The Puppeteer

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Circuit Circus! Place of dreams and mystery! Take your seats and wait for the fun to begin!" roared the announcer. I felt my sister, Domino tug at my coat. She wanted to sit before the show started, but I was busy adjusting the hands of my pocket watch to match that of the clocktower's.

I finished and took her hand in mine. She lead me to the seats down in the front just as the lights began to dim. As we sat down, blue searchlights danced over the awaiting audience and drums rolled. They landed centerstage to reveal a tall figure with a top hat and cane. The man tossed the cane up in the air and the eyes of the audience watched it twirl and burst into a blizzard of butterflies. Applause erupted with whistles and anticipation of more.

I glanced over at Domino. I caught a glimpse of a smile behind her curls of white hair and red bow. They seemed to perfectly match her white frilly dress and red stripped stockings. She felt me looking at her and turned towards me. Her smile was wide and cheerful as her green eyes pierced my heart. Just like mother's... We both looked back towards centerstage.

Elephants in cloths of purple and blue circled the stage. They stepped to the beat of the drums. Performers appeared in bursts of light and danced on the elephant's backs. This was truly an elaborate performance. The audience clapped and I joined in.

I turned to see Domino's reaction. But where was she? Her seat lay empty and my heart began to race. It beat against my chest and I clutched at it. The music whirred and turned to a blur as my eyes darted about. In a blink the circus elephants were gone. Then the performers. Then the audience.

What was going on? Where was everyone? Where was Domino? My heart hurt, my head spun. I tried to call out but my throat was caught.

As I tried to calm down, I looked towards centerstage. Two performers in identical costumes stood in silence. I sat alone and watched. They lifted their heads to reveal masks with crooked smiles. Their gaze sent a shiver down my spine. They giggled harmoniously and leapt towards me. One on top of the other, they leaned over the edge of the stage. Their masked faces inches away from mine. I leaned back, but kept their stare. Finally, I asked, "Where is Domino?"

As the words escaped my lips the two figures lunged at me. I remember pain strike my head. Then darkness fell.