B. The Games We Play

B.03. Bad News, Irrelevant News

Harly blew another balloon. "What would you like?"

"A-a-a bunny!" The little girl asked.

Harly folded the balloon into a rabbit and handed it to the squealing girl.

The audience members chatted around the big top, getting autographs from the performers and eating snacks. Children excitedly scampered around Noir and Blanc, petting the majestic cats and occasionally requesting for them to roar.

Yew and his new voodoo doll sat by the dragon puppet. He put on a show with some of his smaller puppets to entertain some toddlers.

Harly folded a flower for a little kitsune girl. Phineas sat next to her and started to help make balloon creatures for the increasingly large crowd of children.

"It's always busy on closing night," Phineas said tiredly.

"Yip," Harly took a coin from a boy, "but it's good bussiness!" She handed him a balloon crown.

"That's true."

"Why don't we stay longer in Scatterstar city? There's so many people here, we sold out every night. We can probably make more money if we stay an extra week."

"You're right, but the fair starts tomorrow and I don't like competing with it." he handed a pale skinned, black haired girl a skunk shaped balloon, she looked preplexed to see it floating despite there being no helium.

"Yeah I guess they would just steal our audience."

"On the contrary they could bring you an audience!"

Harly and Phineas looked up. The man speaking was fat and short, just barely reaching Harly's chin. He had a large ashen gray moustache and neatly combed hair. He wore a suit that appeared two sizes too small.

Phineas's face darkened, "What are you doing here?"

Harly stiffened when she heard her father speak with so much hatred.

"Phineas! Long time, no see. I was hoping I could run into you." The man spoke in a cheery matter.

"Oh and this must be your daughter! Harly, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Felix Roulette." He clasped his hands around Harly's upheld hand and shook it vigorously. "My, how you've grown! When I last saw you, you were just a babe."

"Nice to meet you," Harly gave a polite smile.

"What do you want?" Phineas repeated.

"I wanted to propose a business opportunity. I thought that your troupe could maybe perform at my carnival. It would attract a huge crowd. I get more attractions and you can get some extra money. It's a win-win!"

"No deal." Phineas gave away the last balloon creature and angrily walked off.

Mr Roulette sighed, "Your father was always a hard man to convince." He turned to Harly, "Anyhow, it was a pleasure to meet you, Harly."

He walked off to a fairyfloss stand. Harly rocked on the balls of her feet. Wondering why her dad was so irritated all of a sudden.

"Was that Felix Roulette you were talking to?" Yew asked behind Harly.

"Uh huh, dad didn't seem happy to see him."

"Yes, he and your father have some...history."

"Oh..."

Yew placed his hands on Harly's shoulders, "I think there are some children who would like a photograph with you."

Harly smiled brightly at Yew, forgetting her previous confusion. "I should go see them then."