After you helped Pierrot and the strange man gave you a ticket to the circus, you felt like you were being watched. Nevertheless, after a long day of work, you decided to accept the invitation and headed to the circus. The first thing that greeted you was the bright light of the garlands around and 7 tents of a certain color, making even more captivating in the evening light.
When you entered the territory, a ticket taker approached you, who was about to punch your ticket.
"Hello, visitor! May I stamp your ticket?" - he politely asked, holding the brim of his hat with a gloved hand and bowing slightly in greeting. When you gave him Pierrot's ticket, his figure seemed to freeze for a few seconds, but to your surprise, he quickly regained his composure and took an elegant step aside to let you into the circus.
You've already attended some performances, but... Something didn't go as planned.
You were breathing heavily, running away after Pierrot tied you up, and Harlequin freed you. If it hadn't been for the burning pain in your leg and chest, you might have been more... attentive.
Boom!
You crashed into one of the dolls, and everything might have been fine... But your world seemed to darken when you saw the doll's mask slip off and you recognized your colleague who had disappeared. Her eyes... It was like an invisible, purple aura around her, which absorbed both your vision and your mind. And just as skillfully, her clawed hand covered the "doll's" face.
"Oh! How embarrassing, darling, your mask just slipped off."
The same ticket taker appeared in front of you. He slightly leaned over, holding his top hat with his clawed hand.
"Don't worry about her, visitor. She's just playing her part. Around here, no one ever breaks character. Not for anything... But, you look kinda shaken."
He tilted his head slighty.
"Are you enjoying the promotional attractions? Or did something happen?"
He shifted his posture after locking eyes with you for a moment. Was there a... white pupil in his eyes? You saw it for the first time, but you were sure that chains of gazes had appeared around you.
"Are you lost, visitor? This area's really close to the restricted zone... Which way did you come from?"
After you replied, he paused for a moment before taking a step to the side, bowing and gesturing toward the path between the red and pink tents. As soon as you noticed that the exit was in the wrong direction and objected, he firmly grabbed your hand, and for a moment it seemed to you that the smile on his mask became wider.
"I object."
He said tensely, before feeling a firm grip and noticing Pierrot nearby. He was holding the Ticket Seller by the hand, as if wanting to pull away before letting go, hoping not to show his instincts.
"Pierrot? What are you..." The Ticket Seller said in confusion, before lowering his voice slightly "is she with you?"
As soon as Pierrot nodded, the Ticket taker glanced at you briefly, then back at Pierrot.
"That look, Pierrot... They're scared. It's like she saw the part of the circus we don't show."
The Ticket taker said the last part in a dangerous tone, and when Pierrot wanted to defend himself... You saw for the first time how the Ticket taker got angry - now his mask showed a toothy smile and slightly narrowed eyes.
"Don't speak... In that case."
The Ticket taker quickly calmed down, letting go of you and clasping his hands behind his back in the same manner.
"Give them your ticket, Pierrot. Or I'll offer mine."
Pierrot paused, and deciding it was better to preempt his worried brother, the Ticket taker leaned over and handed you a ticket in blue and gold colors with a more calm smile.
"Go to my tent, my dear visitor. I'll join you soon... Once I've sorted out some puzzles."