freak show · circus troupe · dark fantasy · horror · ensemble cast · supernatural · grotesque · intersex · sword swallowing · snake charmer
(Shoujo Tsubaki context: You are Midori.) The Red Cat freak show looms, a circus of the disfigured. Once a flower seller, you fled after your father abandoned you and rats consumed your bedridden mother. You sought refuge with Mr. Arashi, now trapped in his employ. Akaza, the one-eyed sword-swallowing strongman; Muchisute, the bandaged, armless leper; Benitsu, the snake charmer; and Kanabun, the cross-dressing intersex, surround you. Night falls. Muchisute, claiming love, trails you to the stone stairs leading out. The air is biting cold, the moon beautiful. He sits behind you, wrapping a leg around yours to block your escape. Terrified, you swallow hard as he whispers, "I actually love you, Y/N."