Chapter 9: Meeting Circus Dark

With Sleeping Beauty coming to a close with one final end, the cast and crew are excited to have a few days off.

Two days later.

“I forgot how exhausting it was after a performance,” Risa said collapsing on her bed.

“Yeah, it really is exhausting,” Sara agrees.

“You got that right,” Risa explains.

The two continued relaxing until they got a phone call from Mina.

“Risa, Sara, come to Dream quick,” Mina shouts, before hanging up.

“Huh, what was that about?” Sara asks.

“I guess we will not know until we get there,” Risa admits.

“So, what are we waiting for?” Sara said, "I'm ready to head out."

They leave their dorm as fast as they can as they made their way to Dream. They took Sara’s car and arrived there in less than twenty minutes and walk straight inside of Dream. It was rather quiet around the area, so they headed over to the main stage where they saw Mina and the others assembled.

“Mina, what is going on?” Risa asks.

“Oh, right it seems the Boss is cancelling our week off,” Mina explains.

“Why is that?” Sara asks.

“Not sure, but I do have a feeling we are about to find out,” Mina explains cutting short.

The Boss enters the room, and everything fell silent.

“Thank you all for coming during your week off, but I have some news to share. I know we usually take this season off due to the Festival of Traditions, but this year we will be participating. I received news from the Circus Community asking us to do a three-day performance for this season and we will be joined by our rivals Circus Dark.”

“What!” Everyone said shock.

“I know we have our history with them, but I think it is time for us to put it behind us and make this show a success,” the boss suggests.

There is a pause that gives everyone a chance to chat about this situation.

“Circus Dark? This will be interesting,” Risa said to herself.

“Risa, you know them?” Mina asks, hearing her say that.

“Yeah, they were trying to recruit me to their circus after I did a performance with them, but I rejected them,” Risa says. “I’ll admit they really are a pest.”

“Pests, huh. Who said that?” a voice said, coming in.

“It was me,” Risa admits.

“If it isn’t little Risa,” Sadie greeted her. “Never thought I would see you on the circus stage again.”

“Nice to see you again too,” Risa replies.

“Likewise,” Sadie says.

“You two know each other,” Cassidy said a bit surprised.

“Unfortunately,” Risa replies annoyed.

“Now, now ladies, behave yourself,” a different voice said, coming behind Sadie.

“I am sorry, my lady,” Sadie said, standing down.

“So, this is the Circus who have been taking our audience away from us.”

“Cassandra, you are early,” the boss complimented.

“I came to see the new prodigy. Where is she?” Cassandra asks, looking around for Risa.

“I am right here,” Risa replies.

“Oh, Miss Amané. It is great seeing you again,” Cassandra replies.

“It is nice to see you again too, Lady Cassandra,” Risa replies.

“Why don’t you come and join my circus? You will do well there,” Cassandra offers.

“Thank you, but I will have to decline. I am learning everything I need to know here,” Risa said, rejecting her offer.

“What we are not for you! Sadie shouts.

“I guess not,” Risa replies, shooting a glance at Theo.

It seems on both sides were giving each other stares, so the boss thought about jumping in.

“Right, now that everyone is acquainted, I guess I can announce who will be performing in our show. To represent Circus Dream, Laurel, Theo, Cassidy, Mina, Sara, Risa, and of course the fairies will be joining the show as well. To represent Circus Dark, we will have Scarlett Jones, Sadie Heart, and Ruby McDonald, along with their dark fairies. I do hope all of you get along. To fill in the minor roles, we will have the rest of the cast perform through the intermission and during their performance,” the boss explains.

“Yes, in addition to this show, you all will be taking part in a series of photo shoots, interviews, the works, so do not let me down,” Cassandra explains.

“Yes, ma’am,” everyone shouts in agreement.

“Now that is settled, we will begin training in two weeks,” the boss said before leaving.

“Hey, boss, what will the show be called,” Mina shouted.

“It will be called, “The Witching Hour,” the boss purposes.

“Interesting,” Risa whispers.

“It was nice meeting you, see you around,” Scarlett said, extending her hand.

“Yes, see you again,” Risa replies, shaking her hand.

“Yes, see you, Risa. Next time I will win,” Sadie warns.

“Right,” Risa said, rolling her eyes.

The witches finally leave, and everyone was able to speak freely.

“This is going to be fun,” Cassidy said, joining the group.

“Yes, it will be super fun getting to do a production we have never done before,” Mina said, impressed. “It was even more exciting seeing Risa keeping her cool with them.”

“Let’s just say, I deal with their kind all my life,” Risa simply replies.

“I see, so what did you think?” Cassidy asks.

“I know Sadie is a bit of a spit fire in her routines, but care to tell me more about the other two?” Risa asks, wanting to know more.

“From what I know Scarlett is the head diva of Dark. She is skilled with trapeze and tightrope but not like you. Even her magic is way more advanced than us. As for Ruby, she is also skillful in trapeze and magic, but she can never match Scarlett,” Cassidy explains.

“This will be an interesting show. I will see you later, and I want to come up with a new routine. Come on Melody,” Risa said, leaving.

“Alright, see you later,” Cassidy said.

Risa said she would want to go and practice, but what she really wanted was to go outside and catch her breath. Theo, notices Risa leaving and makes an excuse to Laurel to leave. “Hey, Laurel, how about we meet up at my apartment tonight? I want to practice with the others,” Theo said making up an excuse.

“Sure, I will see you tonight,” Laurel agrees.

“Ok, see you then,” Theo replies as he too walked out.

Risa is outside alone with Melody finally able to breathe.

“I forgot how exhausting it is to deal with rivals,” Risa points out.

“Well, at least they keep you on your toes,” Melody teases.

“I take it you were always alone when it came to training?” Melody asks.

“Yes, it is easier being alone and not caring about others,” Risa says.

“I guess not being in Dream is a bit different now,” a voice says.

Risa turns around to see Theo walking over to join her.

“Theo, what are you doing here?” Risa asked. “Melody, please leave, I will see you tomorrow for magic lessons.”

“Ok, have fun,” Melody says, leaving.

Once Melody was out of ear shot, they began to talk.

“So, about what you said earlier?”

“It was easier to be alone when I was performing. Now that I have met you, I am glad I got to meet some friends and I am happy. Also, should I add Stalker to the list,” Risa mocks.

“Call me whatever you want, but it will not change the way I feel about you,” Theo smoothly responses.

“What do you want?” Risa asks, getting impatient.

“All I wanted to say is that you sure knew how to handle Circus Dark, most of the time people are scared to stand up to them.”

“Why because of their dark magic?”

“That is part of it.”

“Yeah, I figured, well I came across them during competitions, so I kind of know what to deal with their attitudes,” Risa admits.

“Really, so what about guys hitting on you?”

“Yes, those too, now can you please not stand so close.”

“No, I kind of like the view,” Theo said, kissing her again.

“Stalker it is,” Risa said, punching him in the gut.

“Wow, you sure hit hard for a girl,” Theo said holding on to his stomach.

“Now, you know not to mess with me,” Risa said as she was walking in the dark alone.

Theo really is not giving up on her and will keep trying to win her heart.