Meiko awoke to Piko gently nudging her shoulder. "Whaa-It's early, Piko...why are you waking me up?" She yawned, stretching her arms out. "I'm tired."

"It's time to perform," He said, his voice not as upbeat as normal. He looked as if he were hiding something, the way he was squirming in front of her.

"Perform?" Realization dawned on her. She had almost forgotten about the fact she was at the Circus, focusing only on her new friends. "But, I don't, do I? There's nothing...different about me, right?"

"You introduce us now." A trembling voice said. Meiko turned to see Kaito, towering over her. His hands clenched the fabric of his loose canvas pants, nervously picking at threads. His shirt was white and thin, revealing his fragile-looking frame.

Meiko leaped back. Had he escaped? What was going on? What if he lost it, like the day Piko cut his arm.

"They...they took the straitjacket off of me." He frowned. "Erm, obviously. I...I'm going to try my best to stay calm, okay? Don't be afraid of me." He ran his thin fingers through his dark blue hair, his eyes doubtful.

Meiko looked up at him for a minute or two, seeing the uncertainty and fear deep in his eyes, the eyes she had only seen angry. Suddenly she moved forward, wrapping her arms around his hips and smiling lightly. "I won't be afraid of you. We can help each other, can't we?"

Kaito's spine was as straight as it could be, his arms slightly lifted at his sides. He was frozen, looking back from Meiko to Piko with a panicked expression. Finally, hesitantly, he put one hand around her neck and one on the top of her head.

Meiko giggled, causing a small smile to break out on his face. "Y-yes...of course, Meiko. I think I can trust you."

Piko blinked, head tilting. "Do I get a hug too?"

Kaito looked away, loosing his smile. "A little at a time, Piko. I can't be better all at once."

Piko's shoulders slumped, disappointed, but he turned to Meiko and said, "It's time, I think. Do you hear the music? You'll be introducing us all. But first, you get to meet the Ringmaster!"

Meiko let go of Kaito, still clutching one of his hands, to see the Ringmaster enter through the doorway to the main tent. He was deathly pale, his deep brown hair a stark contrast against his skin. He didn't smile as he approached Meiko, but his eyes were kind. It was as if he didn't want to seem cold, but he was forced to.

"I am Kiyoteru Hiyama," He said formally, holding out one hand. Meiko shook it with her free hand, wiping off the chalky dust on her red coat. "You will be our announcer. Introducing the freaks, and such." He gestured to the others.

With a flicker of hesitance, he kneeled down by Meiko's ear. "I'm on your side." He whispered. "Know that, okay?" Quickly he stood again, looking around rapidly. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw nobody watching.

"Come, Meiko." Kiyoteru said blankly, ignoring what he had just said. "It is time for you to introduce the Twins." He took her hand, pulling her from Kaito and leading her to the big tent.

She looked back at Kaito with a big, silly grin and a wave that made him want to rush out and save her. But he couldn't get close, and he knew that. Because one day, he'd lose it for good.