[@Aleranicus] Basically, what I was wondering if it's sort of like a Puella Magi type deal- if you're not familiar with the anime, the concept is that the being that gives the main characters their powers, Kyubey, grants a wish in exchange for making a contract with him. If someone accepts his offer, their wish will be granted, and they will be granted abilities and made to fight witches for the rest of their lives. Two of my characters (as I'm toying with the idea of a pair of twins), would have likely signed up to help their family in some way, and cause they're theatrical enough that the whole circus gig didn't sound too bad at first. It's fine if you think that the concept is too theatrical or anything- I can easily work with them just signing up for cash, or make them orphans that signed up cause they didn't have much elsewhere to go. 

Sorry for the long-winded message, haha.