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Event date: October 5th, 2017. 2:30pm Pacific Time

Participants: Samantha Giddings (DM),  Europa & Cassius (DM), Nikolas Everett (Omega) (DM), June Moone, Raiya 

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Omega Ω

     Words spoken, the portal opened, the setting around the Vessel and the Jabberwocky had altered with their passage. In front of them lie the door to Sanctum as they approached, to which Nikolas yanked it open, holding it ajar for her. "It's not New York... just a pit stop. Welcome to Sanctum Cafe." He spoke to Europa, a half grin visible in preparation for her reaction.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa stumbled out of the portal, eyes wide with wonder with just a hint of adorable confusion. Her jaw loosened, allowing her full lips to part as she looked the doors up and down, pulling on the hem of her long black shirt, which was the only thing the Mediterranean wore. "Wow...it's amazing!" Euro exclaimed happily, grinning broadly up to Nik, putting a dimple in each cheek. She reached out to snag his hand and began to pull him inside, if allowed. She glanced around, wide eyed like a kid in a candy store, nose twitching as she gathered all the scents she could. "Sanctum...."

Omega Ω

     "It's a coffee shop. A place people sit and talk... other things too. A lot of supernaturals come to meet here, there's portals all over the world." Nik explained as he was dragged into the space, eyeing the counter with the intent of coffee, but something else had struck him all the same. The sight of the tent lingering outside the building was new. For now, he made no mentioning, watching as she explored the building. They'd stay for a little, perhaps. Get their footing before another portal to where he considered home. In the least... that was the plan.

June Moone

     In a corner booth, a young woman of approximately 19 years sat leaning over a hoard of books, some opened and some closed. All of them titled with something related to witchcraft and demons. A few of them were spread open in front of her, and she seemed to be so into her reading she didn't even notice the people entering the cafe. Not that she'd see them anyway, as the piled of books around her, completely encased her, making her oblivious to her surroundings. Then, she seemed to have been startled by a piece of information in the book she was currently reading, and with a quick jerk of her arm she accidentally struck one of the towers of books, causing it to topple over and crash down on the floor book after book, creating quite the disturbance in the otherwise quite calm atmosphere.

Raiya

     The sudden crash caused another quiet patron to flinch and disrupt her out of an attentive trance. Eyes snapped from the current book she had been reading and over to the cause of the noise. “Do you need help with that?” The woman’s offer came forth while she rose from her seat and approached. However, no motion to retrieve the books was made until confirmation was administered.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     "Coff-ee shop." Europa repeated, squinting up at the menu in confusion. "Maybe they have a por-tul back to my home. Pangea!" She exclaimed, looking up hopefully to Nik, and then she squinted up to a nearby poster, one depicting an upcoming carnival. The Jabberwocky couldn't quite read all of the details, but all the vibrant colors and abstract designs captivated the young woman. "Oh, Nik! We should go to the Ca...Carr..." She couldn't read it. "Can we? Can we please?" Before he could answer, she looked over her shoulder as a new woman entered the Cafe, and she grinned, moving to look over June's head down at the words...which she also could not read. "It must be nice to read, Book Lady!"

Omega Ω

     "I dunno... hard to say. You've gotta be careful with the portals though." He stated, obvious in his own case of running into her. "A what..?" Well... that explained the tent. At the sound, Nik's head turned all the same. Keeping an eye on Europa all the while as she wandered, examining the books on the floor. Before he could speak to assist, another familiar tone seemingly beat him to it. "Hey, Raiya... didn't think we'd meet here of all places." He murmured. Nik flashed a coy smile.

Samantha Giddings

     Sam entered the cafe, her hair up in a messy ponytail, and red hoodie so big it sunk to her denim covered knees. Hazel eyes look around curiously and she offers a wave to Europa.

June Moone

     June looked over toward Europa first, quickly closing the book in front of her before reaching to the end of the table to look at the fallen books. She then looked over towards the other woman who'd also been reading and was offering to help with the fallen books. June gestures towards her and replies. "It'd be great, thank you. I'm sorry I caused such tumult." She said, before turning towards Europa again. "Generally reading is nice, yes. But this is not pleasure reading, unfortunately", she replied with a slightly worried expression. Her glasses enhancing her already naturally large eyes, and defined eyebrows.

Raiya

     “Not to worry~” Upon confirmation, the raven stooped and began to collect the books off of the floor. The sound of her name drew her attention to peer curiously over her shoulder, and a smile was offered in recognition. “Funny how that works. Nikolas, was it?” The words and the expression of unease from the other woman did not go unheeded. She took a glance towards her before working to stack the books in their previous places.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Ah! Europa remembered Sam! "Forest Wanderer!" She exclaimed happily. "I didn't think I'd see you here." But then she glanced back down to June. "Pleasure reading..." Europa repeated before suddenly dropping to all fours and bolting back to Nik's side. In a fluid leap, she would crawl on to his back, surprisingly light, weighing no more than a child. Strange. "Nik! We must got to the C-A-i don't know those letters-I-don't know that either, or that-A-L!"

Samantha Giddings

     "The carnival?" Sam piped up. It was free tonight. She was excited for it, and her smile extended over to Nikolas and the others. "Who's thinking about going? You don't even need tickets." Heck. She was already gathering her stuff. She just wanted to get her salad.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     And suddenly, a leopard was stalking into the Cafe, letting out tiny chuffs to the people in his surroundings, The giant cat leapt upon a table, lying down before shifting in this human form, an Arabic man- Cassius Nazari, who else?

Omega Ω

     "I guess... I don't know." Nikolas shrugged. Blinking, he looked over to Europa. "Hey, Euro... you want to stick around for a little while?"

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa peered over his shoulder, clinging to his back with a grin on her face. "Yes we can see the...what Sam said!" She grinned. "Am I allowed to shift here, since this is sanct-um not the New of York?"

Omega Ω

     "Ah..." Nik looked around. It was sanctum, wasn't it? "I don't see why not, sure."

June Moone

      Upon hearing the words of the Carnival, June stopped for a moment, holding a few books in her hands that she'd picked up from the floor. A small frown made its way between her brows. She could use some happy distraction right now. And she'd always loved carnivals, being an artist on the side and all that. She then looked at the one who'd helped her, smiling carefully. "Thank you." She then looked towards Nik and Europa, and shifted for a second towards the man who'd just been a leopard a moment ago, then back towards Nik and Europa. Then towards Sam. "There's a carnival?"

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     "Good!" Europa said, before giant antlers began to emerge from her scalp, adorned with white roses, the same antlers she possessed in her Saturn form. EJ carefully reached up and plucked a white rose from her antlers, only for another blossom to come forth. She leaned down to hand the rose to Nik. "For you. The roses of a Saturn bring good fortune!"

Samantha Giddings

     "Yeah! It's free tonight." Sam replied to June. The posters had been all over the cafe. The classic lettering with golden corners, red, black and white stripes splashed against the paper to make a tent advertised the first night Cirque De La Nuit was in town, set up a parking lot away from the cafe. There was a large fence that prevented from seeing what was inside, but the tops of tents and booths peered over, and loud carnival music played. Tonight was the opening night, free for all. Sam looked at the time and then the time at the poster and did a double take. "Oh snap, the gates are opening!" She got up to put on her jacket, and looked over at her new friend Europa and Omega, then grinned. "Are you coming? All we have to do is wait in line. Seems pretty small right now." In fact, there was no line, but already, people were flocking.

(( DM Notes )):

Omega Ω

     As June came up to join them, he gave a nod in confirmation. "Looks like it.” Looking to Europa as she shifted, he waited until she had before tilting his head towards the start of the line. "Looks like if we're going in, we'd better get in line."

Raiya

     The last of the books were fetched from the floor and placed back where they were. Raiya listened to the conversations around her – quiet, until the curiosity of a repeating word took hold. “Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is a carnival?”

Samantha Giddings

     "It's a place of entertainment. Like... shows and stuff." Sam said, moving to walk out the door.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa snaked her way down off of Nik, nodding. "I'm excited...even though I don't know what a carnival is." She said cheerfully, stepping into line, grinning. And meanwhile, Cassius thought he'd join the others, why not? The Arab slid off of the table, and alighted over into line.

June Moone

     June's face lit up for a second. "I could really use the distraction!" She proclaimed, and stood up, leaving the book covered table. "I'll take care of the books when I get back, don't worry."

Omega Ω

     "Another new experience, that's what it is." Nik grinned. "I went to one when I was younger, that was about it." He stepped into line just behind Europa, looking up to the tent's peaks.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Sam was grinning wide. The gates creaked open and a crowd that had formed behind pushed in a crazed rush, pushing the patrons of the cafe forward. As soon as they had been pushed forward the gates shut behind them in a slam! Carnival music played eerily and thick fog and the crowd that was once around them ran into the fog. If the patrons looked close enough, they might see that the people of the crowd seemed to vanish completely. Then? There was a woman speaking over the P.A system. “It’s time. Welcome to Cirque de la Nuit!” In front of them were lines of booths and small tents, and at the very end was the large white and red tent, large enough for the possible wooden classic arena. “Now, you may enjoy this in large groups…” The voice boomed, the voice high pitched and crazed. “Or you may go off separately. The choice is yours.” Sam, who had been with them all, looked up at the speakers, overwhelmed by the music. “What’s the plan?”

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     She seemed mesmerized by all the antics, waiting for the doors to open. "I think you shall show me many things, Nicolas. I feel it." She looked over her shoulder at him before entering the doors. Her smile suddenly fell as the doors slammed behind her, and she jumped at the sound of the speakers. "S-Sam? Nik? What's going on?"

Raiya

     A slight frown dipped upon Raiya’s features while her eyes swept around the surroundings. A sense of growing apprehension evident, and the music did nothing to sooth any doubts. A glance was offered to Europa. “I’m… sure it’s all part of the act.”

Omega Ω

     The doors slammed behind them, and Nik blinked. Casting a look back almost concerned, until the voice over the intercom threw his attention upwards. He looked to Europa when she jumped, stepping into the carnival further as the people vanished. "I... don't know." He mumbled. All the while... did his head feel clearer? The demon felt oddly absent within the space. He glanced back at Raiya's reassurance, taking it to heart some. A glance over to June, and he started walking further in. "Well... might as well look around."

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Sam felt something sink in her stomach. The music wasn't so joyful. The place seemed... abandoned. And did anyone else smell the rotting things- wood and... bodies? "Stick together?" She looked at the others. "Or do we split off into smaller groups?"

June Moone

     A feeling of discomfort made it through June's spine as she speakers boomed. She'd just gotten inside, right behind the others. Something made her uneasy about this, but maybe it was just the fog. She looked around and didn't quite understand how the people around them could've vanished in the fog so quickly. She was reminded of her time in the Jungle. A fog had rolled in, making June lose track of the rest of the explorers. Which was when she uncovered the tomb that would forever haunt her. "Am I the only one who doesn't like all this mist around here?" June looked at Sam. "Stick together. Trust me. Splitting up is not a good idea, not in fog this thick."

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa looked to Raiya, wetting her lips. "I really hope you're right..." She looked back to Nik, swallowing hard. "Nik...your companion is gone. And..." She held up her hands. "I can't...I can't shift! Or anything, I...." She wrinkled her nose, her sense of smell much stronger than a humans, picking up the scent of death.

Omega Ω (DM)

     "I know... my head feels calm for once, it's strange." Oh, look. Omega was already wandering off. Taking to a direction to the left, he was looking around through the fog, sifting as his feet moved. His nose wrinkled to the smell of the place... what was that?

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     "Wait up for us-" She looked over at June, Europa, Cassius and Raiya. Chills ran up her spine again. "Where should we look first?" There were so many tents and booths. Then the one large tent, with the white and red stripes...

Raiya

     The longer one took to analyze the surroundings, the more unsettling they became. Smells and sights did not quite align into something as appealing as the posters had advertised. They had been walking for quite a while, and….what was that smell? /Her heart began to race just a bit faster. “We should probably keep together, just until we figure out what is going on…”

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa felt her spine tingle before she looked to June. "Come on, book lady!" She said before bounding after Omega. The entire group would eventually would come to a giant tent, where loud, raucous music emitted. "Come one, come all, see the acrobats defy everything you thought you knew!" A voice boomed inside, as well as flashing lights

June Moone

     June hurried after Europa, gesturing towards Sam and the other to follow. "I think the fog will be lighter inside!"

Omega Ω (DM)

     Following the sight of the tent and the sound of the announcer inside, he glanced back to see followers to his wandering. Waiting up, he stopped by the door momentarily before stepping in. The fog had subsided ever so slightly, the sight of the bars and swings lingering up above for the acrobatics show. "This place is just... strange."

 June Moone

     "I have a really bad feeling about this place... And.." She stopped herself, not wanting to share her dark secret. It'd probably just worsen the situation, knowing that one of them was a homicidal moon witch goddess thing. June didn't quite know herself. "Maybe we should get back to the cafe soon?"

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     "How will we go back? The gates were closed..." Sam said, wanting to run. She thought back to the lodge. "And what if all these... odd things follow us back?"

Raiya

     “It /is/ October….chances are they are making it unsettling to fit the season-?” Her voice was kept feathery in attempts to ease the tension that hung heavily over the group. Even she was not /quite/ convinced of her own words, evident by the careful scanning of the props and foggy interior. Something still tingled within the back of her mind… a warning, perhaps.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Inside, was nothing short of a horror show. The floor of the tent was a giant pentagram, pulsing red light. Unlike what June had suspected, the fog was even thicker, one could barely see in front of them. However, there were the outlines of bodies hanging from nooses down from the tent ceiling. In the very center of the tent, the fog had cleared, and acrobats dressed in black-and-white striped suits swung from said nooses. Smiles had been permanently cut into the gymnasts faces as they did so, scarring around their mouths and ripping apart their lips.

Omega Ω (DM)

     "AH-!" The sound of air rushing was greeted by the glint of something metal swinging through the air. Nikolas ducked suddenly, feeling the edge of something sharp brushing the top of his hair. Falling to the ground and scrambling backwards he looked up, the sight of the acrobats overhead causing his eyes to widen. "What the Hell!?"

Samantha Giddings (DM)

    The knife Omega had ducked clattered onto the floor. Sam picked it up, and what light broke through the fog glinted onto it. "Oh my god. We... We have to get out of here."

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa let out an animalistic screech as knives seemed to fly from all directions. "Nik! Sam!" She cried. "Book lady!" She ducked, one flying dagger still managing to nick her exposed thigh, blood oozing forth from the muscle. Again, a screech escaped her lips. Out of fear, she crouched, ready to bolt in a matter of seconds.

Omega Ω (DM)

     Staring at the knife wordlessly, Nik blinked. His eyes went to search for Europa, catching glance of Raiya in the fog. Overall, keeping his eyes on the figured overhead. This wasn't good. "Europa!" He yelled when she seemed to cry out in pain. getting back to his feet he'd scramble over to her, stumbling onto his knees when another knife was swung by the grotesque acrobat that passed overhead.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     And another knife was swinging down. Think fast people~ One was coming for that sweet face of June Moone, ready to slice open a cheek if possible. Sam realized something with horror. Some of the ribbons weren't made of silk or rope. Guts. Intestines. She ducked under the stand, gagging.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     And where was Raiya and Cassius? The carnies weren't scared to try to swing down with a kick or two~

June Moone

     "I hope you're right. I hope this is all just a big halloween prank.. But I don't. I think we should all just try to remain calm no matter what happens." Although, she was mostly speaking for herself. She knew what happened when she was not in control, and this place.... This place made her grasp of her own mind weaker. She was struggling to remain control. It didn't help that Europa shouted towards her, followed by a few knives flying close to June. "What the-" She quickly fell to the ground, and crawled to hide anywhere. Her face was painted by sheer panic now.

 Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa turned as she picked up on his voice, crawling to meet him half way, blood creating a red sheen over her long leg. She looked up to Nik, but then covered her head as a monstrous acrobat swung overhead, and she let out a shriek. EJ grasped Nik's arm. "We need to go!"

 Raiya

     Eyes widened, throat tightened as adrenaline rushed through her limbs. The whirring of blades and the harrowing cries drew her attention back right before chaos took hold. “Everybody look for cover!” She ducked, narrowly avoiding a blade that zipped right past her face. Attempts to conjure a barrier was feeble, so she took up a fallen blade in attempts to bat away any oncoming weaponry and she darted back towards the group. The fog made it difficult to see.

June Moone

     Her mind was occupied by one single word now. 'enchantress, enchantress, enchantress, enchantress, enchantress, enchantress'. Over and over again, and she was too afraid to open her mouth. Tears began to form in her eyes as she clawed against her shoulders, curling up on the ground with every single muscle in her body tensed.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Oh? OH? Sam stared at June. What was she doing? "Hey, get up!" She moved over to put a hand on June's shoulder. Survival was a must.

Omega Ω (DM)

     "The door! C'mon!" Nikolas hollered, searching for the others in the fog. "Stay low!" They had to get moving... but WHERE WAS the exit?

June Moone

     The young woman only shook her head shakily as a reply towards Sam. She just couldn't. She couldn't move. Whatever happened, she was not allowed to do anything. She had to remain focused - in control...

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     June might feel drained as she tried to call upon the enchantress. "Everyone will die if we wait here for you." So Sam was stooping low. "Let me carry you out.."

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Just then, one grotesque acrobat dropped, that vicious, mutilated smile flashing. Pus oozed from his mouth as he parted his lips, holding up an ignited sword. He stuck the blade right down his throat, spinning around as he removed the sword, and spewing fire, sending the fog drifting away. A fat, pot bellied announcer was dead center of the tent. "And welcome tonight to the THRILL of a lifetime, a treat truly of the most extravagant kinds! No tickets, you say!? The cost is none other than your soul!" He said, laughing into the mic. And there- THERE was the exit, blocked by the fire the acrobat had breathed. And he was preparing to spew flames again, straight for the group, but who would take most of the damage if they did not move? Sam and June.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     As the fog scattered, Europa staggered to her feet, grimacing in pain and wailing through her grit teeth. "Sam! Book Lady! Look out!" She stumbled back, grabbing on to Omega, still not noticing the exit.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Sam would be tugging on June. But she wouldn't stay so long that she caught on fire. She wanted to help, but life was precious. Adrenaline jumped at her, as she felt flames lick at the bare of her arm, exposed when she had rolled up her red sleeves earlier. That would leave a burn.

Omega Ω (DM)

     "That way!" Nikolas yelled, pointing. Taking Europa's arm he looked for where the fog had cleared, seeing the exit. Tugging her towards it he eyed the acrobat closely, pulling them out of the line of flames before their reach. His grip tugged harder as he made a bolt for the doorway of the tent, seeing the outside the closer they became.

June Moone

     June took a deep breath, she clawed her way to her feet, but remained crouched. "GO!" She shouted towards sam. "I-" Her words were incredibly forced. "I have to remain in control, or she...." She hunched over as if trying not to vomit "She will take control!" Referring to the witch possessing her body. The Enchantress too was weakened by this place, but still strong enough to nearly take hold of poor June's mind. "Hurry!" She shouted, as she too began to run, still crouched, to the side - escaping the flames.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     The acrobat inhaled deeply once he drew the blade from his mouth, releasing a sea of flames but- DRAT. The fire would lick at June and Sam but they were out of there!

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa let out a yelp in pain but she clung tightly to Omega, hobbling quickly to escape as they both headed for the exit.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Sam was running. Damn. It was like she was being chased by a wendigo all over again. As soon as they were out, Sam was inspecting her arm. "What a jerk." She grumbled, her face scrunching up.

Omega Ω (DM)

     Once outside the tent, Nik took a deep breath of relief and looked back. When nothing seemed to follow them out he checked his head for blood- nothing. "Euro... you alright?" He kept his eyes peeled around the carnival grounds in the meanwhile.

June Moone

     "AAH" Crying out from the heat of the flames, June stumbled, falling to the ground again, tumbling around and ended up flat on the ground. But she managed to crawl onto her knees and continue her way towards where she'd seen Nik move.

Raiya

     “Come on, we have to keep moving!” Urgency riddled her voice as the group carefully made their way past the flames. Attention was fixed on the fire and the acrobat, for the time being, yet… wait, what was that? Something else caught her attention amidst the fog and the smoke that was threatening a coughing fit. The elf glanced over at the group for a moment and back at… whatever had glinted from another section of the vicinity.

Omega Ω (DM)

     Hearing another's footsteps, he looked back in relief seeing the girl who had once been merely reading. When nothing seemed to come after worked to catch his breath, checking again for the demon... nothing. His eyes looked to Raiya where she stood, seemingly staring off into the fog. "Wha... What is it?" He exclaimed, face paled.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa's heart pounded against the wall of her chest, putting a hand over the bleeding stab wound on her leg, cursing in her ancient Pangean tongue. However, her midnight gaze trained on Raiya, beginning to feel even more terror overcome her.

June Moone

     June came soon, crawling out of the tent, the left side of her clothes were slightly blackened and ripped by the flames. She was oblivious to the potential coming threat, and was just relieved to have gotten out of there. She crawled her way onto her feet, finally calmed down enough to stay in control of herself. "WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT BACK THERE?!" She shouted in a still panicked voice. "WHAT THE FUCK WAS IT?! WHAT IS THIS PLACE?!"

Raiya

     She looked at the gleam, looked at Nik, then back to the gleam in the fog. There was no way they were going to go back and find the first entrance, so a new strategy came to play. “Everyone, this way.” She skirted around a stray tongue of flame before going towards whatever it is she had seen. Her eyes snapped towards anything that moved, caution heightened even as they pulled away from the fire.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     At that, Europa turned once to look back at the flames, beginning to stagger after Raiya.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     They were back outside the tents. "I... I am never going to the circus again. We need to find a first aid kit or something and a way out of here." Her burn wasn't so bad. She turned to look at June and Raiya, before Omega and Europa. And then they were on the move. "Look... Obviously something isn't OK. Like you told me..." June was being faced with Sam. Sam was oddly calm. But then again, this was nothing like the lodge. "We need to remain calm. Let's keep moving, ok? We gotta figure it out on the way."

Omega Ω (DM)

     Nik stood up straight, now. Taking deep breaths, still eyeing the tent entry. He glanced to Sam and then finally June. "Calm down! You have to...-" To Raiya's call, his head snapped in that direction again, shaken. When Europa had started to move, he did the same. Following aimlessly in the direction that was not-the-tent.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     And that's when Sam noticed the writings outside on the tents. Blood, drying, and odd sigils. "The fuck..." She mumbled.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     As Europa followed Raiya as hastily as she could, she caught eye of a carousel in the distance, spinning around and around...the horses matching the steeds that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse would've ridden. Atop them? Decaying bodies, their heads covered by the severed necks and heads of male goats.

Omega Ω (DM)

     Nikolas shuddered when the carousel came into view... he smelled it before he saw it, and he wished he hadn't done either. Sticking close to Europa now, he followed after Raiya all the same.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Sam was watching the area around, staying back with June. The music that croaked out into the air wasn't even carnival music anymore. And Sam felt regret that she never bothered with Latin, or maybe she could understand the lyrics pounding out in scratched noises.

June Moone

     June took a few deep breaths and extinguished some of the cinders still burning on her shirt, clenching her teeth as her hand slammed against her slightly burned skin. She looked towards Nik, Rai, and Euro, then back at Sam. "Need to catch up" She spoke through her teeth as she began to move towards the rest of the group. Her skin was bruised and dirty, and pears of sweat dripped from her face. She didn't pay much attention to the music, if she had, she might've been able to understand the lyrics as she knew latin from studying both Roman and Roman English artifacts, texts and culture.

Raiya

     The elven’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the carousel. Her pace slowed somewhat, keeping sure that everyone in the group was still present. The gleam grew brighter, more vibrant through the fog until its source became clear: A machine of sorts, riddled with odd scripts and glass panels that stared blankly at the patrons. A single lever was offered forth, the ending nob shaped into a gold skull. “…What is this thing?”

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa was beginning to sweat, blonde hair plastered to her neck and forehead. "An oracle?" She had lived with them on Pangea.

Omega Ω (DM)

     "It's a fortune teller... most normal carnivals have them." Nikolas responded as he approached, tilting his head. "Press the button, maybe it'll tell us something." From the neighboring tent, although the interior was pitch dark... he could have sworn he felt eyes upon him.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     And Sam was coming forward, slipping a quarter or two into the machine before slapping that button. The 'woman' came to life, and she stepped back. Her voice, the fortune teller's voice, was just /wrong/. "Ah, so what do you want to know about your future? One question from the doomed." Her lips curled up into a smile.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa leaned over to June, eyebrows knitting once she caught sight of June's bruised skin. "I shall give you a rose for good luck....when we make it out of here." A SCREECH then escaped Europa at the sound of the bone chilling voice.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     And in the background? "Non sanctum non potestis salvi fieri." The song was creaking out more words...

Raiya

     Raiya’s shoulders tensed in anticipation as Sam stepped forward. Habits drove her to scan their surroundings every few seconds, intent on picking up any foreign motions before further threats could arise.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa's voice croaked when she finally laid eyes on the woman. "...Will we live?" She asked.

June Moone

     June forced a smile towards Europa. "That's very sweet of you." She cringed for a second, letting out a pained groan. "Though, I'm not sure I will get out of here... At least not las I am now" she continued.

Omega Ω (DM)

     The fortune teller’s lever was pulled... what happened was seemingly nothing at first. The carnival fell oddly silent other than the words of the machine and Europa's question that lingered. Off to the left however he heard sounds...

...growls. A shiver went down his spine at the sound, glancing into the tent's darkness. Silhouettes appeared, one by one, smoke rising off canine pelts as what seemed like hounds of hell had stepped out, half-fleshless maws snarling. "RUN!" Nik screamed after a moment of staring, wide eyed. He suddenly turned and bolted- as should the rest. One by one the beast came out running, snapping their bloodied jaws at each.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Sam only caught a quick glance at the hell hounds. Some looked like potential circus animals, scales on tails, dark stripes ripping a pattern onto their bloodied coats and thick manes catching around their throats. They didn't go for the weakest. They went for the stronger ones, those who would challenge them. They wanted a /fight./

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa's eyes widened, and she bolted, naturally dropping down on to all fours. Like this, she could cover much more ground than the humans...but, she was too fast. She found herself stopping in her tracks, whirling around to let her fleeing friends run past her. Jaw's bared, tusks broke their way through the skin of her jaw. She remained on all fours, ready to swing the massive ivory tusks at the hellhounds. She would protect her friends!

June Moone

     Right before the music stopped, June managed to snap out the last few words. "That doesn't sound good..." Then she noticed the same growls as Nik. He eyes darted towards the beast that had emerged from the tent, and her eyes widened in terror. "I can't do this anymore..." She said as she stumbled backwards, unable to get a grip on the ground with her feet,

Raiya

     “Run, Find another way out!” Motions were set into action, determination set. She grabbed hold of the skull-topped lever from the machine and, placing a foot on the machine for leverage, the elf tore it off the hinges. Eyes narrowed, attention sharpened, the fae shifted the new weapon from one hand to another to test its weight. One side blunt, another side sharp and spear-like, she stood her ground against the oncoming animals.

Omega Ω (DM)

     In the background, not far from when he had bolted, an air splitting scream came from Nik. Fangs sank into flesh as he was grounded, yells of pain and horror originating as a trio of wolves overtook his figure... little by little the noise stopped. From the corner of June's eye, another beast approached. A lion-like beast was closing in, make partially engulfed in flame, jagged fangs bared with a grotesque roar escaping.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     "Nikolas!" Europa cried out, tears burning her eyes. She pounded against the ground with her arms, leaping to his defense, one of those strange tusks piercing a hellhound in the side, blood staining ivory.

Omega Ω (DM)

     A wolven beast had meanwhile approached the elf, coming in full sprint towards Raiya. When close enough it lunged towards where she held her stance, rotted fangs snapping for the woman's throat.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Sam was trying to dart for the tents. Her head was unclear on what to do, people were dropping like flies left and right, the music was so /stressful./

Raiya

     Familiarity was evident, albeit distant. She charged towards the wolf, quickly closing the space between them. Raiya stooped onto a knee at last minute, shoving the makeshift spear forwards and upwards with the intention of impaling its head through the underside of its jaw.

Omega Ω (DM)

     As the object struck the wolf, a horrific squeal of a sound split the air. Falling limp its weight fell at Raiya's feet, black flames engulfing the corpse as it rotted down to none. Out of a corner tent, another hell-born lion charged for Sam. Snapping its jaws the beast was closing in rapidly.

June Moone

     June was nearly paralyzed by fear now. The fear so strong, she didn't even feel the presence of the Enchantress anymore, which in a way was a relief to her. But she had no time to feel free, for she noticed the terrible creature coming her way, and she quickly began to crawl backwards, and without looking where she was going, she was pinned to a pole of sorts, her hands, clawing all around her in hopes of finding something sharp.

Raiya

     Raiya pulled the spear out of the wolf’s head before it burst into flames. A quick glance towards sam and the charging lion drove her to bolt in her direction. “Sam, catch!” A large shard of glass was tossed. It was the only thing within reach – whether Sam caught it or not was based on how quickly she could react.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Sam went to get the shard, but as she turned, she felt fangs of the beast sink into her throat. Oh no. It was.... too late. That glass slipped out of her hands, as her body was torn apart.

Omega Ω (DM)

     The second lion leaped for June where she crawled, it's jaws sinking into the flesh of her leg without remorse, shaking roughly from side to side. Letting go only to charge for her throat, there was a grotesque, wet 'SNAP' as it met its mark.

June Moone

     There was a moment the former archaologist finally felt free. Completely free. As blood poured into her lungs, her entire body stale from the broken neck, and the darkness fading from her eyes, she no longer felt the need to fight. She was relieved. And yet, something fought for her to keep going. Something deep down told her she had to live. But the voice soon faded.

Omega Ω (DM)

     From behind Europa... the heat of flames were felt. One by one the acrobats had come down from their perches, snagging onto her arms and legs wildly. With each one's grasp, the burn of their fangs sinking into her flesh was felt. Suddenly, one by one... they began to pull. Each going their separate ways flesh would follow, threatening to tear her to pieces.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa was too shocked to even react. The ripping, the tearing, the agony as skin began to split, entrails spilling. She couldn't even hear herself scream anymore- all she could see were the blade again, as the priests sawed away at her arms, her legs, her torso, all she could hear was Ibsi'tu's crying as he watched the girl he had raised be sawed apart. And all was black.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Oh but Raiya, things were about the change for her. One hellhound leapt, sinking its thick jaws into Raiya's arm, then threw her to the ground, the bone snapping under the pressure. And then, the hound began to drag Raiya away, towards a dark tent, crushing her arm even further.

Raiya

     She did not even have time to register Sam’s horrific fate when she felt a sharp pain to her arm. Her breath hitched in her throat -- an odd mix between a gasp and a cry of pain which was swiftly severed as she collided with the ground. Her other hand worked desperately to loosen the beast’s jaw from her arm, kicking at the beast in furious attempt to get away. Teeth gritted in a hiss as her vision began to blur. Pain crashed in heavy waves as she was dragged away.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     That’s when things got weird. A woman, the same one from the posters, whose name was Madame Nuit, whose name translated into Lady Night, stepped by Raiya. The hounds stood by her side, loyal as ever, eating at her friends. "This is it." Outside, the screams of her friends could be heard, and Lady Night looked over at Raiya.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     Her face was dried and cracked with blood, and in her hand was a knife. “The sacrifice. Lives lost for a single life.” The knife lifted, and slashed through the air. But she shook and shook violently, the poor circus owner couldn’t do it. “I… I just can’t.” And then came the devil. His hair was dark, but his skin was bright red and horns twisted out of his forehead. A cruel smile flickered over to Raiya, and then the Madame. “The last sacrifice to get a child. All of this, a grand show, for what?!?” And the fog rolled into her, and the hounds crashed, and teeth flashed and… Suddenly, the violence seemed to end.

     The circus, the tents, the monsters, the carnies, the blood, the gore? In a blink of an eye, it seemed to vanish and everyone, was back at the cafe. Some might be still injured, and others perfectly fine. “I know you might be confused.” A curling, deep, demonic voice boomed. And there sitting on the counter top with a cigarette hanging from in between his teeth was the devil himself again, but this time dressed as a white man in a suit. It was obvious who he was though, because he literally had a tag that said ‘HI! I’M..’ And then in bolder, messier print. ‘....SATAN. OR ONE OF HIM.’ “But quite frankly, the circus owners, even with the help of myself, just couldn’t kill enough of you in time. The deal they made? Void. I’ll be taking the circus and leaving most of you alone… unless you guys get caught up in another deal.” His eyes, black through and through searched their faces, and I guess you could say a devilish grin crossed his face before he poofed up in smoke, leaving the group to recover from the horror they experienced.

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     At that, the tents, the hounds, the acrobats, the carousel, they all began to evaporate into black mist, being blown away in the wind, turning the clouds a dark gray as if tainted by ash. And as for the patrons? Sanctum. The world had returned to the Cafe.

Raiya

     She froze at the sight of the woman. Eyes widened, echoing with Pain, fear, confusion… anger. Her motions were slow to react as the knife came down upon her. Her eyes closed in anticipation of the cruel execution, and then --… voices. They were back in the café. She was kneeling on the ground, one hand clutching her bloodied arm while breaths came swift and heavy. She blinked a few times, trying to clear her thoughts. A moment or two of dead silence, followed by a shaky sigh. “So… so that was… a carnival, huh?”

Omega Ω (DM)

     Nikolas' eyes snapped open, horror stuck within them yet as he looked around- ...it was the cafe. His heart rate coming down, he glanced about his body, trembling horribly but... he was alive. Looking out the window he didn't see the tent where it once stood. Not so much as a hole from the fence posts. The fog had lifted. Silently he looked around at the others, wondering if it was in his head. It couldn't have been. "A... Are you... are you guys alright..?"

Europa & Cassius (DM)

     Europa sat up with a sudden gasp, hyperventilating. She looked around wildly, hands flying to her legs, her torso, her forearms. "N...No- Ibsi'tu!" She screamed, before bolting away. And that was the last of EJ before she was up the stairs to find a place to hide from the world.

Samantha Giddings (DM)

     "That was /hell/. I'm gonna scope out the place next time on yelp." She touched the burn on her arm. "We all need first aid?"