The Burning Flowers

Chapter V

Well, last night has to be one of the most awkward experiences of my damn life. I suppose I should consider myself grateful for this chance to get out of Saientia, even if we were merely assigned some benign grunt work.

Rennigan Glaus let out a dissatisfied snort as he stared through the window of the gondola he and his team were currently riding down to the Fourth Ring. Fayela was sitting just beside him, chatting cheerfully with Jessi and Hiro across from them, though since he had long since tuned them out, he had no idea what it was they were discussing. His thoughts were elsewhere, for the current assignment was only continuing to spiral in unpredictable directions. After all, he hadn’t planned to be in Stellareid longer than a day or two since all they were doing was retrieving and transporting Uma Miyon, but the kidnapping of Neah Noctis heavily altered the situation and now, the duration of their stay in the City of Starlight was ridiculously uncertain. They wouldn’t be going anywhere until the young girl was found—a quest that could take only a day or weeks. It all depended on what the Kosah-Rei planned to do with the youngest Noctis.

And they must be planning something! These treacherous bastards have never been the type to take prisoners, so if they didn’t just kill the girl outright then they see value in her life. Back in the dungeon, Miyon claimed they kidnapped her to heal her, but I’d bet the entire treasury that their motives aren’t anything as considerate as that.

Rennigan sighed, leaning his head against the glass as the gondola descended closer and closer to the Fourth Ring, the snow-covered ground and the people walking upon it growing larger and more clear. The young man’s eyes then shifted upwards, traveling towards the massive red and yellow circus tent just at the edge of the entertainment district—the team’s destination for that morning. Very little was discussed after the heated argument between Viiro Noctis and the royal team, so for the whole night, Rennigan had no clue what he was supposed to be doing with himself. However, that morning at breakfast, Acostav Luz had approached him and Faye to give them their orders.

“Glaus, Rio, I need the two of you to take your team and investigate something for me. I’ve further discussed this matter with Lady Ella, and from the sound of it, there are few in the upper levels that have yet to visit that circus in the Fourth Ring at least once. As she said yesterday, it’s very clearly a popular attraction, and with such an abundance of people comes a treasure trove of information. I want you four to attend this circus, get a feel for what’s going on, and then you’ll take this letter and use my credentials to speak with the ringleader.”

“The ringleader?” Faye had parroted with a furrowed brow. “I mean, of course we’ll do it, Master Luz, but do you think he’s in league with Kosah-Rei? Or Keskivaara?”

Acostav shrugged. “No idea. But if anybody is going to notice suspicious dealings among the populace, it’s going to be the man at the head of it all. Speak to this Hakelades Omorossa and see what you can find. If he knows nothing then so be it, but I have a bad feeling…” The Master of Light then clicked his tongue with discomfort. “Anyway, make sure to watch your backs. We still don’t know why the Kosah-Rei was after you, Glaus, and they’ve made it clear how willing they are to attack even in a crowded plaza. I don’t need you four dying on us in the middle of all this damn chaos.”

Recalling the interaction, Rennigan still couldn’t see what about the circus was unnerving Acostav, but it wasn’t his place to question a Master of Ijiria, and like he had already said, this was an excuse to get out of the castle and away from all the Noctis family drama.

The gondola they were currently riding on was not the personal one of the Cartigans, rather it was one of the public transportation systems, so the four of them were sharing the big cabin with a handful of other people who were almost certainly of the elite class based on their fancy attire and the fact that they were coming from the Fifth Ring. At the head of the gondola, on the opposite end from where Rennigan was sitting, was the wind mage acting as the pilot, steadily using his magic to guide them to the next ring down.

Once they reached the station, he gently brought them to a stop and turned around to announce their arrival. The occupants got to their feet, some retrieving briefcases and other belongings, before the roughly twenty people departed. Jessi bid the wind mage her thanks as she led the four of them onto the rectangular metal platform that served as the gondola station. From there, they took a set of stairs set aside for those getting off and properly set foot onto Stellareid’s Fourth Ring.

“Okay, from the looks of it up there, the circus should be a few miles north of here,” Faye said, glancing around at the busy road, as well as the multiple carriages and pedestrians making their way across it. “Though I suppose if we get lost, we can always ask for directions. Come on! Let’s get this done!”

Joining the morning crowd, the team walked in pairs down the sidewalk, being careful not to slip on still somewhat icy ground as Rennigan shivered from the cold. Despite his insistence that it was unnecessary, Ryokumo had taken the white jacket that was his solstice gift so that he could wash the blood off of it, then brought to a mender in Saientia the previous night to have it magically stitched back together. At the time, Rennigan had been irritated, but since the high altitude of the Fourth and Fifth Rings made the early winter cold all the more annoying, he was internally grateful for the extra warmth, though he would never have admitted as much. He also sported some gloves, warmer boots, and a black scarf wrapped tightly around his neck. Faye, Jessi, and Hiro were all dressed similarly to him, but given their bouncy and excited attitudes, he had a feeling that he was the only one suffering.

“So what do you guys think this is gonna be like?” Jessi chirped from up ahead. “I’ve never been to a circus before, but there were a few that stopped in Krato now and again that I always wished I could have seen! Faye, Glaus, have you guys ever been to one?”

Faye smiled and shook her head. “Unfortunately no, but Erika rarely gets this sort of thing. It’s more of a southern form of entertainment. You, Rennigan?”

“Why the hell would I waste my time at something as ridiculous as a circus?” he grunted irritably. “They’re loud, stupid, and an attraction meant for the simple-minded who get all woozy at colorful lights. No, I’ve not been to a damn circus and you three would do well to remember that we are not here to have fun. We are investigating Mr. Omorossa. This is a job.”

Faye and Jessi just stared at him with unsurprised irritation while Hiro just glanced back at him and grumbled, “Glaus, do you always have to be a buzzkill? We know it’s a job, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it! Get off your high horse and learn to have some fun for a goddamn change. I swear, you’re the most boring guy I’ve ever met!”

“I’m not here to entertain you, Pafran,” he retorted. “So I do not care whether you find me boring. I am here to get this done, and get this done, I shall.”

Jessi then turned back and stuck her tongue out at him like a petulant child. “I hope you eat shit, Glaus. Stop ruining everything!”

Rennigan rolled his eyes as they continued on their way in silence, Jessi and Hiro’s earlier bouncy mood replaced by a begrudging silence that the water mage far preferred. He knew they didn’t much like his words, but he wasn’t wrong in what he said, and he was not about to let Jessi and Hiro’s lack of professionalism screw up an assignment as important as this one.

After a roughly half hour walk through the bustling streets of Stellareid, they rounded a corner and came to a fancy red archway that loomed over the entire street, a colorful and magically glowing sign reading “Welcome to the Entertainment District” placed at the very top. The four of them stared at it for a moment, clearly having not considered the fact that they’d have to walk all the way through the district if they wanted to reach Omorossa’s circus, but since Rennigan didn’t want to waste valuable time, he stalked forward and silently steeled himself to ignore everything around him and center in on his destination.

This goal was quickly proven easier said than done, for the very second he stepped through the archway, a group of three young women dressed in flowing silk robes were suddenly standing right in front of him, their backs bent forward as they smiled seductively at him.

“Hey there, handsome,” the woman in the middle greeted, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. “You look tense. If you need some relief, I know a good place for you to stop by if you’re interested. A little bit of pleasure can often relieve all the stressors of the day, and we’ve got the best of the best at our establishment. No visitor is left unsatisfied.”

“Er, uh…n-no, I’m—”

“What’s the matter?” she went on, raising her hand to brush his cheek. “Aw, you’re so cold. It’s warm inside, you know?”

“I…?”

“No, he’s not interested,” Faye cut in, grabbing Rennigan by the back of his jacket and yanking him away. “Come on, Rennigan, I thought this was a job? Can’t get distracted by the first pretty face you see, yeah? Move it!”

The calls of the three girls could be heard behind them as Faye practically dragged him away, Hiro and Jessi following behind as they snickered at him. Irritated, Rennigan shook her hand off and smoothed out his jacket, fully prepared to defend himself. “I was not considering the offer nor was I distracted by them! I was just mildly taken aback by how suddenly they appeared, is all!”

“What, you never seen tits before?” Hiro teased, throwing a mocking arm around his shoulder as continued onwards. “It’s okay, Glaus, we all know a virgin like you wouldn’t be able to handle professionals like them. They were sexy, that’s for sure, but you’ve gotta keep your priorities straight! This is a job! We can’t have fun! No pleasure houses for you!”

“Give me a break!” Shoving yet another hand off of him, Rennigan sneered at his roommate. “Not all of us are as down bad as you are, Pafran! Like I said, I merely was not prepared to be so viciously jumped five feet into the district! Those girls are vile to do such a thing!”

Hiro smirked challengingly. “Hold on, back up a bit there! How exactly am I down bad?”

“Don’t play dumb! Was it not you who was saying in the carriage how much he wanted to fuck his wind studies professor? Hmm?”

“Excuse me?” Jessi cut in instantly, glaring at Hiro with disapproval. “What is he talking about?”

Pleased at Hiro’s embarrassed expression, Rennigan gave his own grin of challenge as he raised his eyebrows expectantly, silently goading Hiro into talking himself into a humiliating corner. Hirokol, however, just let out a sigh and spread his hands in defeat.

“You know what, I’ll admit it! Professor Tornal is one of the most stunning women I’ve ever seen! If she offered to step on me, I’d let her do so in a heartbeat, and I say that proudly!”

“Gross,” Jessi grumbled, putting her face in her gloved hands with disappointment even though it was clear Hirokol was just exaggerating for the sake of a joke. “You know what, Hiro, if you’re that desperate then why don’t you go back to that pleasure house and get your balls crushed like a degenerate while the rest of us go to the circus!”

But the wind mage was already shaking his head. “No can do, that job is reserved for Professor Tarnel and her alone! Now, with that said, I think I need to inform you, Glaus, of a sacred and unbreakable rule when it comes to a man’s confessions about his love! Maybe you didn’t know because nobody likes you, but what is entrusted to the boys stays among the boys!”

“I never agreed to that,” Rennigan snapped back. “Anyway, I think you’re admitting your fetishes with a little too much pride there, Pafran, and now you’ve disgusted Yuahl. Good going.”

“You’re the one who put me on the spot!”

“Yes, and?”

“Fuck you, Glaus!”

“Hey, guys,” Faye called over her shoulder with a disappointed tone. “Can you stop embarrassing me? People are staring.”

“We’re in a pleasure district, Faye, they have no right to judge me,” Hirokol pointed out.

Giving a quick scan of the people around them, Rennigan found that there were a few too many eyes on them for his liking, so he decided to shut his mouth and turn his attention properly to his surroundings. The entertainment district of Stellareid, while not as bustling as the main roads, was still rather packed with people making their way to the many brothels, taverns, and casinos that lined the street. Groups of scantily-clad men and women advertising their respective houses could be seen handing out pamphlets and trying to goad innocent pedestrians into giving them business.

They must be damn cold in that, Rennigan internally commented.

Most of the architecture was made of dark-colored wood, with the tallest buildings stretching up to about five stories high. Even though it was morning, due to the looming Fifth Ring up above them, the sunlight was being blocked, so the many multicolored lights floating around the district actually stood out more than they would have otherwise. The smell of food permeated the air, and though he had already eaten a rather filling breakfast, a part of him did wish they could enter one of the warm taverns and get something to eat. He was able to resist this temptation, and before they knew it, they were reaching the end of the road and the massive, four-story circus tent located there. Right in front of this tent was a curving queue for ticket purchase and entry, one he had a feeling they would be standing in for an obnoxiously long time.

Oh god… There’s no way this is good enough for that many people to be here already… Get your priorities straight, assholes! Shouldn't you be at work or something?

Grumbling under his breath, Rennigan and the others got in line and, as predicted, waited for a little under an hour before they reached the ticket box at the front and were able to use the coin Acostav gave them to buy them each a ticket. From there, they made their way through the front flaps of the tent and immediately found themselves gazing at the huge stage where the performance would take place. The entirety of the bottom level was in the one room, spanning about one hundred yards in diameter, with the left side being where the audience stands were located and the right almost entirely taken up by the stage. As Rennigan looked to the ceiling, he found that the room itself must be about two stories tall, leading him to wonder what the other two were used for, only for him to conclude that it probably served as storage rooms and maybe even private offices for the circus leaders.

Most of the stands were already filled since the show was supposed to start in ten minutes, so the four of them made their way up the stairs and to one of the middle rows where they took their seats. Given the popularity of this circus, they were uncomfortably squeezed together, with Rennigan nearly crushed between Faye and Hiro while he hardly had any leg room between himself and the young couple in front of him.

Oh this is just wonderful…

“Rio, how long did Master Luz say this is supposed to be?” he grunted.

“He didn’t.”

“Lovely.”

Now that they were inside the tent, Jessi’s excitement had properly returned and the fire mage cheerfully bounced up and down, her pink eyes wide with awe as she admired their surroundings. Hiro and Faye were much less obvious in their amusement, but it was clear that they, too, were intrigued by the prospect of seeing a performance as supposedly amazing as Omorossa’s. Rennigan rolled his eyes, realizing that he truly must be the only one treating this as a mission rather than a fun outing with friends, so he reminded himself to be extra observant to make up for his idiotic teammates.

That being said, I suppose most of our job comes after the performance when we speak to Omorossa personally. Watching the show is merely to cover all loose ends, so I guess I don’t need them to be at the top of their games yet.

It was around twenty minutes later, after the stands had been packed as tightly as they possibly could, that the performance abruptly began. One by one, the fire lamps placed in a circle around the tent began to extinguish, gradually descending the room into complete and total darkness. As if it was the cue to shut everybody up, the crowd went silent, with only a few murmurs of excitement and curiosity left as evidence of the previous chatter. Rennigan couldn’t help but sit up a little straighter, and then, as suddenly as the lights were extinguished, a massive pillar of fire exploded upwards from the center of the stage, bathing them in a bright and warm orange as the flames roiled and spun into the air.

A boot suddenly emerged from within the pillar, followed by a leg, torso, and head to reveal a man that had not been in that spot before. He exited the flames with confidence, a wide grin upon his face as he stalked forward, raised his hand high into the air, and snapped his fingers. The pillar exploded outwards into roughly two dozen ribbons of fire that launched themselves towards the extinguished firelamps, some flying over the heads of the audience to ignite the torches again, returning the tent to its initial level of illumination. The man on the stage then clapped his hands three times just before the torchlights changed colors, some flickering into blues and purples while others remained in the warmer hues of red, orange, and yellow. The colors were organized into the pattern of a rainbow, turning their surroundings far too flamboyant for Rennigan’s taste.

So this man’s opening act is a couple of basic fire tricks? Please, Yuahl could do this in her sleep.

The man then slid his left foot back, placed his right hand over his chest, and lowered his head almost to the ground in a bow so over-the-top that even Ryokumo may have laughed at him.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and everybody in between, I thank you for doing me the honor of attending my show!” He snapped back to full height faster than Rennigan had expected, a broad and charming grin on his face. “I am thrilled to welcome you all to the Wonderous World of Hakelades Omorossa! I am the ringmaster of this humble little show! It is a pleasure to see each and every one of your smiling faces before me!”

Now that Omorossa was standing tall, Rennigan was able to get his first proper look at him, only to instantly decide that he did not like him. The ringmaster must have stood a little over six feet, with a build on the slimmer side, though the comically large purple top hat upon his head must have added at most another foot. The rest of his clothing was just as obnoxious, with his bright red, curled-tipped boots, purple tights, and dark blue overcoat that was clipped at his waist and fell all the way down to just above his ankles. Beneath that coat was a purple button-up shirt with yellow polka dots, as well as an orange tie that was so long it’s tip was tucked into his waistband. The previously mentioned top hat had a green and blue peacock feather sticking out from the brim, and in his left hand, which was gloved, he held an ornamental cane with a gold handle and a pitch black shaft.

His features were mature but not old, indicating he may have been somewhere in his late-thirties to early-forties, with a pointed, beak-like nose and a blonde goatee, the tips of the mustache curled upwards into a handlebar style. His hair was dyed a deep red and might have fallen down to his shoulders if it wasn’t tied back in a lazy and sloppy bun. Rennigan had no idea what color his skin was due to the pale white makeup covering every inch of it, though the areas around his eyes were bright red. Everything about him made Rennigan have to choke back a gag, and he suddenly dreaded the fact that they would have to talk to him later.

“In just a moment, the show shall commence!” Omorossa went on, sticking up his pointer finger for emphasis. “But first, I would like to remind everybody to please stay seated, for I promise that you are safe and that none of this magic shall harm you or the performers! We are all trained professionals, and we would have long been shut down by our dear Lord Cartigan if we weren’t! Do not panic, do not fear! Simply sit back, laugh, and enjoy the show!”

The ringmaster disappeared into thin air the very second he uttered his last word, and even without being able to sense his mana due to how many people were around him, Rennigan knew without a doubt he had simply distorted himself for effect.

I guess it’s mildly impressive if you don’t use magic on a daily basis…

As the show went on, Rennigan was never once impressed by any of it. The first act was a group of five trapeze artists that used wind magic to do a plethora of flips and slides which were choreographed into a dance routine that followed the beat of music played a handful of bards off on the right-hand side of the stage. Meanwhile, and for all of the acts, there were fire mages setting off fireworks and doing tricks with colors that resembled Omorossa’s entrance. The second act was moderately interesting, with the performers referred to as “contortionists”. They were able to bend their bodies in ways that almost few could, with one of them even bending his back so much so to get his head fully between his legs. This was one that most likely didn’t use magic, and that was the sole reason Rennigan gave it any credit. The third act was a bunch of clowns dressed in the typical attire that matched Omorossa. Perhaps it was supposed to be funny, but Rennigan found the humor juvenile and lame.

So of course Yuahl is laughing her ass off. What is she, five?

Rennigan started zoning out somewhere after the clowns, so he genuinely had no idea what the fourth and fifth acts were, but he did tune back in when Omorossa himself returned to the stage for the final one.

“As many of you may have heard by now, I am also known by the nickname ‘The Strongest Man in all the Lands’, for I have such power that I could crush the armor of a rock mage in my bear grasp!” As Omorossa spoke, two rock mages walked onto the stage behind him, fully encased in stone. “I am sure you doubt me, but on my word and my name, I tell nothing but the truth! My immovable strength is a gift from my grandmother and has been passed down my family for generations! Let me show you!”

Omorossa was then punched directly in the side of his head by the mage on his right, but he didn’t so much as flinch, grinning proudly as the rock mage swung two more times in quick succession, never once moving the ringmaster’s head whatsoever. Four more attacks were sent to his chest, face, and stomach, but all Omorossa did was laugh and extend his arms to make himself a bigger target. Only once he was satisfied did he retaliate, and with one meager punch, he shattered the rock armor around the mage’s face, holding back enough to not harm the man but still managing to send pieces of stone falling to the stage.

Rennigan scoffed, muttering under his breath, “Like hell that nonsense isn’t staged. The mage pulled his punches and made sure his armor was weakened.”

“Stop ruining the illusion, Rennigan,” Faye retorted.

What illusion?! You’re an Academy mage, that much should have been obvious!

Even so, Jessi, Hiro, and Faye didn’t seem to care, so Rennigan clamped his mouth shut, thrilled by the fact that this show was almost over.

***

Once the performance concluded, most of the audience filed out of the tent and returned to their daily activities, but there was a significant number that remained behind to express their amazement to the performers. This was encouraged by the fact that Omorossa remained behind and actively sought out members of the crowd, getting into an excitable conversation with them. Faye was relieved by this fact since it meant they wouldn’t have to track him down and could instead approach him there in the main area. Unfortunately, given how many people remained, they decided it may be best to linger by the edge of the stands and wait for a more ideal chance to reach out. While they did, Jessi gushed about how much she enjoyed herself, and while Faye certainly didn’t think it was anything terribly amazing, she was still happy that Jessi was happy. It was as Rennigan complained, to trained mages, Omorossa’s acts weren’t impressive, but most of the populace were not magically trained, so given how talented the performers were, it wasn’t shocking how popular it was.

I’m glad that didn’t spoil the experience for Jessi. And I’ll make sure Rennigan doesn’t try to ruin it for her.

Thankfully, Rennigan kept his whining to himself for the duration of their wait, and to Faye’s surprise, when an opening presented itself to go speak with Omorossa, the ringmaster noticed them, grinned, and moved to approach them.

“Good morning, friends!” he greeted as he sauntered over to them. “I saw you lingering and thought I’d come to personally express my gratitude for your attendance! People like you are the reason my show can thrive, and it is my personal philosophy to never forget that! You make my dream happen! Did you enjoy yourselves?”

“Absolutely!” Jessi answered instantly. “It was fantastic, Mr. Omorossa!”

“Ah, the words every creator desires to hear! You have made my day, Miss! And what of the rest of you? Any critiques, comments, feedback of any sorts?”

Given that if Rennigan got a chance to speak, he would almost certainly offer critiques and critiques only, Faye made sure to hop in instantly and prevent the poor guy from being unfairly verbally abused. “I’m afraid we don’t have the eye to give any worthwhile criticism. It is as my friend said: The show was wonderful and I’m happy to have seen it. Give my respect to the other performers as well. Everybody did a fantastic job.”

Hirokol quickly echoed Faye’s sentiments, and based on the soft grunt that came from Rennigan, she had a feeling Hiro stepped on his foot to wordlessly tell him to shut up. Omorossa’s smile broadened, making his pleasure clear, as he reached forward and grasped Faye’s hands gratefully in his. She was slightly taken aback by the sudden action, but she decided that cringing away would make their upcoming conversation harder, so she simply smiled back. He pulled one of his hands off of her palm, forming a miniature pillar of fire that beautifully morphed into the shape of a rose flickering in her hand and sending a tingling sensation through her, almost certainly due to the warmth.

Omorossa winked almost flirtatiously. “A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman. Truly, I thank you for your kind words, Madame.”

Faye couldn’t deny that the little party trick was rather slick, and though he was a bit too close for her liking, she gazed at the flower for a few seconds before the flames extinguished and vanished. Unfortunately, this was when Rennigan chose to ruin the moment.

“Alright, enough of this nonsense,” the water mage cut in, reaching into his jacket to produce Acostav’s letter. “Listen, Ringmaster, we were not here to enjoy ourselves. We are here to speak with you under the direct order of the Master of Light, Acostav Luz.”

Getting right to the heart of matter without any sort of buildup, Rennigan irritably shoved the letter into Omorossa’s hands. He furrowed his brow with surprise before turning to stare down at the wax seal that bore the Master of Light’s sigil.

“Er, Acostav Luz?” Omorossa muttered. “I wasn’t even aware the Master of Light was in Stellareid. I hope I’m not in trouble. I assure you, Lord Cartigan has given us full permission to hold this performance!.”

Rolling her eyes, Faye pulled Rennigan back and jumped to mend the situation. “I’m sorry, Sir, ignore my rude teammate. We really did enjoy the show, but yes, we’re here on business. However, you aren’t in trouble. We just want to talk with you. Master Luz thinks you might have information that could help us with some official business. Do you have a moment to spare?”

Still gazing down at the letter, Omorossa twisted his lips in thought. “Well, I must admit that I’m a tad surprised. You four seem quite young to be working for the Master of Light, and I unfortunately am not terribly familiar with his sigil. I hope you do not take offense, but you must understand that this appears rather strange and abrupt. Does Master Luz not have an apprentice that could have come in your stead?”

“He does, but unfortunately, things are quite hectic in Castle Saientia at the moment,” Faye answered, having not considered the fact that they did look quite suspicious to anybody who couldn’t identify Acostav’s Master symbol on sight. “We’re students from the Academy of Erika working under him and he only sent us because he could spare us. Please, Mr. Omorossa, I promise we are who we say we are.”

The ringmaster sighed, nodding almost to himself as he slipped the letter into his jacket pocket and leaned some of his weight onto his cane. “Alright, how about this? I’ve got another handful of shows for the rest of the day, so I unfortunately cannot spare any time. I’ll read through this letter and, if you could, would you return here early tomorrow morning, perhaps around eight or so? I should have a moment then.”

Faye could hear Rennigan scoff behind her, and she really did want to insist given they technically had the authority to order him to talk no matter what, but at the same time, she knew that forcing him to obey against his will would make him far less cooperative. Omorossa would almost certainly be more willing to tell them what they wanted to know if they appeased him, so Faye internally steeled herself for the lecture Acostav was certainly going to give them upon returning empty handed.

“Very well, Mr. Omorossa,” she replied. “We will return first thing in the morning.”