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"Jasmine and Gerald": One Little Coin- Chapter 7

  The ringmaster concludes her angry internal monologue and whirls on Percy. Her green eyes flash purple with unspoken rage.

  "You showed that crude human where to look, didn't you? You permitted him to see your essence as it flowed through that whimsical little--. How dare you thwart my plans!"

  Percy manages to maintain a brave facade. Despite the fact that his heart is beating at least three times the normal speed inside his chest. The ringmaster is able to see through his act. She waits for Percy's reply, her head held at a haughty angle.

  "Yes. I did. She was not a worthy vessel for my Alice," Percy lies. "Her body could never have withstood the transfer. Even with the energy I gave her. She was of no use."

  The ringmaster chuckles and raises both arms above her head. She uses her cane like a dumbbell; stretching one way and then the other.

  "Oh, Percy. Percy. Try not to be so dysfunctional. A circus must have more than a ringmaster and a silly clown. There must be other performers. Trapeze artists, pretty ballerinas in tutus, lion tamers, and unicyclists. I have more than enough familiars. I need something more. Something...Someone to draw in more of those we seek. I cannot always depend on you for everything."

  "Why can you not?" Percy says, stepping closer to his master.

  "Look at yourself, Percy. Do you not see what is happening to you? The energy requirements to sustain my lover's essence are taxing your body to its limits. That is why your mind is so addled. Your hair! Just look at what has happened to your hair. It was once thick and full of shine. Now, your scalp is covered in bald spots. After a time, even the energy we exchange during moments of intense pleasure, will not be enough. I will need to find another vessel for my Percival. It may not be necessary for many more human lifetimes...But it will happen."

  Percy steps even closer, his upper lip twitching noticably. The ringmaster watches him with slitted eyes.

  "Then...In the meantime, I do not wish to share you."

  "What?" the ringmaster laughs bitterly. "You are in no shape or position to dictate such demands to me."

  "You always say such things," Percy replies, using a hand to stroke his master's face. "But, while we are together...Your hands caress me so gently. Gentler than any words your mouth could ever utter. And you kiss me so sweetly. Sweeter than anyone should kiss one they despise. How can both things be true?"

  Percy leans forward and kisses the ringmaster on her purple painted lips. She does not resist. After a moment, he pulls her to him. Once they separate, the ringmaster looks directly into Percy's questioning eyes.

  "There are times when you do not seem like yourself, Percy. Times when I am certain...It is Percival trying to peek through. To reach me."

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  "I believe you are grasping at straws," Percy states in a solemn voice. "It is wishful thinking."

  "How would you know, Percy?"

  "I know. It is inside of my body that your lover resides. I may be dumb, and easily confused, but one thing I know for sure. The spell you cast, in order to transfer your lover, has failed. Even you must realize this. That is why you do not simply remove him. He and I are now one. He will never be the lover you once knew. Just as I do not have my Alice...You have also lost."

  The ringmaster seriously considers spitting in Percy's face. He does not give her the chance. Kissing her firmly on the lips, Percy uses one hand to recline her head. He alternates between kissing her slender neck and her painted lips.

  "I will be whatever you wish me to be. A good servant...Or a mountain lion. A lover to you when you need it. Although, I know there will be others."

  The ringmaster also does not object when Percy's hand drops to the buttons on her suit. Once inside the ringmaster's bedchamber, Percy takes another helping of his just reward.

  =====================================

  Much later, when Percy has slunk off to his own private chamber, the ringmaster considers all that was said. Percy is only half right. He is correct that removing her lover now comes with a huge risk. He is incorrect in assuming it is a risk she would not take.

  She loves Percival. Deeper than she has ever loved anyone else. She is certain that her lover would much prefer to be in a warm body than a cold emotionless crystal. To transfer Percival's essence numerous times would be to lose more and more of him. It is better that he remain where he is until the time is right. For that, she will need to keep Percy dumb and obedient. She will need to offer him pleasure from time to time.

  The ringmaster had hoped to use the flighty girl for that purpose. Letting the fumbling clown paw over someone else would have been preferable. Using another spell, she might have convinced him that the essence of his precious Tanya...Alice...Had been restored. But the bumbling idiot had foiled her plans out of jealousy.

  No matter. What is done is done. In time, everything will be as it should be. She will have her Percival. Together, they will continue their quest of love--and lovers. She awaits that moment with great anticipation.

  ======================================

  Jasmine races to answer the door on the third chime. Mr. Drew, the mailman for their route, stands in the doorway. There is a huge grin on the mailman's face.

  "Hey, Ms. Adleton," Mr. Drew says. "I didn't drop this off, but it was in your box when I came up. Thought you might want it."

  "Oh. Okay, thank you," Jasmine says, taking the envelope from Mr. Drew.

  "I heard about your dog getting hit the other day. Such a shame. She was a beauty. I hope you find one equally as loyal."

  It has been several days since Jasmine has cried about Daisy. So far, she has succeeded in pushing the vague memory of Daisy's savage murder-- and the weird circus tent--out of her mind. Mr. Drew's empathic apology is not helping.

  "Thanks, Mr. Drew. Have a nice afternoon," Jasmine says, politely dismissing the kind mailman.

  "Bye now."

  Waiting until Mr. Drew is gone, Jasmine tears open the letter he brought her. Her mind nearly screams. In the center of the paper is a solitary purple kiss--and a scrawled cartoonish drawing of a very familiar clown.

  End of this story. ??

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