by I'm Not Mister Mxypltk
"Okay, people," the owner of the circus, Mr. Wong, said to the group of about fifty circus people gathered together, including the six fugitives. "This is our last show in Chicago. Do you know what that means? Yes, Bosco?"
"That we don't have to make it a good show, because these people won't come back anyway?" said a short clown with a cigar in his hand.
"Exactly. We'll use the newbies so the rest of you can start resting for the first Thunder City show." Wong then turned to Eurostar, who was going under the name Guido Sardella. "You better get your group ready, Sardella, 'cause the show's in two hours."
Eurostar turned to the rest of the group and said, "Okay, guys. You heard the boss. Get ready!"
Tobias Christopher said, "But... we have never performed in a circus before."
"Speak for yourself!" replied Nowhereman.
"Come on, guys, its not that hard," said Eurostar. "Just show your powers! You should thank God for being here." He nodded and walked away.
Nowhereman said, "Where are you going?"
Eurostar shrugged. "Uh... I will be with the owner, if you need me. Good luck!"
One hour and fifty-eight minutes later, the circus was almost filled with people waiting for the last show in Chicago to start. Among them, a twenty-something girl sat next to a huge fat man wearing a hat and dark glasses. She was Shirley Francis, the girl M'xy met during his first hours in Mick Harrison's body.
"Why did you take me here, Uncle Otto?" said Shirley. "Looking at those caged animals only gets me more depressed about losing my job."
Uncle Otto replied, "I was just trying to cheer you up, honey! C'mon, give it a try -- you'll love the show!"
"Okay..." said Shirley with disinterest, "...let's watch the show."
Mr. Wong, now dressed as the ringmaster, stood on the middle of the stage and said, "Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to the amazing English Circus! Now, in their first night... THE AMAZING SARDELLA BROTHERS!"
"'Sardella Brothers'?" Danny Hearn asked.
M'xy said, "Edulcore's idea."
Nowhereman, Danny, Tobias Christopher, M'xy and an incredibly awkward Naecken went onto the stage and began using their powers in a disorganized choreography.
Later, when it was over, the group went back to the tent where they were staying. As soon as M'xy hit the floor to rest, Mick Harrison's voice appeared in his head. We have a conversation to finish.
M'xy replied, "Oh, come on!"
The voice in his head insisted, Let's go outside! I wanna talk!
M'xy walked outside the tent and closed his eyes to concentrate when talking with Mick.
"Okay, what do you want?"
I asked you a question before, and I want an answer!
"What question?"
You said that the energy that came out of Naecken's body fused us so you couldn't leave my body. Is that the truth?
"I..."
Yes...?
"Okay, I lied!"
I knew it!
"I noticed that the energy from Naecken's explosion had boosted Tobias' speed powers, so I took advantage of that to make you think we were fused so you wouldn't force me to leave your body."
I KNEW IT! YOU MISERABLE PIECE OF INTERDIMENSIONAL SCUM! GET OUT OF MY BODY!
"No, I don't wanna!"
Why don't you just get into someone else's body?!
"That wastes too much energy. I have to be in top condition."
I don't care! Get out now!
"Look, I will go to the unconscious part of your mind for five minutes and leave you alone so you can think about this, okay?"
No! Get out already!
"Okay, see ya in five minutes."
Mick shouted, "Get out now! Hey, wake up! Oh... great." Mick looked around and noticed that people had come out of the circus tent to look at him because he was yelling at himself. Then he saw a young woman he recognized arguing with one of the guards.
"I have to see him!" yelled Shirley.
"Sorry, ma'am," replied the guard, "you can't go back there."
"But I must see him! I--" She stopped when she notices that Mick was standing next to her.
"It's okay, Alonso," he said. "I know her."
The guard shrugged. "'Kay," he said, and left.
Shirley looked at Mick, amazed. "Hi."
"Hi," Mick said, smiling. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes," said Shirley sheepishly. "I... wanted to apologize for what I said the other day in the street. I was really pissed because you made me lose my job."
Mick nodded his head. "Oh... what made you change your mind?"
"I saw you on the news the other day, fighting the feds at a house on Lake Michigan. Now I understand what you are."
"Y-you do?" gulped Mick.
"Yes," said Shirley. "A hero. It was about time someone challenged the government. I think it's horrible what they do to your people."
Mick looked confused. "My people?"
"Metas," said Shirley.
"Oh, yeah..."
"You don't have to be ashamed," said Shirley, thinking she'd offended him. "One of my uncles is a meta. The poor guy has to hide his face just to walk down the street. You are a hero, and you don't have to be ashamed. Now, I understand this circus is leaving town today, but I hope to see you again." Shirley kissed Mick on the cheek. "Bye."
Mick stammered, "B-bye..."
He watched Shirley walking away and then closed his eyes. "M'xy!"
You made up your mind? Should I start packing?
"No. I decided I was being selfish. These people need us, goddammit!"
That's my boy!