Sethyr's Sirkus

A Look Around

Marna stood there, looking at the room for a second time. How had she been so blind? At least three quarters of the clients that were sitting at the tables had horns and other particular characteristics, like differently colored skin that ranged from light blue to flashy orange...

The barmaid that so indiscreetly greeted the girl turned around, leaving the chatty crowd to join her in graceful strides. She smiled, probably in an attempt to reassure the newcomer.

"Sorry for the delay, I got a bit too excited earlier. Welcome to Sethyr's Sirkus! she said.

- W-well don't worry about that. I'm more preoccupied by the fact that I ended up in a place like this while looking for a shelter from rain... replied Marna.

- But why didn't you just go home?

- Let's just say I never came to this part of the city before, so I have no clue how to get back to the suburbs. Plus, all odds were against me.

- Oh I'm sorry! Would you like to make a call? We have a free public phone here.

- That would be good.

- Alright, follow me. If you want, after you've made your call, I can give you a small tour of the place while you wait for your car! she proposed.

- Sure, if that doesn't keep you from your job for too long...

- Ah, I take breaks whenever I want, as long as I stay in the building. I usually end up having conversations with regular clients."

They arrived to the phone booth and looked at each other.

"Sorry about that, someone must have gotten really drunk and got angry at someone on the other end... I swear it wasn't in this state this morning. Master isn't gonna be happy."

In fact, the wall where the phone was supposed to be had a huge hole in it. It looked like someone went through the wall head first after being launched by a war cannon. The demon tapped with her left foot, visibly anxious. Marna noticed it and intended  to tell her it was fine, however she realized that she didn't even know her guide's name yet.

"Ehh, excuse me, but may I ask what your name is? I don't like addressing people as "hey you over there". By the way, my name is Marna, unless you already found out using your... weird demon powers.

- My mistake! How did I forget? My name is Shiva, but a lot of people call me Miss. Penth. You choose.

- So, Shiva, who's that Master you mentioned? 

- Oh, it's what I call the owner of this place. He actually has told me a couple times that this nickname bothered him, but I love annoying him and he doesn't usually get angry at his staff. I'm just predicting his reaction when he'll see what is left of our phone. Master really cares about his bar! He'll either shrug or slam a door. If you want, I can present him to you after our tour.

- I would like to see this guy, he sounds nice." finished Marna.

And so, Shiva took her on a visit of the place. It only lasted for twenty or so minutes, but Marna was already impressed by how neat the whole building was, despite the fact that the frequenters were demons. Together, they went through all the easily accessible areas:

They started at one of the bar areas, the one Shiva was in charge of. Behind the back-lit red counter were countless bottles aligned on multiple shelves or hidden in elevated cabinets placed on the back wall. Shiva explained that her clients have very diverse tastes and tend to take more than one glass when they come. Before the elbow-high black counter top were placed six chromed stools engraved with intricate patterns. Lamps hung from the ceiling, projecting a soft light on people's faces.

After that, they went past the large table area, which, Marna estimated, had around thirty tables, to reach the stage at the back. It was wider than it was deep, maybe ten by seven meters. They had to climb a small flight of stairs to get on it and see the large red rose pattern painted on the floor and the golden one sewed into the black curtains . It was the same rose drawing as the ones on the wallpaper. Okay, I think Master has an obsession, thought Marna. Shiva explained that this was were the part-time staff performed on Sunday nights and where the director would do speeches.

They went back to the bar area and passed an arch that lead to a dim-lighted isolated bar and a few tables. That was the "Exotic Hell" section, where another barmaid, who was currently home, worked. They served drinks that used rare and powerful ingredients, like "Hell Bells". This is why the clients were separated, in case a brawl started. Shiva told her that once, a very drunk guy tried to get out by jumping at the large bay window that gave a good view of the stage. Needless to say, his horns shattered the glass and he later received a visit from the owner himself, who handed out a 3000$ bill and a paper stating he wasn't allowed in the Sirkus anymore. After that incident, the barmaid had to enforce a rule where all clients going in the Exotic section had to wear horn protectors.

Finally, Marna was led in the corridor with the phone. They took a left turn and walked down the bright and red-carpeted hallway until they reached a very fancy door. It was padded with blood red fabric and gold buttons. "This is Master's office." Shiva pressed the doorbell and told her guest to wait. After a few seconds, the door slowly opened to reveal a dark room only lit by a white fireplace. They entered and Marna let her gaze travel from one side to another. The decor was in the same style as the bar, cozy and clean. Next to the door was a small desk covered in papers of all sorts. In a corner sat a large closet. In another corner, a large double door. Everything was silent and let the crackling in the chimney dominate the atmosphere. Tired of waiting for something to happen, Marna whispered to her guide:

"What are we even doing here?"

A creaking sound.

"I assume you came to meet me, my dear", said an unknown refined male voice.

The two girls looked towards the source of sound. The large chair in front of the fireplace spun on its axis until the person sitting on it faced them, head resting on a fist, smiling.

"Marna, I present to you Master Rosica, declared the horned woman. 

The pale demon glared at the later girl for a split second; his visible golden iris contracted, turning his slit pupil into a menacing line.

- Well well well, hello there, nice to meet you young lady! My name is Sethyr and welcome to my Sirkus!"