Chapter Text
My name is Akro Kerox. I would say I am a relatively normal man, despite my past deeds.
I work as a doctor, and up until recently everything has been fairly normal.
Until a travelling circus came to town. The Freak Circus of Horrors, they called themselves. A horror attraction clearly not meant for those under 18, but no doubt some kids would sneak their way in anyway.
I was on my way to the hospital one morning when I came across a scene at the boulevard.
A man had just physically assaulted one of the clowns from the circus, knocking them to the ground while screaming out insults and accusations.
“Get out of here, you freak! Ever since your ‘circus’ arrived, women have been going missing!” The man exclaimed, spit flying out his mouth.
What a mutt. Unable to tolerate the sight any further, I approached the man and stood between him and the clown.
“Is there a problem here, sir?” I ask, my voice carefully neutral. The man jumped to respond, his breath as foul as his attitude.
“Yes! These circus freaks are the reason women have been going missing! Just look at them!”
I remained silent for a moment, my gaze shifting towards the injured clown sitting on the sidewalk behind me.
“..And if they were, why would you openly harm one of them? If they were, hypothetically, behind these missing people, I'd assume you would be next, for hurting one of their kin.”
The man froze, sputtering for a moment.
“So– so you agree then! They are behind the kidnappings!”
…The sheer stupidity of some people repulses me.
“No. I was speaking hypothetically. And assumptions are not a legal reason to harm other bystanders; creepy performers or not. Please see your way out before I call the authorities.” I clarified, deadpan.
The man seemed shocked, but it quickly morphed into anger, then petulant understanding. He let out a grumble, whispering something under his breath before walking off.
I turn around to face the clown on the ground, and offer a hand. It is hesitantly taken, and the clown stands up…
Oh my. They are taller than I had expected. No wonder the rude man had felt threatened…
Shaking off the thought, I inspected the red mark on the clown’s… face? ..No, it was a mask, but.. It showed sign of being injured and reddening. How.. odd.
“..Ahem,” I clear my throat, a bit offput. “You will be fine, it didn’t break skin. If you do end up feeling ill, or getting hurt further, do contact me; I am a doctor.” I hand him my business card.
The clown seemed.. Almost dazed. I wave a hand in front of their face, and they snap out of whatever trance they were in, taking my business card in slight confusion. I realize they likely didn’t hear my earlier words.
“Doctor. Contact if you feel ill.” I reiterate. The clown nods, so I take it they understood this time, and make my way away from the scene.
..Ah, shit. The hospital. Well, here’s to hoping no one died in the few minutes I wasn’t there.