The Raven & The Spider (CURRENTLY UNDERGOING HEAVY EDITING)

Chapter 12 - What Happens In The Medical Tent, Stays In The Medical Tent

(A/N): Hello, Readers! I apologize for the long wait, and I could easily give about twenty excuses as to why I didn't have much time for writing, but because I know Author's Notes are annoying, and making excuses won't matter, I'll simply thank you for your patience and get on with the story. Thanks for reading! - Kylie <3

Your POV (Second Person):

You and Doll followed Joker who was leading the man with the tailcoat through the tents to Doctor. It slightly angered you that Joker was so nonchalant about leading a stranger back through all our tents. It felt like he was somehow... infiltrating it... You didn't trust this man...

Joker led the man through all the performers who were taking breaks after the show. Some sat down to have a good smoke, while others were busy taking off their costumes and makeup.

Darkness was already beginning to fall, and you wondered what happened to the boy with the eyepatch who'd abandoned his friend... or servant rather. He seemed to be about your age actually. He must be from a rather wealthy family...

"It's just back this way a tad." Joker informed the man as Doll and you listened in. "The old place is a bit of a mess I'm afraid."

As the two of you approached the medical tent behind the men, you heard Joker greet another performer. "Well good evening there, Snake." Chirped Joker cheerfully. "Do you know if Doc's back in the medical tent?"

You peered around the corner from behind one of the tents in time to see the reptile around Snake's neck point with his tail toward the right.

"Oh, maybe makin' the rounds then." Said Joker thoughtfully as he passed Snake and led the man further down the way.

You exchanged looks with Doll before she stepped out from behind the tent and continued quietly following the men. You cautiously followed.

"'What are you two girls up to?' Asked Keats."

You turned towards Snake who was watching you and Doll follow Joker and the man.

"'Yes. Just why is it that you two are sneaking around like that?' Asked Webster." Snake was known for being the voice of his snakes. He had eight snakes to be exact, but he always informed us which one was speaking.

"That's a very good question, Webster." Agreed Snake as he looked down at the reptile. "I would like to know as well."

You looked back at Doll who was waiting for you while simultaneously keeping track of the two men walking towards the medical tent.

"We're just curious is all." You stated bluntly. "I don't exactly trust this man whoever he is. Something about him seems a bit off."

Snake seemed to ponder something for a moment before saying, "'Yes, I believe you're right to be wary around newcomers.' Said Emily."

"I don't exactly distrust them," Started Doll thoughtfully. "But I am still curious about this man. I mean, who else would just walk up to Betty like that an not be fazed once bit?!"

"'Alright you two, but be careful.' Said Wilde." Snake nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, don't get into trouble."

"We won't!" You said with a smile as Doll and you crept out to follow the men.

After stepping out from the pathway where Snake sat, two familiar voices caught your attention.

"Doll! Robin!" Called out Peter.

You glanced over to see Peter and Wendy motion you over. The two of them were sitting on some wooden crates, still in their full costumes, and talking amongst themselves.

You began walking over to them with Doll behind you, but you kept Joker and the man in view.

"Yeah?" You asked, getting slightly annoyed with all the interruptions.

"Say, isn't that the lad that got bitten by the tiger?" Questioned Wendy as she pointed to the man in the black tailcoat.

You nodded. "Yeah, that's him."

Peter shook his head and laughed lightly. "What a stupid little boy."

"Little boy?" Doll questioned. "Um, he's a full grown man."

"So?" Asked Peter with annoyance.

"Well at least he doesn't still look like a little kid." Doll pointed out.

Peter's features turned red with rage. "Shut up!"

Wendy shook her head in shame. "You two best be going. I'll get him to calm down."

"Calm down!?!" Shouted Peter. "You think you can make me calm down!?!"

Doll and you waved good-bye to Wendy and the fuming Peter as you continued following Joker and the man to find Doctor.

After a few more minutes of roaming around camp while Joker looked for Doctor, you finally stopped as the two men went into one of the dining tents.

"Good. There he is." Said Joker happily after stepping in. "Oi, Doc!"

Doll and you peered in through the opening, careful not to let anyone see you snooping around.

"Yes?" Asked Doctor calmly as he drew his attention away from working on Dagger's leg.

"Joker!" Cheered Doctor as he caught sight of a friend. "What can I do for you tonight? Is your hand acting up again?"

"Heh no." Assured Joker as he lifted his skeletal prosthetic hand up. "I brought a different patient. See?"

Doctor looked behind Joker to see the man in the black tailcoat standing there.

Dagger's jaw dropped. "Wha-! Wait, him!?" Dagger stood up and pointed at the man with alarm. "He's that bloke from tonight's tiger act. He was the one that got bitten by Betty!"

Doctor's face paled and he gasped. "Hold on! What? Goodness how terrible! We need to get you to the infirmary!"

You looked over at Doll and grabbed her arm as you suddenly walked inside the dining tent.

"Hello!" You said with a cheerful grin. You pretended to be ignorant to the situation and asked, "What's going on here?"

Doll looked horrified that you'd just suddenly decided to blow your cover, but regained her calmness after hearing Joker's reply.

Joker looked over to see you and Doll and smiled warmly. "Oh, Robin. Doll. We were just about to take this gent to the medical tent to look him over."

"Oh! Wait, wasn't he the one that got bitten by Betty during the show?" You questioned with false realization.

"Yeah!" Yelled Dagger with excitement. "That was completely insane!"

Doctor stood up and motioned for the man in the black tailcoat to follow him. "Come with me, sir, and we'll get you fixed up in no time."

_____

Back at the medical tent, you, Dagger, and Joker crowded around the Doctor as he examined the man. Doll's curiosity had finally subsided as her tiredness had increased, so she'd gone back to the tent to wait for you.

"Are you quite certain you've been bitten by a tiger?" Asked Doctor with skepticism in his voice. "I don't see any gashes or broken skin."

"It was just an affectionate nip." Replied the man cheerfully.

You stared in surprise at the unbelievable man. You turned to look at Joker and Dagger who were just as dumbfounded as you.

"Affectionate, ay?" Asked Joker.

"Nip, ay?" Asked Dagger, following suit.

"Well, I'm just glad you're all right." Said Doctor with relief. "That could've been a serious injury indeed."

"Too true, too true." Agreed Joker as he stood up and walked over to stand behind the man's chair. "Imagine lettin' a customer get injured. If I did that, the troop leader would kill me."

The man turned around in his seat to look up at Joker. "I had the impression you were the troop leader."

"No, not me." Replied Joker humbly, as he raised his hands in embarrassment. "Afraid I'm only the hired help. The real leader's downright scary. Not someone you want to cross."

"Brave of you to say so," Started Dagger teasingly as he too stood behind the man's chair. "That kind of talk could get you into trouble. Better be careful."