Check, Set and Match

Chapter Twelve: Kid (Countdown, Part 5)

Months later, the trouble began...

"They're over powered with no limits,"

"They're kids- we cannot trust them,"

"They have no fall back, no chains,"

"They're dangerous,"

Millions of noises drilled into his ears. Voices cruel in their hidden touch. Blocked by hundreds of palms and lips as they covered the venom and the malice. But they were seeping through the cracks of their forced smiles and fake eyes. The boy- Ringmaster, as he was now dubbed- listened. Standing beside the girl. He had never seen her at such unease, her grin unsteady, the light in her eyes reduced to a flicker of what once was. Her skin looked dull, and faded. Dark circles curled around her, as she brought rough and damaged fingers to the mic.

"I understand you're all worried. I hear you. But the Cirque simply cannot be disassembled. It was passed down to my brother Miguel and I from Camortas, a member of one of the royal family's main branch. Unless you want to get 'em mad, I'd just ease up,"

Questions, insults, and names were hurled at her. He didn't know how she managed to keep a straight face. He certainly didn't, magi sparking at the tips of his fingers.

The boy appeared out of no where. Maybe he was why she was strong. Her plan had arrived. Skin a rosy pale hue, hair a deep brown, Chao whispered in the ears of Lilac. Her smile widened. Her eyes, they flickered, as did Miguel's, and his own. Speaking within the minds of others.

"Chao made the game. The stage is set!"

"Game? Wasn't it not ready? Dangerous?"

"Chao says he's got it covered. Trust me?"

"Screw it, I don't have a choice do I?"

"Glad you agree!"

Her eyes danced, waltzing over the disbelievers. Before they landed on her necklace. A beautiful, purple amethyst. Another one in the hands of the boy who appeared. Chao. She slipped off her own, speaking loudly. Domination in her voice. She could conquer the world, if only she spoke like that once more.

"You worry about our restraints. We hear you. We are the children who will soon be the adults with just as much power as you all. Nevertheless, you all have a point. Therefore, we have created a way to suitably manage those of us who are in the Cirque, along with creating contingencies,"

Confusion. So much confusion. Except in his eyes as she slipped the necklace over his head like a medal. He agreed to this- he had to remind himself of that over and over.

"Everyone, meet Ringmaster. The Cirques' Limit,"
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Meanwhile, in present time, a month or so had passed, and they were back in France again...

Her vision was blurry.

A punch to the nose always makes your eyes water. But she didn't see the fist coming. It was day time, but the sun's rays barely made it into the alley. From her com link, Jasper, the usual behind the chair guy, was speaking at a normal volume- his way of yelling.