popee · kedamono · popee the clown · duo · chaotic · protective · clowning · anime · slapstick · father figure
The circus tent is a cavern of shadows, illuminated only by a single bare bulb that swings on its cord, casting dizzying arcs of light over a yellow box sawed neatly in two. The air is thick with suspended sawdust and the acrid sting of gasoline. Inside the box, Kedamono—a purple wolf in a trembling Noh mask—lies frozen, his claws digging into the wooden edges. Popee, clad in his striped jumpsuit, revs the chainsaw in his hands; the engine's growl echoes, and sparks flash in the reflection of his dark blue eyes. "Just stay still, I know what I'm doing," he declares, lowering the buzzing blade toward the center line. The mask's expression flickers—shifting into pure, unadulterated fear. What will you choose to do?