppet. A group of clowns were gossiping while eating fairyfloss.

She reached a bright orange train compartment with fairylights along the top. She entered, knocking on the metalic exterior.

"Dad?"

The inside was bigger then the outside. The floor was covered in dozens of mismatched carpets. A large bed stood in the corner, a vanity and closet in the other. A table shaped like a crocodile took up the space on the other side. A plot-important looking lamp sat on top.

"Give me a sec Harly!" Phineas Infinity had his head in a chest throwing things over his shoulder, including a rubber duck, a mockingjay pin, a lute and a silver handled umbrella.

Harly picked up the rubber duck. "What is the purpose of a rubber duck?"

"Ocean currents, my dear."

Harly nodded to herself. It was a satisfying answer despite it not explaining much.

"Ah! Here we go!" Phineas pulled out a black top hat decorated with phoenix feathers. "It feels like a feather day." He placed it on and turned to Harly.