***Yeah, yeah, I know. Another authors note. I havent updated in forever, I know. You guys hate me, I know. You probably gave up on this story, but I havent had any time with my school schedule. And I have finals soon. So Ive been stressing about that. Ive been stressing out about getting my grades up as well. Cause to be honest, Im failing pretty bad...And Ive been really depressed lately. More than usual. And I haven't had ANY motivation at all...I hope you aren't angry with me..

But I recently received 1k followers! This book also recently hit 1k reads as well. And Im so grateful for everything you guys have done to get me thus far. And so I thought you guys at least deserved an update, no matter how small***

Was I dreaming? I have to be dreaming, right? Maybe I fell asleep on Brent's shoulder, too tired to continue on with the show. I mean, I have been quite sleep deprived lately...But I couldn't have dreamt about any of what's happened, thus far. It always stops as I enter the tent, lights blazing, and then repeats. I've never gotten this far in a dream before. Its strange to say the least.

But there was just something about what he had said to me that stood out amongst all else. "Welcome back to the Sin Circus, Mr.Ross." How would these people, the man in red as a matter of fact, have known my name? How would he have known that I've been here previously? And an even greater question lodged in my brain, is how would the man in red even have known that I would be here? On this very night?

"W-Welcome b-back?" I stuttered out. I was still awestruck by his appearance. The red practically blinding me. All he did as a reply to my comment was a slight chuckle. Nothing more, nothing less as we walked down to the arena. His grip tightened on my arm as we got closer and closer.

My heart started beating faster and faster. The man in red's grip got tighter and tighter. I had the feeling of my legs slowly transforming to jelly. Why, out of all people, why me? Why not someone else in the audience? Why the boy with the "mental" problems? Why the boy with skyrocketing anxiety? Why me?

An unexpected change in direction snapped me out of my thoughts. I swallowed hard as he led me out of the tent. The chill air bit at my skin, causing the hair on my arms to stand up. Something told me to be on my guard now.

"Where are we going?" I was finally brave enough to spit out a few words. He seemed a bit hesitant, as if he didnt want to answer the question.

"That, sir, is none of your concern at this point in time." He finally dropped his arm from around my shoulder, slightly pushing me forward. What is this? What the hell is going on?

A few moments of silence past, until we entered a small building fairly close to the location of the tent. The was a rumble of talking and laughter that erupted through my ears, while walking through the entrance. But as soon as it was there, it was gone. Many people stopped what they were doing immediately at stared. A few whispers broke through the silence here and there.

Both men and woman were scattered about the hall and the different rooms. All poking their heads around each other to get a better look at...what...me? Some where half dressed in costumes, still applying some makeup, and just waiting. Until it was their time to perform. They looked at us with confusion and interest.

"Its rude to stare." The man in red growled at the people standing around. "I do believe you have a show to perform. I'd get back to getting ready if I were you." And as if on cue, the conversations started up again. As if nothing had ever fazed them. They began to rush around, in and out of the tiny rooms trying to organize themselves. "This way." The man in red spoke so quitely, I could barely hear him.

But he pushed me down the hall anyways. After a few minutes of weaving our way through the performers, we finally reached a wooden door opposite the exit of the place. It was open slightly and I could see the darkness that lay behind it. This worried me dearly. What the hell was going on?

The man in red had his top hat tilted so a shadow was cast across his now menacing face. To be honest, he scared me. This whole situation scared me. He stepped into the darkness and pulled me in, closing the door behind us. My breathing became uneasy as silence in the room consumed my ears. What was he doing? Why was I here? Did I do something wrong?

"Where the fuck is the damn light?" The man in red mumbled to himself. A few seconds later, a small tableside lamp flickered on. It illuminated the room just enough to see what was around me. I managed to back myself into a corner. There wasn't that much to look at except for a small table that the lamp was on and a chair in the corner opposite of where I was. And then a small dressing room looking mirror. From what I could see, there were a few things of makeup strewn about it. And not to mention articles of clothing scattered all over the floor. Being a guest in this fucked up place, I would have at least expected it to look a little nicer.

"What a lovely set up you have here." I tried to sound as sarcastic and as annoyed as I possibly could. Hiding my fear seemed like a good bet right now.

"Save your breath." His deep voice echoed around the room. I look over at his refection and I hear him sigh. He takes off his top hat to reveal what looks like a dead squirrel atop his head. Reminds me of when I dont give a shit about my hair. He ran one of his hands through the mess a few times before giving up and quickly throwing back on his top hat.

He stood there for a few moments, before turning around to face me. I felt like screaming out to him asking why he brought me here. But I stayed silent. For a feared...what did I fear? Actually talking to him? Him?

"Come sit, Mr.Ross." He gestured to the chair opposite of where I was standing currently.

"I'd...I'd prefer to stand..." The sudden feeling of my stomach turning at this whole situation, caught me off guard. But I stood my ground and struggled to hide the strain in my face. "And its Ryan. Call me Ryan."

"I know what your name is, sir. But I prefer not to use our peers first names around here. So I'll call you what I'd like until I come up with a stage name for you." The man in red seemed annoyed with me. And I took this as a good sign, maybe he'll get sick of my company and throw me out. Wouldn't be the first time..

"Wait...stage name? What do you mean by stage name?" I was utterly confused, but wanted to learn more about what went on aroud here.

"Yes. A stage name. Something that you will be referred to when being spoken about." He crossed his arms firmly across his chest.

"Why would I need a stage name? And what do I call you then?" He's not giving me any answers as to what going on. I need to find a way to get him to start talking. About everything.

"You'll soon find out. And I am referred to as Leader. And you shall refer to me as this as well." He had a smug look apon his face. And I dont think it was going away any time soon...