Puppets (Chris Motionless/Cerruli fan fiction)

1 - Pulse

~~~~Anna's POV~~~~

Getting out of my car I slammed the door behind me, before then looking round at the scene that stretched out along the horizon for as far as I could see.

"Wow," I breathed, taking in the rows and rows of old fashioned circus tents and stalls from which the syrupy smell of candy apples and candyfloss seemed to emenate, clogging my airways with sugar. Men on stilts casually paraded about, whilst women dressed in the most elaborate show costumes I had ever scene danced behind them, twirling batons in the air above their heads. This was unbelievable. 

Hurriedly fetching my DSLR camera from my satchel I snapped a photo of the curious display before me. Fiddling with the settings I quickly adjusted the contrast before approaching one of the tents which bore a rather archaic looking sign which dramatically stated "Adelia's Potions" in bold cursive font. This was literally my idea of heaven. I absolutely loved all things creepy and bizarre; and this was the epitomony of it as far as I was concerned.

Today was my twenty-fourth birthday, and although I hated to admit it I was starting to feel a little old. I knew that twenty-four wasn't that old at all, but that didn't stop me from feeling as if time was speeding up and that the years were flying by quicker than ever before. To be perfectly honest it scared me, but nevertheless I wasn't going to let that spoil my day. I'd heard that this beautifully ornate funfair was touring the country and was due to visit pretty close to my home this weekend, so I'd decided to spend my birthday here doing what I loved best; photography.

Since I was very young it had been clear that I had a rather strong creative streak, and from the moment I'd first picked up a camera it was evident to me what I wanted to do. Photography was my passion; and I adored it. I was lucky enough to have been offered a job working as a photographer for a local alternative music magazine years ago, and I'd never looked back once. It was amazing being able to pursue my passion, whilst being able to express myself freely at work. It would be next to impossible to get me a job almost anywhere else due to my piercings and tattoos, but that didn't matter to me as I didn't plan on qutting anytime soon.

Wandering amongst the item laden stalls, I took in the glorious smells and magnificently rich displays. This was like paradise to me, I doubted that I'd ever want to leave.

~~~~A Few Hours Later~~~~

Moving my long dark hair out of my face I made my way back towards the exit of the funfair, taking one last look at all of the exhibits before I left. I'd been here for a few hours now, and it was starting to get dark, so it was probably about time I began making my way home, especially since my boyfriend hated it when I was out late. It was as I was taking this final tour around that I noticed a tent, slightly further set back than the others, which I hadn't noticed before. Squinting to read its delapidated sign I could just about make out the words: "Haunted Maze".

I couldn't help but grin like a cheshire cat when I read those words. I absolutely loved haunted maze type attractions, even if they did scare me witless on most occasions, and I just couldn't resist the urge to approach the tent now and take a look inside.

Handing the doorman one of my paper tokens, I cautiously stepped through the curtained doorway and into the dimly lit expanse. The walls were covered in ornate frames which contained grotesque interpretations of various animals, and the cieling was adorned with hundreds of fake bats and spiderwebs. Thank goodness I was short enough to just about avoid them. 

Tiptoeing along the passageway before me, I had to suppress a gasp as a dummy dressed as a skeleton lunged at me from the walls.

Regaining my compsure I cautiously turned the corner and ducked as a fake scythe swung at my head. Jesus.