Applause rang out, cheers echoed and shocked gasps punctuated as the audience watched the show. It was rare for Gemini the white wolf, owner of this club, to take to the stage himself, but he was a dazzling sight.

The lights shone a beautiful display on the ceiling, but with the pigments he’d rubbed into his fur for the performance, it looked as though fire sprang from him and danced along him whenever he crossed the beams. All part of the show’s smoke and mirrors, for the real pyrotechnics were intermittent bursts set in time to musical or visual beats.

One of them gouted out a jet of heat which made the crowd gasp, as planned. However Gemini saw something that was not to plan.

The billowing hem of one of the other performers, a bluejay, had strayed too close and had ignited. Given the inflamed cloth’s unpredictable course it was in danger of setting the whole place ablaze, and given that alcohol had been flowing, even a stray ember might grow to a large problem.

He kept the dance going as he came to a solution that would keep the audience captivated and prevent a scene. An improvised pirouette would bring him close enough to catch that end and-
A scream went out from the girl whose skirts were burning, and any hope of preserving it as part of the show died with that howl. The wolf leapt in a long stride, grabbing the garment in his hands, thankful for the wraps he wore, and smothering the flame from them. He ground his teeth to brace against the sudden heat, fortunately it was something he’d recover from, though his hand wraps were ruined.

His gambit worked, the audience went from panicked to celebratory as they witnessed the manager stepping up and solving the problem before it flared. He beckoned to one of his assistants making a subtle hand signal to bring him a microphone. A rhino who moved without pause, proffering the device. The wolf took it from him, leaving it off as he whispered. “Send out the supporting act.”

“At once, sir.” The man said back with a small bob.

‘That should buy him enough time to figure out what to do next, but first, the audience.’

He struck a pose in the centre of the stage. “Ladies and Gentlemen! I can only apologise for that sudden interruption to our show. I promise you that while things were warming up-.” A small ripple of laughter echoed back. ‘Sycophants, the lot of them’ he thought to himself before continuing. “We will resume shortly. Now we must make way for the next act, but we’ll be back!”

He passed the microphone to another nearby staff member and the dancers took the cue, following him out. His eyes flicked to the one who had caught alight and he made a small gesture with his head to impress on her that he had words to share.

He stopped at the door, giving one last laughing flourish and blowing a kiss to the adoring fans before he stepped out of their sight. He flowed with that same dancer’s grace past other staff and down to his office where he slipped indoors.

His composure changed the instant he was out of sight, ripping the hand wraps off and throwing them to the corner as he went to a basin in the corner and started to soak his palms. ‘That damned incompetant bird. We practice without a hitch how many times without incident. And then this, just perfect.’ A knuckle rapped at his door and he bade the knocker enter.

The bluejay walked in, slightly abashed but unharmed. ‘More’s the pity.’ Gemini smoothed away his thoughts and smiled warmly at her. “Good, I take it you’re alright? Just a little shock and worry?” His voice was touched with gentle compassion as he walked closer.

“Y-yes, boss. Thank you for the quick reaction. A-are you alright?” She replied, looking guiltily up at his palms.

“A little raw, but they’ll not even scar.” He said, smoothing things out. “I know you had another show in two hours but I think it’s best we skip that one, give you time to rest. Would you be willing to come in tomorrow instead and take part in one of the other shows? One without risk of fire.”

“S-sir, am I being removed from this dance for failing?” She said, looking worried.

He shook his hands in a gentle, calming motion. “Not at all, I assume you’ve seen enough pyrotechnics for the moment, that’s all. Does it sound like a good exchange?”

The bluejay let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, Sir. Please.”

He smiled again, nodding. “Alright, please send Della in would you?” Said by way of dismissal. He went back to the basin, washing his palms again, they still felt hot.

There was a single rap at the door and then the rabbit, Della, walked in, bowing her head in greeting.“You called, Sir?” She glanced over at him and approached, fishing in the cabinet below for some medication to use on the potentially burned skin.

“The next act?” He asked.

“In progress, the audience is calmed and enjoying it all again.” Della replied.

His lips pulled back in a snarl. “That one bird, she was the new hire, yes?”

The rabbit cocked her head, squinting slightly as she corrected him. “Not quite, she’s been here for a few months, without issue.”

The wolf growled, “Fine, whatever. Have an eye kept on her, if she screws up anything again I want to know at once, and I want to hear you fired the wretched creature!”

The rabbit paused, thinking for the moment. “Should I move her to the night staff?”

He shook his head. “No, as hilarious as it would be to see her fail, she can’t be trusted with that. We would lose face, and maybe even a customer...” He took a breath. “I suppose this time I will be lenient. Don’t engineer an incident, but if one happens then show her the door before I’m back, or I may end up plucking her in front of the crowd.”

“Yes, Sir.” She said suppressing a small smirk, opening the balm and gently taking her employer’s hands to smear it in.

His vindictive inner thoughts wanted to carry out the threat right now, but he rose to stand once Della was done. “I’ll be downstairs. Handle anything that happens for the next hour.” He ordered curtly. The rabbit bowed, waiting for him to stride out of the room, where he immediately returned to his charming, happy appearance, before she moved to head back to the club floor.

The show must go on, and she knew what performance could keep it running.