Suddenly the quiet forest was filled with music. A haunting tune that sounded like a carousel. A monochrome skeleton stopped upon hearing the tune. He remembered hearing it before.

The tune reminded him of someone. He couldn't help but hesitate. He wasn't so sure if he wanted to go after all. Maybe he should just turn around now before it was too late.

"Hey there! What brings you here?" A voice suddenly spoke up from the shadows. The monochrome skeleton jumped and summoned a red knife.

"Woah there!" The same voice said. Soon another skeleton stepped out of the shadows with their hands raised up in the air.

The monochrome skeleton stared at the other skeleton. They didn't seem like a threat, but there was something about their emotions that bothered him. It was as if the other skeleton didn't feel anything under their shell.

"What are you doing here?" The skeleton asked. Their eyes changed with every blink.

"I'm looking for the circus," the monochrome skeleton answered. He slowly lowered his hand and let the knife dissappear into thin air.

"That's actually kinda obvious. No one just stumbles around here if they aren't actually looking for it!" The other skeleton chuckled as they slowly lowered their hands.

"Do you know the way there?" Asked the monochrome skeleton. The other skeleton nodded and took a careful step closer. They then offered their hand towards him.

"My name's Ink. I work at the circus," he said and smiled. "It's nice to see new faces. We haven't had anyone join in a few months!"

"Cross," the monochrome skeleton answered with his name and hesitatedly took Ink's hand to shake it.

"It's a kinda weird place you have stumbled across on your way to us," Ink suddenly said. The statement made Cross a bit confused. They were just in the middle of the forest, weren't they?

"This is our graveyard," Ink explained. Cross felt his spine shiver. He had seen multiple monsters dusting before and had even by himself buried many, but still the thought made his blood run cold.

"I have picked up multiple new comers, but never one from here. Usually everyone arrives by the main entrance," Ink continued to speak. "I wonder what led you here exactly," he said and tilted his head while looking at Cross.

"I just walked into the forest and continued straight. There wasn't really any other way," Cross mumbled. Ink giggled at this.

"You were looking for us. If you had just walked into the forest, you wouldn't have found us. The Circus itself has chosen you and that's how you found us. It also seemed to lead you straight here to the graveyard for a reason," Ink explained before glancing behind him.

Cross was about to ask him what he had meant by that, but Ink was faster to continue, "We should start moving towards the Circus. Ringmaster won't let me get away if he sees me outside after the curfew."

"Follow me! Or then just the music!" Ink exclaimed and turned around. Cross followed in his footsteps. He was still confused by Ink's emotions.

          As a result from his past, Cross had the ability to feel what others felt around him. The ability had almost killed him multiple times in his past life, but it had also made him meet someone important. He had mixed emotions about it. Sometimes it was useful, but most of the time it hurt him.

Ink continued leading the way. Every now and then he glanced up at the sky where the moon was shining brightly.

The music kept getting louder the further they walked. The tune had now changed and Cross no longer recognised it, but it was another circus song.

"Do you already want to know what you want to be?" Ink suddenly asked. He turned to take a quick look at Cross before turning to look back forward.

"I think I would fit as a knife thrower," Cross answered. Ink stopped and turned to look at him. He seemed a bit surprised, but smiled.

"You have thought about this more than people usually do," he said before spinning around and continuing walking.

"Do you have other knife throwers?" Cross asked carefully. He didn't know anything about the Circus or its performers.

"Oh, yes!" Ink hummed and pulled up the end of his scarf. For a moment he scanned the piece of cloth with his eyes. Then he finally continued, "Killer. He's our another knife thrower! And sometimes Chara too!"

Cross' soul skipped a beat at the name, but he tried to ignore it. He knew it couldn't be the Chara he was thinking about.

"The Circus is right behind these trees!" Ink exclaimed and hurried up.

He was right. Behind the trees remained a circus. One filled with colourful tents and lights. The music was loud, but not too loud. The whole atmosphere was magical and secretive. Cross immediately felt like he had found his place.

"I will take you to the Ringmaster right away. Just keep following me," Ink said and stopped to look around for a moment. He looked kinda lost and turned to look at his scarf.

Cross examined the circus with his eye sockets. The place was filled with different coloured tents and lights. There was also a carousel and a few other carnival rides. In the middle sat the Big Top in its full glory. The music seemed to be coming from there.

"Do.. You know where we're supposed to go?" Cross asked with slight hesitation as he turned to look back at Ink.

"Past the costume tent, behind the Big Top," Ink mumbled while staring at his scarf. Then his face brightened up and he turned to look Cross with the cheery expression he had worn all the way to this point.

"My memory isn't that good," Ink admitted with a giggle. "But don't worry! I know where to go now!" he assured and began walking towards the Big Top. A few steps later he stopped and looked around.

"This way," he said and pointed to a direction. Cross hesitated for a moment, trying to look around for someone else who could possibly know the area better, but as he saw non, he continued following Ink.

"Are you sure about that.?" Cross asked. He immediately felt a bit bad for asking. Ink was a member of the circus after all - or at least Cross thought he was - and Cross was an outsider who had never even seen the circus before.

Ink stopped. Cross tried to sense some feelings from him, but it didn't work. He knew that there was something off about Ink's emotions, but didn't dare to question the skeleton about it.

"I tend to forget a lot of things. Like where I put my shoe," Ink answered and made them both look at his legs. His other shoe was a short, brown boot, but the other one was long and grayish-blue that looked nothing like the other Cross thought was his original shoe.

"But!" Ink raised his finger in front of Cross' face. "I do remember where the Ringmaster's tent is!" he assured with confidence.

"Ink? It's almost past curfew. What are you doing outside?" A new voice said and a skeleton pushed open the flap of the tent next to them. The skeleton stopped after seeing Cross.

The skeleton lowered their hand from the flap. Cross noticed the cut handcuffs in both of their wrists as the noise they made caught his attention. Another thing that caught his attention were the prosthetic legs that were visible from under where their trousers ended to the point where their boots began.

The skeleton seemed a bit surprise, and Cross had to admit that he was glad to be able to feel what they were feeling because Ink's lack of emotion had been kinda overwhelming.

"Are you a new resident in our circus?" they asked curiously, placing on of their hands on their waist.

"I found him from the forest and I was just about to take him to the Ringmaster," Ink informed, reminding the new skeleton that he was there too.

"I see." The skeleton nodded thoughtfully before smiling and offering their hand towards Cross. "My name's Lust. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Cross," Cross answered and raised his hand to shake Lust's. The cut chain from the handcuffs clatter in the air as the two skeletons shook their hands. Cross was kinda curious about it, but had learnt not to stick his nose into other people's business.

"Can you find the Ringmaster's tent?" Lust asked, turning to look at Ink. He sounded doubtful. "Because you are on the wrong side of the circus," he added with a sigh.

"But it's right there... Isn't it..?" Ink asked and pointed to the direction they had been heading to. Lust sighed again and casted Ink a gentle smile.

"Ink, dear, it's not there. You are heading towards the animal tents," he explained gently. "How about I lead both of you there before he starts his nightly patrol and we all get in trouble?" he suggested carefully.

"Lead the way then!" Ink gave an assuring nod and let Lust take control of the situation.

"Very well," Lust chuckled. "Please come with me, Cross. I will take you where the Ringmaster is," he said and began walking to another direction, the opposite of the one Ink had been going to.

Cross followed after him and Ink joined after writing something down on his scarf. Lust glanced back once to make sure Cross was following before turning his attention back to where he was walking.

"As we walk to the Ringmaster, you can take a look around and admire the beauty of this place," he said and looked up at the lights strings above their heads that were hanging from the tents, connecting them to each others.

"The lights look really beautiful," Cross admitted. "Are they always on like this?" he asked.

"During summer and other lighter times of the year they aren't on as much because there's so much natural light, but during winter and other darker times of the year they are on until the curfew. After the curfew they all get turned off as the circus is supposed to be sleeping," Lust explained, glancing back at Cross once or twice during his speech.

"It gets really dark and creepy after they turn off. The music remains, but it's pitch black!" Ink squeaked in. "It's also kinda like a warning from the Ringmaster. If you choose to go out after the curfew, you will learn that it's not a good idea," he continued. His expression changed to a bit darker and Lust stiffed in front of them, crossing his covered arms.

"The Ringmaster's tent is over there." Lust stopped and pointed towards a dark tent that seemed a bit bigger than the other tents around. It was also way more detailed and fancy.

"I won't come inside, but Ink can accompany you. If you need me for something, I'll be at the costume tent, which is the one I was before I met you," Lust said. He flashed Cross a gentle smile. "Good luck."

"Thanks," Cross nodded. Lust waved to them and turned around on his heels, disappearing back into the ocean of lights and circus tents.

"He has some bad experiences in the Ringmaster's tent," Ink whispered to Cross. "I think it has something to do with his legs and the handcuffs, but I can't exactly remember what it was."

"I don't think that I was supposed to say that-!" Ink gasped and clapped a hand over his mouth. "Sorry," he mumbled and turned to look at the Ringmaster's tent behind them.

"Let's go see the Ringmaster now. The curfew will start in a few minutes!" He quickly changed the subject and walked to the tent, Cross hesitatedly following after him. He rang the bell hanging from the side of the flap and stepped back.

         The flap opened and outside stepped a black skeleton covered in black goop. There were four tentacles in their back and Cross immediately felt that they were pissed by something.

"And what brings you here right before the curfew, Ink?" the skeleton asked. Their voice was cold, and so was the aura around them. The aura was unpleasant and the complete opposite of the one Cross had grown used to back at home.

"I brought a newcomer to meet you!" Ink informed and gestured towards Cross. The skeleton immediately turned to look at the monochrome skeleton with their soul-piercing gaze. Cross shifted a bit, the attention had him feeling uncomfortable.

"A newcomer? In the middle of the night," - the goop-covered skeleton stepped to Cross - "How interesting. What do you think you are capable of doing here?" they asked. It sounded as if they were mocking him, as if they didn't believe he could be a fit to the circus.

"I believe that I am quite talented with knives, ..sir," Cross answered. He tried to sound confident, yet polite towards the skeleton he assumed was the Ringmaster.

They seemed amused by him. "A knife thrower is what you're aiming for. Did I get that right?" they asked, circling around him with a curious look in their cold eye.

"Yes, that's right, sir," Cross nodded. He glanced over at Ink, who was still next to him, watching them in silence. Despite not being able to know what he was feeling, Cross could tell by his body language and expression that he was somewhat afraid of the Ringmaster.

"You don't need to call me sir!" They slipped one of their tentacles under his chin and leaned towards him, whispering into his ear: "'Ringmaster', is what you'll be calling me~!"

Cross felt chills go down his spine as the Ringmaster pulled back and turned to look at Ink. His soul was suddenly pounding faster.

"Ink, go get Killer for me," the Ringmaster said to him. Ink seemed hesitant, it made the Ringmaster raise their browbone. "My order was clear, wasn't it? What is it that is keeping you from running off to go carry on with that task of yours?" they asked coldly, tilting their head for Ink.

"It's almost past curfew Ringmaster. Shouldn't I be going back to my tent?" Ink answered. He seemed actually scared, which was making Cross wonder how twisted of a person the Ringmaster was.

"I will make an exception with you tonight, be grateful for it. Go and bring me Killer and then you can run off to that tent of yours," the Ringmaster said. "However," - they ran their tentacle under Ink's chin, making the skeleton look at them - "If I see you outside during my patrol that I'll start once I have settled everything with this newcomer, you'll be in big trouble," they sang into Ink's ear, making him stiff.

"Now, go," the Ringmaster ordered as they backed away from him. Ink nodded quickly before hurrying off to the bright lights.

         The Ringmaster turned back to Cross. They smiled to him. The smile sent shivers down Cross' spine. He could tell that they were dangerous.

"Now, now, where were my manners?" they chuckled in their dark tone. "I didn't introduce myself to you, did I?" they hummed and stepped back to Cross.

Their hand grabbed Cross' and held it on top of theirs. Cross was a bit shocked by this, but tried to keep his pokerface on and remain as calm as possible.

"My name is Nightmare. Nightmare Joku, the Ringmaster of this circus," he introduced himself to Cross. Cross felt himself stiff at the mention of the name. "And what is yours~?" Nightmare asked, tilting his head.

"It's Cross," Cross answered. "Ringmaster," he added quickly. Nightmare chuckled and ran a tentacle under his chin again.

"I told you my last name. Tell me yours too," he hummed. "You have one, don't you?"

Cross hesitated. He knew he should tell it, but that would go wrong, he was sure of it. He couldn't take the risk, not yet.

"It brings back unpleasant memories. I prefer not to say it, Ringmaster," he lied, turning to look away from the man. He waited for anger, but was surprised to feel curiosity instead.

"Interesting," - Nightmare drew his hand and tentacle back - "Definitely interesting," he hummed. "Now, come on inside. There is a contract that you have to sign. A contract that states that you are a part of the circus. That you are my property." Nightmare stepped back to his tent and opened the flap. Cross could feel his brain screaming at him to just run as fast as he could. But he didn't listen to his brain.

He walked to the tent. Nightmare smirked and gestured for him to walk in. Cross obeyed and stepped past the flap into the tent. Nightmare followed behind him and headed towards a dark wooden drawer he had in the tent.

From the drawer Nightmare pulled out a contract. It was full of small text that was almost impossible to read. Nightmare handed Cross a pen and placed the contract on the table next to them.

"Don't bother reading the fine print," Nightmare chuckled to his ear, it sounded like a warning. "Just sign there and sell your soul to our little circus." He creeper behind Cross, his hands brushing his shoulders.

"Let me guess, once I sign this, I won't be able to leave.. Is that mentioned somewhere in the fine print, Ringmaster..?" Cross whispered. As if he would have anything left outside the circus anyways.

Nightmare picked up the contract with one of his tentacles and began reading the fine print by himself. "You are in fact correct!" he sang in a venomous tone right into his ear and placed the contact back in front of him.

"As I said, just put your signature" - one of his black, boney fingers pointed at the paper - "there. Then we can move forward!"

Cross did as he said. He wrote his signature on the contract and placed the pen on the table. Nightmare hummed behind him and picked up the paper, placing it to another drawer.

"Now you are officially a part of the circus! Welcome to the show, Cross~!" Nightmare sang with a smirk on his face. "Ink should be back by now with Killer. If Ink didn't already tell you, Killer is our knife thrower. He will be your mentor." Nightmare opened the tent flap and gestured Cross to go outside.

         Outside Ink was already waiting with another skeleton, who Cross assumed was Killer. Cross could feel that Killer was excited and curious, but there was also slight fear hiding behind his other emotions. By now Cross could easily guess that it was because of Nightmare.

"Ink, now it's your chance to run off if you don't want a punishment for being out after the curfew." Nightmare turned to look at the said skeleton. Ink nodded and glanced at Killer and Cross quickly before rushing off.

Right after Ink disappeared, the lights flicked off all at the same time. Cross flinched at the sudden darkness. Luckily he was used to spending nights in the darkness.

Nightmare didn't seem bothered by the darkness, but Killer's feelings turned uneasy. It wasn't the darkness that seemed to scare him, but rather Nightmare.

"Killer, I'm assuming that Ink told you about Cross," Nightmare started and confirmed that the skeleton was indeed Killer.

"Ink told me that we have a new knife thrower, but didn't mention his name. I bet he forgot it," Killer answered. Cross saw how he tried to act casual and maybe a bit careless, but in reality he was feeling really uneasy and nervous.

"Then, you must already know what I am about to ask you, don't you?" Nightmare asked, tilting his head. "And you know that you cannot say no to my request," he chuckled.

Nightmare sounded as if he was amused, as if this was just a friendly, lighthearted conversation between friends, but his voice hid a venomous, cold, taunting tone. He knew he was in control and that people were scared of him. He was just toying with them, as if they were puppets on his strings.

"You want me to teach him," Killer answered. It wasn't a question, it didn't need to be. The answer was so obvious. A new knife thrower needed someone to teach them how the circus worked.

"That's correct!" Nightmare hummed. "But as you see," - he gestured towards the lights - "the curfew has passed. Take him to the newcomers' tent for the night. He needs rest," he said and turned to look at Cross.

"If I were you, I'd kindly follow him. Despite you being new, I don't want to see you outside during my nightly patrol, and therefore I won't hesitate to punish you. The rules have to be learned from the beginning," Nightmare said to him. His voice was cold and the words were a clear warning. "Now, go!" he snapped, making Killer move immediately.

The knife thrower grabbed Cross' hand gently and began pulling the other skeleton with him. He glanced back at Nightmare, who had turned his back on them. Then he fastened the speed and began running, Cross almost fell because of the sudden change of speed, but managed to keep his balance.

"The moment he turns around, he won't give mercy if he sees us," Killer warned as the ran through the circus grounds.

         Killer pushed Cross into a red and white tent. It was filled with bunk beds and nightstands. Cross glanced around while the other closed the flap after them.

"You're name's Cross, isn't it?" Killer asked after he turned around. Cross nodded. "Well, you already heard, but I'm Killer," Killer said and offered his gloved hand. Cross shook it.

"This is where you'll be staying for a few months. You can pick out any bed you want to, there aren't other newcomers right now." Killer went to look out of the window.

"I don't know much about this circus. Can you tell me some basic information that I must know?" Cross spoke up and sat on one of the beds.

"I think the most important things to know are that you can't be outside after the curfew, otherwise you will get punished. You can't disobey Nightmare's orders, or you'll get punished. Also I wouldn't recommend sticking your nose in other people's business," Killer answered and turned around to look at Cross with his empty eyes. He had crossed his arms in front of his chest, right below his visible soul.

"Our performances are really high quality and beautiful, meant for everyone. But beyond that beauty hides the ugly truth. This place resembles our ringmaster's name pretty well," Killer continued in a darker tone. Cross could feel his heart aching. Killer was hurting, and Cross could put his whole life as a bet that Killer wasn't the only one in the circus who was hurting.

"If you don't get it now, you'll learn it soon," Killer added. He then glanced back outside. "You'll be alright if I leave you here, won't you?" he questioned and began heading towards the flap.

"I'll be fine," Cross assured. Killer nodded and reached for the tent flap. "Are you leaving?" Cross had to ask, despite it being pretty much obvious.

"I have to go visit someone," Killer answered and turned to look back at Cross. "I'll come find you tomorrow," he promised.

"But isn't it unsafe to be out after the curfew?" Cross tilted his head. That was what Killer had just said by himself.

"It is, but as long as you don't get caught, you're fine." Killer smirked before disappearing to the night.

         Cross laid down on the bed. He hadn't even noticed how tired he had become. He let his eyes close and soon he started to drift to sleep.

Another nightmare was heading for him, he knew it. He didn't bother to care, he just wanted to fall asleep.

Unknowns, but luckily for him, outside was wandering someone who noticed the nightmare that was heading towards him. They glanced towards the tent once before slapping the nightmare between their hands like a fly.

And for the first time in months, Cross slept without a nightmare.

Words: 4068

[22.5.2022]

Instead of trying to describe the characters. I drew their outfits. Keep in mind that in the pictures if something looks gray, it's supposed to be black unless stated otherwise.