Chapter 16

                Leefah, Mitzi, and Desirae appeared from three beams of lights on the circus lot.

                Desirae stepped forward cautiously and looked around. “I don’t see anyone… Considering that Belly Dancer girl is dealing with Chasity, we have that acrobat lady, the strong man, and Joker to deal with to save Georgia and Morgana!”

                Joker stepped forward out of a hiding spot in the shadows, “Is that so Miss Desirae? I was wondering when you’d return…”

                Behind him, Tophet, Braun, and the Children in their combined form stepped out and glared at the girls.

                Mitzi gripped her wand and stood behind Leefah timidly.

                Leefah raised her head, “We know your plans… There’s nothing you can do…”

                Joker laughed, “Correction, I have two spellcasters with enough energy for me to complete my spell even if the moon’s power isn’t enough!” he shouted and snapped his fingers.

                Out of two clouds of smoke, Georgia and Morgana appeared in two separate cages.

                Joker handed two keys out, One to Braun and one two Prim and Rue. He turned and looked at the girls, “To make it even, you can go after the keys yourself… however these two are quite formidable opponents. Now scatter!” Joker commanded.

                Braun and The Children both headed in opposite directions and fled the circus lot with the keys to Georgia and Morgana’s cages.

                Deisrae looked at the figure, “That’s the one who attacked me in the field before… Guys, I’ll deal with them!” she shouted and ran off after the children.

                Mitzi looked at Braun and blushed at his muscles, “You know… I’ll go deal with the bodybuilder man…” she said and ran off after him happily.

                Leefah turned and glared at Tophet and Joker, “Don’t underestimate my friends…”

                Tophet scoffed.

                Joker did the same, “I don’t doubt them one bit… However do you honestly think you can take on the two of us?” he taunted while he embraced Tophet in his arms.

                Leefah tssked, “I’m sure I’ll struggle… But I just have some questions I want you to answer…”

                Joker lost his smile, “Really… Well I’m an open book, I’d rather not waste energy fighting you before the moon comes…”

                Leefah began to ask her question but was interrupted by her phone ringing. She sighed and answered it, “Hello?”

                “FINALLY!!!!” screamed a voice.

                Leefah backed the phone from her ear, “Ow!!! Kyoko!! What is it?!”

                Kyoko slammed his hands on his desk, “I’ve been calling you nonstop but you never answered! I just got back from a dinner break and finally reached you!!”

                Leefah looked at her phone and noticed hundreds of voicemails begin to load on her phone. “I never knew you called… what do you have to tell me?”

                Joker and Tophet stood uncomfortably, especially Tophet as she knew what Kyoko may be saying.

                Kyoko leaned back in his chair and rubbed his hands through his greasy black hair. “The people at the circus are all people with files in our system, there are five posters I found.”

                Leefah nodded, “Yeah I know they are wanted Kyoko…”

                Kyoko shook his head, “No Leefah, not wanted… Missing…”

                Leefah’s eyes widened and she looked back at the couple.

                Tophet bit her lip nervously and tried not to notice.

                Leefah whispered into her phone, “What do you mean missing…”

                Kyoko pulled the file up on his computer. “Five posters, All of them match people you described in the circus. The first is of a strong man from Aura Skies, Braun Jenkins. He went missing two weeks ago and nobody knew why. The second is Bella Caracus, also from Aura Skies who went missing two weeks ago. The third is Primella Iridine, along with her brother Ruen Iridine, who went missing two weeks ago as well and also was from Aurora Skies. The fifth and final is Tophet Tightrope, a success business woman from Roaring Heights who went missing a month ago.”

                Leefah looked back and lowered her phone, “She listed everyone in the circus except…. Joker….” She mumbled to herself.

                Kyoko peered into his phone, “Leefah? You there?... Is Chasity with you?”

                Leefah put the phone back up to her ear, “Huh? Oh well… Um…”

                “LEEELEEEEE!!!!!”

                Leefah looked up and saw Chasity darting straight for her.

                Leefah laughed, “Yeah, she’s with me…”

                Kyoko sighed with relief, “I’m glad you’re both fine. Where are you?”

                Leefah moved out of Chasity’s hug and continued chatting with Kyoko, “The circus lot… Chasity’s friend Georgia and Morgana got captured by them and Desirae is busy getting them free with my cousin Mitzi.”

                Kyoko nodded, “Well I can help them out! Just give me their numbers alright, You and Chasity will be fine right?”

                Leefah nodded, “Yes Kyoko, we’ll be fine… And I guarantee Chasity will be fine.”

                Kyoko blushed, “W-What do you mean, Of course I know Chasity will be fine… you don’t gotta tell me…”

                Leefah let out a small laugh, “I kind of do Kyoko… If you know what I mean…”

                Kyoko shook the thought out of his head, “If you say so… I’ll be going… Good luck!” Kyoko replied back and hung up.

                Leefah smiled, “Ah… Young love…” she said to herself.

                Chasity stood up and brushed herself off, “What about young love Leelee?”

                Leefah looked at Chasity, “It’s nothing…” she replied with a smirk.

                Chasity blinked curiously, “Who were you talking to?”

                Leefah put her hands on her hips, “Kyoko… apparently he was trying to call me all day…”

                Chasity gasped, “Young love… Kyoko called you… OMG! KYOKO BETTER NOT BE TRYING TO STEAL YOU FROM ME!!”

                Leefah shook her hands, “No no! He doesn’t like me…”

                Chasity crossed her arms, “You’re confusing me… Now isn’t the time for lovey dovey talk though…” she replied giving a death stare at Tophet and Joker.

                Leefah nodded and stepped forward, “Are you ready to answer my questions now?”

                Joker smirked, “Like I said, I’m an open book…”

                Leefah stepped forward, “Why are the people in your circus all missing people… except for you…”

                Tophet shuffled her feet.

                Joker looked at her curiously, “I’m not sure what you mean my dear…”

                Leefah rolled her eyes, “Don’t play stupid… Braun, Bella, Prim, Rue, and Tophet are all registered as missing persons… Except you…”

                Joker looked at Tophet, “Is… Is this true?...”

                Tophet bit her lip again, causing a slit cut that filled the bottom of her mouth with metallic-flavored blood.

                Joker shook his head no, “It’s not possible, no… She’s been with me for the past ten years… She isn’t missing! You’re lying!” he shouted and shot a green bolt from his wand at Leefah who easily deflected it.

                Chasity back up, “What’s going on here Leelee?” she whispered.

                “I’m not sure…” Leefah replied back, “This is all strange and doesn’t make any sense… But one of them must know…”