That one time I got isekaied into a freak circus soulmate au MASTERLIST
The freak circus does not belong to me, nor do any of the characters shown. Pierrot and any other characters mentioned belong to nekoboydreams here on tumblr. This is a polycircus fanfiction where you end up with all the clowns. Mc is all the circus members soulmate.
Warning: graphic depictions of violence, slight NSFW, semi-non-consensual touching, graphic description of people dying, nonconsensual drugging, Nightmares, my attempt at flirty banter, betting (low stakes gambling), stalking, breaking and entering and noncon kissing (just kissing nothing else), monster clowns, stalking, the monsters are described as scary, and eating people
Clucking any links means you consent to the above warnings. Also please read all chapter warnings.
The freak circus does not belong to me, nor do any of the characters shown. Pierrot and any other characters mentioned belong to nekoboydreams here on tumblr.
I spiraled a bit and fell into trying to guess what Pierrots monster form might look like. >:3 Since I first saw him my immediate thought was raptor!>:333 I don't know why but his snoot just reminded me of one and his "horns" reminded me of feathers. While I don't think he has feathers but I might redo this where he does. IDK. :3
Anyway here's my general speculation and close ups! ;3
While figuring out his shape through his shadow I remembered theirs a certain Iguana that lives on the beach in the Galapagos! They have these really cool back spines and his shadow also seems to have spines as well. A certain dinosaur was also speculated to have spines as well.(More dino Pierrot propaganda! >:3)
He definitely has claws similar to an Iguana or monitor lizard. Both are thick with a slight curve. I'm unsure if his claws where thought about this much but I might be crazy but I swear all the clowns claws are different! I know it I just can't prove it!
While his snout is definitely more raptor shaped I couldn't see where his "horns" come from. They seem to just come from the back or center of his head. I also think it could be shorter but then it would be too boxy sooo longer snoot it is.
I also made his scars pitch black since that aligns with the scars from where his hair was pulled out. I took some liberties on any other scars he may have. I even gave him a star shaped wound on his forehead. Mainly because of his star motif which is corny now that I think about it.
Along with that I gave him some white marks on top of his scales since most reptiles seem to have some type of pattern to them. It also gives his face a bit more intrigue.
I've noticed in his silhouette he seems to have 2 protrusion's coming out of his body. I thought they were clothes but going by the idea he's semi-aquatic I thought what if they're fins? And then I gave him underarm fins which could easily be hidden by his puffy clown sleeves!~ Along with webbed feet but not webbed hands because I just couldn't see his gloves hiding them.
Just some extra doodles of Pierrot and Harlequin to end it off. I feel like other people did a better job at speculating his monster form but I wanted to throw my idea in anyway. ;3 I think I made him a bit toooo lizardy but overall I'm satisfied with the final results.
Tell me what you think Pierrot might look like in the comments and thanks for reading my rambles!~
(Also if Pierrot has scales what do you guys think they feel like? I wanna say they feel like a sharks dermals)
(Also could his "horns" just be big spines or big fins guys?!)
(Also big reptiles having paw pads isn't odd T-rex famously had them. And yes a T-rex could certainly sneak attack you!~)
Ok, I've been trying to map out dates and a rough timeline of each life from the snippets we're getting and I'm getting very confused about what went on in which life. Mind helping a gal out and shedding a little light on things?
Yeah sure here's my notes on how I mapped out the lives. I won't mention the 1st or the 5th since that's spoilers. But I get why someone might be a bit confused because the visions showed different times in the same life sometimes.
1: she met the circus members in 1800 (she's the refection in the final mirror)
2: dies at at 34 saving Pierrot from a mob in 1834 she met the circus members in 1818💙😭 (She's the one in the 4th mirror. The mob cuts her head off then she's dismembered and her body is destroyed. She is in the vision where they call her a witch.)
3: dies in a fire at 61 saving jester in 1895 she met the circus members in 1855🩵😭 (she's the Victorian woman in the third mirror. Shes in the vision where she was saving a member from a fire.)
4: dies of illness at 60 in 1955 she met the circus members in 1915🩷😭 (she's the reflection in the first mirror. She was also the one in the vision chained in columbinas room and in the vision with doctor caring for her.)
5: dies 1985 she met the circus members in 1973💚 (She's the giggling girl in the second mirror mc has had no visions of her life yet)
6: hit by truck kun at age 18 and dies in another world in 2003🖤 (no mirror because she never met the circus members)
7: current life met in 2025 💛 (This is where we are now so she has no mirror)
I hope this helps if anyone is confused I'll probably post this on ao3 too.
That one time I got isekaied into a freak circus soulmate au: Chapter 10: Blue Smoke
The freak circus does not belong to me, nor do any of the characters shown. Pierrot and any other characters mentioned belong to nekoboydreams here on tumblr. This is a polycircus fanfiction where you end up with all the clowns. Mc is all the circus members soulmate.
warnings: Dubcon, character death, graphic depictions of death, Typical yandere clown shenanigans
The sounds of screams and carnival rides increase as you draw closer to the circus. It's not too long before closing time but acts are still going on so the ticket booths are still running. You don't see Ticket Taker at the front taking tickets instead it's fools punching tickets of the last few customers of the night.
Which you count as a good thing since you won't have to interact with him. While you stand in the short line you go over the plan for tonight. All you have to do is walk around and distract the clowns just enough so Norman can locate Carol and his soulmates location. Then you both can proceed with saving them tomorrow morning after the fools hand out the fliers.
You still have the advantage of knowing the game from your past life. So you used that knowledge to tell Norman some things about the circus while keeping it vague. He still doesn't believe they have dogs but agreed that a scent neutralizer is still a good idea. The clowns know you're their soulmate but you know enough about the first two days to hopefully make this rescue mission easier.
The line moves quickly and you find yourself standing before a brown clad fool before you know it. Pulling the pink ticket from your purse you hand it over only for a familiar white gloved hand to take it instead. "I'll handle this guest." A smooth voice says making you freeze up. The fool steps back bowing before going to assist another guest. It almost makes you want to ask for them instead but you know that would look strange.
Freezing up you slowly turn your head to face the Ticket Taker. He looks down at you with one glowing eye an odd look on his face. "Is your friend not coming tonight dear guest?" He asked not sounding concerned at all. Is he trying to get you to slip up somehow? They at the very least suspect you know something, so is he trying to figure out how much you know?
"Oh she never came back last night. But knowing her she probably went home with some guy and her phone died again." You try to say as nonchalant as you can. But a bit of malice still slips through making his eyes narrow for a second. That was clearly not the answer he wanted but he doesn't probe you further.
"Hmm, how unfortunate." He says emphasizing the word unfortunate. "Ah, it seems you have something on your blouse. Allow me to fix it." He reaches down towards you collar making you lean away.
"Oh no, you don -" You start, but he cuts you off. "I insist." He says with a finally. "Please hold still, darling." He says gently, making you feel butterflies in your stomach. You stand still as a statue while he straightens your collar. You can't deny that you like the attention the ticketer is showing you.
For the love of Christ, you really need to get laid. Creepy monster clowns should not have this much of an effect on your libido.
Ticket Taker grabs the collar of your shirt smoothing it out before fastening something onto it. He pauses seeing the hint of the bite marks you were given the night before. He sucks in a breathe saying something under his breath.
"Excuse me?" You ask not hearing what he said.
"Nothing please enjoy the shows dear guest. And please feel free to tell me if any of the cast members get…rowdy." You nod thinking back to how the others bit you the night before. That clearly wasn't a part of their kidnapping plan and the others are probably going to be punished. That's what they get for biting you without your consent.
You thank the ticketer before entering the circus. Gripping your purse tight you hope you didn't completely fumble that. Thinking up that response on the fly was smart though Carol will have to forgive you for making her look like a floosy.
But the affection you felt for the blue clown worries you. Are you accidentally slipping into the Ludus phase? You've only met ticket taker once so you shouldn't be. But now knowing you possibly lived past lives you could be moving faster through the phases without knowing. Why did poly soulmates have to be so under studied?!
Fuck you need to save Carol quick.
Walking through the circus you feel your hairs stand on end.
Someone's watching you.
Usually that thought would scare you but right now it's exactly what you want. You just need to bide enough time for Norman to locate Carol and his soulmate then the two of you can finalize your plan once you know what state the two women are in.
Chewing on your cheek you try to ignore the feeling of being stalked instead focusing on the mission at hand. Surveying the tents you note Jesters show is still going on, doctors tent has a relatively long line, and the pink, red and green tents are closed for the night. You notice Ticket takers tent is still open. Remembering that Harlequin and Pierrot followed the player inside it in the game you decide that's your best option. With that final thought you head into it.
Interestingly you don't see anyone when you enter. In the game there where illusions of other people inside the tent. But now there are none which immediately sets you on guard.
Heading into the dark tent your met with a hall of mirrors, within each your reflection stares back. Curious you begin to approach some, the closer you get the more distorted the surface of the mirror looks. Instead of solid it looks more like the surface of a lake.
Getting closer you reach out skimming the cold surface and feeling it ripple under your touch. Before you can fully touch it a dark hand grasps yours. It wraps around your wrist and slides up to hold your hand. You freeze suddenly feeling something behind you despite your reflection showing only you.
Your skin prickles as you feel breath on your ear.
"Now, now darling guest no need to touch things you aren't supposed to." You feel lips press against your ear making your skin warm. You shiver at the contact before feeling another hand come from behind you. Claws gently rake down from your chin to your chest leaving goose bumps behind. Your heart picks up pace when one claw catches on the top of your blouse.
Gasping your ankle begins to burn with heat, no doubt Ticket Takers soulmark is reacting to him being so close. You've never heard of soulmarks having physical reactions but ever since your "date" with Harlequin you've noticed these more physical reactions whenever your soulmates touched you.
"Hmm, your hearts beating fast. Poor thing, there's no need to fear no monsters will hurt you here." You feel the arm wrap around your waist caging you against a body far too large to be human. You do everything in your power to hold yourself back from jumping this mirror monster. It takes nearly all your will power to not turn making you just stand still while Ticket Taker has his way with you.
You feel him move his head into the crook of your neck making your breathing pick up. He doesn't comment instead running his lips over your throat. He gives you gentle kisses down your throat that threaten to leave you breathless.
What was the plan again? Heck you don't even know what you were doing 5 minutes ago!
"Those three where quite rough with you weren't they? My poor little human." He says before nipping at your neck right where your pulse point was. Yelping at the sudden pain you quickly turn only to find nothing behind you.
"What a surprise I didn't expect you to visit me so soon dear guest." A voice speaks making the mirrors circling you glow and ripple with every word spoken.
Whipping your head back to the mirror you nearly give yourself whiplash. "You seemed so much more interested in the other attractions. I feared you'd never come to me." Ticket Takers voice says with mock sadness.
For a blink of a second you see both his monster and human forms walk in the mirrors before merging into the Ticket Taker.
"What's wrong my dear, you look like you've seen a monster?" He tilts his head obviously teasing you. You can hear the amusement in his voice.
"You were behind me." You say in a small voice, confronting him. He says nothing, the air of playfulness still lingering in the air around him. You hear a small snicker from somewhere in the fog causing you to flitch at the sudden noise. It sounds like Harlequins but you aren't too sure. God your nerves are bound to be fried with how on edge you are after Ticket Takers little "trick".
"Oh? Strange most would say what an amazing trick. But you seem to know it's not." He says not accusing you but implying you know more than you're letting on. Unfortunately he's talking to the queen of quick thinking.
"I just know I'm not crazy enough to think all of that was just a trick. I know someone was behind me even if it wasn't you." You tell the blue ticketer knowing the truth but playing it off with some quick logic.
At this response the blue man before you chuckles while shaking his head. He clearly doesn't believe you but doesn't refute your claim. "Very well my dear guest please enjoy the show. But do stay away from the mirrors wouldn't want you to get pulled in." He tips his hat at you disappearing.
"Oh and my dear guest please be careful you wouldn't want the monster to catch up to you." His disjointed voice says from elsewhere in the hall of mirrors. It's then a mirror falls away behind you making you jump as it shatters. Form elsewhere a deep growl sounds along with some whining sounds, it seems Ticket Taker found one of your stalkers. You silently pray that doesn't mean you have one less pair of eyes watching you. The last thing you want is Norman getting caught.
Looking down the dark hall that was revealed when the mirror fell you see a long corridor of mirrors. At the end you see a break in the tent where light pours through. Knowing that's the exit you breathe a sigh of relief at how close it is.
Okay so just go there and you'll be fine. Though you should probably take your time otherwise Norman might not find Carol and his soulmate in time. Taking a deep breath you begin walking down the corridor looking around for any hint of the monsters pursuing you. But with how dark and foggy it is you can't see them no matter how hard you tried.
"It's cold." A weak voice whimpers.
The sound of a voice eerily familiar to your own but much older catches you off guard. Makes you freeze the hair on your arm sticking up. You slowly turn to your left seeing your reflection.
Or it would be you if it wasn't for the fact that the you in the mirror was extremely skinny. Her hollowed cheeks and sunken eyes greet you with a longing look. Her gray hairs and wrinkles giving away her age. Though that could just be because she seemed like she was sick. The sight of her shocks you since in the original game the player was faced with images of the circus members in the mirror.
"I miss them." Your refection hugs herself her bones sticking out of her thin skin. The 1950s dress she wears flares out around her the skirt making her look even skinner than she probably is. "I shouldn't have pushed them away…maybe then I would've had more time with them." She looks up at you reaching out her image changes when she does. Going from an emancipated older woman to a young healthy woman in a 1920s flapper dress.
"Please don't make the same mistakes as me." She says pitifully, even young this version of you still gives off an air of deep sorrow. "They truly love us and if we go of our own free will they won't have to trap us." She looks at you one last time before closing her eyes it's then you notice the pink glowing eyes shining in the reflection behind her.
Sputtering out something incoherent you back away and continue on down the corridor your pace faster than before. All the while you try not to look at any of the mirrors.
That first one was more than enough of a scare for you. On the Brightside you have confirmation your stalkers followed you into the blue tent.
Ticket Taker just wants you to give in to them. That's why he showed you that image of yourself because why would you say that? you've seen visions of that version of yourself so you know that they forced her to love them. Or at least that's what you interpreted it as, but you could be wrong after all it was just a short vision. No you definitely know they kidnapped you and caused you to developed soulmate Stockholm syndrome.
You aren't going to fall for some fake version of yourself. If your visions are any indication then getting with the circus will always lead to your painful demise. Or you being entrapped in the circus against your will.
You feel your breathing pick up as you walk further down the corridor passing mirror after mirror. Is this hall getting longer it feels like you haven't made any progress to the exit. Gulping you feel your heart beat pick up thinking you might have already fallen into their trap.
A sudden giggle makes you glace at a mirror for a split second. You regret doing so when you see yourself again only this time a wide smile is on your mirror images face. Tripping you slip on the smooth tile below nearly falling before feeling something long wrap around your waist. You're lifted slightly in the air and gently sat on your feet. Breathing hard you quickly turn only to be met with your smiling reflection once more a flash of green glinting of the mirror.
She wears an outfit that looks straight out of a 70s magazine. She doesn't look distressed or hurt at all instead she greets you with a smile.
"Haha Norman!~" She says giggling. The sound of his name makes your breath hitch. Do they know about Norman? If they do does that mean your plans are already blown?!
"Norman!~" Shuffling around she nearly trips on her tall go-go boots but catches herself. She covers her face trying to hold back giggles. "Norman stop!"
Soon her image changes her face turning to one of horror as she screams. "STOP! NO! NO, PLEASE! PLEASE AHHH!" You watch as your mirror image has their neck broken. A sickening crunch is heard as she gurgles blood from her mouth. Her body drops to the floor limply with a loud thump. Her eyes grow dull as they stare back at you from the fog filled floor.
You hiccup and feel tears wet your face as you back away from the mirror. Bile raises in your throat at the sight of your own image laying dead on the misty ground. Your hairs stand on edge again as you feel a tickling sensation on the back of your neck. It makes you flinch hard nearly running into the mirror.
But you turn at the last second and take off running not wanting to face any of them. Not looking back you jog down the corridor now just wanting to leave this tent.
"Wait!" You stop as you hear Carol's voice call out to you. Looking at the mirrors once more it's not Carol who greets you.
Instead its another version of you. This time you're in a more Victorian looking dress. It's brown with little poofs on the front. It reminds you of the fools costumes but older. It's strange to look up at yourself but you know she's probably just wearing heels. Her added height gives her an air of authority that you can't imagine yourself having.
She looks down at you a frown on her face making her wrinkles more apparent. She sighs in annoyance pushing back strands of graying hair. "God I forgot how annoying I was in my youth." This confuses you since technically she's a past life version of yourself.
"Don't look at me like that! What are you doing?! Don't you have some self respect?!" She puts her hands on her hips giving you the same look your mom gives you when she sees you doing something bad.
"I'm doing my best." You respond back glaring at her. God you hope you don't end up being like her if you make it to her age. She seems like a real stuck up boomer. Though technically she would be apart of the greatest generation. It's kind of strange to think you might've been a boomer or Gen X in a past life.
"Doesn't look like it to me otherwise none of this would've happened. After all you were the one who got Mrs.Carol into this mess." She hums very dissatisfied. God lady tell me something I don't know. "So now what are you going to do to fix this?" She quirks a brow at you.
Still glaring you simply say "You'll see." Gripping your bag tighter you continue glaring at her unimpressed look.
Sighing once more she straightens her shoulders and closes her eyes. To your horror as she shuts her eyes burn marks start to crawl up her face. "Well I suppose we will." Her dress begins to burn but she makes no effort to put out the flames.
You watch in horror as your mirror image is consumed in flames. She simply breaths as tears stream down her face at the pain. You don't know how she's so calm as her hair and skin begin to burn off her body now engulfed in flames. Before you can say or do anything else she looks at you one more time.
She gives you a small smile as tears run down her face. "You have to save her no matter what." She laments. "Don't let them bully you kid, stand up for yourself because you don't deserve to be treated badly." The flames finally reach her face as the mirror begins to crack. But still she continues speaking through the crackling of the flames. She rasps out, "Please for once in your life s-" the mirror breaks completely now causing the image if your past self to disappear.
Maybe you judged that past life you too harshly. She seemed like a more confident version of you even if she was a little mean at first.
This just makes you question if Ticket Taker is showing you his illusions or if these are the ghosts of your past lives. Either way you have to keep moving so you can get out of here. You continue on feeling a shiver climb down your spine.
You're being watched.
Looking around you try to peer into the darkness but see nothing. Not even the eyeshine of the predators stalking you.
Taking a deep breath you walk on till another mirror catches your eye. Going to it you find another version of yourself only this one was silent.
Unlike the others who said something first she simply looked at you. Her eyes heavy with bags beneath them. Her skin was clammy and glittered with sweat. She had her hair in an updo and her clothes seemed to be from the 1830s.
"Umm… Hello?" You say unsure about what to say since she's so quiet. It is unnerving how she just stares at you almost like how Pierrot does.
"They saved me you know…." She says softly her words trailing off. This makes you tilt your head in a silent question. Her face remains neutral reminding you of a doll rather than a person. "Those people who called themselves my parents planned to sell me to the highest bidder." She rubs her own cheek almost like she's comforting herself. Her eyes take on a far away look. "But then they came and promised me a better life."
A smile spreads across her face nearly splitting it in half. "I love them. I love them so much it makes my heart hurt." She clasps her hands to her chest where her heart would be. Her voice now taking a sweet tone as she begins to spill affirmations of love. "My saviors. My soulmates. Nothing makes me happier than being in their presence always. I must- no we must be with them." She looks to the side as if something was there. You look as well but you're only greeted by darkness and fog. She sighs making you turn back to her. "They do bad things but you can't truly blame them. They just want to live like us."
She looks at you now, her smile still wide and her eyes filled with hope. "You will be with them, won't you?" She asks her soft voice raising now. A tone of pure elation at the thought of being with them once more. You feel your soulmarks warm and glow. It's almost like they're reacting to her words.
"I-I don't know…" You say unsure about how to approach this version of yourself. Your soulmarks now grow cold despite how bright they glow on your hands.
The other you freezes you can practically see her heart breaking as she processes your words. But can she really blame you? She seems so lost in her love for them that it scares you that you. How could she excuse their behavior? Even if they did save you they've shown their truly be as crazy as Pierrot is. This you is love sick in every way. It makes you wonder if she's actually like this or if they made her like this…
The smile slowly wipes off her face at your words. "What?" She whispers out completely flabbergasted. "What did you just say?" She repeats now more demanding. Her breath picks up as she straightens her back.
"I don't know if I want to be with them." You say honestly to yourself.
Sure you've thirsted after them and even imagined yourself with them multiple times. But do you really want to be with them? After everything you've learned in the past few days about them and what they've done to you. Can you truly be happy with them?
This past life version of you seems to think so as the look on her face morphs from shock to one of pure anger.
She clenches her fists as if she's holding herself back from doing something to you. "Your foolish, just a foolish little girl! Why wouldn't you pick them after everything those people did to us! To you! What do you owe any of them?!" She's yelling now her voice sounding shrill. "We are soulmates with them! We were hand picked by the gods above!" She shrieks at you. But you don't focus on her words instead watching as her neck slits open right were Jesters soulmark is.
You gasp as blood pours from the wound staining her striped dress. But she ignores it in favor of yelling at you. She raises her fists to the mirror face, now banging on the mirror. The sound echoes through the corridor making you look around in panic wondering if anyone else can hear her.
"LOOK AT ME!" She roars at you.
Your eyes snap to hers again widening at the sight of blood now running from her now broken nose as well. You also notice that bloodied hands are grabbing her.
They're all over her stopping her from hitting the mirror. "Look at me and see what those humans you love so much did to us." She whispers before her head is violently pulled back. You witness her being torn apart limb by limb. Her head is ripped from her body first her mouth letting out a sickening gurgle as the rest of her body is torn apart by the hands.
You cover your mouth remembering the vision of the mob cutting your head off. You remember the pain of having your head severed but you didn't realize they also dismembered you.
Moving on you pick up pace again. Norman better have found Carol after all of this. Or else you're gonna strangle him.
You come to another mirror expecting to see yourself again but instead you're surprised by the Ticket Taker.
"Enjoying the show darling guest?" He asks as if he doesn't know about the demented illusions he's shown you. Though a part of you wonders if they were actually illusions.
"As much as I can, though I can't say I'm not scared." You say stepping closer to the mirror. He looks down at you with his single glowing eye. Your so close that you could touch him if you reached out or if he came out of the mirror. He's lucky you have enough self control to not jump into that mirror and have your way with him. But you stick to just looking at the tall gentleman before you.
"Poor thing. Unfortunly you stared into the mirrors too long and now the monster has caught up to you." It's then you feel a presence behind you. Once again you feel hand ghost over you but you try to ignore them. But it's hard to do as claws run down your arms leaving goose bumps in their wake. You gulp as they move on to your waist and gently tease your waist band, never truly dipping blow your belt. Instead he takes to holding your hips making you feel hot all over.
You lean back into him and begin to turn to face him. "Don't turn around." He commands you causing you to snap back to him. His eyes narrow at you again pleased with your obedience. "Good girl." Once again you feel lips on your nape making you suck in a breath. you close your eyes trying to yet again ignore him. "Look at me and only me." He commands you again making you look him in the eyes. You don't know which version of him is the real Bilheteiro but you find you don't care. As arousal goes through you at his ministrations you can't help but think that you just want to- to-
The touches continue as you look at Bil. When did you start calling him that? The thought doesn't last as you preen under his gaze. Finding yourself wanting him more than you did before. You just want to be- to be- What do you want?
His hands slip back up gliding over you stomach before teasingly running a few claws under your bust. Just a little higher and maybe you can get some relief from this burning sensation. You let out a slight whimper still under Bils deep blue gaze. Clearly enjoying your reactions to his ministrations. Your need for more of his attention grows as you nearly begin begging for more. God you just want more. You just want to be with-
You just want to be with them.
Like a bucket of cold water being thrown onto you the thought snaps you out of your temporary euphoria. Stepping out of his grasp you attempt to turn around again only for the hands that once gently teased you to grab the back of your head in a firm grip. With little effort your turned forward once again. "Tsk how disappointing and you where doing so well." He gives you a disapproving look clearly upset by your actions. But you also fell that playful demeanor return. "Hmm, What should I do with a disobedient little brat?"
"Maybe not touch them without their consent!" You say face still hot now with anger instead of arousal. All at once the grip leaves you making you shake at how quickly the hands seemed to disappear. Ticket Taker tilts his head "Hmm I suppose so." He seems a bit remorseful? That's not the best word for it but it's the closest you can come up with. Maybe your past self was right and you do need to put your foot down with these clowns.
No matter how sexy they are you will not be treated like a pet or just an object!
It's then he steps out of the mirror seeming to phase into reality from a portal. The action makes you flinch because you genuinely thought he was just an illusion the ticketer was creating. You might've really messed up but He could still be an illusion cast by the real Ticket Taker behind you.
His steps are so light they make no sound as he comes so close you can smell the faint hint of black coffee and parchment paper. Leaning down he goes to grip your chin but stops right before touching you, silently asking for your permission. When you don't move after a beat he finally grabs your chin maneuvering your head to look up at him.
"I can assure you I'd never touch a lady such as yourself unless she wanted it. Perhaps you imagined someone's gentle touch." He says lowly giving you a heated look. Well there goes all the anger you felt. All the confidence flies out the window as your body begins to heat up once more. "After all, smoke and mirrors can sometimes cause our imaginations to run wild with things we desire most." If you were anymore of a horndog you might agree with him just due to the fact he's pressing all the right buttons. Unfortunately for him your not horny enough to do that.
"Well whoever was touching me, real or not, needs to learn some manners." You try to sound assertive but the words come out in a whisper. You huff to try and show how displeased you are but if the unimpressed look on the blue clowns face is anything to go off of you're not doing a good job of convincing him. "Please enjoy the rest of the show my dear guest but still be weary of the monster. They may not let you go if they catch you again." He releases you then before bowing and disappearing back into the mirror.
You stand there a little aroused and very much embarrassed. You really shouldn't be but with how these clowns play you like a fiddle you can't help but feel that way. With a sigh you begin your walk toward the exit again knowing you'll look into more mirrors despite the warning.
As you walk your foot steps echo off the tile. The fog around you seems to dissipate the closer you get to the final mirror. You look in the mirrors looking for any deviation but only see your normal reflection stare back whenever you do. You're unsure if that's good or not but settle on it being good. You really don't wanna see yourself die again…
All the while you continue to look out for the monsters in the darkness just incase they try to grab you again. Honestly they seem to really like doing that.
It's not too long before you come to the broken mirror right before the final one. In the original game this mirror contained an image of the circus burning. But with how much things have changed you wonder if this detail is still the same. Curiosity wins over caution and you approach the mirror.
You stare into the mirror finding the burning circus tent. The glow of the flames lighten the area around you and while you feel no heat you can't help but flinch as if it burnt you anyway. The smell of charred flesh and ash reach your nostrils the scent making you cover you nose from the putrid scent. Much like in the game screams sound from it as the tent continues to burn. But within the flames you glimpse a purple light.
It shines bright as two figures sit in the flames. One is large with almost owlish looking features 4 great horns sprout from his scalp and curl back. He appears to be weeping over the other figure who is small and completely black from burns. You want to drift closer to see more of the morbid scene but it disappears before you can get a better look.
"Rather…sadistic of you isn't it? Do you enjoy the sight of lost love?" The Ticket Takers disembodied voice sounds. You spare one last glance at the fully broken mirror before moving on. You wondered who you saved from the flames in your vision and you finally got your answer just not in the way you imagined.
Finally you make it to the final mirror and instead of Columbina you find yourself. Only much like your other past lives she is also wearing a dress that dates her.
She wears an early 1800s dress that reminds you of the ones worn in Pride and the Prejudice. But instead of the pretty ones the girls wore in that movie she clearly has the looks of a working woman. The dress is brown with black stripes that has clearly been patched in certain places. The apron and scarf she wears also has signs of heavy use being dirty and even torn in certain places. What makes her stand out from many of the other is she doesn't look any older than you. In fact she looks younger maybe 18 or 20 at the most.
She looks serine as she stands before you and if it wasn't for the heavy amount of blood staining her hands you'd think she was just a normal girl in a regency dress. But of course none of your past selves can be normal.
She holds out a bloody hand to you and smiles sweetly. "Deixe-me mostrar o começo." (Let me show you the beginning) You're unsure what she means but reach oit your hand none the less. "Obrigada." (Thankyou) She whispers before quickly snatching your hand. You let out a scream as she pulls you into the mirror.
The air is cold and it feels as if you move through water before everything goes black. Well now your back in the void only this time you aren't dead. Also this isn't really the void because there's actually a light that shines in the darkness. Illuminated by a single candle is a chained figure.
She sits low to the ground as she cries silently, tears stream down her face as you slowly begin to recognize the woman in front of you.
It's Columbina!
But she isn't wearing her modern attire instead she's dressed as a more traditional columbine with the added effect of wings sewn into the back of her dress. She looks similar to Pierrot that day and you try to reach out to her but find that you can't move. You're just a silent spectator to her sorrow.
To their sorrow.
All around her cages and the bones of other monsters glinted off the miniscule candle light around the black tent. Inside each cage sat a different monster, you somehow recognized who was who despite how different they looked from how you usually saw them. Most of them looked skinny but now emancipated thankfully. Maybe your past self managed to bring them food?
They also didn't appear to be hurt except for Pierrot who laid almost motionless on the floor of his too small cage. His arms so long they extended outside of it showing just how cramped it was for the large monster. Your heartbeat dropped at the sight of his unmoving form, believing he was dead you tried to move to his side to help. But yet again your body refused to move even an inch, so like before all you could do was watch.
The others seem to notice the bloodied monster and called out to him. He responds by painfully moving his head to look up at them and lets out a pained groaned. Doctor tries to get closer to Pierrot but the bars of his cage stop him from truly reaching the battered monster. It's then that the tent flap behind Columbina opens revealing yourself from the past.
You watch yourself pant as you hold something to your chest and look around the room searching for something or someone. Once your eyes land on Columbina you rush to her side the tent flap closing with a thump. You gather up her chains finally revealing that you held a key. Frantically your past self begins unlocking the chains on her limbs one by one. They fall onto the dirt floor clanking slightly as they hit. the sound of each making you flitch as you worried that may cause someone to come looking. If what you think is happening is happening you fear your past self won't live to see the sunrise.
"Vamos lá, temos que ir hoje à noite!" (Come on, we have to go tonight!) Your past life says to Columbina who's no longer weeping. "O mestre de cerimônias planeja fazer coisas horríveis com você e vender os outros." (The ringmaster plans to do horrible things to you and sell the others.) You tell her as you unlock the last cuff. It falls to the floor with a final clank as the tent flap opens again.
No light pours through as a man silently slips into the tent the barrel of a gun reflecting the candle light.
I hope this wasn't too graphic for anyone I tried not to go too hard on the gore but granted I did have mc killed by a mob in a past life.
Also did anyone guess that it was Jester in the fire? I actually had him be the one in it for a while and even hinted to it with the skulls on his desk. That was the reason why he showed more attention to the burnt skull.
Also I had to cut the chapter a bit short since I went over my usual character limit but I hope you all enjoyed! ;3
After my last query I'm now even more curious about how poly-soulmarks work in general.
Also; sorry if you get this twice, my browser decided to act up.
It's okay and poly soulmarks work the same as any other soulmark. The difference is that poly soulmarks reveal more about soulmarks themselves.
I'm unsure if I'll get to it, so I'll just say it here, and if i do cover it, then tumblr gets an extra sneak peak. ;3
Jester has all diamonds on him. Not a single other soulmates symbol is on him. Meanwhile, Mc has all their symbols on her. (This is also how the members can dictate which soulmark symbol belongs to who).
The reason only their symbols appear on mc and not the other way around is because mc isn't the dominant person in the relationship. Mc just doesn't have the sway in her relationship with the clowns to be that way. Meanwhile, Jester is the most dominant of them all, hence why his symbol appears on everyone.
(Also, when I say dominate, I don't mean in a sexual way. I mean in a lead the relationship way)
Although there is a big difference between monster and human soulmarks. I've hinted at it in some chapters, though no one's mentioned it yet. :3
Also, here's a soulmate key of everyone's soulmarks. I made this shortly after chapter 3 to help me know where everyone's soulmarks are. The colors mean nothing and just correspond with the soulmate it belongs to. For example, Harlys soulmarks on each of his soulmates will always be green. The symbols that appear on everyone correspond with how much more dominant they are in the relationship with each other.
Hey I just read the sneak peak of the next chapter it looks amazing! Sorry that school is kicking your butt I know the feeling. Anyway I love your story so much I've been stalking your Tumblr to see if any updates have happened because I'm so excited for the next chapter I hope you have a nice day/night!
Thanks this really helps keep my hopes up. I'm always worried people will lose interest the more they wait. I still have to finish the last bit and make sure everything sounds right. Plus more lore about mc is in this chapter so stay tuned!~ ;3
Today is Ticket Taker's birthday! Thank you all for your kindness! I've seen so many amazing fanarts and works of art! Thank you so much!
I'm a little delayed, but I finally managed to finish the additional artwork today, even though I still don't like how it turned out >.<
So, I have a minor question; in chapter 7 Columbina's wing-shaped soulmark is brown while the Reader's is pink. I also noticed that (what I'm assuming is) Jester's soulmark on her is in a different location compared Reader's (lower back instead of on neck) even though chapt 1 stated outright that soulmarks are always in the same spot on all soulmates. So I'm a little confused, was that a goof or is there some worldbuilding that hasn't been brought up yet?
That's because in chapter one the book mc was reading only took into account the majority of soulmates.
Since for most humans they only have one soulmate that's what's considered mostly in the soul-bible. If you notice mcs parents have their soulmarks in the same spot and same shape on their neck. Also mcs soulmark on each individual soulmate is in the same spot on them. Hence why columbina will have wings on her back like mc.
Jester and columbinas soulmarks with eachother is a diamond on their lower backs. And columbinas soulmarks with the others will be in the same spot. I'll probably post a picture of where each soulmark is at some point since I already did show mcs.
There are other humans who have multiple soulmates. But that's uncommon and usually those humans go "missing". Plus most humans don't care when those with poly soulmates go missing because their soulmates will be okay with one less soulmate.
Meanwhile monsters often have 3 to 5 soulmates so they know more about poly soulmates. But obviously they don't write books on it. And even if they did a lot of monster beliefs would challenge the soulbible. So humans wouldn't accept it.
That one time I got isekaied into a freak circus soulmate au: Chapter 9: Commrade
The freak circus does not belong to me, nor do any of the characters shown. Pierrot and any other characters mentioned belong to nekoboydreams here on tumblr. This is a polycircus fanfiction where you end up with all the clowns. Mc is all the circus members soulmate.
You find yourself back in your apartment biting your lip in apprehension while you look down at your phone. Debating on who to call.
After storming out in a fit of rage you didn't even make it down the street before you saw a brown clad fool. The sight of them made you rethink your whole storm the circus plan. Realistically what can you do?!
You're just one human up against 6 monster clowns who eat people for a living. You are their soulmate though and now that you know they aren't in the business of eating their soulmate you feel a bit more safer. But still how can you logically save Carol by yourself?!
You could just offer up yourself instead of Carol. But is a life of moving place to place as a pampered pet really worth your freedom? You know the answer to that but you'd rather leave that as a last resort.
So that leaves you with very few options.
Option one is you call the police and report something. Not only would you save Carol but also all the other poor people they've turned into fools. But the thought of police officers killing one of your soulmates leaves a bad taste in your mouth. You don't want to get any of the members hurt let alone killed. They may be monsters but deep down you know they can't control their diet.
Option two is you call your boss. Your reliable boss who always seemed to know a guy. You're still worried that you might reveal the circus's secrets but there's a lower chance you'll have to worry about them getting hurt.
Option three is you call your parents. Which honestly isn't really an option. Knowing them you'll be on a trip back home before you can even explain the trouble your in.
And all of this is assuming Carol isn't minced meat ready to be served to the other monsters.
Option two it is!
You whip out your phone and click your bosses contact. It rings for a few seconds be fore he picks up the phone. You hear the sound of coffee being made as he says hello.
"Hey boss you wouldn't happen to know how to…. oh I don't know break into a secure facility…. That may or may not be high security" You try to keep it vague not wanting to tell him everything. Plus a circus full of inhuman monsters is basically just a high security facility.
Your boss is silent for a second the sound of the cafe fading as you hear a door open and close. "Is this line tapped by chance?" He asks sounding a bit different. His casual voice gone now using the business tone he uses when investors and food critics come to the cafe.
"No?" You answer unsure if your phone service taps the line. It's not something you ever thought about till now. But with all the weird stuff you search up you wouldn't be surprised if an FBI agent isn't stalking you too.
"Good. Is this also a completely hypothetical situation that you definitely won't be implicating me in if you get caught?" He asks more seriously making you swear he was in some illegal organization. These aren't the normal questions people ask when someone calls them asking for advice breaking and entering.
"Yes and I need something to hide my scent because they have uh dogs….. " You trail off trying to explain why you need a scent neutralizer. But honestly you dont even sound convincingto yourself. "In this hypothetical breaking and entering situation!" You quickly add.
"I might know a guy who could help you in this completely pretend situation." Your boss tells you. "He can also help you get in and out smoothly." He continues. This makes you pause because it would be helpful to have someone else on your side. But once he found out you wanted to break into a circus of all places would you just be laughed off. You can already see the guy telling off your boss for wasting his time.
Also would he expose the circus if you told him it's a human trafficking ring? While you highly doubted anyone connected to bosses old life would care that doesn't mean their isn't a slight chance they wouldn't call the police. Oh god what if his plan involved the police?
Your snapped out of your thoughts by your boss calling your name. "Oh huh? Sorry boss I just spaced out for a second. What did you say?" Your boss is silent for a second clearly worried about whatever trouble you've gotten yourself into. "I just said be careful and come to the cafe at 1 o'clock Sharp." His voice was gentle yet commanding. He really is the best boss ever hopefully with his friends help you'll be able to save Carol and get the hell out of the city somehow.
Thanking your boss you hang up realizing it was eleven in the morning right now. Meaning you had a little bit of time before you met with bosses friend.
Till then you have to think up a plan that doesn't involve you surrendering. You're sure that's what they want you to do by stealing Carol away. You have an inkling about where she is. Considering in the game she was a fool to the Ticket Taker you wouldn't be shocked if that was still the case. But there's also a chance she could be locked up in the brown tent.
The thought makes a shiver run down your spine. Knowing what they do to people…
No that won't happen to Carol. They know you're their soulmate so killing her would achieve nothing. "She's definitely alive…" You say trying to reassure yourself.
You think more remembering the tickets you have left. You could go to the circus tonight using Columbinas ticket. It would put you within reach of them again but as long as you stayed I'm the more crowed areas they wouldn't do anything.
You also need to remember to not drink anything. Even bottled water isn't safe from tampering it seems. Of all the clowns to drug you Ticket Taker was last on that list.
That main reason for going would be to stake out the circus. You're going to be watched whether you go or not. So you might as well get an up close look. You have a vague recollection of the circus layout due to the pink drug fogging up your memory. But you do remember most of the tents layouts. The brown and black tents will be deeper in the circus but you should still be able to get a quick glance if you're lucky.
Carol has a pretty distinct hair style so if she is one of Ticket Takers fools you'll know immediately. If she's not with them then you'll know she's in the brown tent for sure.
Looking at the clock you notice it's getting close to 1. Taking a hoodie you put it on hoping it covers most of your bite marks. You head out of your apartment for the second time that day.
This time you're ready to start the plan to save Carol for real.
Sitting at a cafe table you arrived a few minutes early trying to be as punctual as possible. The way boss stressed it over the phone it sounded like if you were even a minute late he'd leave.
You sit in a dark corner far away from the windows and any prying eyes. Mainly those of the clown variety. You can never catch a glimpse of them but you know one or two of them is watching you. That's why you picked this booth. Pulling up your hood you sink deeper into the seat.
Glancing at the clock you see it's 1 o'clock sharp. Right on time the bell above the door chimes and a tall man in a dark brown trench coat walks in. You see your boss gesture to you. As he gets closer you begin to realize who this man is.
To your shock and horror it's the man who pushed and shouted at Pierrot. You never thought you'd see him again after that first day but here he is. He slides into the booth across from you.
"Seems like ya got yourself in some deep shit." He says lowly crossing his arms and he judges you. The slight smell of cheap beer hits your nose. You're not sure if he's drunk but he seems lucid enough. "Noticed that big red guy outside seemed to be trying to spot something in here. And if I had to bet money I'd say it's you." A deep country accent rolls off his tongue as he says this. Confirming your earlier thoughts of being watched.
You nod "Boss said you could help me." He smirks at you though it doesn't reach his eyes. "And why should I help you?" He asks venom in his voice though you feel as if it's not entirely directed at you. His brown eyes have this dull look to them like he's on his last leg.
Lowering your head you admit what you originally planned not to. "They took my friend." You say quietly not sure why you even trust this guy. You both just met, but something in your gut says you can. "And you where right about them…" His expression changes when you say this. Now looking at you with a mix of pity and understanding.
"Instead of you, they got your friend. I'm sorry it happened for what it's worth." He uncrosses his arms now resting them on the table. "Don't be. It's all my fault I should've never taken her to the circus. But they're…" You can't say it. No matter how much you feel like you can trust him. There's still a chance he could use the knowledge against you so instead you say. "They're apart of a human trafficking ring. It's a big one with clients coming every night."
"Shit, figures with how the police seemed to find nothin. Probably paid the pigs off." He says seeming to be disgusted at the thought. "Don't get me wrong I did my fair share of evil but never trafficked or abused anyone. I was more of a get you where you don't need to go type." So calling the police would've done nothing. You realize they probably have plans in place to protect the circus if things go wrong. You now wonder if you both can even achieve breaking into the circus.
"Look I know they took someone from you as well. I was thinking if we work together we can save them." You give him a serious look so he knows you mean it. "I don't want to take them down they're obviously to strong for us to do that. But we can at least save two people right?" You try to stay optimistic even if you have some doubts. There's always plan B, give yourself up in exchange for Carol. But it won't come to that if you can help it.
"Yeah the last thing I want is a human trafficking ring up my ass. But they shouldn't miss two people all that much." He reaches into his jacket pulling out a brown ticket and sliding it over to you. "This is how they're luring in people in to kidnap. But I suspect you already know that." You nod taking out the pink and brown tickets from your purse. You show him before returning them back. "Alright here's the plan since those weirdos wanna watch ya so bad. Let's give em what they want." He grins at you almost like a psycho making you realize maybe you shouldn't have teamed up with this guy in the first place.
Though you can't help but feel like whatever plan he's cooked up is gonna work. After all he did say he specializes in getting people where they don't need to be. But you also don't know how to feel about being used as bait….
"Okay I'm fine with being bait but what are you going to do while my ass is warding off the killer clowns?" You quirk an eyebrow at him. He just tells you he'll be doing some snooping to find Carol and his soulmate. No point in breaking into the circus if you both can't find your loved ones. Nodding you whip out your phone to get his number so you both can communicate.
It would be best to do it over text since you have a clown following you at all times now. "Sorry but I didn't catch your name." You say getting ready to put in his contact info. "I already told you mine but it's cool if you wanna use codenames too." You add, giving him the option to remain anonymous. He contemplates what you said seeming to consider whether giving out his real name is a good idea. Before he smooths back his short red hair and let's out a huff. "Well it ain't like I'm in the shadows anymore. My names Norman. But in the circus you call me Fox got it?" He says firmly. You nod adding him as Norm to your contacts. "Also we need a codename for you too." He says looking at his phone to add you in as well.
You think on it for a second before the thought comes to your mind. "Call me fool." He snorts asking if that's really what you want to be called. You nod vigorously after all you are a fool. Only a fool would deny the inevitable for as long as you have.
You're a fool for taking Carol to the circus. You're a fool for not ignoring the clowns. You're a fool for letting your simp inner fangirl take the wheel at times. Hell, you're a fool for being in denial for so long instead of really planning for every moment leading up to now.
Had you been more proactive, you and Carol would've been on that trip car or no car.
Your silence must have been too long because Norman taps the table in a nervous tick. "I ain't no mental health specialist but I feel like you shouldn't put yourself down like that." He says with a slight concerned pitch. But you just shake your head "No after practically serving my best friend on a silver platter I deserve it…" Your shoulders sag a slight depressive wave washing over you.
With a sigh Norman stops pushing you probably knowing the only thing that could lift your mood is saving your friend. "Alright well I'll text ya the whole plan later in case there's any prying ears listenin." He subtlety nods towards the windows of the cafe. "Now I think it's best you leave first wouldn't want big red to see us leave together. Though are you okay walkin home alone?" He asks a worried look shining in his eyes even though his face is neutral.
The mention of Pierrot outside waiting for you almost makes you wince. "Yeah I'll be fine no need to worry they won't hurt me." You tell him. Only to panic a few seconds later when you realize you might've revealed too much. "I mean ever since I saved him from you he's been following me around like a puppy. I won't lie it's kind of creepy." You let out a nervous laugh hoping he'll just take your lie and coin your nervous behavior as just fear of your stalker.
Putting your phone away you stand and quickly head out of the cafe giving Norman one last reassuring look before leaving. The bell above the door tolling like it's the last time you'll hear it.
You step out onto the windy street pulling your knit sweater closer to your body. You don't bother trying to spot Pierrot he's to illusive for you to catch even a glimpse of him.
The journey home is uneventful besides the burn you feel from your hand. You've noticed after your little visit to the circus your soulmarks have began to burn at certain times. You haven't quite figured out what this means but it can't be anything good.
Finally making it back to your apartment you set down your things. Walking to your room you briefly glance at Carols bedroom door making a silent promise to save her no matter what. Going into your room you stop at the sight of your lone sewing machine, an idea striking you in that moment.
Running to your closet you pull out three rolls of fabric one brown, one black, and one white. With all three in your arms you move quickly to your sewing machine and mannequin. Its not quite the right shade of brown but it will have to do for now. Because it's not like you can't go to a fabric store without raising suspicion from your 'admirers'. Plus you highly doubt any of the circus members look too closely at their fools anyway.
Getting to work on a mock up you do your best to recreate a fools uniform from your memories knowing that each one has a special mask in addition to the outfit. You'll need Normans help to retrieve a mask for it and you can repurpose an old clown hat you have in the closet. It won't be a perfect disguise but with Normans help you can hide your scent and move through the circus without being seen.
You finish with the mock up right as your phone beeps. Looking at it you see a text from Norman detailing the plan he had in mind. Picking up your phone you begin typing out your idea to him before clicking send. You made sure to include a picture of the mock up you already made. It takes a minute before he responds but he agrees with your plan wanting to integrate it into his. With a renewed vigor you begin to cut the brown fabric to make the fools dress.
While you make your disguise there's only one thought on your mind. You will save Carol no matter what.
Pierrot sneaks into your room finally able to enter after you fell asleep. You stayed up late again making something with your sewing machine. He couldn't see inside since you closed the curtains earlier that morning and hadn't opened them since.
You had been acting strange since they took your friend the other night. Oddly you didn't seem to care about that woman's absence not one bit. It makes him wonder if his earlier assessment of you two being a couple was wrong. But you could just be putting on an act since you know they are watching you. He recalls how you glanced behind you more than once on your walk to the cafe today. The thought of you remembering them makes his heart soar. He wonders if you remember all the wonderful times you had.
The thought of you remembering all the books you and Jester read together or the many plants you and Doctor took care of over the years makes him want to just take you right now. Then you can stay with them once more completing their troupe again. Though a part of them hopes you don't remember the time you and Harley managed to burn down the kitchen. The image of the two of you covered in soot while Bil lectures you both is still fresh in Pierrot mind. Hopefully your a better cook in this life than in that one.
As the red clown stalks closer to your sleeping form he glances at the sewing machine. There's no finished garment or unfinished clump of fabric laying around.
Curious he approaches it looking around before spotting a piece of scrap fabric on the ground. Picking it up he finds it odd. Scanning the room he looks for your sewing project knowing Columbina will want to know what styles of fashion you enjoy now. But he finds nothing brown…Strange maybe you only used a bit of the brown fabric on another project.
Placing the brown scrap fabric on your sewing desk he goes to your bedside. Now closer to you he begins his nightly ritual of watching you sleep. It's become a habit since your third life where you had horrible nightmares.
He watches for any sign of discomfort but finds none, only the soft twitch of your eyelids and the occasional mumble of something unintelligible was observed. He notes how pliant and delicate you are in your sleep. The thought brings him back to the night before when him and his other two soulmates marked you.
His mouth waters at the thought of finally leaving a mating bite on you once more. He remembers how sweet your blood was and how your flesh gave away easily at the slightest pressure from his teeth. Leaning closer the red monster leans over your helpless form. Maybe he could just leave one more little bite. After all you did technically give him permission the other night when you were under the influence of the pink drug. Though he doubts you remember it permission is permission right?
The memory of the night before comes back to him the sight of you standing next to him as Columbina curses at loosing another circus game. He smiles at the sight of her putting down more money to try and win you one of their cheap stuffed animals.
Pierrot briefly considers just telling her they can always just give you one from the back but he knows after so many loses its more of a pride situation now. Though this is why Jester has the rule that she is no longer allowed to play rip off games. He hears her curse in their native language again hellbent on winning you that plush toy you probably don't need.
Shaking his head he looks down at you only to be slightly startled at you already staring back at him. Pierrot jumps a bit as he looks into your now nearly completely pink eyes. Squeezing your hand, which he's been holding for a while now to make sure you don't wander in this state, he bends down to your ear. "My lady is there something wrong? You seem to be staring at me quite hard." He pulls away looking at your still blank face.
Honestly he's worried they may have given you too much with how dazed you've been acting.
You look at him or more specifically his mouth as you attempt to touch his sharp teeth with your free hand. Pierrot pulls back before you can whispering a small "My lady that's dangerous." But you don't seem to have heard it since you're still trying to touch them now on your tippy toes. He grabs your free hand his face shifting into a distressed look as he tries to hold you back.
Your stronger than you look and he must be careful to not hurt you but also not let you have your way. "My lady please stop. You could hurt yourself. You finally pause before letting out a whine. "But I wanna touch them!" The sound of your voice grabs Columbina's attention who just lost another game. Stalking over to you both she takes in the scene curiously.
"You wanna touch what?" She asks a playful tone in her voice that makes Pierrot wonder who she's going to help. "I wanna touch his teeth!" you say making a second attempt at grabbing his face only to be restrained by Pierrot. The big red clown looks to his pink soulmate for help only to see her grin menacingly.
"Hey!~ How about this you come with us and you can touch his teeth all you want!~" She bargains. You look at her now no longer interested in Pierrot. "Really?" The look on your face is so beautiful it makes Pierrot go red at the sight. You look like Columbina just hung the stars for you and all because you want to touch him.
But then your expression sours as you give her a suspicious look. "Hum but what's the catch." You slur as you attempt to get out of Pierrots firm grasp. He releases one hand only for you to use it to try and free your other one. It's like a toddler trying to paw at their guardians hand in order to break free and reek chaos.
Columbina giggles coming up behind you and wrapping you in her loving embrace. "Oh the catch is you promise to let us bite you." You stop struggling instead holding your head back to look up at the pink performer. You hum looking back and forth between the two, your pink eyes completely pink at this point. "And does that mean I get to touch your teeth too?" You say a doopy look on your face.
"Sure!~" Columbina cheers hugging you tighter causing the air to push out of your lungs. You start to smile once again letting out a small yay and agree to Columbina's offer. Pierrot feels his teeth itch knowing that soon he'll be able to mark you…
"Ahh so this is where you've run off to." A voice whispers from the balcony making Pierrot snap out of his reminiscing.
A low grumble comes out of Pierrot as he pulls away from you. He watches the green poison steps closer having interrupted Pierrots alone time with you. "And here everyone calls me the voyeur." Harlequin comes to the other side of the bed taking a seat on it. The bed dips slightly but you don't stir. Pierrot glares at the green clown now looking over your slumbering form. Leaning down he gives you a kiss on the cheek making Pierrot jump up growl intensifying. "Oh calm down I don't bite." Harley snickers as he sits up caressing your sleeping face.
"Unlike you I'm not so reckless." Pierrot looks at Harley clearly unimpressed at the comment. "Well I'm not the one who bit our little soulmate up now am I." Harley says teasing his soulmate. Pierrots golden yellow eyes burn into the green menace wanting so badly to bite him but doesn't want to risk waking you up.
Harlequin shivers at the feeling of his soulmark with the bigger clown warming on his skin. That's why he loved Pierrot so much his reactions and emotions always were the best out of all his soulmates. Every little emotion makes his soulmark burn from the intensity of them even Pierrots sadness causes a warm reaction rather than a cold one. Always pleasantly warming the cold blooded monsters scaled skin.
Pierrot clenches his fists as he glares at Harlequin who just gives him a wicked grin. "You joined in on it!" Pierrot finally whisper shouts his voice cracking. "Shh you'll wake her." Harley says with a barely restrained laugh causing Pierrots growl to grow loudly.
The two clowns pause as you begin to stir a groan sounding as you move around. "Now look at what you've done." Harley chastises the red clown though still gives him that teasing grin. He then takes off his gloves his black claws glinting in the moonlight. They shine with a faint pink substance for a second before Harley brings it to your neck giving you a small cut. You gasp in your sleep moving away from him before finally settling going deeper into your dreams. Pierrot finally moves again coming around your bed to face Harlequin no longer scared to wake you since Harley gave you some of his poison.
The green poison steps forward ready to let Pierrot chase him back to the circus before something on the ground catches his eye. "What's that you're stepping on?" He points to Pierrots foot closest to the bed. "I'm not falling for that." Pierrot growls out lunging at Harley attempting to grab him. Harlequin dodges him instead going for the crumpled brown fabric sleeve sticking out from under your bed.
Pierrot comes to a stop right before nearly hitting the wall. With another snarl he turns to try and get that gremlin again but stops as his green soulmate holds up a familiar looking brown dress. Shocked he stares at Harlequin not believing what he is holding up to the moonlight. He noticed you were acting strange all day while he followed you. But he assumed that was because they kidnapped that soulmate stealing woman when you both came to the circus.
"Seems like our little soulmate is smarter than we thought." Harley remarks placing the brown dress back under your bed where you tried to hide it. "I wondered why she didn't come to the circus today. It seems she was too busy planning a daring mission to visit her poor soulmates." The green clown says with mock sadness as he looks at your sleeping body. A bit of pride in him at the thought of you tricking them unfortunately it seems you haven't realized you have nightly visitors yet.
"We have to tell the others." The sound of Pierrots low voice makes green eyes snap to meet golden yellow ones. Harley just hums in agreement knowing its best to inform the others they'll have one extra fool to look out for…
The lights above you flicker as you lay on a soft bed of pillows and blankets neatly arranged to make a giant makeshift bed. You take in a heavy breath as a large shadow looms above you. Two cyan eyes glint above as they coax you to drink another vial of medicine. After drinking it you lay back taking a big inhale before letting out a shuttering exhale.
"How do you feel sweetie?" The plague doctor above you asks still holding the empty flask in anticipation. You still feel just as exhausted as you did before no real changes since the large man put you on this new medicine. Despite his plague mask having no expression you can still feel the tension in the silence as he waits for your answer. With a sad tone you simply tell him that you feel no different after all these days.
The large doctor curses before going back to his desk. With a frustrated growl from deep in his chest he looks over his copious amounts of notes. "It's impossible! I know I can cure you I just need to try more solutions more-"
You cut him off before he can spiral into a rant about finding a cure to something that has none. "Its okay you did all you could." You resigned yourself to your fate long ago. Death is just an inevitable part of the human experience.
Though it must be heartbreaking for a long lived species like the monsters to see someone they care so much about just whither. Even with the knowledge you'll meet them again they just can't see a world in which you fade in their arms.
"No I can't just let you die! Not like this you don't deserve to die like this!" He turns back to you now breath elevated though you can tell he's trying to stay calm. There's something disturbing to you seeing your most unstressed soulmate nearly blow up with worry. "Maybe if I just cut-"
"No! You will not cut into me! please! Please I have enough horrid nightmares of being hacked and slashed." Even after all these years you can still feel the claws of that black ticket guest who attacked you. "Please my dear Doctor I just wish to pass on in peace."
"But I could saved you. I know I can cure it I just need more time." He comes closer to you as if proximity to you will make everything make sense to him. The soulmark on your ankle feels cold a chill spreading through your body making you shiver. Seeing this he comes closer taking one of the many blankets in his nest and wraps around you. He goes to step away probably to continue working on his miracle cure but you grip his muscular arm stopping him.
"Oh darling time is something we all need more of but never get." Your silent for a moment gently wheezing as you struggle to breathe. "You did everything you could…My death isn't your fault so please don't blame yourself." You reach up asking for his hand he places it in your smaller one. You wrap both your hands around his single one and bring it to your chest right over your heart. The beat is still steady for now bringing the big man some comfort. "I've spent nearly 40 years with you all and I'll spend 40 more with you again…just not in this life."
"Just please promise me you won't work yourself to death. I'd very much like to see you along with the others in my next life." You pull his hand up from your chest, now bringing it to your cheek. He nods not saying anything to you just staring at your face like it's the last time he'll see you.
"Now come on, it's time for this old lady to get some dinner, yes? Pierrot has probably cooked something splendid again." Raising your arms, the Doctor picks you up as if you're as light as a feather. To him, you probably are considering how skinny you've gotten. Taking you out of the tent, you hum a soft tune as you both make your way to the main tent.
"Doctor." You whisper laying your head on his chest. He says nothing only hums to tell you he's listening. "I love you…" You trail off unsure if he heard you or not. Looking up you see the string lights above twinkling gently like stars. Doctor hasn't stopped moving instead picking up his pace. But you don't notice as your breath begins to slow and your eyes drop. You mumble that your just going to take a nap and to wake you when your at the dining tent.
The Doctor says nothing still or at least you think he doesn't you can't really focus as the exhaustion gets to you. The last thing you hear before sleep finally consumes you is the sound of his labored breathing.
The glow of the hanging string lights fade as your dream ends on a somber note.
You wake up with tears streaming down your face that dream was unlike the others you've had. All of the previous ones had a sinister or gruesome end but this one was more depressing. You can only assume in that life you died of some illness. It looked to be sometime in the 1950s considering the dress you wore. Sitting up you wipe your face with both your hands unable to stop the tears from coming.
That dream was different from the others.
Unlike the one you had in Columbina's tent or the one you had about Jester this dream was sad. Like usual you felt every emotion the past you felt which usually was the pain and fear of your impending death. But this time you embraced death like an old friend instead.
The thought of Doctor trying so hard to save you brought more tears to your eyes. The pain and desperation you felt from him making that initial depression come back. Gods why did these monsters have to be such complex beings. It would've been so much more easier if they were just your average murderous creatures but they aren't.
They're people with feelings, likes, and dislikes.
Regardless of their diet and their feelings about humans they still cared for you and about you. You are their soulmate someone who should put them above everyone else. At least that's what you would do if you were one of their species.
Is it so wrong to just give into them?
The thought is so sudden it makes you sit up in attention. That didn't sound like something you'd think and yet it isn't a completely bad thought. You could just give in and sacrifice yourself to save Carol. But then who else would Carol have?
Yeah your parents would be there for her but it's not like she's really their responsibility. Plus with her lack of a soulmark there truly is no one to care about her except you.
But she's not your responsibility either. She's a grown adult with a job and other friends to keep her company. You did the hard work of getting her away from her abusive family. Don't you deserve a reward?
Is a life moving place to place with a traveling cannibal circus really a reward? Yeah they are your soulmates but you don't know if you can really accept that they eat humans. Not just criminals or evil people but people who are vulnerable. The thought that had you not befriended and helped Carol get her mental health together she would've been gone long before you met Pierrot makes your stomach twist. How many other people like the original Carol did they take? How many poor innocent people ended up on their dinner table? Can you truly love them completely while knowing that?
The answer is obvious isn't it? You loved them in the past and you'll fall in love with them again.
With that final thought you get out of bed and bend down beside it. There's the fool's uniform you made based off a picture Norman sent you of one last night. It just needs a few more finishing touches and it will be complete.
Regardless of your feelings toward your soulmates your main objective stays the same.
"Oh my poor little darling it seems you don't want to take my advice. No matter everything will fall into place soon and then you'll be back where you belong. But I do wonder do you really trust Norman or is he just a means to an end? Well its not like you remember your time with him in the past. But that's all ancient history….
Though perhaps I'll take a page out of someone else's book to ease things along. Oh your next visit is going to be so fun."
So what do you guys think about Norman? Did you expect the yelling man from day 1 to return?
Also I think Mc's plan is obvious but there will be some twists and turns. This is still a crack piece so expect things to get a but silly. But I am taking things seriously.
Also who do you think the voice is talking to Mc?
Ahhhh and considering I'll get more into Mcs past lives in the next two chapters. What order of mcs past lives do you think each vision/dream has been in up till now.
The freak circus does not belong to me, nor do any of the characters shown. Pierrot and any other characters mentioned belong to nekoboydreams here on tumblr. This a fanfic where Mc gets with Pierrot, Harlequin, and Doctor. Mc is also a werewolf but is gender nuetral despite the title.
Chains rattle around you as they hit the metal floor below. Your body aches as you stretch and feel bones pop and crack back into place. Reaching down you grasp the key around your neck. It's been a long night and now you just want to go home and finally eat something.
You're so hungry you could eat straight from the trash. Your stomach growls at the thought not finding it to bad of an idea. Unlocking the chain cuffs around your wrists and ankles you stand up free at last. Stretching one more time you hear your back pop and let out a sigh of relief. You can finally stand up straight after being hunched over on the floor all night. You don't remember anything after transforming but the ache from being chained to the ground always gets to you.
Going to a set of lockers you open one grabbing your clothes and putting them on. Don't want to walk around naked in this cold bunker any more than you have to.
Yawning you head out of the room making sure to leave your chain key in the locker. The hallway is long with a faded blue sky and clouds painted all the way down. The concrete walls stay dingy despite how much Carol cleaned them. Passing by a door with a towel under it you notice the sign on it has fallen down again. Looking around, you find the card board sign that says "DO NOT OPEN MOLD" in big red letters. You stick it back to the door, the old duct tape holding on to it for dear life. You've got to remind your boss, Nathanal, to buy more so you can retape it back to the door.
You continue on your journey to the restroom across the hall, your boots clack on the 70s tile as you head straight for the sinks across the back wall. Turning on the middle sink, you begin to brush your teeth and wash your face. You'll shower at the cafe when you get there.
You won't shower here anymore not after everything that happened. But brushing your teeth isn't too bad as long as you ignore the broken two way mirror over the sinks.
You shiver at the thought, knowing there's still one in the shower room. You have no idea how Carol can shower here but then again she's always been more braver than you. Looking at your broken reflection you contemplate the last few years for a moment wondering if this is all life will ever be for you. You try to push those thoughts away as you turn off the sink and dry your face.
Finishing up you finally collect your things heading out of the underground bunker. Making sure to relocked the chain outside so no one trespasses. The last time you left without doing so Natanael, your boss, gave you the disappointed dad look. Even the thought of the older man's disappointment makes shame rise in you again.
Walking out you notice bosses car is gone along with Carol's Honda. They probably woke up before you and didn't want to disturb you after last night. The moon cycle is rough on all of you but they know it's the hardest on you.
You briefly wonder where old Mac is, but figure he's probably at the lake fishing or hitched a ride to town with Natanael.
Grabbing your bike, you hop on and begin the long ride back to town. Or well as you've been told by many on the internet you actually live in a small city. As you make your way to the cafe, the woods begin to thin till there's only buildings. The city buzzes around you as other people go about their day.
Once you are a few blocks from the cafe, you decide to walk the rest of the way. Getting off your bike you begin your short walk to the brown brick building. Your almost there when you hear a commotion happening further down the street. It's past the cafe so you plan to just ignore it but once you get closer you notice a familiar figure.
Fliers litter the street around a red clad clown and standing over him is none other than big bad Rue. The older man was similar in age to Old Mac. You felt bad for the clown as he laid there with Rue shouting at him like a drill Sargent. After chaining your bike to the rack in front of the cafe you head toward the commotion. Planning to deescalate the confrontation as much as you could. The last thing you want is for Rue to kill someone in broad daylight.
Walking closer to them you begin to hear Rue better. He's shouting asking where she is. You know Rues daughter went missing a few days ago but why's he blaming it on the circus? They just blew into town not to long ago so how could they be responsible for her going missing.
"Don't lie bastards I can smell her on you! I swear I'll fuckin kill you if you don't start talkin'!" Rue shouts getting closer to the clown who cowers on the ground. The sad tears painted on his mask making him look even more pitiful than he already is. You hear Rue growl as he gets ready to whale on the poor guy.
"Rue Stop!" You yell running over to get in between the two. If you don't stop him now Rues gonna tear the clown to pieces. "I don't know what's got you so railed up but killing some random guy won't solve anything." You say shielding the clown with your body. While you don't want to get hit by the old wolf, you can take a hit better than the red clown on the concrete. Though knowing Rue he probably has already hit the poor guy and given him a concussion. Anymore hits and the red clown will be dead for sure.
Rue says your name with true pain in his voice. "He took her. He took my daughter!" The girl was all the old man had left of his late wife so it makes sense why he's so upset. "Okay I understand that but, Rue you know to go to the police first." I try to reason with him. He might be the angriest werewolf you've met but he's not unreasonable.
Till now that is.
Rue looks at you like you just killed his daughter. The betrayal in his blood shot eyes says it all. "I should've known a bitch like you would agree with these freaks. But I guess it makes sense for a cripple like you!"
"Watch it!" You growl, only to feel a fist meet your face. You feel warm blood trinkle down your face from your nose as you immedately grab Rues arm pushing it out of the way so you can hit the old man back. Your fist connects to his face hearing a loud crack. Rue stubles back as you release him spitting some blood to the ground. He huffs and lets out a manic laugh simliar to someone you once knew. "Oh now your gonna get it little wolf." He laughs preparing to charge you.
In trying to avoid a fight starting you ended up in one yourself. It's no secret you basically have no sense of smell and basic human hearing despite being a werewolf. But can they really blame you, who wants to eat innocent people just to be stronger?
Werewolves don't need to eat humans, but they do so anyway for more power. Most judge you for not wanting to eat humans but you don't need to. You're more than strong enough to handle Rue regardless of how sturdy the old wolf is.
Just as you're about to punch Rue a whistle sounds breaking up the confrontation. "Alright break it up!" An officer appears making the crowd disperse as they address Rue. "Alright Rue don't make me put you in the drunk tank so early." They tell the old man. Rue just scoffs and spits "I hope those animals get you to." He stalks off probably to loose himself in alcohol.
You feel bad for him but he's still an asshole. And what's up with calling them animals?
"The pots calling the kettle black old bastard." You huff wiping the blood off your nose. Telling the officer you'll help the clown you turn to face him, only to see the red clad jester has disappeared.
The only thing indicating he was there are the fliers still scattered everywhere. Strange, but running while your attacker is distracted is a common reaction to getting assaulted.
Shrugging you head back to the cafe a little later than usual. But it's not like Nathanal will lecture you for being late by a few minutes.
You enter through the back door walking straight into the employee locker room. Carol is there on her phone, taking her 12 o'clock break. "You're late." She comments no malice in her voice. The unspoken question asking why hangs in the air as you head to you locker.
"Had to stop Rue from killing some poor street clown." You say taking off your clothes and putting them in your locker. "Ha sounds like a usual morning for that crackpot!" Carol snarks before focusing on her phone again. Grabbing a towel off a nearby rack you enter the shower room and take a quick one.
When you come out Carol is gone and the locker room is empty besides a sandwich in a plastic baggy on the bench Carol sat on. Smiling you pick it up knowing Carol left it for you. She always did stuff like this for you and the others after rough nights, even Rue got some of her little gifts every now and then. You put on your cafe uniform and head out immediately getting to work serving tables.
The day is uneventful as you work alongside Carol. She tells you all about some guy she's been meeting up with for the past week. You're skeptical about all the good things she's telling you, considering her previous track record. But she keeps insisting he's a real gentlemen. But you'll believe it when you see it.
"I'm serious this guy has to be the one!" She cries out trying to convince you of his good nature. "Yeah that's what you said about Chad and yet I still had to give him the thumb screw." You say as you look at the strange fog on one of the cafe windows. It looks like some kid fogged it up then drew hearts on it. But it's way too high up to be a little kid maybe a teenager did it?
"Chad was a mistake, he acted nice but really he was just a narcissist." She says wiping down the counter after a spill earlier. Knowing Carol this guy was no good, but she'd give him a chance if he just gave her flowers once. She was too nice to guys that didn't deserve it.
"Plus, he's saying all the right things and even opens doors for me! We're going on a date tonight." She tells you an excited pitch to her voice. "Really C?" You walk over to the counter and lean in to whisper. "The peak of the waning moon was just last night. Are you sure you aren't just 'bitey'?" She looks offended at the insinuation.
"No and even if I was I'm perfectly capable of controlling myself. I'm not moon crazy if that's what you think!" She huffs going back to work. But you know she's thought about moon madness ever since the incident no matter how many moons it's been. "Hey C I'm sorry you know I'm just looking out for you." You say guilt eating at you. She's silent for a long moment before letting out an emotionless "I know." not looking at you.
You reach out to her but pull away instead focusing on taking the last few customer orders for the day. Eventually Carol leaves wanting to dress up for her date. Your boss let's her once you promise to take her shift. You still feel guilty for asking if she's just moon crazy. You're the last one who even should be asking anyone that.
You pick up stray fliers around the cafe. With how many you've had to pick up over the past week you're contemplating making a no fliers sign. Nathanal huffs "I'm sick of ripping those flyers off my window, don't let anyone hand them out in here." You nod agreeing with the sentiment.
Soon after Carol leaves the bell rings above the door. In walks a well dressed man in a blue suit, he sits down at a table in the corner. Likely because it's the quietest and most secluded spot in the cafe. He doesn't strike you as a customer to be very talkative. Grabbing a menu you head over only for the man to ask for a simple black coffee.
Well that makes your job easy.
You make him a black coffee quickly and bring it over. Apologizing for the wait you go to throw away the fliers only for the man to stop you. He offers to recycle it for you since he'd hate to see good paper just end up in the trash.
"Well that would be a better use for it." You hand him the small stack you gathered thanking him.
"Ah it's no problem. Tell me have you been to the circus?" He asks looking at the black and white fliers in his hands. "No I'm sorry if you wanted a recommendation but can't say I've ever visited The Freak Circus. Though it's horror themed if you like that kind of stuff." You say surprised he wants to make small talk.
He gives a slight laugh which doesn't sound quite right. Honestly nothing about this guy remotely looks even right to begin with. His skin looks too tight around his face and half of it always seems shadowed no matter which way he turns. It's odd but you figure he probably just had some plastic surgery or something.
"Oh no I've already been actually. I was wondering if you'd be interested in going since they cater to adults." He looks you up and down as he says this.
"No, I'm not really interested. I see enough scary shit on a daily basis. Though it's messed up how badly people have been treating the circus clowns." You think back to the red jester you helped as you say this.
Hopefully, he's alright after taking that hit from Rue. The man is old, but he's still a werewolf. Plus, the waning moons peak was just yesterday. In a few days, the moon will be full, and a hit that feels like a bag of bricks will feel like a semi truck. "People tend to treat things they don't understand harshly. That's just how the world works." The man says bitterly pessimistic.
"Yeah, you got a point but that still doesn't justify beating them up. Just this morning I had to stop a guy from killing one of the clowns handing out fliers." You tell him making the man give you an astonished look. Well when one is pessimistic of the world even small acts of kindness must seem amazing.
"Is that so?" He asks you almost in disbelief.
"Yeah a red clown was about to get the breaks beat off him and everyone was just standing around! Though I didn't get a chance to talk to him because he disappeared before I could make sure he was alright…" You trail off the blue clad man now giving you a strange look. "I know getting in-between something like that is dangerous. But if you saw how miserable that red clown looked you'd have stepped in too." You nervously scratch your cheek feeling the mans creepy blue eyes bore into you. He's looking at you like your some rare animal on display at a zoo.
"…" He's silent for a moment, probably thinking about how dumb you were. He finally says something making surprise raise in you. "That's a really commendable trait, humanity could do with more people like you." He straightens his already pristine suit before reaching into his inner jacket pocket.
"I was actually gonna offer this extra ticket I had." He says holding up a ticket for the circus that just arrived in city. "I'm leaving town soon so unfortunately I won't be able to use it. But maybe you could put it to some use?" He holds out the blue ticket to you. "That's also a special ticket it will give you front row seats to all shows." He says with the tone of someone offering a charity donation.
"Are you sure? This seems really expensive." You were never one to take free gifts. You just never felt like you were worthy of such things especially after…
The man cuts off your thoughts his firm voice bringing you out of your train of thoughts. "It's alright, consider it a gift for helping that…clown this morning." He simply says taking a sip of his black coffee. He's so nonchalant about it you almost feel like taking the ticket is okay.
"Well at least let me pay for your coffee and anything else you order." You say placing the ticket in your pants pocket. Your sure this ticket is worth more than a cup of coffee and some pastries. But it's the least you can do in exchange.
"That's very kind of you." He says going back to drinking is coffee. The bell rings signaling a new customer arriving, turning you see old Mac enter the cafe.
The tall grisly looking old man goes to his usual spot by the front windows. Already knowing his order you go to fix him a frappe which is funny considering how rugged he looks. But there's something extra sweet about an old burly man liking a sugary drink usually reserved for Instagram girls.
Bringing it over you set it down gently. "Heard you and ol'Rue got into it earlier." He says not at all surprised. "Old boy came to my fishin spot hooting and hollering about how disrespectful the youth are." He takes a sip of his frappe some whip cream getting on his beard.
You scoff. "Old man called me a slur cause I stopped him from killing someone." Mac isn't the leader of your little pack. But his word is just as valid as bosses. He's not headstrong like Rue is. As long as you explain yourself Mac won't rip you a new one for causing trouble.
The old man nods. "I figured it wasn't just you trying to start something. You're a prickly one but if people leave ya be they won't get stung." Taking a breath you leave Mac to his evening coffee.
Cleaning the counter with a wet rag you get lost in thought.
Honestly you hope Rue doesn't try to start something again. The dark side of you wants to beat him to a pulp. The thought of his blood staining the ground makes some sick part of you feel satisfied. It's times like this you remember why you hate being a werewolf. The need for bloodlust and violence always made you shy away from your wolf.
You know it's always been a part of you even before becoming a werewolf. Remembering the fights you used to get in as a kid that would leave you battered and bloody. The curse just amplified those thoughts and emotions you already had. But that doesn't mean you have to accept it.
You don't even have to indulge it just contain it.
Hearing the bell ring again you notice most of the cafés customers have left for the evening. The only ones left now are Boss and Old Mac. "We're closing up early since Carol left." Your boss, Nathanal tells you. His voice gentle with an undertone of command. "I'm gonna drive Mac back home and I want you back before 8 got it?" He's always been more gentle with you and Carol since the both of you are so much more younger. But he's still firm with his words and guidance.
You nod giving him a yes sir before turning the open sign to close. It's not too long after that you hear them both leave out the front door.
Alone at last you start putting chairs on the tables and mopping the floors. Just as you finish mopping the lights cut off.
A faint jiggle of the bell is heard making you snap your head in the direction of the front door. It swings open and closed gently as if someone just entered but no one stands in it.
On high alert you look around able to see in the dark slightly better than most. You see nothing but the dark tables glinting in the soft moonlight. Calmly you walk over to the fuse box being careful not to slip on the still wet floors. Once the lights are on you sigh in relief turning only to be startled by a tall red figure standing by the counter. You gasp and stumble at the sight of him.
You feel your heart beat hasten as you slip on the damp floor below you. "Ahhh!" You shout as you begin to fall to the ground.
But suddenly you feel warm arms wrap around you. One holds your waist and the other supports your head in a firm grip. Startled you begin to struggle only for the arms to get tighter. Pushing on the person's chest you finally look up at them.
Staring into golden yellow eyes you realize the person holding you is the clown from this morning. He has a panicked look on his face. Or mask? You can't really tell if it's a mask or just caked on makeup. But the alarmed look in his eyes is obvious as he looks down at you. The faint smell of blood is also in the air as you notice flecks of red in his hair.
Did Rue do that? You didn't get a chance to look at him this morning. Because he left before you could get a good help him up.
"You? How did you get in here?" You ask though quickly realize you didn't lock the front entrance yet. "Never mind don't answer that." You quickly add. He probably entered as you turned the lights on the tension making you miss the bell ringing.
He tilts his head worry melting into confusion. It's then you realize you're basically being cradled by a stranger. "Umm could you maybe let me go bud?" You nervously mumble.
His face goes as red as his jester uniform before he sets you on your feet. It's then you realize how big he is compared to you. He's big enough he could probably hold you comfortably in his arms if he wanted. Though you note he's not as big as your werewolf form.
His long arms gently release you though he hesitates. Probably because the floor still has a few wet spots.
He's oddly sweet despite his scary appearance.
Now that you have a good look at him you note he looks odd. His arms and fingers are long nearly reaching past his hips. His chest and shoulders are also wider than normal. Maybe he was a competition swimmer in the past. You remember seeing a few matches on TV and most of them had a similar body type. Though none were as tall as him most having a long waist instead of legs.
All this in addition to his height make him almost look like a creature pretending to be human. Dang these guys have some great costumes you can see why people find them scary.
"Hey um I'm not supposed to let you stay in here but I could give you some first aid for your injury." You say gesturing to his head. It's not like you have to worry about him being a burglar. The register is emptied for the night and who would steal coffee?
Though eating a burglar would make your night better…
His eyes get wide looking like you just hung the stars. He nods vigorously looking like a big kid. "Alright big guy sit right there and I'll be back in a sec." You chirp pointing at the bar stool in front of the counter.
Going to the back you quickly retrieve the first aid kit you all use for emergencies. When you come back the jester is still seated at the counter. He kicks his feet while folding a stray flier. "Hey could you not hand out any fliers if you come in? The big boss is a little peeved about them." You say as you set the first aid kit on the counter.
The clown nods again before going back to his origami. You take out the rubbing alcohol and put some on a clean rag. "This is gonna hurt so you can hold my hand if you want. But please try to stay still." He takes your free hand in his almost immediately. His hand gently running his claws over the back of your hand.
Taking the rag you begin cleaning his wound. As you clean the blood you notice it's already clotted over. Someone must've threw a glass bottle on him or something. That's not surprising considering how on edge the city has been for a few years now.
What's strange though is how still he is as you work. You don't even think he's breathing as you carefully dab at his wound. Finally you pull away from him and tell him you're finished. Pulling out a pink cat band-aid you hand it to him.
"It's not much but you probably shouldn't expose that to the open air. His eyes sparkled once more as he takes the band-aid from you. He holds it to his chest and nods once more.
His eyes are so expressive though you suppose that's normal for someone who doesn't speak like him.
"You're not much of a talker are you? Can you not speak or do you just not like to?" You say pointing to your own throat making the sign for mute. He hesitates for a second glancing around. It's as if he's scared of anyone else seeing him in this empty cafe. If anyone should be worried it's you considering you're supposed to be closing down not clowning around.
"I cannot be seen speaking." He whispers with a horse voice clearly not used to talking. The sound of it makes you flinch not expecting him to speak. He gets a worried look having clearly picked up on it and seems to shrink in on himself for some reason.
"Wow I thought you were selectively mute! So it’s part of your act then?! That's amazing how dedicated you are!” You exclaim now making the red clown jump. His eyes grow comically wide as his face grows red once more. You wonder how his mask is able to be so expressive. Maybe it's one of those new robotic ones that changes expressions.
While you ponder his mask the clown speaks up his voice now less scratchy. “Yes, my dear.” he replied with a small nod causing his bells to jingle slightly. “I sincerely appreciate all your help. It's a pleasure to meet you.” He puts his hand to his chest giving you a little bow.
"My dear? How old are you?" You giggle at the nickname finding it a bit old school. Plus his way of speaking reminds you of how an old person would talk. "You almost sound like my grandfather!" You laugh only to freeze once you see his face.
He looks like you just kicked his mother. His eyes water and a stary tear trickles down his mask. "Y-you don't like it?" His quiet voice quivers, making you feel awful for making fun of him.
"Well, I guess you can call me that if you want! I didn't mean that, it's just that no one's ever called me something so nice like that before. So I don't really know how to act! And you know what? I should stop talking!" You say quickly, suddenly feeling self-conscious along with the guilt. You really know how to ruin everything. The guy is probably still feeling bad about what Rue did this morning, and you just had to rub salt into his wounds.
"Please keep speaking." Pierrot says, gently taking your hand in his much larger one. Wait when did he get so close to you?
Now it's your turn to be flustered as the big clown leans in closer. "Please my de-" he stops himself before continuing. "Your voice is one of a kind."
“Okay." You whisper lost in his bright yellow eyes. You hum before telling him your name. "And you can call me your dear if you want, it's actually really cute." You say looking away biting your lip. "Please ignore what I said earlier I'm just a spazz sometimes." You laughing out nervously.
When you look away you miss the lovestruck look on the clowns face in front of you. His eyes turn to hearts as a bit of drool drips down his face. Releasing your hand reluctantly he wipes his mouth. He mumbles a soft "I know." Before hiding it with a gentle laugh at how adorable you are.
The sound of his raspy laugh catches your attention. Now with your eyes on him, he reaches down taking his craft from earlier into his gloved hand. "Thank you my dear." He holds out the freshly made paper flower to you. "I am the Pierrot."
“A Pierrot?” You question taking the paper flower. You look him up and down, not seeing any similarities to the sad pierrot clown doll you have. Besides his mask, he looks more like a jester than anything. “Thank you for the flower, but you don’t really look like a pierrot clown.” You tell him feeling the folds of the paper rose with your scarred fingers.
“Indeed, you are right, my dear,” he said with a faint tilt of his head now smiling wide. “We were required to modernize our attire. But my role remains unchanged.”
The more you look at him the more you think back to this morning. Remembering Rues infuriated face and manic raving. “Mhh yeah and Pierrot I'm sorry for how Rue treated you this morning.” You pick at the flower as you look at the tall clowns smile turn into a frown at the mention of the old man. "I know it's not an excuse but ever since his daughter went missing the old bastards been on edge. It's not right he took that frustration out on you but you at least deserve an answer." You say fiddling with the flower in your hand. "Honestly ever since the murders in the 80s this whole cities been on edge…" You trail off the warm mood now growing cold.
You see flecks of blood on your nails from cleaning Pierrots wound. You want so badly to lick it off them but the human part of you holds yourself back.
You're not some blood thirsty beast who can't control themselves.
“I suppose we may appear a touch… uncanny,” He admitted. “Though if such awful things happened here, I can see why others would find us unsettling.” His gentle voice brings you out of your glum mood. Shaking those dark thoughts out of your head, you focus back on the red performer in front of you.
“Do the pink pierrots out on the street with flyers perform too?” You ask curiously.
“Indeed, the circus has but a small cast. We both perform and hand out flyers." His expression gets dark for a second. "Though I must say, I am the only Pierrot, my lady. The others are Jester and Harlequin.” He nearly spits out the word Harlequins as he clenches his fist in restrained anger.
Harlequin must be a sore spot for him. You're more familiar with the look of clown archetypes rather than the stories behind them. But this irritation doesn't seem like a part of the act to you. Maybe the two are ex-lovers who now just work together. Or just friends who had a bad falling out. Whatever the case may be it must not be too bad since they still work together.
Glancing at the clock you notice the time realizing the others will worry if you're out too late. “Thank you for the flower Pierrot.” You say feeling a bit sad to cut your conversation short. “And sorry to say this, but we can’t stay too long here. I have to get home to my pac-roommates.” You say stumbling over the word roommates.
The clown doesn't seem to pick up on this as he stands up from his chair. Towering over you once more he reaches into his pants pocket.
Of course, my dear though, before we go our separate ways I would like to give you one more gift.” He says to you gently holding a bright red ticket in his clawed grasp. "Please accept this small token of my appreciation.” He adds seeming to get nervous all of a sudden.
“A ticket?” You say taking it. “Ahh There’s no need. I already have one.” You then take out the blue one the stranger from earlier gifted you. "A nice man came in earlier and offered me this after I told him what happened this morning!" If you had a nickel for every time someone offered you a free circus ticket you'd have two nickels! It's not a lot but it's weird it happened twice in one day.
You notice that his expression shifts to something between shock and worry. Before you can question him he steps closer to you leaning down so he can whisper almost urgently. "My dear please promise me you will only use my ticket and no other."
You furrow your brows not understanding why he cares so much about a ticket. "Okay if it means that much to you I'll just use yours…" Well it won't hurt to indulge the clown who seems so hell bent on repaying you. No matter how strange he acts.
“I assure you,” He starts his soft voice becoming cheerful again. “I’ll make you smile during my performance.” He grins showing a mouth full of sharp teeth. Once again you marvel at how cool his costume is. Your gonna have to ask how he makes even his teeth look so spooky and realistic. "Alright now seriously it's time to go!" You exclaim with a grin on your face. Leading him to the door you open it for the tall clown. Watching him slightly duck as he leaves the building.
“I understand completely. I hoped to arrive earlier, but I did not wish to cause you distress, my dear.” He says sounding like an old timey lover before giving you one last nod.
“It’s alright,” You say waving to him. “This way was better after all now I know you wouldn’t have been able to answer me in public. I'll see you at the circus tomorrow if I can get off early enough.”
“That is true,” he agreed. “Have a good night, my dear.” Finally, he turns going off into the night.
“Good night Pierrot and please stay safe!" That's the last thing you say before closing the door and locking it. Now finally able to close up the cafe for real.
Had you stayed and watched Pierrot you would've noticed him duck into the alleyway beside the cafe. You would've seen him bend over salivating at the thought of speaking to you. You would've witnessed how he waited for you to leave the cafe. Watching the door in excitement at the thought of following you.
And perhaps you would've smelt the pink poison in his pocket.
But instead you finish cleaning up noticing a crumbled up piece of red paper on the linoleum floor. Cleaning it up you notice it's a paper flower similar to the one Pierrot gave you. Only this one was red and soaked in a familiar scent. Smelling the wrinkled flower you catch the faint hint of copper and sugar.
Gulping you take in another whiff realizing it's Pierrots blood. He must've gotten some on another flower and lost it when he saved you from falling on the floor. Now it makes sense why he was quickly making a flower when you got the first aid kit.
Well it's not like he needs this flower and you already have the white one he made you. Taking a quick glance around you turn back to the paper flower. With one bite you eat it devouring the poor thing whole. His blood is sweet with the slight irony tang all blood had. You moan at the taste finding it delicious as the dried blood touches your taste buds.
How long has it been since you tasted blood on your lips? How long has it been since you truly felt even a slight bit satisfied?
Too many moons to count have passed since you got a taste of something so divine.
Swallowing the blood soaked paper flower you head to the back locker room to get changed. It's a long bike ride home and your already late for dinner…
But at least by then you'll have calmed down enough for no one to notice.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
One little wolf fought at the market
One little wolf should've stayed home
One little wolf had a hot date
One little wolf had no breaks
And One little wolf went "Woo, Woo, Woo" all the way home!
Mc and Rue are two honey badgers trying to square up.
Mac is the old wise man whose seen too much
Carol is the young naïve girl
Boss is the man who works and never stops cause he has a pack to run
And together they make a little pack of wolves
Though one wolf is dead and the others missing
I hope you enjoyed my characters and take on Carol. She still has unresolved trauma unlike my other stories Carol. Comments, theories and critique are always welcome. :3
