Darkwood: Circus Inferno

The Ringmaster's Will

The group hesitated at the edge of the clearing, their wary gazes fixed on Onyx's unconscious form sprawled in the center. Blood still stained the grass where Jasper had been brutally attacked, the air thick with tension and dread.

Greyson was the first to step forward, his scythe lowered cautiously. "We need to get him out of here," Greyson said, his voice firm despite the unease in his eves. "Before-"

A sudden crack split the air, and a bullet embedded itself into the ground mere inches from Greyson's foot. He froze, eyes darting to the source of the shot.

"Not so fast," a gruff voice drawled from the shadows of the forest. Emerging from between the trees, Maverick strode into view, his twin revolve aming ominously in the dim light urple and black attire blended witn the darkness, save for the silver of his weapons and the sly smirk plastered on his face.

"You're not touching him," Maverick said, twirling one of his revolvers with practiced ease. "Orders are orders."

"Out of our way," Ryuji growled, stepping forward with his hand on the hilt of his katana. His voice was low and dangerous, but Maverick didn't flinch. Instead, he raised his gun, aiming directly at Ryuji's chest. "Try it, samurai," Maverick said lazily, though the cold glint in his eyes betrayed his readiness to shoot.

Before anyone could respond, another figure appeared behind Maverick. Thiago sauntered into the clearing, his tall frame imposing always. He carried himself with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, his sharp features twisted into an amused smirk.

"Well, well," Thiago said, clapping his hands mockingly. "What a reunion. You really thought we'd let you waltz off with our little investment?"

Greyson glared at him, his scythe tightening in his grip. "He's not your property, Thiago." Thiago shrugged, unbothered. "Maybe not, but he's valuable. The Ringmaster sees potential in him. Can't let you ruin that."

He gestured to Maverick with a tilt of his head. "Keep them busy." Maverick gave a mock salute, taking a step forward as his revolvers gleamed under the faint light. "Don't mind if I do."

Zephyr lunged first, his daggers flashing, but Maverick was faster. A well-placed shot grazed Zephyr's shoulder, forcing him to fall back with a hiss of pain. The others moved to assist, but Maverick's precise shots kept them at bay, each bullet forcing them to scatter or take cover.

Meanwhile, Thiago knelt by Onyx's limp form, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "What a mess you've made, huh?" he muttered, mostly to himself. He hoisted Onyx over his shoulder effortlessly, his smirk widening as he turned back to the group.

"Don't worry," Thiago called out, his tone dripping with mockery. "We'll take good care of him. The Ringmaster's been waiting for this moment."

"Put him down!" Greyson shouted, his voice shaking with fury. Thiago chuckled darkly. "Or what? You'll reap me?" He shook his head. "Stay in your lane, Grim Reaper."

Maverick fired another shot, this one ricocheting dangerously close to Ryuji's blade. "Don't test me, cowboy," Ryuji hissed, his muscles tensing as he fought the urge to charge. Thiago stepped back into the shadows, his laughter fading he disappeared into the forest with Onyx in tow.

Maverick lingered for a moment longer, his revolvers aimed steadily at the group, before tipping his hat mockingly. "Better luck next time, folks," he said with a smirk. "Try not to get yourselves killed chasing shadows."