Disclaimer: everything belongs to their rightful owners.
Note: sorry for the late update! I had exams for the last two weeks and didn't have much time to finish this chapter. ( - ) As a form of apology (sorta), this chapter is kinda longer than the other so I hope it makes up to the two weeks I didn't update uvu" Well, we're having holidays now sooo I have loads of time to do the other chapters andIhopeIdon'tgetdistractedbyanything /shot Hope you enjoy and thank you for all the follows & favs, guys! I really appreciate them ヽ(；▽；)ノ

They always say that things don't always go the way you plan but this situation was just too much for the travelling Daiki. He was making his way, that evening, through a path in the woods that is supposedly a shortcut to the next town when all of a sudden it started raining. At first it was just drizzling but then it got heavier and heavier then eventually it became a fierce storm with strong winds and lightning. Not only couldn't he continue on his journey, he couldn't find a decent place to shelter from the storm. The only place that could actually serve as one was a shallow cave he came across when he was running in the rain. Though it didn't seem very comfortable, he had no choice if he wanted to stay safe from the storm.

Daiki let out a curse when he entered the cave, his clothes already drenched with rain water and the small sling bag he brought with him also in the same state. Thankfully, he had wrapped his things in plastic so they stayed dry. Tetsuna's advice really was effective. Daiki sat down on the uneven ground and leaned against the wall of the cave, letting a tired sigh escape his lips. He wasn't sure how long he had spent trudging along the path but he was sure that it had been hours since he departed, due to his aching feet. He was really grateful he was athletic. Otherwise, he might have already passed out half-way through. His navy eyes watched as the rain kept on getting heavier and heavier every second, not showing any signs of stopping.

The boy breathed out a sigh and decided to close his eyes and take a nap while waiting for the rain to stop. As his eyes slowly closed, he thought about what Tetsuna was doing at the moment. Was she safe? Were the people of the circus doing anything evil to her? He hoped not. If anything would've happened to her, he would never forgive himself.

Tetsu...

Daiki slowly drifted off to sleep, silently praying for the safety of his dear friend.

The weather had cleared the next morning when Daiki woke up and he immediately set off to resume his journey on going to the next town, ignoring his now aching back. He must've slept on a rock or something last night. After a few back cracking to ease the pain, he trudged along the path once again with determination. He was going to find Tetsuna and bring her back no matter, quote, what kind of shit the kidnappers would throw at him. Though, personally he hoped that the escape would be smooth sailing so that he wouldn't have to waste any energy dealing with them.

As he continued down the path, he happened to see an old woman slowly walking along the same path with her wooden stick as a support. There was a small bundle at the top end of the stick which seemed to be carrying a sphere-shaped item. The woman's face was covered by the hood of the black robe she was wearing. She looked like any creepy old woman you'd meet in the woods. Daiki felt that not uttering a word to the old woman and just quickly walk past her would be a good choice but apparently, the woman didn't think that way.

"travelling?"

The boy turned to face his left where the woman was looking up at him with a smile on her wrinkle-filled face. Daiki blinked a few times before actually replying to her question.

"y- yea"

"where to?"

"the next town"

"is that so?" her smile widened, the wrinkles under her eyes seemingly increased. "I just came from there. What business do you have from the next town?"

Daiki didn't know how to answer this one. Of course he couldn't answer 'my friend was kidnapped by some people who might be in the next town so I'm just gonna go there and get her back'. Nope.

As he hurriedly tried to think of what to say, the woman— as if she read his mind —gave a questionable smile and said, "the circus migrates a lot so that what they do in the darkness isn't traced easily but, the main house of the leader for those people is definitely in the outskirts of the next town."

Daiki blinked in total confusion, trying to process how she knew what his motive of travelling was and how she knew where the main house was. And what did she mean by 'what they do in the darkness'?

"h- how did you—"

"an old woman knows everything, dear" she uttered. "even things that still aren't brought to light"

The old woman then started to walk away, humming a tune that gave a chill down his spine. There definitely was something off about the woman, Daiki thought but chose to just leave the matter alone and hurry over to the next town. The longer he takes, the more dangerous it can be for Tetsuna's life. With that mindset, he continued along the path, making sure his steps were a little faster that they were before but due to his impatience, he failed to notice the old woman staring at his back which gradually went further and further. The old woman smiled again and turned around to the opposite direction he went and disappeared into thin air.

A sweet humming voice echoed through the large corridor as a pinkette and a blond walked through it, each carrying a box— the male with a larger one —in their hands. They were props for the performance tonight. It should've been done last night but the storm had forced them to delay their performance. Though so, no one was particularly disappointed or glad about the delay. There was a neutral response to the news and everyone just went to their own rooms to get some rest for the next day. Now, they were all preparing for tonight's show.

"you look happy today, Satsukicchi. Did something nice happen?"

The blond, Ryouta, asked the female beside him with a smile. She was oddly cheerful that morning, not that she wasn't cheerful almost everyday.

"hm?~ Not really" she giggled. "It's just that a new ice-cream shop just opened in the town we're going to and they have cherry sundae~"

"aah!" Ryouta grinned in realization. "Satsukicchi really likes cherry sundae, right?"

"yup!"

"should we go there after the show?"

Satsuki's eyes lit up at the suggestion the blond gave and said, "sounds great! Let's bring Akkun too. I'm sure he'd love to come along"

"okay! I'll tell Atsushicchi later on"

The duo giggled and continued to discuss about their plans as they walked through the corridor towards a large door that lead outside. Waiting for them outside was carriage and the other first-string members who were loading some boxes into the carriage. Seijuro, however, wasn't with them. As it was actually a normal thing for them, Satsuki didn't bat an eye and greeted the members who were loading their stuff, carefully handing over the box she was holding over to Shintarou who then placed it in a carriage. Ryouta too handed his box over to him. Seeing the gleeful smiles on their faces, the green haired male couldn't help but comment, "you two look rather happy this morning. Did you hit your head or something?"

"geez, Shin-chan. That's so mean" Satsuki puffed out her cheeks but then smiled again. "well, let's just say that I'm a little excited to go to Mariane~"

The male pushed up his glasses and light grunted, "is that so.."

"does Shintaroucchi want to come along? To eat ice-cream"

"hmph. I refuse."

"eeeh why?"

"like I have time to come along with you when there's loading work to finish."

Ryouta pouted at his reason, muttering that Shintarou could just leave the loading for later after the ice-cream. Satsuki felt that it was rather a pity that the green haired male wasn't going to come along but it couldn't be helped if he didn't want to. The pinkette then remembered about their 'guest' in the small room and pondered for a minute before excusing herself from the two males.

"where are you going, Satsukicchi?"

"we still have more loading to do, Satsuki"

"somewhere. Just for a bit. I'll be back in a few!"

And with that, she ran off. Ryouta and Shintarou exchanged looks with each other and shrugged then continued their loading work. Minutes later came Junpei and Riko carrying a large crate which contents were somehow moving rather violently inside. Junpei was uttering curses left and right everytime the crate moved and Riko would have to scold him for it as the curses were not PG-13 at all. Ryouta saw the two with the crate and comically sweatdropped at the scene, the contents of the crate already known to him.

"are we really going to use that tonight, Rikocchi?" he asked, giving a wry smile.

"uh huh" Riko responded, clicking her tongue when whatever inside the crate once again moved in an aggressive manner and Junpei cursed. "Tsujirou-sama told us to use this guy tonight. Probably so that it can get used to the show"

"why the goddamn hell he got this, I don't even know" Junpei grumbled under his breath, earning yet another scolding from Riko.

"Junpei, mind your lan— uff! Stop moving!"

Ryouta could only give a wry laugh as Junpei and Riko started to 'argue' with the thing in the crate before they flung it— though gently —into the carriage. They then latched the carriage close so that their load won't fall off and let out a heavy sigh once they realized their job was done, for now.

"it's gonna be a pain getting that guy out..." the brunette muttered, getting an agreement from the two males beside her.

"but...are we really going to use it? I mean.."

Ryouta chose not to continue his sentence and glanced at the still moving crate inside the carriage, a hesitant look in his golden eyes. Junpei and Riko exchanged glances before they too produced the same hesitant look in their eyes. There was a moment of silence until Junpei decided to break it. His voice at that time, however, sounded unsure and a tinge of guilt could be sensed in it.

"well...can't be helped. It's Tsujirou-sama's orders after all..."

But— Ryouta clenched his fists. Is it really okay...?

Satsuki walked through the corridor once again— making sure no one was following her —and took a left at a corner before going through the small doorway and descending down the steps. Once she reached the small room where Tetsuna was in, she gave a light knock on the door and announced that she was coming in before entering after unlocking the door with the key that was hung near the frame. Tetsuna, who was reading a novel Seijuro had brought in for her, turned to look at who had entered the room and when she saw it was Satsuki who had entered, she closed her book and set it aside.

"do you need something, Satsuki-san?"

As Satsuki was a girl around the same age as her, Tetsuna found her easier to talk to compared to the other circus members, even though she was also an accomplice. Satsuki just seemed to be not as bad as Tsujirou.

"actually," Satsuki grinned. "there's a new ice-cream shop in Mariane so maybe you'd like to come along with us after the show?"

"un.. I would like to"

Tetsuna gave a small smile with her response. She wasn't too keen on following them to Mariane for the show because she herself was expected to perform as well. She really didn't want to but Tsujirou was being persistant on making her perform and he wouldn't listen no matter how many times she objected to the idea. Even Seijuro didn't— or perhaps couldn't —do anything about it. So, reluctantly, Tetsuna had to follow them to Mariane and participate in the performance. Though so, Tetsuna also saw this as a chance for her to look for a way to escape. Tsujirou doesn't always follow them to their performance sites— the last time just happned to be one of the days he came along —so the chance for her to be able to escape was rather high, considering that the first-string members don't do anything to prevent her from doing so. And the offer to go and grab ice-cream, just made the chances increase.

"Tetsu-chan," the pinkette sat beside her on the bed and gave a gentle smile, mixed with a tinge of guilt. "I, uh..."

The words of apology that she wanted to say were stuck in her throat and she couldn't let them out. She was hesitant in saying them to the girl in front of her eyes. What would an apology do anyway? She was one of the people who had taken her away from her home. Her family. Her life. An apology wouldn't fix anything. It never did.

"..nevermind"

Satsuki shook her head gently and got up from the bed, earning a look of puzzlement from Tetsuna. Just before she headed out the door, she turned around and gave a smile to the girl.

"we're heading out in ten. Bring any necessary things for yourself, kay?"

When she left, Tetsuna got up from the bed and started to get ready to leave (although she'd rather not come along). Though so, it was only combing her hair and changing her clothes. The small room didn't exactly have a place for her to take a shower or so. When nature calls, she'd have to pull a chord they set for her to pull on that will ring a bell, informing one of the first strings to guide her to the washroom a few feet away from the small room. Tedious, yes it was. But for security reasons— or so they claimed —they couldn't put her in a room with a washroom. What does a washroom have to do with security? Only the mastermind knows. Either way, for a girl to be in a room with out a washroom for her to do her lady duties is really an inconvenient thing but, she isn't really in the position to complain. She was, after all, just a captive.

"Tarou-chin... give me back my chips..."

"no. You're making a mess."

"Tarou-chin...!"

"shut up you two. We're in a freaking moving carriage"

Totally ignoring Junpei's words, Atsushi and Shintarou continued to bicker with each other about the chips— which Shintarou had held away from Atsushi's reach. The bespectacled male was definitely not happy being ignore and he definitely wasn't liking the noise. A vein popped on his forehead and Riko— who was seated beside him —swore she saw a demon. Junpei without hesitation stood up and clonked the two bickering males on the head with full force— not forgetting to scold them with "I told you to freaking shut up didn't I, d'aho!" —making them hold their heads in pain for a few second before shutting their mouth immediately. They did not want to put their mental health in danger after all. Two second string member— the girl and boy who were performing on the trapeze —comically sweatdropped at their seniors (as circus performers) and were trying their best to not interfere in their little argument.

Junpei grumbled a few words and was about to sit down back beside Riko when the carriage went over a rock or some hard object, causing the whole carriage to jump by a little but just enough to make Junpei lose his balance and fall face first on the wooden surface of the carriage. Lucky thing was that he didn't hit any of the luggage in there. The poor guy slowly lifted himself and held his aching face, trying to ignore Riko who was laughing her soul out at how 'clumsy Junpei can be'. Junpei, of course, couldn't really start shouting at her or clonk her head like what he did to Atsushi and Shintarou— who by the way were holding in their laughter, as well as the trapeze performers, to avoid being hit again —since he loves his life so he just bared with her laughter and grumbled some words instead. Ryouta, who was controlling the carriage, chuckled lightly at hearing how lively it was inside. It would always be like this during every move to towns and the blond honestly loved the liveliness. After all, it makes them forget...

Satsuki giggled and bent her body a little forward to take a look at Tetsuna, who seemed to also be amused by the four people in the carriage. The two girls were seated on both sides of the blond as they wanted to stay outside with the fresh air instead of the rather closed space of the carriage. There wasn't enough space anyway, with all the luggage they have at the back. Tetsuna had to admit, the trip wasn't so bad— with the gentle air blowing through her hair and the rather relaxing atmosphere as the carriage made its way to the next town —although the chain that was latched onto her left wrist and to one of the bars of the carriage reminded her that she was only a captive to them. Nothing more. Though they may act friendly with her, it didn't mean they actually thought about her as a friend, did it?

Tetsuna glanced over to the fancier carriage in front of them that was controlled by Seijuro, the person inside the carriage being Tsujirou. Unfortunately for her tonight, Tsujirou actually came along with them. He, apparently, wanted to see Tetsuna preform even though she never actually agreed to doing so. He is really the type of man that is egoistic and doesn't listen to others' opinions— Tetsuna thought, but whatever it takes, she would have to escape tonight as it is the only chance she has. If she messes up, who knows when another chance would come by. Knowing Tsujirou, he wouldn't let another chance to resurface. He's a smart man after all.

"Tetsu-chan," she heard Satsuki call out. "want some?"

Her eyes shifted their gaze from the carriage in fron to the item Satsuki had held out over Ryouta's arms. It was a packet some sort of small vanilla candy, which really looked appetizing to Tetsuna as she loved vanilla. Tetsuna nodded and took one of the sphere candies then popped it into her mouth, the sweet flavour of vanilla melting into every inch of her mouth. A small smile visibly formed on her lips as she slowly sucked and savoured the taste of the candy.

Satsuki lightly giggled at seeing how happy she was at receiving the candy. Akkun's suggestion worked after all— she mused happily. Even just a little, she wanted Tetsuna to open up to them. She knew that they were the ones who took her away but, it wasn't of their free will. At least, it wasn't the free will of the members she knew. Though she couldn't say much the same about a certain red haired male. He never expressed his opinion on any of the things they committed. But she felt that he too wasn't doing any of this out of free will. At least, that's what she feels.

The village of Taira— a small village which was just in between of Rione and Loreine, the next town —was a beautiful village. It had colour and the people there were all cheerful and filled with happiness. The village had a really quaint feel to it. Some had flowers hung at the ends of their roofs and others just had flower pots filled with pretty marigolds and daisies. Honestly, it was a complete opposite compared to the town of despair. Normally, one would love to just stroll through the village and just look around at what they had but for a certain navy haired boy, it was different.

The first thing Daiki desperately wanted was a nice bed for him to sleep the whole day because for one, walking on that path wasn't easy and sleeping in random places in the woods gave him really severe back pains but he really couldn't as he still had quite a long way before he could reach Loreine. Though, if he couldn't get a decent room to rest for the night, he might as well go for food hunting. He was just so hungry— living on just the bread you brought from home isn't really filling —so he had to find something to eat first. After all as they say, you can't go to war with an empty stomach.

Daiki stopped by a small eat-place and ordered the cheapest thing that his pockets— as he had no wallet —could handle and waited for it to be prepared. The cashier glanced over to him and chose to start a small chat with the boy, just to kill time.

"you aren't from around here, are you sir?"

"eh? ah, no. Came from the Rione"

"Rione?" the cashier raised an eyebrow. "well, that must've been a travel"

"guess so..." Daiki shrugged. "the so-called shortcut wasn't really a shortcut"

Daiki was a little surprised at how shocked the cashier look when he told him he had used the shortcut to come by the village. Even more shocked than he should've looked when he said he was from Rione.

"you came here through the path in the woods?"

"yea"

The cashier stayed silent for a while before saying, "there are rumours... about that path... They say that an old woman— a fortune teller —died there when she was trying to go to Rione and that her ghost still haunts the area.."

"old woman? I saw her-" Wait. Did this mean I saw a ghost!? HOLY-

"you saw her?" The cashier asked, trying not to laugh at how pale the teen had become in realization at the fact he saw a ghost. "well, it's a good thing you are unharmed..."

"y- yea" no wonder she knew about the circus...

"here, your order." The cashier said, handing over a chicken sandwich, beef sandwich and a glass of water on a tray to the boy. "hope you enjoy your meal, sir"

"sure will. Thanks man"

Daiki brought his food over to one of the petite tables there and started to eat his chicken sandwich. While he ate his sandwich, he looked through a few articles he picked up to bring to his table about the circus. The only thing he knew about the circus was that they migrated a lot and that they only come to a town once in two years, though Rione was an exception. They hardly come over there. Perhaps once in five years. A town that has a whole lot of 'unproductive' people who don't have money wouldn't really be worth performing for after all.

He came to a stop at a very intriguing piece as he scanned through an article. Written in bold right beside the circus' article was the title of a kidnapping of a young girl at the age of six. It happened about 10 years ago— when Daiki was also round the same age —at a town called Mariane, which was a few miles away from Loreine. According to the mother of the girl, it happened when they returned from the circus performance and she was looking for the keys in her purse to open the door to her house. When she got the keys she opened the door then turned to her child, only to discover that she wasn't there anymore. The police had looked around for clues to who had taken her away but found nothing. The articles that followed the main one said that the police have pronounced the girl dead as they haven't managed to find her even after five long years as for her to be alive after this duration would be rather impossible.

Daiki' eyes widened the more he read about the case. Was this what the old woman was talking about? Was this what he was looking for? If that is so, then the girl still be held captive if she is still alive or...

A colour of pink appeared in his mind and Daiki came to a sudden realization. The boy hurriedly stuffed his beef sandwich in his bag and drank the glass of water before rushing off to continue on the path. The story was helping to start piece up a few things. Now he started to see why they took her away. If it's for that reason then..

then Tetsu still has a chance!

It was almost night time when they arrived and the moment the carriages stopped, the first-string members immediately started unloading. They had only a few hours before show time so they had to be speedy in their work like they usually are. As they all started to pitch up the tents and set the props, Tetsuna herself was unsure of what to do. She was just standing there, beside the carriage which she was still chained to. Because they wanted to hurry and get prepared, they didn't really unchain her. Tetsuna sighed and looked around for an object for her to 1) pick the lock on the chain or 2) crush the chain to bits. As she continued to look around, she felt a hand on her wrist and she turned to see who it was, mildly surprised when she saw the red haired magician.

"honestly... Even when I have told them to unlock the chains when we arrive..."

Seijuro sighed as he took out a key and inserted it into the slot of the lock on the chains and twisted it, allowing it to click open. He took off the chain from her wrist and hung it around one of the bars of the carriage. Tetsuna uttered a "thank you" and Seijuro responded with a nod.

"come." he gestured. "I will help you get ready."

It was an order, not an offer. The girl gave a reluctant nod and followed the male towards an already set tent. It was the dressing room, apparently, which was why it was set first. Inside, Satsuki was finishing her drawing of a star around her eye with a blue pencil from her make-up kit in front of a mirror. The other members have already finished their make-up & such and left to go get their props ready. When she saw the two enter, she put aside her blue pencil back into the kit and smiled at them as a greeting.

"Satsuki, could you help with Tetsuna-san's preparations?"

"sure!" Satsuki grinned. "leave it to me"

After Seijuro left, Satsuki took the girl's hand and sat her down on the chair she was sitting on before, facing the mirror. Tetsuna stared at the number of unknown items in the make-up kit and picked up one of the brushes, 'analyzing' every inch of it. Satsuki giggled at this and put a hand on her shoulder, bending forward a little so that the make-up kit would be in her reach.

"how do you want your make-up to be? I suggest it be something light since you look cute enough without it"

Tetsuna faintly blushed at her compliment— feeling a little embarrassed —and answered , "I'll... leave it up to you, Satsuki-san.."

"all right then~"

It only took a few minutes for Satsuki to finish her job and Tetsuna had to admit, it was like a professional's work. Well, technically she is one. The light red star she drew around her left eye looked well with her light blue hair that was pulled and tied back, a few strands were left to drop around the neck. Her face was lightly powdered and a thin layer of peach coloured lipstick was applied on her lips. She looked like a different person. It made her wonder if the person she was staring at in the mirror was really her.

"what do you think?" Satsuki asked, smiling gleefully.

"...Satsuki-san is really amazing"

"hehehe.. thanks! Next is your outfit..."

After an exact 20 minutes, the two finally decided on a dark blue top which exposes the shoulder area— the middle part of the top was kept up by a thin choker —paired along with a pleated green purple skirt. Dark blue gloves were also worn by her and Satsuki found a pair of purple boots to match with her clothes. Just to give a little more brighter colour, a pink flower was pinned on the chest area of her top. With all that Tetsuna was officially prepared. The two girls headed over to the main tent where the first string members already were doing some warm ups— for those who were doing the stunts. Showtime was in 5 minutes and people were already filling the tent. The moving crate from before was also in the main tent which caught Tetsuna's eye but she decided it would be best to say nothing as Tsujirou was in the area, just staring at her. And this, was a huge problem.

Her plan— at first —was to go along with their plans on making her go to the ring. Let them believe that they have convinced her to trust them and such. Then when they go for their little ice-cream detour, she would make a run for it. That was the only chance she had but, by the look Tsujirou had in his eyes told her that she might not be going on the ice-cream detour.

"Tetsuna-san"

Seijuro approached the girl who turned to face her and he offered a small smile to her. A smile that was presented on the first day they met in front of the audience. That smile was perhaps switched on everytime showtime came.

"you will be performing with Satsuki and me for the finale. Get ready for the time"

Before Tetsuna could give a proper response, Seijuro had left the backstage and into the ring, his usual demeanour completely cast aside and a friendly smile on his face as he greeted the spectators. It was amazing, how he could just switch his personality so easily. How he could perfectly act like a different person when in the ring. A flawless act that is hard to look through.

The circus show continued as how they would usually do— the girl and boy doing their death-defying trapeze act, raising the danger level by a little per orders and following suit was Shintarou's dagger throwing act. Ryouta and Junpei did their act respectively after each others'— receiving more support than most of the other acts —and when Riko was doing hers, that was when the trouble started. Backstage where Seijuro and Satsuki were getting ready, another person was suppose to go ahead of them just as entertainment. And that person was...

"Seijuro, get him out of the crate" Tsujirou's order made the ones backstage visibly flinch. Only Seijuro seemed to be unaffected by his words. Tetsuna, on the other hand, was just plain confused.

what did they mean by get 'him' out of the crate?

"...understood."

Seijuro walked over to the crate, a certain emptiness— which sent a chill down Tetsuna's spine —filling his ruby eyes. He unlocked the latch on the crate and tipped it over, causing a boy— not more than the age of 15 —to fall out from the crate. A silent gasp of horror escaped Tetsuna's lips when she saw the boy fall out and landed on the ground with a thud but that wasn't what shocked her the most.

It was gone.

The entire left arm of the boy was cut clean and covered with bloody bandages which who knew how long it has been since it was changed. Tear stains were visible on the petrified boy's cheeks as he glared to everyone who was there, especially Tsujirou, who just smirked evilly at the boy. Tsujirou told Seijuro to get the boy on his feet— which he did —then threw a piece of clothing— a clown's outfit —to the boy and ordered him with clear disdain,

"put it on and get out there."

The boy didn't say anything but he also didn't put the outfit on. He kept on glaring daggers at the man, nit backing off one bit. When Tsujirou repeated his order, he spat on the ground near Tsujirou's feet as an act of rebel. Tsujirou cursed out loud— backing up a little so that his shoes wouldn't get dirtied by the spit —and returned the glare the boy has been giving him only much more vicious.

"Seijuro."

It only took Tsujirou to say his name and Seijuro knew what he had to do. Swiftly, he grabbed the tiny wrists of the boy in one of his hands and using the other, he picked up the clown outfit and tried to force it onto the boy. The boy, of course, struggled and tried to release himself but the redhead's hold was just too strong. He didn't even stand a chance. His shouts for Seijuro to stop were drowned out by the audience cheering for Riko and the other members only watched as the scene unfolded in front of them, not even batting an eye. Not even lending a hand to the boy. Not even pleading to Tsujirou to make Seijuro stop. They all watched with empty eyes.

"nee Seijurocchi.. You better hurry up. Rikocchi's act is almost over" Ryouta commented with an emotionless tone.

"that's right, Seijuro" Shintarou pushed up his glasses. "don't waste anymore time"

"I am well aware of that, Ryouta. Shintarou."

"hnn... want me to hold him instead?"

"if you may, Atsushi."

Atsushi took the boy's wrists from Seijuro's hold and held him up, making it easier for him to force the outfit on. Satsuki was silent the whole time until she decided to say something, her voice void of the usual cheerfulness.

"you don't have to stay out there long. 5 minutes will be enough"

"just make a fool out of yourself. That's all you have to do" Junpei added.

Tetsuna couldn't move a muscle. She was more than shocked at this. She was trying to grasp what was happening in front of her eyes at the moment. Were these really the people who were laughing and joking around during the whole trip here? Were these really the people who gave a warm feeling to her whenever she watched they converse with each other?

"now go. It's your turn."

Just after he had put the outfit on the boy, Seijuro pushed him towards the ring— a silent threat was being sent through the look in his eye which translated to 'don't even think of running'. The poor boy couldn't do anything but abide to what has been ordered by Tsujirou and also Seijuro. He went off to the stage and forced a smile on his face as he started acting silly, causing the whole audience to start laughing. His left sleeve swayed with every movement he made, causing the sight to be pitiful to those who knew.

Seijuro walked over to Tetsuna'a side, wanting to tell her to prepare herself to go out there but his words were cut off by hers.

"why is his arm gone?"

She asked, voice trembling as she uttered them. She was unsure whether it was trembling with rage or fear. Perhaps it was both. But that didn't matter. All that mattered was that she wanted to know.

"why is his arm gone, Seijuro-san?" she asked again, her hands clenched into fists. "why?"

Seijuro was reluctant to answer and when he was about to, Tsujirou cut him to it.

"because he had been a bad child, Tetsuna. And bad children should be punished" A sickening smirk made its way on Tsujirou's face as he continued. "right.. Seijuro?"

The said male's body lightly twitched at the sudden mention of his name and he didn't give a reply, his expression stayed the same as ever. Void from emotion. Tsujirou's smirk grew wider and he moved over to Tetsuna's side, ignoring the obvious rage that was growing inside her. He casually place his hand over his shoulder and brought his face closer to hers. Close enough for his tobacco-filled breath to enter her nostrils.

"that's why, Tetsuna, you have to be a good girl and go out there and perform for all those people out there. Understand?"

"—way"

"Tetsu-chan, you really should—"

"no way!"

Tetsuna cut off Satsuki's words and slapped off Tsujirou's hand, instantly distancing herself away from him. She wasn't really the type to raise her voice but her rage has reached its peak. How dare they cut of that boy's arm and make him perform like that. How dare they treat a human's life like some sort of trash. How dare they perform such cruelty!

"there is no way in the world that I would go out there. No matter what you say I will never go out there!" She raised her voice more though her usage of formal speech was still there. "you kidnapped me and mutilated that boy! Please so explain why I should even listen to you and participate in your insane circus!"

It came as a surprise for the ones there when Tetsuna raised her voice. She seemed like the docile, quiet type after all. Tsujirou, however, wasn't just surprised. He was outraged. Someone had dared to go against him— not once but twice. That was the last straw for him. He didn't care if she was a young girl who wouldn't even stand a chance against him. He has his way and that was his policy. Nothing would change that.

"...Seijuro, you and Satsuki perform as usual."

"please wait for a moment, Tsujirou-sama—"

"silence."

A sadistic glint formed in his eyes and Tsujirou lit up his cigarette, taking a puff from it while keeping his gaze to Tetsuna. With a cold tone of voice, he uttered eight words which made the bluenette realize that her fate had just been sealed with no escape. With the moon shining brightly high up in the night sky and the applause of the audience, a demon smiled maliciously under the dim light in the tent.

"it's time for bad children to be punished."

Thanks for reading!