A/N: Chapter one is rewritten. The original was not up to standards. So if you like the original, I suppose you'll like this version even better. And maybe we exaggerated a bit; it's more like MAJOR editing.

A/N: This whole fic is based and inspired by the song Dark Woods Circus by Vocaloid. As such, you might see some scenes and lyrics from the video itself.

Disclaimer: Retards should never be allowed to own DGM, DWC or Vocaloids. And yes, we're retards.

Tonight, we'll be showing, the sad fate of some of this world carry. Children that God has forsaken, restlessly creeping out; those who cannot even carry the trembling limbs they were born with. Children who cry out with their shaking tongues, as the crowns on their heads caress the dark clouds, those who smile when they dream of their mother's embrace. Oh the deformity! Deformity! Drop by and see them, in the dark woods. Tonight, welcome to the circus.

It smiled. It skin festers, reflected in its lifeless gray orbs.

Allen's POV

I won't be erased, no, not yet.

My life, my pain, my sorrow.

I'm not backing down now. No matter how undesirable I am in this body, how much I want to give up, relenting to the Ringmaster's orders and eventually dying a meaningless death after living a meaningless life, only to be thrown away and left to rot.

To just succumb to the Ringmaster's will or to bend to my own dying voice inside to end my life, either way, I'm suffering.

I want to create, mould my own world. A world of raging infernos, where I can be set free, where light and darkness will not protrude. When that happens, my shivering and shuddering shall stop.

I will continue this circus.

Lavi's POV

The noise pollution clouded my mind.

"Hey! Give that back!" I guess some poor kid just got something snatched off.

"No way!" Someone responded. I would imagine a tongue sticking out now.

To cut the long story short, Gramps died. No pain, no trauma, nothing. Just emptiness.

Stupid Gramps… fancy leaving me alone. I was supposed to be your only kin right? So why the hell did you masked the fact that you had pneumonia when you're a fucking doctor yourself? Go on, be some fucking martyr. Make it seem like you made a noble sacrifice by dying and not wanting me to worry.

"I'm not the three-year-old kid who fell into the river and needed your help now, you know." I muttered darkly.

What the fuck was wrong with Gramps anyway?

The truth is, I've been abandoned, haven't I?

"Sir," a child approached me. "I would like you to have this." The young boy grinned menacingly, his face crunched together as he bared his teeth.

It was distorted, and wrong.

A flyer was shoved roughly into my hands before the boy scurried away, giggling madly.

"I've got another one!" He yelled to no one while sniggering.

My concentration broke. All because of that boy. I didn't want to let my thoughts drift back to Gramps.

The time when he saved me when I fell into the river…

The time after I was rescued and fell sick right after…

The time we spent travelling together…

The times he hit me…

Shit. Not now. Just, not now. My world isn't collapsing. I'm not that vulnerable anymore.

I'll survive, won't I?

I clenched my fist. It was only then I noticed I still had the flyer in my hand.

I studied the paper incredulously. It was a simple handmade flyer, one with a sketch of a canvas tent and the locations of The Distorted Circus. Intrigued was not enough of a word I felt then, regardless whether I was faking it or not.

A distraction, yes, that's what I needed.

Normal POV

Midnight had a surprising deep hue of blue, almost like black, but not quite, Lavi realized. This little realization, to his dismay, was just another distraction.

The Distorted Circus was here in the dark woods. The path was easy enough to find. The trees on both sides of the path were wrapped in thousands of twinkle lights that illuminated the way, making it impossible to miss. Lavi brushed away the last shrubs of ferns as he took in the sight before him.

A bright red canvas circus tent, and a black banner with the word 'circus' painted in white, hanging on its entrance with thick, black ropes. Nothing much to leave of an impression, but apparently, it was quite popular as town folks were buzzing all over the place.

Two of the cast were dancing at the entrance of the tent, and while that might not have seemed very exciting, it was. Though it was mostly due to the fact that both of them were over ten meters tall, it's amazing how they could stand on stilts so tall and find perfect balance. Pushing his way through the crowd, he was captivated by their act. One was with grey hair, wearing a top hat; the other was blonde, in a green dress.

"They look so happy, don't they? Even if they look rather strange," A kind voice addressed him. "The circus's so fun, isn't it?" The girl commented, like a child seeing the circus for the first time.

"Really? This is the first time I've been to one," He lied casually though he had no idea why.

"Oh, you're a newcomer? I've been coming here since… Actually, I'm not so sure myself. I don't know why, but it's like after you've been here once, you'll be bound to come back here sooner or later," she said.

"So you think it's like magic?" Lavi replied mockingly.

"Yeah, something like that…" she said offhandedly, her eyes drawn to the performance.

"Well, guess I'll see you later. I'm leaving for a breather, Miss..?" Lavi trailed off.

"My name is Lenalee, nice to meet you," she smiled.

"Lavi Bookman," He introduced, taking her right hand and kissing it. She giggled.

"I'm afraid this is where we shall part, my princess," Maintaining a serious expression, Lavi left as he waved goodbye.

Lavi POV

I wandered deeper inside the woods, stopping in front of another canvas, where they supposedly kept all the other circus attractions. It was out of bounds to visitors, and I wasn't planning to defy that. But still, I was curious. Eventually, I found a peephole and gazed inside.

A gasp escaped out of my mouth.

There was metal cages and hay, each cage holding a different attraction.

One with two heads. Their heads and the lips that belonged to one of them were sewn together. The first one had short black hair while the other was blonde, his hair so long it was reaching the ground. They had grey skin, and on each of their forehead, was a row of crosses.

A deformed diva, with a red arm, with a green cross embedded at the back, and tousled long white hair all over her delicate face. Her skin was pale, ash pale, and on her forehead was the same row of crosses that were found on the other attraction. A scar that started from a pentagon on her forehead marred her features.

A long raven haired human beast that was strapped to a straightjacket and fastened to chains in a chair, smirking as a plate of human feast lay before his eyes, showing his blood stained fangs.

I tensed at the peculiar sight.

My eyes were riveted on the diva, but on second look, she was actually a boy, and a rather pretty boy at that. The long hair that was spilling all over his face and that thin body frame was what initially convinced me that he was a she. But it was distinct, that he was indeed a boy.

"Sa-save me..." He muttered, stretching his very frail and bony arm, though shaking violently as if he was afraid and reluctant. My eyes widened as my jaw hung wide, he spotted me. It wasn't a sense of fear, but something more.

My thought process slowed.

"Who's there?" A malicious voice called out from near where I was standing.

Based on instinct, I turned my heels and fled, because I couldn't afford to be caught now, if not, I wouldn't be able to see him again.

Allen's POV

"Who's there?" The deep voice of the Ringmaster rang throughout the room. As if sensing danger, the human ran away. I wanted to struggle and cry but this useless body I was in wouldn't allow it. There goes my chance at escaping. But I was being delusional; I doubted the human would have helped me anyway.

As the Ringmaster entered our small prison, I felt the atmosphere tense.

Jasdebi stiffened, and Kanda gave a loud growl to the monster that made us like this. Thinking of him sent shivers down my spine. The Ringmaster walked over to my cage.

"Good evening, my dears," He cooed as he stuck his hand through the metal bars to lift my chin, forcing me to face him. "Now tell me, did anyone here spot an unwanted human? As he spoke, he eyed the other attractions.

"Uh-uh." Jasdebi shook their heads as Jasdero's long hair tickled Debitto's face and neck. It looked like Debitto was about to burst out screaming at his brother and it amused me; at least I can still feel some laughter in this body.

"Che. I didn't see a fly, much less a human. Not like anyone would want to come here anyway." Kanda was being rude again.

"That's where you're wrong, my dear Kanda. People flock to this circus just because they want to see all of you." The Ringmaster declared victoriously.

I could feel his smirk through his hand that was still holding on to me. "That's because we are all freaks." I subconsciously blurted out.

"That's right. And I stand to gain from all of this." His hand trailed up my jaw line and he patted my cheek. "Now tell the truth. Did you see anyone?" His hand now dropped to my neck and he grasped it firmly. His clutch on my neck grew tighter and tighter by the second.

"No, Ringmaster 14th. I really did not spot anyone." He released his hand and I choked, spluttering out saliva.

"You better not be lying." He directed his last sentence at me as he retracted his hand and left the canvas.

Lavi's POV

I clutched the bed sheets tighter. I was still panting, cold sweat dripping down from my forehead ever since I ran back to this inn from the circus. The image of the young boy kept haunting me, refusing to leave me alone.

This wasn't what I wanted. I didn't ask for this.

Sure, I used the boy as a distraction, but nobody gave him the right to plague my mind.

"JUST GO AWAY ALREADY!" I screamed at the mental image, his voice haunting me. "Stop it, just stop it…" My voice shivered to nothing as I let the darkness infiltrate my mind and drifted off.

"Lavi, you're an idiot. Accept the fact that I'm dead and that I can no longer stay with you."

"I'm not sure if I understand you, Gramps."

"I see. Forget it. It's alright then. You would need an excuse anyway."

With that, Gramps abruptly vanished.

I hardly got any sleep. The only time that I had a decent nap happens to be when my dream occurred and shortly after, I stirred out of it. The rest was merely me drifting in and out of consciousness.

I rubbed my eyes for the umpteenth time.

"So, tonight's when I leave this town huh," I muttered to myself under my breath. "Guess it won't hurt to visit there one last time…" I added as the fragile boy invaded my mind again. I sighed.

I'll leave immediately after that, no exceptions.

Funny how I acted yesterday and still I feel compelled to go back and spare the boy one last look, perhaps salvaging myself. Right after I leave, I'll be heading for the old Panda's funeral.

Adrenaline was what I felt yesterday night, nothing else, I concluded.

I found myself at the entrance, feeling a sense of remembrance.

"Is that you, Lavi?" A female voice called out.

I spun around to face whoever it was.

"Oh Lenalee, what a coincidence." I pursed my lips.

She laughed. "Actually, it isn't. I come here all the time, remember? But it is indeed a nice surprise seeing you here, since it seems that you doubted my words yesterday…" She trailed off.

I immediately jumped to defend myself. "Oh, of course not. Your words were indeed true. Well, aren't I here now?" Relieved that I didn't stutter, I said rather sheepishly as I scratched the back of my head.

"Yes, I told you so. You'll be back, no matter what." She parted with these words and disappeared in the crowd. Somehow, those words seem to disturb me a little.

As I blended in the crowd, I sneaked to the last canvas, occasionally glancing around to see if anyone was following. I peeked through the hole once again.

Allen's POV

He's here again.

I glanced around the room quickly, only to find Jasdebi dozing off in his cage, and Kanda glaring at a wall, as usual. I thought about it for a while, before raising my right arm to beckon him in.

The emerald eye at the hole dilated, before blinking a few times and disappearing out of sight.

A silhouette of a human figure appeared at the entrance, Kanda's head whipped towards the red head. The human at the entrance was no more than 20, with a pair of emerald eyes and scarlet hair.

He was dressed casually, different from the people the Ringmaster usually brought to see us. He strolled in, seemingly aware that he shouldn't be here.

I need to be wary of him.

He then stared straight at me with his intense green eyes, I found myself to stare into his deep eyes until I couldn't help but to break away from the eye contact.

"Come here." My lips formed the words but I couldn't find my voice. It acts up again, I cringed. I want to scream, the pain's acting up again. Someone save me. My face drains of blood. I let out a tortured cry.

Stopping it was usually easy enough. I held both of my wrists forcefully together; I leaned forward to the base of the cage. I lifted up my head up again and prepared myself for impact, my head collided with the hard metal base.

He's looking at the wreck I am, his hands gripping the metal bars as his eyes lowered to my lifeless body. I smiled, unable to feel any emotion.

Lavi's POV

I've been invited in, but I'm hesitating. No, this is my only chance, I'm leaving tonight.

I want to see him, I need to.

"Here goes nothing," I mumbled to myself.

I sauntered in; I caught a glimpse of the surrounding before returning his stare.

I'll learn his name and befriend him, and then I'll just breeze through and leave quietly.

He cowered, as if afraid of me. My eyes didn't catch it all; suddenly he was a heap lying there motionlessly. His lips twisted into a cruel smile, his pain obvious in his grey irises.

"You! What the hell are you doing here?" The man in the straightjacket demanded. I turned to face him, and on closer inspections, the man was Asian, and perhaps a year or two older than me.

His hair wasn't really black, but dark blue and he had cobalt eyes.

"What are you staring at? Answer me, you Baka Usagi!"

I cocked an eyebrow, he's Japanese? And I'm a stupid rabbit?

"Nothing, I just want to know what the hell's wrong with him here." I asked that man.

"This Moyashi here? He just acts cranky once in a while. I would have shut him up a long time ago if I wasn't chained." He spoke with fury, though it was unclear who the target for his fury is.

"So much for the formal introduction and," He rolled his eyes. "My name is Allen, BaKanda. It's just two syllables, it's not that hard to say," The boy, now dubbed as Allen protested weakly, before coughing vigorously.

I winced.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked apprehensively. Allen covered his mouth with his hand, while waving his deformed left hand to signal that he was fine. I didn't believe him. He coughed again. Slowly, I reached my left hand through the bars, unsure of what to do. Then, I saw it.

Blood.

The hand covering Allen's mouth was coated in blood, fresh crimson blood. And for a while, I let my desire take over. Gently, I took his hand. The second our hands touched, I knew it.

I was going to stay and make full use of this Allen.

He looked at me, with piercing eyes, one gray, the other black, before withdrawing from my touch. Weren't his eyes both gray before? Must be a figment of my imagination then. My skin still tingled from his touch.

"Oi, Baka Usagi! Cut it out! He's here!" The man trapped in the straightjacket warned, breaking us out of the moment. Both our heads snapped towards the entrance. I could hear footsteps approaching us fast.

"Who's here?" I was panicking.

"Ringmaster 14th." Allen's voice sounded a little hoarse as his voice broke.

"Lavi, I'm Lavi." I turned to Allen frantically, my eyes never leaving him as I dashed out of the canvas. When I was finally outside, I reluctantly tore my eyes from the tent, hoping he got my message.

I'll be back.

True to my words, I did come back the next morning. The Earth had not awakened from its slumber, but dawn was getting prominent.

I had no problem with blindfolds, until now. The blindfold covering Allen was large, almost threatening to devour his profile. He was curled up into a ball, his breathing uneven, and leaning heavily against the rail bars.

His facial muscles twitched a couple of times. I couldn't resist. I took the liberty to remove his blindfold. He woke up at the slightest of my touch.

Allen's POV

Nothing will hinder my plan, I will escape from here. And Lavi will help me.

I will focus on that only, I do not need anything to distract me. In pursuit of that, I will welcome this Lavi with open arms.

My eyes immediately squinted due to the sudden presence of sunlight. The Ringmaster usually wasn't so early; it was Lavi who removed my blindfold.

Our eyes locked on to each other and I felt very conscious of my every movement. His face was impassive; it was his eyes that gave him away, showing a tinge of tenderness.

He would understand me.

My world is in shambles, the sky falling in pieces. The dimmed sun ripped into half, ruins littered everywhere. When I seek shelter at any of the ruins, it crumbles and collapse onto me. I find myself drowning, struggling to stay afloat.

My eyes are wide open; I want to see my final moments. But all I could spot is a figure standing on the bank, one with red hair, his features too blurry. Hands reached out to me.

"Lavi, why are you h-" I was abruptly cut off by him as he placed a soothing finger on my parched lips.

Taking a lock of my long hair with the same hand, he began to play with it. He avoided my eyes and gazed at that particular lock of hair. Coiling my hair around his index and middle finger, he slowly brought it close to his still emotionless face, gave it a light whiff, and then kissed it endearingly.

He gently placed it back at my side. Lavi then positioned his hand on my head as he ruffled it mildly, a brief smile flashed across his face as he set himself at ease.

I've been pulled back onto the surface.

Dee: Thanks for the support everyone!
Keely: Well, it's officially angsty, I think. Hope you enjoyed this version more.
Dee: C'mon, show us the love, please review!
Keely: And if you do, the chapters are just gonna get better. ;D