Twitching an eyebrow I stare at our destination. The Brit Circus, a battle lost to the boys' and those two. Good thing there's a family friendly version of the show. Lovino keeps attempting to sneak past me, earning a tug from his shirt collar. Can't these boys keep their excitement? I understand that this is new, but they need patience. Specifically Lovino requires assistance to stay in check..

"Katyusha, please tell me you'll whack one of them if they become too rowdy," I yell behind me. She runs up beside me, keeping a sharper eye on the kids. Sighing I look ahead for Gilbert. He's my scout today. I don't know what's in store for us. Hopefully he can relay information.

We're now close to the large tent and there's a mini market leading to the main opening. Children are running around, looking at the sights. It seems fun, yet so strange. It's not like what my father has taken me too. There seem to be people and animals in cages, the booths seem broken and worn, and the men advertising around don't look too friendly. Feliciano just happened to be near and I pull him close when a man yelled.

With Gilbert now in sight it's clear why he took so long. He stopped to flirt with a dancer. Katyusha, who continues to play her part power walks ahead. Once she makes it she slaps him hard. Some of the children ahead stop and laugh. The embarrassment on Gilbert's face doesn't waver my worry much. As we walk to them the boys huddle behind me. The dancer laughs, looking our way. She then jogs to me and gets uncomfortably close.

"Hello, I'm hoping you're enjoying the market," the Belgian sounding woman yells in my face. Another man, taller than her, approaches us.

"Do not scare potential customers sister." The man stares her down before walking away.

"Scare? I didn't scare you three did I?" The woman asks worriedly. By pulling on the boys' collars I prevent them from lying. I shake my head for us.

"I am not scared miss, but we've just got here. I would like a name before we talk more," I attempt to pry. She's beautiful and I bet better without such a bright red on her lips. Nice dirty golden hair. That pretty red costume is a bit too short. The boys aren't trying anything, so there's no worry.

"I'm Emma. Other than that I hope you enjoy this market. The show will start soon. You'll know when my horn blows." She lifts up her small horn.

"That is nice to know miss-"

"Before we end, I recommend the potion wagon. Very cheap and it also sells plain spirits if interested," she beams.

"That is nice. Hope the show is as great as I saw in yesterday's demonstration," I end. Somewhat dragging the boys' collars I move them to where my angel and demon stand. As we get closer the red on Gilbert's face is still printed on his face. Lovino laughs and points it out.

"Nice slap!" he laughs. Gilbert attempts to growl, but holds his tongue. He then walks towards the tent, bumping into a bystander. I'm proud of his progress. Last time something similar happened he punched a man tundra cold. I literally saw the man's soul leave and snap back. I learned a lot about souls the day.

The conditions around me may not be ideal, but this is what the boys' wanted. The four of us walk around the market until the boys' get interested at a vender selling waffles. With the spare cash I always save for their birthdays, I each of us a chocolate waffle. It's their first ones and I smile at their greed. Lovino savored his while Feliciano wolfed it down. This treat is highly greed inducing for some reason. Lovino's attempting to steal Gilbert's share from my hand. As his hand grabs the waffle from my grasp the horn sounds. Emma's voice can be heard, herding the crowd. Snatching the waffle back I hurry everyone to the horn.

Entering the tent, I realize an old feeling. It's like when I took Plinio, my son, to the circus. The joy he had are the same as the boys' following. If only there was cotton candy or at least popcorn. The boys will never get those luxuries, yet I feel closer without them.

"Hey, over here!" Gilbert beckons. He's seated in the middle of the crowd. After fighting the eager observers we make it. Sitting between Gilbert and Katyusha I give Gilbert his share. The boys make themselves comfortable in their laps. Feliciano on Katyusha, Lovino on the other's lap. Once relaxed in my seat I feel a presence. And that presence should be back home.

I peer up to see Ludwig hovering above me. At first he doesn't notice that I'm giving him an Italian death glare. My mother used to give me them often. It's like boring into the souls of disobedient children. The idea that I can do it still amazes me. When Ludwig locks his eyes with mines he floats to me. Clearly he's disturbed by it, so I stop.

"I don't feel right being away from both of them," he whispers before flying to his original position. It takes me a moment to remember what Death had to do. Glancing at the boys my mind relaxes. This year needs to be the best. I must ready myself for what's to come.

Everything will be safe and fine. As long as the boys have fun and that their false skin doesn't catch fire I'm fine. Everything is fine and dandy. I just need to keep lying to myself. One year left to lie. Everything is good.