.02 | The Promise

Leaving the U-Haul left Merida feeling unsure, as the safety of her cage was no longer something she could hide behind. To say she preferred the confines of the cage versus interacting with the other circus members would be accurate.

She got along better with the animals than she did the people, but that's because most of them all had their own agendas, and most were not necessarily squeaky clean.

They had criminal histories that left them rejects to society, menaces that could only find work in a place like Killian's circus.

The circus had grown since the original Ringmaster's death, but it had only grown with more riff raff and undesirables. She didn't know where Killian found these people, but somehow with his connections he landed many new acts after his father's passing.

Some of them were even mutants like herself.

Two of the circus members came into view as they walked. It was the trapeze fraternal twins who just so happened to be Killian's most trusted side kicks. They were fiercely loyal to him and would jump in front of a moving bus if Killian asked them to.

They were no older than eighteen, both blonde hair blue-eyed beauties. Neither of them were mutants, but they may as well have been.

Blaze and Blair were their names.

They sauntered around in a flowy way that resembled a synchronized dance, but that was the way they operated; always in tune with each other.

They danced out in the open area where the circus was just beginning to come to life
The deadly duo was adorned in glimmering bright blue body suits that shimmered in the morning sun, their bare feet clean compared to Merida's.

Blaze and Blair were nothing like their outwardly appearance. They were actually vicious human beings. They delighted in the torture of Merida from time to time. As they passed by, the twins stopped what they were doing to ogle Killian with allegiance.

When their eyes met Merida's though they darkened considerably, their lips curled in disgust as Blair flipped a strand of blonde hair back behind her shoulder. Blaze watched as she passed with contempt, his long nose rising slightly in a snarl.

They were two people Merida loathed almost as much as Killian.

Merida made sure to keep her face neutral as she passed, her eyes holding no emotion as she followed Killian past his two favorite pupils. In the backdrop of the huge field was the big top tent, which was currently laying on the ground, not yet blown up.

It took about three and half hours to set up, but only took about an hour and a half to take down. But it would take them a full twenty four to thirty hours to fully set up before showtime this weekend.

The big top tent could hold up to 1,100 people in it at one time. The set up for the circus was time consuming and tedious, but it was something she was so accustomed to that she knew it like the back of her hand.

The big top was also where Merida performed.

Merida's eyes adjusted to the spacious green park that lay before them. It was so quiet, save for a few people in the distance that ran along a public trail the opposite direction of where they stood.

Merida's body stilled as she took in the familiarity of the place. Her eyes glanced nervously at Killian who looked placid with his emotions.

"I already know what you're going to say, Mer-i-duh, and the answer to that question in your noggin depends on your involvement with my-uh-after circus gig once we close up shop for the weekend."

Killian stated in his sing song voice, turning briskly on his heel and stopping her in her tracks. He faced her intently, his eyes so black they were like the pits of hell. He cocked his head to the side, and she froze, rooted to her spot.

Old memories of the previous Ringmaster making funeral arrangements for her mother in Chicago invaded her mind.

She could see the old Ringmaster's shaky hands as he came up with the funds from public help, along with the circus fund, to offer her mother a standard plot to be buried at in Chicago.

It just so happened to be the state she passed away in.

Merida would never shake the way the dirt sounded as it was tossed over her grave, the shovels hitting the earth only to scrape up dirt and toss it on the cheaply made coffin she was encased it. A layer of grief so thick wrapped around her heart at the memory.

"You want me to sit in on a deal?" Merida squeaked out as Killian's lips formed a Cheshire grin upon his phantom face.

"Right-o!" He exclaimed, to which she flinched back like the startled little dove she was.

He continued to smile as he spoke, that voice of his sending shivers down her spine and to her toes. He knew just what kind of impact he had on her so he continued to linger in her personal bubble with that I'm in control bravado.

It worked. It always did. Merida retreated into the shell of her skin as Killian continued.

"You see, we have a really big buyer coming in this weekend. He's well connected if ya' know what I mean, but I want as much security at my disposal as possible,"

He paused before using the tip of his finger to tap her small nose, "That's where you come in sweet cheeks." He winked in a sultry way and she felt her stomach turn over on itself.

Merida hated sitting in on big deals.

They were intense and everyone in the room flexed their power to one another, showing off guns and drugs while talking illegal terms that Merida didn't understand. The catch was that she sat in on these deals as her other form, the tiger.

Killian used her as a tool to flex his power

When the men walked through the curtain they thought twice about screwing him over, or making one wrong move. Merida had only a few instances where she had to get vicious with some potential buyers, but when her primal instincts took over her human mind took a backseat.

She wasn't necessarily proud of those moments. But if she didn't comply to Killian's orders it was her that suffered the consequences.

The fact that Killian had gotten away with his underground dealings for so long was beyond her, but she had a feeling it was because the circus moved so much. And when they weren't performing Killian kept them extremely hidden away from public eyes.

The circus was a city that closed in on itself like an umbrella when it was over. It was a magical place full of dreams, excitement and heavy inspiration. Killian tarnished the reputation and integrity of the circus life by what he did behind the scenes.

She wondered if his father would be rolling over in his grave.

For a brief moment she hesitated, Killian's brightly colored eyebrow raised in question to her lack of answer.

Merida nodded solemnly, "Okay."

The word tasted sour on her tongue even as she said it. The obedience she showed him still cut like knives to her spirit. But being obedient was better than the violent alternatives.

"Ah, that's the spirit." Killian jumped up and kicked his heels together with giddiness like a child. He smirked as she fell silent.

He steepled his hands under his chin as if in thought, pouting his lips at her as he nodded his while adding,

"A deal is a deal..."

He looked as if he was debating the pros and cons to keeping his word. Merida bit her tongue harshly to keep from protesting that a deal was a deal and that he should honor his word.

"Alright, you can go see her once we're done here this weekend. Under supervision, of course."

Despite herself, Merida felt the corners of her lips turn up slightly at this news. Killian knew exactly what ways to manipulate her and holding the leverage over her head that she could go see her mother's grave would make Merida do anything for Killian.

And he knew that.

"I have feeling we might just be on a very long journey once we're done here." Killian cryptically spoke as he turned around on his heel, which meant she was to follow him as he spoke.

He threw his arms out in the air and inhaled the fresh morning smells, "You smell that? That's the smell of new horizons!"

He spoke oddly at times and Merida found herself letting what he said go in one ear and out the other most of the time. However, his cryptic tone and giddy demeanor had her interest piqued this time.

"I don't understand,-" She started in questioningly, to which he whipped around so quickly she almost stepped on his shoes.

He didn't move an inch from her face and she grew cold all over. There was a chill in her bone that had nothing to do with the weather in Chicago.

If anything it was breezy and warm given that it was August.

"The Ringmaster's Treasures will be mine. Soon. I've been utilizing every resource I have to find a link between the myth and the truth. You know how long I've searched, Merida. And I might have found a rather peculiar individual that can help find such sacred objects."

"Another mutant?" Merida whispered as his eyes dipped down to her lips before returning their gaze to her malnourished face.

Killian smirked and tapped her temple with his right forefinger, "You're not as dull as I thought you were. I was beginning to think no one was home anymore."

The words made her cringe.

He had no idea just how not at home she felt at times. Like she was having an out of body experience, watching herself go through the motions of the life she lived at the circus.

He nodded in confirmation to her whisper, his forefinger dropping down the side of her cheek and to her chin before he pulled away instantly. She didn't like the possessive gleam in his eyes but kept quiet.

She always kept quiet.

A menacing shimmer hovered in his dark eyes as they reflected on what he would do once he had the Ringmaster's Treasures. Merida couldn't imagine what he would turn into and she gulped quietly as Killian rocked on his heels and smirked diabolically.

Merida still had doubts that they even existed, but the last time she said anything it earned her a rather large bruise to her cheek from his swift and conniving hand.

"It's already been foreseen, Merida. I'll wield the Ringermaster's Treasures one of these days, and when I do, I'll give them the best show they've ever seen. Wrought with madness, chaos and destruction. They will never forget me."

His last word was said in such a tone that it made her bottom lip quiver. He noticed and smirked, the power trip over Merida and the fear he induced only lit his fire. She reigned in her emotions as best she could when Killian pointed at her,

"And you'll be right there with me, Merida."

It wasn't a threat. It was a promise.

"Now, get to work with the others. Once you're done helping, you'll be in charge of tending to the animals and getting them into place." He was dismissive in his tone. The spark of madness in his eyes was gone just as quick as it had arrived.

Killian walked away, his voice lingering in the air as he mumbled maddening things to himself, leaving Merida to quake in her spot at the mere thought of being by Killian's side as he brought upon chaos and hellfire to the world.

♡

Steve looked at the manila folder on the glass tabletop, his blue eyes pouring over the deranged and unwell face that smirked devilishly in the photo that had been captured. He sat clad in a tight navy blue shirt and a simple pair of blue jeans.

Killian Harpee

His eyes zeroed in on the madness that was captured. He couldn't imagine what the kid was like in person, but he knew he'd find out soon enough given that they were about go on another mission for Fury.

The man in charge stood at the center of the room as he leaned over the glass table, his good eye looking at the folder and then up at the three people who sat in the briefing room.

To Steve's right was Natasha Romanoff, a capable woman that wouldn't hesitate to put you in a headlock and silence you into submission.

Steve and Natasha had a partnership between the two of them and a mutual respect. He would have her on his team no matter the mission. Steve knew she was someone he could count on.

To his left sat Sam Wilson, his button down shirt rolled up to his elbows while his eyes assessed the information that was written upon the manila folder that had been put in front of him by Fury.

Sam was Steve's other partner, and there wasn't a day that went by that Steve didn't feel thankful he had met Sam. He provided the comic relief, but make no mistake about it, the former pararescue Air Force soldier was someone Steve always wanted by his side.

"Let me repeat myself, gentleman," Fury paused and eyed Romanoff, "And ladies." She smirked at Fury before he continued with a no-nonsense tone, all business per usual which was Fury's typical style.

"This first step is simply a recon mission. I want eyes in every corner of that circus this weekend to get an idea of the layout. I want to want the ins and outs of that damn place before we send in Agent Juarez to make the deal. You got that?"

The three nodded solemnly.

"Seems the circus has provided a big enough distraction that it covers any illegal activity." Natasha remarked coolly.

Steve then eyed the silent agent next to Fury, presumably Agent Juarez. 

He was young, and it looked like this would be his first undercover mission. He had dark brown hair that was lying flat upon his head, his mouth a thin line of obedience as he stood with his hands rigidly behind his back to Fury's left.

Agent Hill wasn't anywhere to be seen today, but he figured she might be busy. This wasn't Hill's replacement for the day. This was the kid who was going undercover to make a deal.

While Fury spoke, Natasha had to keep her face a mask of emotion. Recon was not necessarily her style, but she knew the circus Fury had explained was large.

The three of them together would be plenty to get a feel of the layout, the inhabitants and where everything was located. With a little luck, she would be slipping into the shadows to investigate the other areas of the circus.

With her track record and prowess, she had no doubt she'd find a way to become incognito during the show and sneak around.

Her only complaint lie in the fact that the kid in the room looked fresh. Agent Juarez's face would most definitely be under the definition of fresh meat in the dictionary if the book had photos. 

"Killian Harpee is elusive, but his ego surpasses his intellect. We've had him on the radar for a while now. Thanks to a few informants in the drug trade we've had reports that this crackpot Killian is manning the underground playground that he fronts as a circus,"

"For too long Killian was a myth. All we knew was that there was a huge player in the illegal underground. Until now."

Steve furrowed his brow in thought before looking up at Fury and speaking his thoughts aloud. This was the time and place to get everything out in the open, and Steve didn't particularly like going into missions without the full scope of facts.

"Why hasn't he been on the radar before now? Specifics, Fury." Steve added the last word for good measure.

Fury sighed, eyeing Steve as if he was the biggest pain in the ass right now but holding his tongue in an odd display of silence.

Sam raised a brow at Director Fury and gave a small tilt of his head as if he now was just as intrigued as to how Killian had built an empire under the nose of everyone.

"We've sent undercovers in not long ago, and every time they became compromised, or worse."

Natasha spoke questioningly, "Or worse?"

Fury chewed on his thoughts carefully. He was treading on some serious information that had yet to be leaked.

"Carved up and mutilated from a shank of some kind. Which is apparently how this lunatic prefers to send a message. The ones that haven't been found are compromised, which hasn't been the easiest to accept and digest with some of the higher ups,"

Fury paused for dramatic effect before continuing, "And there's more."

"Of course, there is." Sam mumbled annoyedly.

Steve gave him a look, but Fury's glare was much worse. Sam sat stoic across from Fury, his lips pursed as he tried his hardest to shut his mouth about the incompetence of the undercovers that were swept up into the illegal drug and gun trade. Sam didn't like how easily these guys were swayed by money and power. Clearly, these agents were weak willed men that succumbed to Killian's manipulation.

"We have word that he operates his circus with more than one mutant."

Natasha raised a brow as if it was nothing new to her, but Sam and Steve shared a curious glance between one another.

Steve removed is right hand from underneath his chin, "Is that why he's been so elusive? You think he's well connected with not only compromised agents, but mutants as well?"

When Fury didn't answer Steve knew he had his answer.

He blew out a breath and pointed at the photo of Killian with his right pointer finger.

"This kid has been running around the country because he's been able to manipulate your agents, and before that he's mastered the art of being elusive. He has people with badges on his side, along with who knows how many mutants. You shouldn't be underestimating him, Fury."

He looked at Fury and shook his head lightly as he wondered about the safety of the mission.

"Someone like Killian won't go quietly. This is going to get messy." Natasha added for support. Steve silently thanked her with a flicker of his blue eyes in her direction.

"Isn't that why I have you guys?" Fury quipped back with a raised brow.

"You're sending him in to make the deal once the circus is over, aren't you?" Sam stated matter-of-factly as they all three eyed the agent with scrutiny. He was young, nervous as a baby deer, and he was already sweating bullets before the three veterans.

Natasha hoped he was just nervous being around Steve. The kid kept ogling Steve silently with his eyes.

"Looks like you have a fan." Natasha remarked to Steve with a smirk as the agent blushed ten shades of red.

Steve just looked worried. How could this kid operate in a real-life situation?

"He looks like fresh meat." Sam said what everyone thought aloud. His tone was harsh, but he was only concerned for the well being of the kid. He was too fresh to be put into a hostile situation in Sam's opinion, which made him wonder if Fury had a hard time finding a willing candidate.

Given Killian's madness and the death toll of the deceased agents, Sam had a hard time faulting anyone for taking a second to accept the undercover position.

"Agent Juarez's credentials are none of your concern. He's earned his spot in this mission and has proved time and time again to be an asset. Unlike others, he doesn't question his orders."

That little remark at the end had them all mashing their lips together as Fury eyed the three mouthy Avengers. He expected this from Sam, but Steve questioning Fury and his judgement hit a nerve within the Director. 

"Now get ready for the recon mission. Preferably wear something a little discreet."

Fury stated before taking the manila folder and walking out of the briefing room with Agent Juarez hot on his boots.

"This circus shouldn't be any different than the one we work for." Sam muttered while gauging Natasha and Steve's reactions.

When the three walked out of the briefing room, Tony Stark appeared from down the hallway with a snarky look to his lips. He was dressed in a blazer over a white button down with black slacks and black low top converse.

"Heard you three were joining the circus."

Steve made a face while Sam whispered a curse word to himself. Natasha rolled her eyes before wordlessly stalking past Stark to the training room.

"How is it you know everything?" Sam asked annoyedly, while Tony merely smirked at the two with a simple shrug.

He continued walking past Steve and Sam down the hallway to an unknown destination, turning haughtily in his tracks and walking backwards while yelling aloud,

"Bring me back some cotton candy, will ya'?"

Sam turned his nose up to the playboy before side eyeing Steve who was rolling his eyes.

"How do you put up with him, Steve?"

Steve made a face and raised his brows with a sheepish grin, "He sorta grows on you." Sam shook his head in disbelief as the two turned down the same way that Natasha headed off to.

"I seriously doubt that."

Author's Note:

Killian is an uber evil jerkwad... and Tony is sassy like always. I also love Sam's little quips! XD

Looks like our trio is going to be on a recon mission to observe the circus this weekend before trying to take down Killian.

I'm uber excited for the next chapter and getting to introduce more circus characters into the mix :)

Also, Blaze and Blair are vicious little pixie acrobats and I hate to love them and love to hate them lol They aren't mutants, but they are highly dangerous and efficient with weaponry.