Showtime

"Come one, come all! Don't be shy now." Well…despite all the odds, Lunaira was able to breathe a sigh of relief. Time crunch and a few issues aside, they managed to get preparations done before the moon rose to the sky.

Unfortunately, despite that great accomplishment, she could not rest just yet. If anything, she had to stay on her toes more now that the area they borrowed for the show was overrun with people.

So, she kept to the shadows, hidden from view while Illese, Graves and Bastian greeted people from outside the tent. Twinkling twittling stars revealed a night to remember. A huge bonfire was lit a few yards away, warming the three when a cold chill arrived with the dusky skies.

The light from it also illuminated rules and artwork for their Hallowcile guests to admire as they tentatively made their way inside. Firelights in the shape of hearts slowly began forming from Illese's hands, dancing towards the random guests, sputtering into tiny embers that flitted.

What a wonderful atmosphere. Even more so when Lunaira found herself amused at the discomfort the boys showed while they tried their own hand at welcoming their guests.

They really looked out of place and it wasn't just because of the overly flashy, colorful garments Coco dressed them up in. Although knowing the rouge haired diva, she wouldn't have been surprised if Coco purposely made her latest attire designs the most insufferable she could muster.

She was practically sparkling the moment Ori told them who was given what job. In her defense, Coco was always given the job of seamstress, and was always quite happy to present her creations.

Tonight, seemed extra special to her though. The grin she had on this morning brought chills that ravaged bones while she presented her latest masterpieces. Not a doubt in her mind the bratty girl was still harping quite the grudge at Illese for dragging her and her twin around earlier.

The dress alone was drenched in so many pink dazzling jewels that it made Illese look like the child she was often mistaken for. Insufferable bows bounced in long sunshine pigtails. A pretty princess that blinded all that dared step within her presence. Illese was silently seething, Lunaira could tell.

"We-welcome!" As for the ginger's misery-well, Coco lived for harassing Bastian. Speaking of the teenager's favorite latest fashion victim, Bastian, the poor wallflower, was attempting to hide his face within his slightly curled ginger locks. It did nothing since his suit, though form fitting, had questionable combinations of purple and yellow with the pure white bow tie.

At least Coco didn't force him to wear the overly high-heeled boots she bought him for his birthday. Any taller would bloom black and blue to his face for all the times he’d smack his head. He didn’t need to add anymore to the already odd arrangement of vibrant hues. He stood out most, they all knew that.

Coco definitely knew that. Despite his instinctual desire to avoid crowds, his magic confidently came out in soft bursts, barely the size of a pea. As they were released from his palms, scattered about those few fused into little birds fluttering among the fireflies.

Those fiery wings soared above before disappearing with the wind. It was beautiful, and what truly drew the crowd forward. The children were especially hooked. Grubby hands loved gripping his pants, desiring to see his solo show.

If she could, Lunaira would've forced him on stage just for that alone. What he lacked in speech, he made up for in dedicated talent. A shame there were still those skittish habits he clung to. She ignored his silent pleas, smiling at him from the shadows. Her attention swerved elsewhere.

"Hello! Welcome to Ori's Starlite Troupe. Hope you enjoy the show!" Lunaira could only assume Graves was a victim of circumstance, not that she was too sure about that one. He didn't look bad in a baggy outfit. The shades of white and grays contrasted nicely with his eyes in addition to the fire. Even with the sleeves far too long over his hands, it looked fine on him.

Problem came from his overly eccentric efforts. Poor kid was overdoing it. His cheekbones were stretched wide, too much so to the point where it looked painful. High-pitched words that floated from his mouth were genuine however. Those spindly limbs struggled holding up a sign Dusty made for tonight's performance.

Those tortured, trembling legs managed to stay upright. He was sticking it out, trying to stay calm with the swarming people all around him. He was quite the trooper. A major boon if he and his cousin decided to stick around.

Her thoughts were interrupted with a bit of movement from the corner of her eye. Illese waved Lunaira's way as the first group walked in, her concerned expression matched the albino's own.

Invisible, unseen by the strangers unaware of her presence, she saddled right behind her friend. Their heads were just a breath away from one another, making it easy to whisper without suspicion.

"Luna…these people-most of them look like they're ready to drop."

"I know. If we didn't think there was a Supernatural feasting around here before, the evidence before us certainly confirms it now." Both of their expressions turned grim when they rested their scrutinizing gazes on the next batch of people that arrived from town.

Smiles were plastered on their newest guests. Faces as bright as the dramatic makeup that's caked on Ori's appointed front liners.

It was clear to Lunaira and her fellow magicians that watched on that something was wrong with most of the townsfolk. Their skin was frail, an unnatural ghostly white.

Their gangly, swaying forms barely functioned with each advance; feet easily tripped against the ground despite all the work done to make the paths as smooth as possible. Those giddy eyes had a dark dull sheen that glazed over them.

The most damning evidence, however, was the spell seeds that showed clear signs of being attacked. Shriveled in slightly on itself like a piece of fruit scorched in the sun.

They spoke and behaved normally, so much so that those unaware could've easily missed the problems hidden beyond the surface. Endless plausible excuses could be made for their haggard appearances.

They were a self-sustaining village of hard workers, of course they were tired. Lunaira knew that bit of background was why it took so long for the SAA to act in sending her, leaving behind a bitter taste in her mouth.

Seeing the victims as they currently were, with the knowledge they had, the troupe found it hard to ignore their sickly appearance. Thankfully, there were still a few that were healthy, seemingly unaffected. Those few were blissfully free from the magic corrupting poison.

Still…there were far too many walking towards death's door for Lunaira's liking. She paused mid-thought when she felt Illese grab her arm, her voice a hushed, yet rushed whisper.

"Is it too late to save them?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it. Regardless on if I am able to take down our hungry little fiend tonight, Ori planned to stick around a few days to make sure everything is ok."

Illese exhaled, releasing her with a small nod. Immediately she turned to address the upcoming group with a smile, their conversation temporarily forgotten. Lunaira saw her friend's flames glow a little brighter. Her fire hearts, flies and stars were a little bigger.

The albino scratched her head, stifling a sigh, only to tap the shorter woman's shoulder. Together they eyed yet another small group that was marching forth. With the way the human citizens were coming, it wouldn't be long before they'd have a full house.

"I'm heading in. Once the show starts, make sure you and the boys are within the wards. Mama Ori doesn't want us to take any unnecessary risks."

After receiving an understanding nod, she left. Carefully, still hidden in the shadows, she stalked behind the Hallowcile civilians. Their anticipated glee wafted off them alongside curiosity. Pride could only fill Lunaira when their intrigue broke through in excited gasps the moment they entered through the large opening flap.

Hallowcile was a quaint little place full of quiet, humble people. Surrounded by dense forests that ran on for miles on end, wild beasts stalked the land, targeting travelers that made their way through. Not too often did the extraordinary find its way in their streets, let alone a circus.

So, it was no surprise to Lunaira that the everyday workers and their families would enter such mystifying territory with wonder encompassing their beings. Their jaws slacked open with wide, star-filled eyes.

What was once grassland covered in branches and trash, now held their circus tent with cushion seats, several already filled, surrounding a large wooden stage.

The stage itself was just a flat wooden box about six feet off the ground, able to fit at least two dozen people. No fancy decorations or gimmicks to be seen. The same was said for everything else.

Huge, wide wooden pillars peaked towards the fabric ceiling. Connected to each other by thin, delicate ropes with warped small rectangle platforms dispersed abnormally high and higher up in the vast space.

Nets were found dangerously dangling not too far under the connected ropes. There were even a few black lanterns that Momo enchanted, hovering around the tent. Dim, alternating hues of rainbow embers offered a bit of light to prevent any potential accidents.

They also showed off even more hand painted images on the fabric walls. Wild animals flew across the creases, diamond shaped stars surrounded the performers, all painted to perfectly match their real-life counterparts.

An airy giggle came from the white-haired maiden, causing several heads to turn in her direction. She had to cover her mouth, it was too easy to laugh at her guest who furrowed their brows in confusion when they didn't see her. Her slip up was forgotten when they were drawn away moments later.

"Oh! Oh! Look at this!" Her smirk widened, she followed their gazes downwards, marveling at the sight. They found-arguably-Lunaira's favorite set of decorations. Along the entrance floors were little glowing flowers.

Each one was varied in shape and color. Rich golden yellows, blushing pinks, pure whites, bruising blues and plum purples, all of it stemmed by spring green. Inside the private petals held an iridescent sheen.

Dante had certainly outdid himself as his personal efforts blossomed a pleasant, sweet aroma that rose to their noses, captivating them further. Bewildered whispers filled the space, excitement lingered with each startled glance.

Among those in the crowd was a mesmerized child. She looked to be about five, even smaller when she bent down. Lunaira saw her chubby little fingers reach. The adults that huddled around like gossiping maidens were speaking to one another about the tightropes and paintings.

All of them were unaware that she was ready to pluck a little white rose that stood out in the sea of floral. Much to the child's surprise, she never got to them.

Her frightened screech reached everyone's ears before she disappeared from view.