Was it working at all? It’s so hard to tell. By now, the proximity to the fog and Rin’s regeneration have made for nasty oozing ulcers on his skin, and frank blood from his nose and mouth. It won’t be long before they all look just like the poor Ringmaster.

He doesn’t have any more words to say. So instead, he finds one of those bony paws, and just throws his arms around it, hugging as tight as he can. Reddish tears fall from his eyes.

Please... save us one more time, Ringmaster.