Ztateeka's Story

OOC: I figured it was a good idea to call you all to the RP XD

Putting up the tents had been hard enough, but at least it was predictable. Sweat and strain enough, and eventually it was done. But wiring up the electrics now - that was a different thing again. The various odds and ends of twisted, frayed wiring, all plugged together with aged plugs and links and circuit boards, often with bare bits of wire where the casing had long ago worn off, and more often than not trailing in the mud and puddles. It was all, the men thought, an accident waiting to happen.

And this morning - the accident got sick of waiting.

It was Zeke's fault, if it was anyone's. He was too busy dreaming about the plan he'd cooked up with Charlie. The plan had been Charlie's idea, but Zeke had jumped into the scheme enthusiastically. It was, no less, a way to see Feu, the fire-eater... buck naked. Charlie had discovered that the blind on her trailer window did not shut properly, and there was always a chink. And worked out that if two men walked silently enough, it would be easy to peek through that gap just as Feu was changing and showering after her act. Not morally correct or decent, maybe, but easy, and that was enough.

He had, in fact, been indulging in that stupid tactic of counting one's chickens before the eggs had hatched. In his imagination he was already feasting his eyes upon her glorious nakedness, her wonderful lithe body, her...

And this fantasy took resources away from where they were really needed. Which was making sure large spring-loaded switch that controlled the high surge of current needed to turn on the main spot was well and truly in the "off" position, enabling Ian, the electrician, to probe at another section of the wore with his cutters, an activity that - with the switch in the correct position - was easy and safe enough. But if said switch was "on" would be flirting with becoming a fried cinder in short order.

"Is it off?" he shouted across at Zeke.

"Yeah. It's fine." (Zeke allowed Feu's imaginary naked body, dripping with water from the shower, to wander across his mental sight once again.)

"Sure?"

"For &^&*sake, yes!" (Imaginary Feu began toweling herself vigorously, in all his favorite places.)

"OK, then. Right, I need to - AAAGGGGHHHHH!"

At first, no-one moved. Many of those watching thought Ian was simply having a joke, pretending to do some weird and wonderful dance. Others, who saw what was happening, were frozen into place by the horror of what was happening as hundreds of volts coursed through Ian's body. Suddenly someone screamed. Ian's body bucked and gyrated, a frozen rictus of pain and terror on his face.

Finally, Young Jim moved. He reached across, with a vague idea of dragging his friend clear of the current, too late to heed the warnings of wiser heads. All this did was cause Jim's hands to freeze to Ian's trunk, imprisoning them both in agony as the current made its destructive way to earth through their bodies.


Ztateeka

had never been a heavy or a good sleeper. Like most of the members of the circus, he was close to being an insomniac. By the time he got to sleep, it was usually only a few hours before the time he had to get up. But, given his dreams, his nightmares, it was even worse for him than most. He lived for the night, and performing. It was all he knew - or, at least, all he could remember. Well, more or less.

It was only that he'd missed supper the night before (busy trying to perfect a new trick) that had caused him to awaken, hours before his normal time, starving hungry, and walked across to the cooking tent in an effort to obtain breakfast. Bad luck for him, perhaps, yet excellent chance for Ian and Jim - and, (for sleaze as he was, he was not without conscience) Zeke.

Hearing the scream, he quickly turned from his path, hurrying towards what was happening. Seeing the tableau before him, he did not even have time to consider. He stretched out his hand, concentrating his mind into one supreme effort. Near-invisible waves (perceivable only by a slight distortion if one chanced to look across them) shot from his outstretched fingers, neutralizing the current, so that Jim collapsed in an ungainly heap, the breath knocked from him with an "oof" as Ian fell on top of him.

Not waiting to discuss his action (for in his own mind, it had not been an especially heroic one - he'd simply done what he had the power to do, at no cost to himself) he continued towards the breakfast tent, ignoring the admiring glances and cries of thanks that followed in his wake.

"No time for being embarrassed!" Norma was thinking while picking up the pieces. "I'm eighteen, not thirteen! I should just deal with it normally!"

She almost cut herself when she heard Lady saying her brother should help. She dropped the pieces when she heard him say he would help. There he was - right in front of her, being his usual cheerful self, doing amusing remarks, causing Norma to chuckle. His compliments on her skills and hard work caressed her ears. She was very flattered when he said he wanted to try what she did. Norma chuckled at the joke about how plates shouldn't be in her acts.

"Thanks, Jean... You're pretty good at magic tricks along with your sister. Magic looks hard too..." She smiled, glad that at least she could talk to him normally. Well, most of the time.

So, there they were - the two of them, under the table, picking up pieces of plate together, exchanging compliments... just the two of them..

"Ezra!" Norma went back to reality, as the son of the owner suddenly joined.

Then she realized that somehow she ended up having two guys cleaning up the mess she caused and was about to fix. Not only did she cause the trouble, but she also wasn't very useful into fixing it, as she was holding two or three pieces at most. Bothered by this, Norma slowly stood up and greeted Ztateeka.

"I should stop being something similar to a helpless damsel in distress. I won't cause any more trouble for anyone!" She thought.

Norma gasped at the sight of her hands - it seemed like she didn't follow Lady's warning - she managed to cut herself.

Ztateeka


Intent upon his game with the tin can, Ztateeka did not at first realize he was being greeted. He had vaguely registered that the pretty acrobat he knew as "Hawk" had made another social faux pas, and that she was looking somewhat embarrassed, then (assuming she would want as few spectators as possible to notice her slip up) had deliberately not looked.

When he realized he was being spoken to, he allowed his mind to drop the can which fell to earth with an alacrity that caused a mini explosion of dust on the dry ground. That Hawk - Norma, he now recalled her name was - had greeted him partly to cover her own self-consciousness was immediately apparent to him, though it was also obvious that this was not her only reason. It was typical of what he knew of her character that she would always try to include those she saw as left out.

As he returned her greeting, with his usual shy smile, he noticed the blood dripping from her hands. Since she still held the fragments of broken plate, he saw, it would be difficult for her to deal with the situation. And if she dropped the plates, she'd probably also gash her legs as they fell, for even the short time he had been at the circus had been enough to show him that Norma was prone to being unluckily clumsy.

"Here, let me," he said, smiling reassuringly, and taking the broken pieces of plate from her. Though it wasn't deliberate, his hands touched hers as he grasped the shards of china, and he hoped that didn't make her feel even more self-conscious. He tossed the remains of the plate into the air and tapped into a passing breeze, the smallest of currents, but when directed by him it was enough to carry the broken shards, which skipped across the sky until they were over the nearest trash bin, upon which he released them and let them fall into the receptacle.

"Not your fault, not your fault," he said to Norma, attempting to convince her she was merely the victim of an accident that could have happened to anyone. He held onto her hands gently, in such a way that her fingers spread, and brought the small breeze back, wafting over her hands, so that it would cool them and dry the blood hygienically. "I dropped a plate yesterday, myself," he lied. "Anyone could do it."

Norma moved her eyes to Ztateeka.
"Thanks a lot..." She smiled at him. "It means a lot to me..."

This made her happy - no matter what happened, no matter what she did, everyone would be so nice to her, helping her. That's why she felt the members of the circus as her own family. Of course, she would still try her best not to take advantage of their kindness by working on her self improvement.
Norma would admit, she felt slightly relieved when Ztateeka said he broke a plate too recently. It seemed like she wasn't the only one causing trouble with her odd behaviour. She would hope that everyone knew she would be there for them when they needed, because everyone were one big family. That day she was needed as a performer, as a cast member, as an acrobat. She was needed as Hawk. Nothing would stop her from this...

Probably except for the cut! What if it starts hurting during her maneuvers and fail the act? Lady was good at healing wounds, but everything could happen... The circus was lucky for not going trough an explosion because of Norma's antics.

"Lady, is the cut bad?" She asked Little Lady.

(( IM SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG!!! My room sorta had a pipe explode under it and flood a spot...))

Lady Dravvis

Lady was still chatting silently with Ferela when the news of... Dare she say it a cut reached her ears. "Jean... I thought you were helping Norma with that." She saw her brother jump a little and hide behind Ezra... Of course he would. With an angry huff Lady pulled out several things from her small box. "Jean... Sit next to Miss Ferela and keep her company while I fix Norma's hands..." Lady watched with ruby eyes as he listened. "Ferela... Keeps an eye on him... He's trouble." Lady gently took Norma's hands and looked at each cut with meticulous worry. "Norma... What am I to do with you... You and Jean will kill me with worry..." A sad look filled Lady's eyes at the thought of anyone injured but there was not time. Taking a pair of tweezers Lady picked out each piece of remaining glass and set it in a pile, then she cleaned the wounds once with a wet towel the cook brought over and started to apply salve. "This salve will disinfect it." Then finally Lady wrapped up the cuts in a bandage making it tight. "Before your performance tonight you will remove those bandages apply this," she pulled out a different salve "It has pain numbing properties your performance should be fine BUT... I would prefer if someone volunteered to keep an eye on her during her performance before and after to insure she remembers to take all proper protocols... AM I CLEAR!" Lady's eyes narrowed into a deadly glare she only gave those for peoples own good... When they NEEDED to take better care of themselves or she would step in and fix the problem herself. "So... Norma... After you get a volunteer you will come tell me... I can't have you not taking care of those cuts... Just the idea of an infection." A panic look crossed Lady's face as she gently touched the bandages now covering the cuts, before it returned to it's neutral expression. "Anyway... You find a volunteer miss!"

Jean Dravvis

Jean was a little shocked with Ezra's appearance... Then again he always was. Smiling at the slightly older boy Jean allowed him to help and allowed himself to get distracted hence why Norma probably ended up with so many cuts. But before he could say anything Lady's demonically sharp ears caught in and she snapped going full: 'Jean sit down what am I going to do with you someones injured now.' mode. Jean huffed and obeyed sitting across from Ferela. "Why is it always me... I've been good... Lately." He huffed and puffed up his cheeks watching Lady work from here. She was fast and skilled and even though she often complained about worry being her death she showed a fondness for fixing people up... Something no one dared even try take away lest they end up on the end of those deathly ruby eyes and sharp snake tongue... She was sweet it was true but she was also dangerous.

When Lady finished with Norma Jean knew her attention would turn on him luckily he had a distraction. "EZRA!" Throwing himself on the thinner man Jean clung to him, "I completely forgot to say hello," Luckily it worked upon seeing Ezra Lady calmed down immediately and folded her arms. "Ezra, darling big brother please tell our air head of a sibling that he is to be more careful." DANG IT! She was gonna turn Ezra on it too the big sibling who was suppose to help him out of Lady's worry wart scolding not aid in it. "Lady! Come at least hug the man before you order such things." Jean prayed... And they were answered Lady calmed a little and moved over allowing her to be squished between the two older boys. She may have even hugged back... A little. Not that she'd admit it. When she was finally released she turned her attention elsewhere calling over Jeremy and Luise to get a check up sense they'd come back from getting cake with the bubbly Ember. Jean smiled, "One bullet dodged eh Ezra... She'd have come after you next you know darling sister do us both she's dangerous..."

Just as she thought things couldn't get any worse, she was proven wrong. She tried to defend Jean, saying it wasn't his fault, but with little to no success. She could feel her face getting pale when Lady wanted someone to look after her, like she was a helpless baby.

"Wait, no need, I'll remember to take the painkillers, I'll be carefu..." Norma suddenly stopped talking, as Ferela voluntiered to help her.

Norma realized that the tonight's act was more important than her own pride, so no matter how humiliating was this for her...

"Ferela... Thank you so much and I wish you luck..." The girl sighed. It was still morning, and she already caused trouble for so many people.

"If you need help for anything in the future, feel free to ask me..." She told her. The fact that she was younger than Norma didn't help, but again - the act was more important. She would compensate her antics tonight.

"What are you talking about, Ferela?" Norma laughed nervously, forcing a smile. "It's nothing about embarrassment! You'll just be more in touch with my health and will remind me about the painkillers in case I forget."

Norma took a lock of Ferela's hair and started braiding it.

"You'll make everyone calmer if you stick around me a little more than usual." Her smile wasnt forced any more. "I'd do the same for you in case you get injured."

Again, Norma managed to get out of the self pity or self conscious phase - probably for the second or third time in the last few minutes. Her biggest motivation was a great performance - the main reason she got over her phases. Norma, like everyone else, loved performing. If you worsen the situation with something you're bad at, you can also make things better with something you're good at - this would go for everyone, this is all that mattered.

Ferela watched Norma and was happy she didn't seem too be mad at her she let out a small breathe as Norma started braiding a lock of her hair"You'll make everyone calmer if you stick around me a little more than usual." Ferela saw her smile lighten become easier as she said"I'd do the same for you in case you get injured." Ferela looked at Norma and smiled as she said "Ok and thanks again I am happy to know that!" She watched the girl braid her bit of hair "You are quite good at braiding Norma..." she said absently as the thought popped in her head she felt an urge to hug the girl but stayed still and just watched the others, while doing this she watched Luise talking to Ember as she walked her away then saw Jem fall asleep hitting the table audibly and he lay there she assumed he was asleep 'Im glad that the workers do what they do..but it is sad how little sleep they seem to get..' she thought to herself.

Lady Dravvis

Lady was counting her supplies when the resounding thump and pained groan caught her attention. She looked over in time to see Jeremy blinking sleepily and huffed before moving over to clean a small bit of frosting that had been less fortunate in the crash to the table. "Mister Jeremy, tell me how many times have I warned you about getting enough sleep?" Lady always tried to sound more like a concerned friend then a disappointed teacher but she was fairly sure she sounded quite upset. Carefully Lady lifted Jem's head and felt the part that had suffered the harshest impact. "Tch, your fine but I would suggest you eat and get to bed as soon as possible... Though I'm afraid to let you eat in your current state." Lady lifted Jem's head and stared at him feeling his head and checking his blood flow quickly. "Your lucky... Your fine aside the obvious fatigue and no eating so I will give you two options you allow me or someone to escort you to your room for some sleep or you can stay here and eat and then get escorted! And if IF you so much as dare try and skip out on sleep or food to go run some idiots errands that I'm sure someone else can do. I. Will. Show. No. Mercy." Lady stepped back hands on her hips as she waited for Jem's choice.

Jean Dravvis

Jean felt rather upset for Norma and Lady's harshness so he gave the girl a comforting smile before he went back to exitedly talking with Ezra. It wasn't until Jean heard Lady's 'serious' voice that he looked away from Ezra to focus on Lady who was scolding Jeremy. Too be honest Jean had nothing against Jeremy... He just did not like Jeremy around Lady. Maybe it was because the man was always so eager to help and his signature 'What'cha need, Sweetheart?' no one was allowed to say such things to Lady! She was too special for such things and no one deserved her they did not even deserve to flirt with her. Huffing and pouting Jean crossed his arms and whispered to Ezra and Ztazeeka (who happened to be in the general vicinity) "Am I the only one who doesn't like the amount of attention Jem gives Lady... I mean he's half asleep now BUT usually! I swear he's more polite to her or or... Something." Jean continued to pout and fume as he tried to dissect if Jem was really being friendly or if maybe his precious sisters perfect everything was being over-appreciated by a certain sweet loving blonde.

((psst. Anyone still out there? ))

Lady Dravvis

Lady was quick and as soon as she saw Jem stagger her arm shot out and grabbed onto the taller boy in order to stop his near falling. She immediately forgot another on-coming lecture in favor of staring at Jeremy with concern. "No way am I letting YOU walk by yourself Mister. I swear you nearly gave me a heart attack." Despite her normally expressionless face her lips still formed a strange mix between a frown and a pout while her eyes eyed Jeremy concerned wondering if he was getting sick or if her earlier deduction of tired still fit the bill. With a sigh of resignation Lady hooked her arm around the taller mans. "Come now I'll escort you to your caravan." Without waiting for permission Lady began to walk forward stopping to accept a wrapped sandwich that the cook offered her, he must have seen the scolding and decided to help. Bowing politely she handed the sandwich to Jeremy and continued out of the tent.

The morning was already beginning to fade and the misty fog had cleared allowing Lady to admire the ride's and tents and the brightly colored caravan's the evening was sure to be glorious with lights and performances and even though Lady was more then a little concerned for her fellow show mates she knew they would all be fine. Glancing up at Jeremy Lady stared at him expressionless for the most part but for her calculating eyes. "You work allot harder then most of the people here Mister Jeremy... I suppose I should apologize then... I am rather harsh but I should also appreciate the work you do so... I appreciate the work you do..." Lady fell into a small silence before she let out a small huff. "... Your still not forgiven for scaring me like that though... Honestly." Lady huffed and continued.

Jean Dravvis

Jean continued to watch his sisters interaction closely all the while grumbling his annoyance. But Jeremy WAS too tired to appreciate Lady's everything at the moment... And he supposed that made it ok... Besides Lady was only interested in Jem's health nothing else right? Right? Finally peeling his eyes away from Lady as she escorted Jem away Jean focused instead on Ztateeka. "So you got any new ideas for your show? I was talking about it with Norma earlier but then the glass fell and... Yeah." Jean gave a crooked smile remembering the expression Norma had it had been pretty cute though he still felt a little bad about it. Speaking of Norma... Jean spared the girl a glance. He would have to talk to her again later...

Ferela watched the events unfold around her quietly when she say Ember stretch she felt a pain in her legs ouch she watched Lady scolding Jem and saw jean look their way at Norma "I think he kind of likes you Norma.."she said absently and immediately regretted it 'Well...that was not how you bring that up..'she stared at the ground embarrassed by her words.

"Poor Jeremy..." Norma thought. "He sure works a lot. I hope he doesn't get worse. Lady now takes care of him. We sure worry her a lot with our conditions, but that's what being a medic like."

Norma's sight was shot at Ferela when she mentioned that 'he kinda liked her'.
"Wha-" Norma almost exploded, but quickly stopped herself of saying something stupid or revealing.
"Who is that 'he' you're talking about, Ela?" Norma tried her best to look and act as casual as possible, knowing that Ferela didn't specifically mention the name.
"How can you tell that this particular person might like me? Have you noticed something really odd about Jean's beha..." So much for being casual, as Norma quickly clogged her mouth with both of her hands.

"L-look! Ember and Luise are stretching!" Norma yelled nervously, pointing at them. "Let's keep them company!"

The girl took Ferela's arm and started dragging her along.
"Hey, girls!" Norma greeted the stretchers, as her voice got a little high pitched.

Ferala saw Norma's reaction and was about to answer when she was pulled over toward the others she looked at Norma and said "So you do know who I was talking about then..yes I did notice.."she looked at the other girls and said "Yes hello you two good morning..."her voice cracked a little as she almost fell being pulled forward by Norma she put her heels into the ground haulting their movement she looked at Norma again and said "I won't say anything just stop pulling me please.."

"I'll be a flying squirrel!" Norma responded. "I'm not giving away anything else. What are you guys planning for your acts tonight?" She asked the three girls around her.

(Sorry for the one liner... I hope someone responds soon...)

With shock in her eyes Norma observed what happened around her, while holding her top. Never in her life has she ever been so glad she preffered shorts more than skirts. She was even more shocked that the events were caused by Ztateeka. He seemed so reserved! Maybe he messed it up, or maybe it was always the quiet ones. He seemed like he was in panic, but maybe he was a good actor too?

"Denzil, what the heck?" Norma raised her brow at him. "Careful next time."

She didn't mean to sound like she was scolding him, she only wanted to tell him not to do anything like that any more. She hoped she didn't hurt him, but most of all - she hoped he really didn't do it on purpouse.

(Hey, should we timeskip a bit?)