Collin found Animus sitting alone on a stone stairway. It was nestled between two long lines of connected homes, each with a little chimney sprouting from the top. The cloud-colored smoke drifted out of the chimneys and up into the sky.

“I assume Marques told you the truth,” Animus said. Collin sat next to them, curling his knees up to his chest. 

“Why did you lie?” Collin asked softly. 

“...Because what kind of origin is that?” Animus said. “The second I was born my parents saw what I was and they left. No one cared about me until I stumbled across that circus. And even then, no one was eager to adopt some strange kid off the street. They were kind but…from a distance.” Animus explained. “Sometimes I wish I had never been born a shapeshifter. Hell, I’m not even a very good one. My freckles always give me away.”

“You’re an amazing shapeshifter!” Collin said loudly. “I’ve never seen a talent like yours, it's incredible!”

“You really think so?” Animus sniffed. 

“I wish I had your abilities! Honestly, I’ve been a little jealous.” Collin admitted. 

“Jealous, hmm? What would you want to turn into?” Animus asked. 

“A boy,” Collin said. 

“A boy,” Animus laughed. “But you already are a-” the words caught in their throat. They whipped around to Collin, staring hard. “You-your-oh.” Animus stuttered, bouncing from thought to thought. 

“Yeah,” Collin sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Animus planted a hand on Collin’s shoulder and looked at him kindly. 

“You don’t need magic to be able to be a boy,” they said. “If you truly feel, deep down, that you’re a boy, then you are one. And nothing, not a single thing, changes that fact.”

“Thank you,” Collin said, tearing up.

“You know, I’ve always struggled with that myself.” Animus said. “I can become anything. The thought of being one single, stagnant thing is...daunting. I adore my freedom to change, to be whatever I feel when I feel it. But I've been told many times to choose one thing and stick with it."

“Maybe that’s just who you are. Maybe you are a little of everything,” Collin said. 

“Perhaps you’re right,” Animus said, their face lighting up. “...I’m sorry that I lied to you. I’m a little embarrassed about my past. I didn’t want you to pity me.”

“And I don’t,” Collin said firmly. 

“That’s actually…” Animus took a deep, labored breath. “...why I’m going to see the Oracle.” Collin’s eyes went wide with surprise. “I want to see my parents. I want to know what happened, why they abandoned me…or maybe just tell them off.” Animus chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of their neck. 

Collin leaned over and wrapped his arms around Animus tightly. Animus hesitated a moment, but then embraced him back. 

. . .

Collin led Animus back toward the circus tent. Marques was waiting outside, setting up some colorful signs advertising the show. 

“You’ve grown a lot since the last time I saw you,” Marques said. 

“Same to you,” Animus returned with a small smirk. 

People had already begun to fill in the bleachers, filling the tent with chatter. Collin found the others and sat with them. 

“Everything alright?” Breven whispered. 

“Animus just had a little stage fright,” Collin chuckled. 

The lanterns hanging from the ceiling began to dim. A bright spotlight shined down to the center of the stage. In a burst of colorful streamers, Fibaro appeared holding a silver mic. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the show of the century!” Fibaro’s voice echoed throughout the tent. “Our first act tonight is the Phenomenal Polly!” 

Polly trudged to the center of the ring without urgency or showmanship. She faced the crowd and held out her wand toward the sky. A wave of beautiful yellow and pink petals exploded from the tip, fluttering down over the cheering crowd. Polly swung her wand beneath her feet, creating a beautiful, blooming vine. The vine moved like a wave, carrying her off stage as she bowed back at the crowd.

"Wasn't that something, folks?" Fibaro yelled, clapping his hands. "But wait until you see our next act! The Amazing Animus!"

On cue, Animus leaped onto the stage as a brown, speckled lion. They roared loudly, making the bleachers tremble. They shifted into a small house cat and attempted to roar, only managing a small meow. The audience broke into laughter. Animus grew back to their original size and shape, taking a bow. 

But just before they could move on to their next trick, a wave of air shot through the stage, ripping up the wood like paper. As the wave carried, it was accompanied by a deafening scream. 

The twins from before flipped onto center stage, cartwheeling into place. They each took a pose, balancing on their toes and holding one hand out toward the crowd. 

“Welcome to the main event!” the girl yelled. 

“It’s going to be quite a blast!” the boy continued. 

“I’m Melody,” the girl giggled. “And this is my brother Ampleer."

"Sorry to steal the show, but we have a very important guest tonight," Ampleer explained. The spotlight moved across the stage and settled on Collin seated in the crowd. "The Shared Soul!"