The show

“A-are you ready?” Klos inquired. Hair in disarray,even for a clown he looked way too weird.

Klos had just finished his act...but the look he gave Rik said it all. We are all counting on you.

“Just imagine it’s only you on stage. They will love you boy,” He rubbed his plastic nose. “Damn, they just have to love…I mean, *&^*…got luck boy.” With that, he turned and moved to the changing room.

He just nodded his head; no trusting himself to say a word, he continued nodding his head. Until he realized he was all alone and nodding his head. If anyone saw him, they would think him a crack head.

“Hell! Where have you been? You are up” the stage supervisor said as he marched a way.

He moved slowly towards the stage, actors running all over, some giving him the weird look none friendly.

He should have summoned, Opus by now, no time. He had not gotten the chance to indulge Opus, to get the puppet in a good mood.  Tonight was not one of those nights, not after what he had just been through. He was still sweating. He was sure someone had been following him. But who?  

All of his puppets were already on stage; were they scared? Well he was soon to join them. He stood next to the huge curtain; tonight he would make it or break it.

"And now...the moment you have been anticipating...a man like no other, a show like no other." The stage master said.."You have seen nothing like him and never will...I present the great..."

He watched as the curtains where drawn up. It feels strange as if he soul too was being drawn a way.

 Most of the circus crew was anxious. Who wouldn’t be? Even the supposed manipulator was not himself. Finally, he were performing in a city not for kids and some poor fellows.

He tried to relax; this was his biggest crowd yet. He waited for a few minutes trying to relax, to pull this off he needed a moment of calm.

People where began to murmur. Yes, let them, I am like no other. His fingers gripped his trousers. He quickly got out his black sweat towel and wiped his face. And put on his dreaded mask.

So this is what it means to be a manipulator, This must be how old man had felt when he was on stage. But no even he had performed for such a crowed. His mask firmly on, he marched onto the stage.

The puppets were each seated lifeless and neatly dressed, where had Klos got the attires. He shouldn’t be thinking about that now. Today was like no other show; he had to begin off in a high note.

He lifted Sam his favorite at only three feet tall, a gift from Olga, and held it. Bristle hair not even the new clothes could hide it’s worn out body. If only he could get another.

What if his failed now, what if…&$* he should concentrate.

Rik relaxed, and approached his inner self. It always feels strange in here, as if he was a stranger, viewing through another man’s eyes. He tried to embrace it, but there was a repelling reception. The pain was always bad, he felt the wrenching of his soul, he quickly stuck it to the mask. Oh! That worked. Slowly he held on the stool to stabilize himself until the disorientation passed away. He could feel the penetrating stares through his teary eyes.

“Mmmmmmmmh!”

"Are you ready?" He asked

“Yes, I am, are you” Opus replied.

“Good; then let’s begin” he said.

“You should have called me earlier… the pain, I think I am still soar, take them through the usual I will come in the next stage”

Everyone seemed to be waiting for something, he eyes moved to Tenge, the man eyes had narrowed and slowly the owner of the theater bit his lips. 

“Not now Opus” He said.

Then he stood and faced the crowd.

“Most of you have heard of me, others haven’t but tonight…” he paused studying the crowd, he saw the mayor, almost bursting out of his clothes, good tonight he might. “You will all have a tale to tell. I welcome you”

Thank the puppets he had his mask on, they would all see how frightened he was.

“Opus; now” Rik said releasing Opus.

He felt Opus leap off the mask into the puppet called Sam. He had only three puppets each named after someone. He sat Sam back on the stool.

Then turned to the crowd, they must think me mad.

He motioned his hands towards the puppet, and slowly moved his finger, Opus its left hand. He made moved his finger as if drawing a circle, slowly Opus turned around. He began shaking his hand and Opus started jerking, violently. He could hear some response from the crowd, good.

 “And now he lives" He echoed. He turned to face the crowed as Opus slowly rose up.

The crowd started clapping. 

 "Puppets are funny and nasty fellows...” Rik remarked. "But even puppets obey ...me"

Some in the crowd began pointing towards Opus, some openly laughing. Had he said something funny? He noticed all eyes towards Opus, then he turned.

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Author guidance for This story

I am still thinking of what to make out of this story. Your ideas are most welcome :~) as usual.

Characters:
Rik- the manipulator and the main character
Klos- the clown

Puppets:
Opus-
Karen-
Brain-

updated Feb 23 by ork