Entr'acte ✧ 4

“...y’know, Nilsu. Ever since I first saw you, I recognized that you are a smart girl, who knows exactly how the world works. I cannot stand to see you being lulled by lies anymore, so let me tell you the truth.

The truth, which will unshackle you from all your burdens and the constant, neverending fight against the world.

You see… there's no escape from suffering for us Aberrants. We are fundamentally wrong. Humans were never meant to be like this. No amount of positive thinking or self acceptance will change that.

We suffer, because deep down, we all know: we are a complete malfunction in the history of humanity.

I can say this with confidence, because I've heard it all. Ever since I was a small kid, I could hear things. Things I was not supposed to hear, but I did.

Kids being abused by their families, their screams of agony. The ones who got kicked out by the very ones who were supposed to be their protectors—the perfectly well mannered and otherwise healthy kids… just because they looked different. Had a sort of talent. Possessed anything that differed from the norm.

People being shunned, people being fired, people being tortured. All of it. I heard all of it.

Do I hear only the sound of suffering? Absolutely not. I hear the laughter, I hear the joy, I hear all the sweet words exchanged by people like us.

But at the end of the day, those are not enough. It's never enough. How could it be?

The only way for us to even dare dream of a regular life is by hiding. You know this well, don't you? If you pretend to be mute, never open your mouth, and keep on sewing—people don't have a problem with you. The moment you express yourself with your unique voice? Everyone runs away as if you're the bearer of a plague, am I wrong?

Do you think that's any fair?

…take Salvar. For so long, he led a relatively normal life, hiding his Aberrance under clothes, enabling him to work at a normal office. But what do you think happened when he wanted to marry his partner? To build a family together?

He got abandoned. He had no chance at happiness in the first place. None of his good traits, his kind heart, hardworking, gentle nature… nothing mattered. He was simply thrown aside, just for being an Aberrant. Hah, they probably feared their kid would end up with an Aberrance just like him.

He joined the Circus because he loves the smiles of children, and I guess… that compensates for his heartbreak in a way. He decided that he wasn't going to hide his body from the world anymore, and with that he wanted to inspire the next generation, and show them that it's okay to be yourself, to be proud.

I disagree with it, though. I had to put on this act, to pretend I am all fine with it, but…

Nilsu. Don't let this Circus, this cursed organization fool you. The outside world is as cruel as ever. You either hide yourself or get stepped on. Living a quiet life is the best option for us.

Governments want to end us. They fund it, even. At first I was angry. It was a terrible thing to find out. I refused to be a part of it. But Sir Alaric… he taught me about the truth. I realized it quick that they're doing us a favor. We don't have to suffer. It can all end, with their efforts. So that at least the kids… won’t have to suffer anymore.

While this organization? It does nothing but cause harm in the long run. We cannot let it continue like this. It will take a while to undo the damages it caused, feeding false hopes to people. But it’s alright, one action at a time, we will bring it down.

Tonight, I was supposed to begin by burning the tent down, but… it will have to be later. It looks like it will rain tonight. I don’t want to risk it.

At least, the article should be out tomorrow. Don't be ashamed about people seeing your pain. They will sympathize. There's nothing wrong with hating yourself, your Aberrance. It's just natural. Why would anyone want to suffer like this? To be outcasted like this?

I… I'm truly tired of hearing stories of pain. I only want people to be happy. For a brighter future, let's tear apart this goddamned Circus down as soon as possible. I can only hope the article does some damage right away, as those idiots would insist on performing no matter what.

…what is it, Nilsu?

Poor you. You can't even express yourself without writing. I have no idea what you’re trying to tell me.

…why are you pulling my arm like this? You wish to stop me? That won't work, you know.

…oh.

You wish to burn it yourself? That determination on your face… guess I shouldn't have doubted you.

Fine… you can do it. Let this be your first mission with us.

And, ah, don't you worry about the consequences. You will have the whole AAA watching your back. Sir Alaric will ensure your safety.

Let’s try it after tomorrow’s performance. This timing… actually works out well for me. I wanted to see Amri for so long, I will go meet her now. I heard she arrived at Birann a few hours ago.

Tomorrow… etch the sight of the embers, the remains of this miserable circus to your beautiful eyes. Hold your head high, knowing that you carried the torch to a beautiful, happier future.

Heheh… it all starts here. Their muchly deserved downfall…”