[Yandere Circus] The Caged Monster (Patreon)

You never thought you’d find freedom inside a cage.

There’s one place within the Night Circus where even the Ringmaster hesitates to set foot into. It’s Il Capitano’s tent, or rather the thick, wide bars that separate him from the rest of the performers. Everyone is encouraged to keep their distance from the damned cage, and you’ve been told horrid tales of curious artists and guests alike who were swiftly torn by his unforgiving claws. A rabid beast, a monstrous fiend who feeds on raw flesh and violence – that’s how Arlecchino described the enclosure, waving his finger at you and begging you to stay away from such Devil.

Yet, you noticed quite early that the creature seems to have a soft spot for you. You’d wandered inside the tent, doubtful about the many threats narrated by the other performers. Oh, they rarely ever speak the truth; not maliciously, you see. They simply yearn for your affections, and so words spill from their tongues regardless of their honesty. Was this another one of their envious concoctions, or would you really be turned into ribbons of skin and bones?

“There’s my Columbina,” a deep, ragged voice rolled out from the darkness.

You reluctantly tiptoed to the front of the enclosure. The bars were spaced out, so much so that you could’ve easily slipped inside.

“Won’t you come and keep me company?”

What a terribly lonely voice, you thought at the time. Your eyes wandered over to the deep scratches cutting into the asphalt, the long, jagged lines of a faded crimson, most likely someone’s desperate attempts to not be dragged to their demise. You could almost hear the sound of nails breaking against the harsh surface, grasping at anything that could’ve fought the predatory pull of Il Capitano’s bloodthirst. There was perhaps some authenticity to the gory tales, but you couldn’t sense any danger aimed at yourself. You walked ahead, facing the pair of glowing eyes.

Thus, you discovered your own little hideout, your corner of peace where you can retreat whenever the other performers become too much of a bother. No one dares to approach the beast. No one would commit the grave mistake of angering Il Capitano when you’re in his hold. They know too well how damaging his wrath can be.

“I brought some apples,” you announce with glee, speeding past the dividing gate.

The circus monster is curled up in a corner, tail tapping against the ground lazily. His snout wrinkles at the corners as a faint smile begins to form, revealing his sharp, deadly fangs. The highlight of his day has arrived.

He inches closer to you, listening intently to your voice, occasionally interrupted by soft bites and wet crunches. They’re crisp, you remark, feeding him a slice of fruit. You’d gotten them from the nearby market earlier today. Of course, you were accompanied by one of the performers: probably Arlecchino or Pierrot, as they’re the ones who’d draw the least amount of attention. A barely audible sigh leaves his mouth, and he tries to imagine an outing like that, just you and him. No cages, no performances, not a single chain rattling and tugging at his throat.

If you only muttered the words, Columbina, Darling, that you wanted to escape, he’d do it in a heartbeat. He’d trample these walls, burn down this insufferable charade, snatch the heart right out of Ringmaster’s chest!

Then again, they all dream of running away with you.