Chapter 1: A New Role

I opened my eyes and saw that I was floating in some odd place, a place had only heard about. It was called the dream realm from what I could remember. A roleholder named Nightmare used this place to communicate with others through their dreams. You see, I'm no roleholder, I'm just a faceless. I have no role, face, or even a name. I'm pretty much worthless. So I had no idea what Nightmare would want with me.

"Ah, there you are!" I spun around to meet none other than Nightmare, who was floating above me.

"There is something very important I need to speak with you about." He said.

"Well what is it?" I asked curiously. Why in the world would he need to speak to me about something important?

"Because, it seems that is time for a new roleholder to be made. And I have chosen you!" Oh yeah, that guy can read minds! Oh crap. But, why would he choose me anyway?

"No reason, I did it at complete random. Though I think you'll do just fine in your role." Nightmare said.

"What role?" I asked.

"The role for a new Joker." Nightmare said. Joker? Oh! The jester! I had seen him the few times I had gone to the Circus. Did he die?

"No, nobody died. But according to the rules a new roleholder must be created every once in awhile. Normally it is not necessary to, because a roleholder has usually been replaced by now. But with the new foreigner, the violence has died down a bit, so I have to create one myself." Nightmare explained.

"When you awake, you will have a face. You will also need a name, but you can figure that out for yourself. The first thing you need to do is immediately head over to the Circus. I have already spoken to the Jokers, so they will be expecting you." Nightmare said. I was still in shock. This was happening so fast. I wasn't sure if I was happy or not. I mean, I'll have a face, and a name, but I'll be leaving my family to live with two complete strangers! I wasn't all that close to my family, but I still don't want to live with the Jokers!

"Don't be so nervous, it will all be fine." Nightmare assured. Then my dream began to crumble away.

"You're waking up. Remember what I said!"

I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. That was a really strange dream! I mean me, a roleholder? ! That's really funny! I got out of bed and went over to my mirror and began to brush my wine red hair. Hmm, something looks a little different about me today. Hang on, are those-

"Eyes! ?" I exclaimed. Well, eye, to be more exact. I had one red eye, and the other was covered by an eyepatch. My dream... it was real.

"I'm a roleholder..." I whispered to myself. Then I remembered what Nightmare said. I have to get to the Circus! I quickly went to my closet and put on a simple red dress with a white apron and a black bow that tied around the middle. Then I pulled on a pair of red and white striped socks with black Mary Jane shoes. And as a finishing touch, I put a black bow in my hair. As soon I was done, I headed out of my room.

After a quick explanation and a few goodbyes, I was on my way. I was a tad disappointed. I thought my family would be a bit more upset, but they didn't even care at all. My own father didn't even look up from the book he was reading to say goodbye. The only one that seemed to care at all was my little sister. But I know she'll forget all about me soon.

Well, I should probably tell you a little bit about myself. There's not much to say really. I'm fifteen years old, and I've lived with my family as a faceless all my life. I have a pretty normal life. I don't have many friends though, or any really. I'm pretty much a loner, though not exactly by choice. Nobody really liked me all that much, though I'm not sure why. I think I'm pretty likeable. As for my family, as I've already told you, we're not very close. My father doesn't really approve of me, and my mother just kind of ignores me. My little sister on the other hand, is loved by both my parents. My relationship with my sister is uncertain. I am jealous of her at times, but she is still my sister. It doesn't really matter though, I probably won't be seeing them for a very long time.

Anyway, I had just reached the Circus and was feeling very nervous right about now. It was mostly empty except for a few performers, but I didn't see that Joker guy anywhere.

"There you are!" I nearly jumped five feet in the air when I heard him behind me.

"Oh! I didn't mean to startle you." I turned around and saw the Jester standing behind me.

"You are the new roleholder correct?" He asked.

"Yes, that would be me." I replied.

"Great! In that case, follow me." He said and gently grabbed my wrist.

He gave me a quick tour of the Circus, most of which I had already seen before. He told me I would most likely be performing in the shows, which I wasn't to crazy about. I highly doubt I'll be able to do any of that crap.

When he was finished showing me around the Circus, he said there was one last place he had to show me. And before I knew what was happening, he somehow transported us to a prison of some kind. There was another man there, who must've been the second Joker, whom I've only heard about.

"This is also Joker. Joker, this is the new roleholder." Joker said to, err, Joker.

"Whatever, and what the hell are we supposed to call her anyway?" The other Joker asked.

"Well, it's confusing enough with two Jokers, maybe you should have a different name. How about... Clover?" He said.

"Fine by me." I replied.

"Perfect! Here, I'll show you to your room." He said and led me away.

He stopped at a door and opened it for me, gesturing for me to go inside. It was simple, but good enough for me.

"I hope this will suit you." Joker said.

"Oh, it will do just fine! Thank you Joker." I said.

"Think nothing of it. And we won't start training you for your role until tomorrow, so until then, you are free to do as you please." Joker said and began to leave the room.

"I'll see you later Clover." He said and shut the door behind him.

"Ugh!" I moaned as I flopped down onto the bed. This sudden change was a lot for me to handle. But I guess it won't be all bad, I mean, at least now I mean something! I'm no longer worthless! And Joker seems nice, the jester, not the warden. He kinda seems like an a** to me. But whatever, I'm sure I'll get used to it all. I just hope I can actually be useful around here though. I doubt I'll be able to do to much in the shows. I can't even do a freaking cartwheel! How in the hell am I supposed to do any of that? ! As for the prison, aren't wardens supposed to be... intimidating? I'm definitely going to fail as a Joker.