The Royal Rainbow Troupe presents ~ THE NIGHT CIRCUS ~! OVER!

[Scaramouche Fandango]

"Easy now, kitty cat," she murmured, as one of the enormous cats opened its mouth and yawned. Its breath was hot, and she could see how rough that tongue was. The light gleamed on its canines, fantastically long and thick, built for tearing and rending. Her spine tingled in fear, but also in exhilaration; being so close to a predator of this size, and one that moved so fast... Well. She wondered how fast she could totter away on two legs, when it had four powerful paws...

Wait, what, two legs??

Total: 8

[Scaramouche Fandango]

She snapped the clicker, watching the cat in front of her. It made a low rumbling noise- not quite a growl, not quite a purr- then rose to its feet. Its whiskers were fluffed, its ears were perked; it- no, she, for the cat had no mane- was paying keen attention to her commands. Whether or not she would listen to the nervous volunteer was entirely unknown. She was paying attention, but whether or not she'd obey depended entirely on the mood she was in. Strange Creature wasn't foolish enough to think this creature actually respected her; if she obeyed, she was doing so to humor her real trainer.
Total: 14

[Scaramouche Fandango]

Strange Creature tried to keep her hand from shaking as she raised it. "Up!" she said, trying to be firm but not mean or demanding. She wanted to encourage the cat, not annoy her.

For her part, the lioness indulged her. She placed both massive front paws on the pedestal, claws tucked away. She stood there, posing regally, massive blocky head held high. Her tail lashed back and forth- slowly, not in the fast manner of agitation. She was ready for something more interesting, if the human was brave enough to ask for it.

Total: 18

[Scaramouche Fandango]

Emboldened by the lioness's response, Strange Creature tried another command, using the clicker to mark the behavior. "All up!" she called, asking for the cat to shift her full bulk into the pedestal. With almost an amused look in her eyes, the lioness did as Strange Creature asked.

It was truly a little terrifying, that the cat was obeying like this. She seemed close enough that Strange Creature felt like she could almost reach out and pet the massive beast, even though she had been assured that she was at a safe distance.

Total: 23

[Scaramouche Fandango]

Strange Creature knew the dangers of complacency- but still, she dared to stay in the ring with the cat. Once more, she clicked her clicker. "Open!"

The cat obliged, opening her massive maw. Strange Creature knew the trick was to stick your head, or hand, or something else in- but there wasn't a chance in hell she was going to do that. Instead, she admired the beastie's pearly whites and steeled herself for the next command- the scariest yet.

Total: 27

[Scaramouche Fandango]

"Roar!" she shouted, and roar the creature did- and that's where Strange Creature lost her nerve. What was she doing? She had no business being here with a lion roaring at her face! Trembling, she dropped the clicker and slowly backed away, knowing that the worst thing she could do was run. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she backed away. She could hardly believe she'd done it, and now she was outta here.

Total: 33- Bust!

[Scaramouche Fandango]

Under the Rose laughed in disbelief. Lion taming? They were going to let the general public work with lions? Of all the foolhardy- well, he'd have to check it out. Just to make sure things were safe.

Total: 4

[Scaramouche Fandango]

OH MY GOD THIS IS NOT SAFE ABORT ABORT ABORT

Under the Rose turned around and fled back to the glen. He'd have to ask his father what he'd been thinking.

[Scaramouche Fandango]

Still... Under the Rose turned around. Had he really seen what he thought he'd just seen?


Yes. Yes he had.

[Scaramouche Fandango]

Real Big Fish didn't have much experience with lions, but that didn't matter- taming one sounded fun! She squealed in delight at her new form when she stepped through the portal. So soft and squishy! So little hair! And the lions looked so much bigger over here!

Total: 6

[Scaramouche Fandango]

She found the lions to be horribly impressive, with their massive bulk and ferocious demeanor. And the musk! So vital, so alive, so animalistic! "Right then, cat!" she said to the biggest lion. "Let's see what we can do together!"

Total: 11

[Scaramouche Fandango]

The huge lion stood, shaking out his mane. It was dark, almost black, and he had matching tufts along his flanks and on his front elbows. He looked ridiculously regal, and Fish found herself wondering just how somebody like her could command someone like him.

Total: 14

[Scaramouche Fandango]

Fish looked at the clicker in her hand. Would he really listen to the little device? She clicked it and waved at him, mimicking what she'd seen his real trainer do. The lion hopped up onto the pedestal and sat back on his haunches, waving his front paw at her lazily.
Total: 20

[Scaramouche Fandango]

Fish wondered what all the lion knew how to do. Could he do that flaming hoop thing? That would be pretty cool.

Total: 23

[Scaramouche Fandango]

"Hey, lady, can I get this guy to jump through a hoop of fire? Can he do that?"

Total: 25