15. Akira

Over the next three days, River and I train for the dagger act together. When I originally thought of going on stage, I never could have imagined River joining me. Hell, if Rhea told me she saw this future coming true, I would have laughed in her face. Now, I only want to do this act with River by my side.

"Do you miss your home?" River asks, continuing our game of truths.

I glance up at River in shock. We just finished breakfast in the purple mess tent and were currently waiting to hear from Drake, who is trying to dig up the supplies that BCC's previous knife thrower left here years ago.

I'm shocked that River asked that question, but even more shocked by my answer. "No. I miss Sorren, of course. But I don't know, this kind of feels like home. Black Cat Circus put their claws in me and now I don't think I want to leave."

River smiles at me. "I know what you mean."

Drake approaches our table with a wide grin on his face, golden eyes glowing with excitement.

"Hey guys, sorry to interrupt, but I have good news. I found the old wheel of death. Pulled it out of storage and cleaned it up. It's in great condition. Let me know if you two are still interested in using it."

"We are," River says, eagerly. He's been so excited to try it. I'm not sure how I'd feel spinning around on a wheel, but River can't stop talking about it.

Ten minutes later, we join Drake in the big practice tent, where we see a blue-painted wooded wheel. Drake wasn't kidding; the wheel looked almost brand new, except for a few knicks in the wood. I wonder if the circus magic somehow knew to preserve the wooden wheel for us.

"Are you sure you want to do this? This type of act is pure skill." Drake says, walking over to the wheel. "Akira, being a hot fae warrior and all, is sure to ace it. But this particular wheel of death requires a certain skill from the assistant too," Drake explains, eyeing River.

"Skill?" River scrunches his brow.

"That"s right, you aren"t just going to hop on here and pose. There's more to the wheel than just looking pretty," Drake winks.

My kitsune and I growl simultaneously.

Drake throws his hands in the air with a wide grin, and River gives me a sly smile. Right. I probably shouldn't act like a possessive caveman over River in front of other people. What did he call it? Touch him and die vibes? Although, if I'm going by the heated look River is shooting my way, then I don't have to worry too much.

River glances over at Drake. "I really want to do this. Can you explain what I need to do?"

"Oh, of course. Come on up here, River." Drake points at the base of the wheel. "This is your footrest. It's where you'll place your feet so that you can stand."

Biting his lip, River glances over at me before climbing up on the wheel.

"Good," Drake says. "These handles in the the center of the wheel are for you to hold as the wheel spins. Place yourself flat against the board and let's see if those handles are at the right height. Good. Okay, now I'm going to measure you to make sure I place your shoulder support where you need it. This will make sure you stay on the wheel when you're upside down." Drake measures the placement of River's shoulders. "Perfect. Hop on off and let me bolt in the shoulder brace."

River hops off and rushes to my side with a huge smile, emerald eyes wild.

"How did it feel up there, little fox?"

"Good! Oh my god, Akira, I'm so excited." River bounces on his toes, talking fast. I've never seen him so pumped up. "I have a feeling our training is going to be my favorite part. I'm still nervous about performing in front of a crowd of hundreds, you know? I kinda wish it was something more private. Something like fifteen to thirty people. But I think I'll get over that real quick."

Drake waves River back to him. With a quick, unconscious peck to my lips, River rushes back to Drake's side and climbs back onto the wheel.

My lips tingle, and a smile ghosts onto my face. Does River realize he just kissed me in public?

"Alright," Drake continues. "This part is important. There is a crank in the back if, for some reason, River can't get the hang of the wheel, but that would require a third person. It's best if River uses his own momentum to keep the wheel spinning. Akira, let's give it a try. You can watch me first. I'm going to give River a spin. River, think of the wheel almost like a swing. Someone might push you at first, but it's up to you to keep the wheel spinning. Ready?"

River nod. "Ready"

"Tell us if you need to stop for any reason, Riv." Drake gives the wheel several good spins. A few whoops of joy come from River, and I find myself smiling.

My kitsune spins with joy inside my chest, matching River's enthusiasm.

"Good, now use your body's momentum to keep the wheel going for thirty more seconds, before you stop or slow down. Holler if you need help." Drake beckons me closer. "Once River gets used to spinning himself at a consistent speed, you can practice throwing at the boards. Your goal is to aim your daggers at the far sides of your wheel. This means that if you really are a good shot, River will be safe. That gives you a decent amount of space. The key is for you to be consistent. You are going to throw your daggers one after another. Bang, bang, bang. All with the same speed and strength."

After River comes to a slow and stops, he wobbles off of the wheel. I catch him. "How do you feel, little fox? Do you feel sick? Too dizzy?"

"I feel great! Can we do it again?" River beams at me. I look over at Drake for confirmation. I don't know how many times a human can spin on this thing before making themselves sick.

As if hearing my thoughts, Drake pats me on the back. "Let River decide when it's too much."

I nod.