No. I'm going to continue what I'm doing.

As you explain your position more forward with Arabella, she pulls her hand away, but you don’t feel abandoned or that she’s upset with you. A soft sigh leaves her mouth as she reclines into her chair. “If you think this is the best course of action, who am I to disagree? I’m your subject, after all.”

“You’re more than a subject,” you tell her. “You mean more than me than you might think.”

She softly chuckles. “More than Mikko or Gwen?”

Her question makes you squirm slightly. You didn’t want to pick and choose one of them specifically. You especially didn’t want to tell one of the girls which one you preferred… To hide your discomfort, you laugh. “Virgin bartenders are more my type.”

You share a laugh and then return to your gazing. Arabella stands up after a few minutes and leans in for a kiss. It’s more intimate than expected, and her lips remain pressed against yours for a while. She pulls away, giving you an almost innocent smile. “Don’t stay out for too long, Master. Get some rest.”

“Oh, I will,” you say…Remaining outside until it’s almost 2 am, lost in your thoughts and considering what other paths you could take if this circus gig doesn’t take off.

The morning that follows you is bright and, of course, warm. You’re rallied with Scarlet just outside town, who is loaded with equipment, much like you and the girls. Scarlet is more focused on Gwendolion, Mikko, and Arabella as you approach. Scarlet has her hair pulled back in petite pigtails tucked away as the rest of her head is covered by a baseball cap. Eventually, your eyes meet, and she smiles at you. It’s synthetic and almost sarcastic.

“Good morning, friends.”

“Good morning!” Gwendolion happily replies. Mikko, along with Arabella, doesn’t reply.

When you get close enough, you greet Scarlet as well. The blonde color of her natural hair is more noticeable from this distance. “Ready to lead the way, Scarlet?”

She places her hands on her hips and exercises her neck, probably sore from a similar sleepless night. She lets out a long, scratchy yawn to empower your insomnia thoughts. “Yeah, I was ready to leave hours ago. But I figured I should wait to see what you three planned.”

“Well,” Arabella says. “We’re here, aren’t we?”

“It would seem so,” Scarlet lifts one eyebrow. “I like to walk in silence, so place no singing or comment-making while we’re on foot, yeah? If you say something, make sure it’s because of dire importance,” She smiles shark-like. “However, I’m sure your master already has strict rules, doesn’t he?”

The road is hot, unoccupied, and silent. The only ones breaking the silence are Gwendolion and Mikko, announcing their observations to each other, not the group. The mountains, flora, and some of the overall atmosphere warranted a few comments from the twins. You were curious to know if it offended Scarlet because she was well ahead of everyone else. You got the notion she didn’t like the foxes, which was fine by you since you were sure they weren’t a fan of her either, the twins included!

On the horizon, past the stretch of road, an outline of buildings dotted the crest. You could see a large square structure, which you’re sure was a hotel. Around that building were several others. It was challenging to determine what they were, but you guessed they were going to put retail outlets, food, general supplies, and so forth.

Out of place, however, was the giant canvas tent that was erect in what used to be a parking lot. You hadn’t seen one so large before. It was white with red lines racing down the roof and down the sides, and different colored banners barely flapped in the breeze above. There was a sign on top you could just barely read: “Enter the Afterlife.”

A circus of this caliber must’ve been decadent. Scarlet paused ahead and waited for you beside a blown-up semi-trunk. The hollow, rusty vehicle provided some shade from the sun that was now warming the grounds. You still had about 30 minutes of walking.

Scarlet produced a flask from her hip and drank from it. You took your water bottle and drank, too. Soon, all of you were taking a moment to hydrate. Scarlet nods in the direction of the circus tent and clears her throat. “So, what do you think of that?”

“I’ll admit that I’m impressed,” you say with a swallow. “Never heard of them, though.”

“They typically run shows in California or Texas, and since there’s a hard influence of Japanese influence here, I’m sure they’re feeling brave to expand their audience here, too,” Scarlet says, looking at the canvas giant from the shade.

“It’s so big!” Gwendolion cheers. “I wonder what it looks like from the inside!”

“Ample clowns,” Mikko teases, stifling her sister's glee.

Arabella grumbles but stares with amusement, too.

“They’re gonna pay well,” Scarlet says after a swallow. “I’ve worked with them once when I was contracted with another outfit.”

“Which outfit?” You inquired.

“Red Tie Syndicate. Some of them might be contracted again with them,” Scarlet thinks for a moment but doesn’t add any more. For the rest of the journey, Scarlet is close by, and the group is silent.

Arriving at your destination, you’re greeted by the town's population lazing around. This is another peaceful place. You haven’t visited this place before, but judging by the clean streets and no immediate interruption at the gates, you guess that hostilities aren’t common.

Scarlet stops when she notices your small group has stopped moving as well. “What is it?”

“I want to look around,” Mikko says.

“Yes,” Gwendolion says. “Once we start working, we might not have another good chance to.”

Arabella clears her throat. “Our master can still sign up,” she looks at you. “Unless you need us to be with you when you’re getting contracted?”

Scarlet clicks her tongue. “You’re all adults. No one needs to hold their hands, do they?”