Hontori has a minion!

Meltybear the Gelablob

“Come one, come all!”
“See the boy whose skin stretches like rubber and is clear like water!
Meet the living goop!”
“Oooo mommy, look at him!”
“Oh my, you can see his organs!”
“What a freak!”
“Well, this IS the freak show! If you wanted to see the real interesting stuff, you gotta go inside the big top!”
“Let’s get out of here! This freak is creeping me out...”

I hate it when he calls me that. I’m not made of goop...
“Hey, freak! Darn it, next round of people, you better do what I tell you, or no dinner tonight, got it?” growled the pudgy anyu. Clad in a fancy, bright red tux and top hat, he banged on the cage to rile up his ‘pet’. With one last huff, the anyu stomped out of the tent and outside to do his best in rustling up some more people. The main show still had a half hour before it began, and he wanted every dime out of the patrons that he could scrounge. Charging an extra 15sp per person to see the Freak Show always padded his pockets.

“Hontori, you should really listen to him! You don’t want to go without dinner again!” called out another of the tent’s residents. She was the equivalent of the ‘bearded woman’ at this fine ‘establishment’. She would have been a lovely arid ontra if not for the braids of long fur that hung from her chin. She, too, was behind a cage. But that wasn’t to keep her in.

It was to keep others out.

Hontori huffed, ignoring her words, and turned his back to the bars of the cage. He could have easily slipped out to freedom, stretching his body like rubber as advertised. But he had no desire to. The cage kept him away from all those ‘normal’ people. He looked around his little cage again. Nothing had changed in the 17 years he’d been traveling with the circus. The bars had once been a glossy copper, but were now green with petina. The top and bottom were oak wood, with straw layering the bottom for ‘comfort’. In the center of the cage was a round, colorful platform where he was supposed to perform stretching and molding tricks for the crowd. Refusing to do so was often the cause of his scolding.

Hidden under that platform were his few possessions. A pair of clothes took up a chunk of the room. His ridiculous ‘uniform’ was only a pair of spandex shorts... and he would rather be dead than wear those around in his free time. A small amount of water and food was stored here as well. But his most precious possession of all was his concealed violin.

He yearned to pull out the violin and begin playing. The gentle sound always made him feel at ease and elated. His father, a contortionist with the circus, had taught him the basics of how to play when he was only 4 years-old. And ever since, he’d been playing it. Growing more and more talented as time passed. Part of him wanted to become a professional violinist, but he knew it wouldn’t happen. Not with what he was.

As long as he was a freak, he was doomed to stay in this cage.

Hontori sighed heavily and leaned his back against the cage, slidding down it to be sitting on the floor. He hated this cage, but whether he was in it or not, he knew he couldn’t run from what he was.

He was doomed to always be a freak.

He could hear people outside the tent talking to the portly ringmaster. He was doing his best to convince people to come inside for some fun.

Hontori just gritted his teeth. He didn’t care if he didn’t get a proper dinner. He would rather starve than put on tricks for those awful people.

...............................................

“Come one, come all! See the fattest pain in my butt try and pick something heavy up! Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!”
“Watch your mouth, you runt, or you will be out on YOUR butt!”

Pfft, like you would let me leave. This little freak show relies on me too much.

Hontori would never admit it out loud. He hated this place with every fiber of his being, but yet he was stuck here. Even if his parents weren’t fellow circus acts (father a contortionist and mother a water performer), he really didn’t have any place to go! Who would accept him as he was?

No one, that’s who.

Despite his hatred, he was quite amused at the moment. That enormous jerk was trying to move a display of fake “oddities”; things like ‘chupacabra hand’ and ‘three-headed manchu in a jar’. For some reason, the idiot suddenly assumed his girth had morphed into pure muscle. Needless to say, he was straining to move the table a mere inch, and Hontori couldn’t resist the opportunity to poke fun at him.

“Watch out or the Chupacabra hand will grab you,” Hontori called out, with a smirk. Some invisible trickster must have been watching the scene, as the hand in question nearly fell onto the anyu as Hontori mouthed ‘Chupacabra’. The boss squealed slightly and Hontori burst into laughter.

“If you think you can do better, then get your puny butt over here and do it!” the anyu shouted with a glare.

“Now why would I do that?” Hontori replied as he walked back away from the bars and sat on the circular platform. The circus had closed about an hour earlier, and they would be leaving the day after tomorrow, so the anyu was beginning the packing duties. “I’m just too weak from hunger to help you...”

“If you weren’t a money maker, I would put you out on the streets!” the anyu growled before blowing on a whistle that was around his neck. A moment later a golden ruffie was peeking into the tent. “Bring the goop some dinner, pronto.” The ruffie nodded and ran off. it only took her a few minutes to return with a warm dinner for Hontori.

Hontori couldn’t tell what it was, but it smelt like chili.

After seeing the meal, and hearing the tapping his impatient boss’s foot was making, Hontori shrugged. Without so much as leaving his cage, he stretched his clear tail all the way over to the table. With a subtle creaking sound, the table was easily lifted up from the ground.

“Where do you want it?” he asked as the ruffie gave him the reward.

“Stupid...” muttered the anyu, jealous at Hontori’s strength. “Just set it right outside the tent.”

Hontori readily used his tail to guide the table outside where the anyu and ruffie could begin packing all its contents.

“Finally, alone and at peace.”

Hontori’s tail was back in its place and he was nibbling on the food as he sat on the platform. It wasn’t the tastiest thing he had ever had, but that didn’t matter. Food was food to him.

Of course, he also had saved himself some yummy dessert, too.

While he hated to be compared to them, he absolutely LOVED gummy bears. They were his favorite food. Sure, he kind of liked that they were clear like him, but he just loved their sweetness. It was hard for him to get a hold of some. It often meant having to steal them from the snack bar when no one was looking, but he treasured the gooey little guys and ate them slowly when he could.

After finishing the food and cup of water, resting the dishes at the edge of his cage, he lifted the platform and pulled out his possessions. He slipped on the loose white tank top and baggy black jeans just to stop from feeling naked. He then tied a black bandana on his head and morphed his purple, tentacle like appendages into dreadlocks. Even though his skin was still clear, and his organs still navy blobs floating inside of his body, at least he felt a little more concealed now.
Next he pulled out a plastic baggy. It was crumpled up, but inside were still a few precious morsels of gummy goodness. He pulled out one and held it between his fingers for a minute, looking it over with a smile before popping it into his mouth.

He reached his hand in to grab another, but stopped. After looking inside, his teal eyes spotted a partially melted sweet.

He pouted.

“Awww, what a waste!”

After staring at it for a while longer, he frown morphed into a grin. “You know what, I think I’ll keep you. You remind me of... well, me... yeah... you’re staying safe with me, Meltybear.”

He ripped the plastic bag so as to separate the melted piece from the others, and he rested the little guy next to his violin on the platform.

It was sad, but he needed a companion. He didn’t like people that were ‘normal’, since they looked down on him... and he didn’t like many people in the circus, because they kissed up to the man he hated most. Even if it was just a melted candy, he needed the friend.
“Here Meltybear, I’ll play you a song...”

Hontori lifted the violin to his chin, bow in hand, and thought for a moment. Once a song was in mind, he began to play. The air filled with beautiful music. Smooth, classical Mozart began to spill from the tent and out into the cool, calm night. It was hard to believe that he was mostly self-taught.

He became so entrenched in the music that he lost track of his surroundings. In these moment, he would forget all about his life inside this cage. Pictured in his mind, the music always showed him far away places and peaceful scenes.

Outside, others stood or sat to listen, but did not dare to enter the tent. It was well known in the circus that Hontori was talented, but all knew he would never play in front of an audience. He was simply too reserved and distrusting. But at least from the shadows surrounding the tent they could hear the resonant notes. As usual, a small group gathered to listen... and among them was someone different.

...............................................

“Come one, come all! If we are going to be leaving this place on time, we need everyone to pitch in on the tent breakdown!”
“On the way, Boss! Hontori, why don't you get some fresh air?”

Mom... why do you always have to be so nice and cheerful to this guy...
Hontori nodded to his mother before walking out of the backstage area of the main tent. Moving day was upon them, yet again, and everyone was doing their best to make sure things were packed safely and efficiently. They had to do this every six weeks or so... depending on how long they had the lot space rented for. The majority of the workers for the circus had been around for a decade or more, so it was always a smooth operation.

Though there were plenty of ways he could have helped, Hontori just wasn't in the mood anymore. As he'd grown up, he liked this life less and less. He may not have felt like he fit in anywhere else... but he was tired of being nothing but some... prop to these people. And his parents were no longer pacifying his desire to get out of here.

Wandering around the back paths between tents, someone unusual caught his eye. He definitely knew everyone here... and that woman was not one of his fellow circus folk. The glade neela was so thin and bouncy. Literally. She bounced around instead of just walking, and she appeared to be cheerfully looking for something.

“Umm... Miss, can I help you?” Hontori ventured to ask, calling out to her from a few feet away.

“Oh my!” the woman chimed and bounced his way. “Why yes, YOU most certainly can! You are the young man named Hontori, yes?”

“Uh... yes...”

“Wonderful! My name is Manilla... and I was hoping to talk with you! Maybe we could walk and talk? Preferably away from this... establishment...” Her eyes scanned the circus space with some distaste at what she saw.

Considering he felt the same way about the place, Hontori was quick to agree.

Manilla proceeded to lead Hontori towards the other side of the Fairgrounds. A new event was already rolling in to the parking lot to begin unpacking. They stopped at the edge of the pavement and watched as large carriers brought in mechanical rides and food booths. Fried Cheesecake. Ferris Wheel. Corndogs. It was all somehow familiar while still different from what he was used to. Hontori never saw rides or fancy food and game booths. It was always just the few tents and the different sets within them. Oh, and one little concession stand.

“I represent the owner of this Fair you see before you. This is called the 'Strawberry Carnival' and lots of the foods are cooked with strawberries. This is actually the last time this Fair will happen though... the Owner wants to branch out and make an Amusement Park instead. It would still have a carnival feel... all the rides and food. But he wants to add entertainment and shows. Something to make it different and permanent!” Manilla explained. “My job is to look around for those new 'entertaining characters' that can fit into the shows. To be honest, they aren't even designed fully yet! He paid some writers to create plays, dance routines, and musical scores... and I am just out here to find the glorious talent!”

“Uh... that all sounds... nice?” Hontori muttered, eyes still on all the moving equipment. He was listening... but just didn't see how any of that mattered.

“I am glad you think so! You see... I think you would be a perfect fit in the new park we are creating!”

Hontori didn't realize what she was saying for a moment. “What?” Once it hit him, he blinked, mouth agape. “Wait, what!? Me? No... no way! What you want to do almost sounds classy! Why the Hell would you want a Freak Show in there?”

“Freak Show? What on Subeta do you mean? You were the boy playing the violin last night, weren't you? Your musical skills are splendid! You would be great in a show!”

Hontori continued to stare at her in disbelief. “You... you heard...?”

“Oh yes! I travel around to circuses and fairs looking for wonderful people, and I was visiting your camp last night. I didn't see anyone who would fit the bill... but I did HEAR someone! And it turns out, that someone is you! I asked around, and everyone raved about your skill! I even spoke with your parents about how you deserved better than... well. I would have used the term 'Side-Show' but... well... you know better.”

“You talked to the others? And my parents? And they... they knew... and liked my music?”

“Indeed! Turns out, you are the hidden gem in your circus! They described you to me, and I knew I had to find you today.” Manilla was now bouncing in place; up and down excitedly. “Please say you will join our upcoming park! It will be right here! The owner bought all this land... and only some things will change compared to the Carnival you see before you. We will be constructing performance halls and stages. The last Strawberry Carnival is scheduled to last two months. After that, the construction gets started and you and the other talents will have plenty of time to practice--”

“Wait, wait. What does it matter if I can play?” Hontori interrupted, some anger in his tone. “I could be world-class and it wouldn't matter. I mean, just LOOK at me!” He paused so as to open his shirt and show off his lungs. “Who wants to sit in an audience and stare at... at this!?”
Manilla stared at him for a long moment. She took in his appearance from top to bottom... even lingering on the moving lungs under his transparent skin. “I don't seem to understand the problem. You are certainly... unusual looking. But really, your violin speaks louder to me than your fluidity of form. Are you saying you would prefer to keep people from seeing you? I mean... we could probably arrange for you to play from behind some set scenery... but it really seems a shame.”

A woman who didn't care? Really? People like her existed? He studied her face. Her . Looking for any little line or muscle twitch that would reveal her lie.

But there was none.


...............................................

“Come one, come all! See the circus of a lifetime! Acrobats, clowns, and even a water show! Don’t miss this opportunity of a--”
“Circuses are overrated.”

Thank God I am out of there now...
Hontori clicked off the T.V. in his trailer and looked out the small window next to his seat. This life... it really wasn't too different. But it was still nice.

He thought back to that day... the day he'd met Manilla. She'd surprised him. Confused him.

He'd refused her. Over and over. But she kept insisting. She'd walked him all around the equipment. She'd introduced him to some of the workers. Even managed to get him some of the more interesting foods. She showed him that everyone here was nice and open-minded. They were all pleasant and welcoming to him.

And again, he was surprised and confused.

It turned out that most of the workers had lived similar lives. They'd grown up in the traveling life. They'd all seen their fair share of oddities, including people like Hontori. A few “oo-ed” or “aw-ed”... but that was it. No insults. No ridicule.

It was like an episode of the Twilight Zone.

After all the walking and talking, Manilla took him back to the Circus. She sat down with Hontori and his parents, and they discussed. Hontori would be paid (something he barely got now). He would get free food (and much nicer food). He would get a trailer (instead of his cage). All the benefits and perks she began to spew made Hontori's head spin.

But his parents understood. They nodded along. They negotiated when needed. Agreed when they felt things were right. At the end of it all, Hontori just wasn't sure what was happening.

“Hontori... this offer is VERY fair,” his father had said solemnly.

“We both love you very much... and we would miss you dearly! But this... this opportunity is amazing! And we both know you aren't happy here... maybe you would be better off...” his mother had added, tears welling up in her eyes. “We just want you to finally be happy! And we can't seem to give you that here.”

“So... you want me to go?”

“No, no... don't misunderstand!” his father exclaimed. “We want what is best for you... and this circus can't give you that. But we won't make you go... just like we won't make you stay. Just know that we will support you either way.”

Manilla had left with no answer. She would give him the night to think it over... and indeed, that is all Hontori did. The whole night long. He laid awake in his cage... talking to Meltybear as if the melted gummy could give him some new wisdom to help in his decision. All that talking actually did help though.

In the morning, as the rest of the circus put the last bags onto trucks, Hontori carried one to the edge of the parking lot. And when Manilla spotted him, he'd just nodded in acceptance.

He'd give it a try. And try he would.

Now, weeks later, he was enjoying a real bed (or at least closer than he'd ever known before) and a room without bars. Meltybear even had his own cushion to sit on. He spent his days practicing with the other performers for the upcoming shows... and at night, he would write his parents letters.

It wasn't so bad. Maybe he would tire of it some day... but at least he wasn't forced to show off his body, or to hide his violin.

He glanced over to his gummy buddy, the two having been watching T.V. together. He chuckled softly and then spoke aloud to his friend.

I may always be weird...
But maybe I can make this work...

CI by raichu.
Overlay by Remember.
Hontori Sketch by odduckOasis.
Hontori Digital Art by Yann.
Profile images, story, and coding by Me, Lexx.
Circus image from pinterest [LINK"].