Chapter 10: Teamwork

Three days have passed since the appearance of Circus Dark in Flora Unity City. The public announcement of this joint performance has not reached the public ears yet, but the news spread like wildfire and it appears the tickets have already sold out.

Meanwhile, Risa and Sara are in their dorm on a Saturday morning relaxing before heading over to Dream for some magic training. Since this next production will have the use of magic, the girls thought it would be best if they started their training as soon as possible. To pass the time, it seems Risa is catching up on some paperwork and Sara is reading a magazine in silence only to be interrupted by Sara’s sudden gasp.

“Wow, Risa, come look at this,” Sara said, calling Risa over.

“What is it?”

“It seems our joint performance has already made it in the magazines, and it seems it is already sold out.

“Strange, but we haven’t even promoted the show yet.”

“Maybe the Boss decided to announce it ahead of time, so people might be interested in watching the show,” Sara mentions.

“Perhaps, but it has only been three days since we met and decided to work on this show together,” Risa points out.

“Maybe, we won’t know until the show. Oh, look, there is an article about Theo and Laurel,” Sara points out.

“I could care less.”

“Am I detecting a hint of jealousy?”

“No, they are the currant faces of Dream, so if there is an article on them, I simply don’t care,” Risa admits.

“Right, whatever you say,” Sara says, checking her watch. “Oh, we better go before we are late.”

Risa quickly grabs her bag and heads out the door with Sara behind her. Now that they are part of Circus Dream, it seems their star meter went up, and a new fan club was formed. Most of the upperclassmen and lower classmen charge towards them wanting photos and autographs from before they are forgotten. They took a few minutes greeting them and before the next crowd showed up, they ran through the main gates and into the car.

“I am glad we called the car ahead of time before we had to walk to Dream in this cold weather,” Risa said, in relief.

“I agree. It sure is getting cold and I haven’t ordered winter clothing yet,” Sara said.

“I agree. I should make a note on that to call the designers to see if they have the new coats I ordered,” Risa agrees.

“If this show is going to be so magical, how are we going to perform in it? If we do not know how to use magic,” Sara says thinking of the idea.

“I am not sure, but maybe we can ask Cassidy and Mina for some help,” Risa suggests.

“Yes, that would be a good idea. I wonder what it would feel like when we are using magic.”

“I am not sure, but we will find out.”

After their conversation, the car came to a stop in front of the board for a walk after twenty minutes and they walked the rest of the way. They thank the driver and head inside to the lobby to greet their fairies. It seems they did not have to wait long as it seems their fairies were already waiting for them.

“Hello Melody,” Risa kindly greets her fairy.

Melody pauses for a moment, a bit surprised to see Risa being nice to her. “Risa, are you ok?” Risa lets out a laugh and says, “I am fine. I am just glad to see you. “Oh, I have been wishing you to be nice to me,” Melody says in tears. Then she comes over to hug Risa on her face and Risa reverts back to her mean self by shoving her away.

“Typical Risa,” Melody said, a bit sad.

“Clear, it is good to see you,” Sara greeted her fairy.

“Yes, it is good to see you too, but what brought you here?” Clear asks.

“Yes, as you know our next show will be using magic, so we were wondering if you could teach us how to use it,” Sara explains.

“Yes, of course, but we have to go to the garden to start your training,” Clear agrees.

“Yes, let’s go to the garden,” Melody excitedly says, as she flies away.

“Hey, what for us,” Risa shouts as she runs chasing after her fairy.

They quickly ran to the garden and accidentally bumped into Cassidy.

“Whoa, where is the fire littl’ darlin’?” Cassidy asks a bit surprised.

“Sorry Cassidy, we are starting our magic lessons today before Dark arrives, so we are heading to the garden,” Risa explains.

“By all means,” Cassidy said, keeping the portal open.

“Thank you,” Sara said kindly.

“Oh, don’t forget the photoshoot,” Cassidy reminded them.

“Don’t worry, we won’t,” Sara replies before the portal closes.

Now entering the portal to the Garden of the Fairies, they are excited to see where the fairies live in their temporary home.

“This garden is so beautiful. I can stay here forever,” Risa said, breathing in beauty.

“Yes, it is wonderful,” Sara agrees. “So filled with magic.”

“I know we are short on time, so I suggest today’s lesson we try summoning magic,” Melody instructs.

“Oh, so you will be teaching us?” Risa mocked her fairy.

“Of course I will be teaching you. I am the fairy of magical summoning after all,” Melody said, getting frustrated.

“I am sorry,” Risa apologizes.

“I forgive you. Now the first step is focusing on your core of magic, but most importantly is your belief in magic. Everyone has one, but now many people do not know about it. Begin with extending your hand and concentrate on it,” Melody instructed.

“Yes, and hold on to it as long as you can,” Clear orders.

Risa and Sara begin doing what Clear and Melody instructed as they focus as hard as they can to summon this magic. It takes a few minutes, but it seems Sara was able to achieve this first. She opens her eyes and sees a tiny orb floating in front of her, making her excited about it.

“Clear, I think I did it,” Sara said with great excitement, as her magic was illuminating a bright light.

“Indeed, you did. Congratulations,” Clear complimented.

“Thank you,” Sara said, blushing.

“And what about you two?” Clear said.

“I am not sure,” Risa said disappointed.

“Oh, I thought our bond was stronger than I thought,” Melody commented.

“My word, I have never seen a case like this, a human who cannot summon magic,” Queen Helena said, appearing before them observing the situation.

“Your Majesty, it is nice to see you again,” Risa kindly greeted her.

“Yes, greetings. Can you explain what happen?” Queen Helena asks.

“I am not too sure, your majesty. I did what Clear instructed us to do, but my magic did not appear,” Risa explains.

“Interesting. Interesting indeed,” Queen Helena said. “I can sense your magical connection is strong, but I can sense there is an emotional block.”

“I can sense it too, your majesty. How do we fix it?” Melody asks the queen.

“I believe it is up to Risa to figure it out and then maybe she can use magic,” Queen Helena asks.

“What about the show? If I cannot use magic, then I cannot be in the show,” Risa says wondering more about the show and not anything else.

“I believe you will be able to perform in the show with the help of Melody and your friends, so please do not worry about it,” Queen Helena says.

“Thank you, your majesty,” Risa kindly thanked the queen.

“Of course. Now I guess the next step to do is to make sure Risa can control borrowed magic,” Queen Helena purposed.

“Leave it to me your majesty,” Melody offers.

“I will. Now go ladies before you are late for rehearsal,” Queen Helena said, flying off.

“Yes, she is right, we better go,” Sara said, checking the time.

“Ok, I guess we will pick this up later Risa,” Melody said kindly.

“Yes, now we better go before we are late,” Risa said, racing out of the garden.

Sara joins Risa in the race to leave the Fairy Garden and return to Dream. It seems there was no point in catching up to Risa, as she has always been faster than Sara. “Come on you two, you are way behind,” Risa shouts, trying to pressure them. “We are coming, but you really should watch where you are going,” Sara said, shouting back. “What?” Risa shouts, turning around to see them, but she also runs into someone else.

“Whoa what is the rush,” someone said, catching Risa.

“Huh, oh sorry, wait for Theo,” Risa said, surprised. “What are you doing here? I thought you were promoting the show with Laurel.”

“I was, but I thought I would come by to see how things are going here before meeting up with her for dinner,” Theo slyly said.

“Oh, ok, thank you for catching me, but I think we have things under control, so see you later,” Risa manages to say.

“Take care and good luck with the photo shoot,” Theo said, before walking away.

“I get it now,” Sara said slyly.

“And that is?” Risa asked, annoyed with Sara’s observation.

“Never mind, let’s head to practice,” Sara said coving it up.

“Whatever,” Risa replies as they head to the training room.

“What is Risa’s problem?” Mina said, catching up to them.

“Theo,” Sara plainly replies.

“Oh, I get it,” Mina said, understanding.

Risa, Sara, Mina, and Cassidy continue to walk to the main stage as the others soon arrive at the main stage. “Thank you for coming for the first joint lesson with Circus Dark. It was not easy choosing the roles for this show, so I want all of you to make me proud. Do not forget the photo shoot will take place after your lessons this evening,” the boss said, leaving the room.

“Yes, sir,” everyone agrees.

“Alright, the main cast will be training on the mainstage with Dark while the rest of you will head to training room two, so please make your way there. After lessons, please head over to the dressing rooms for costume fittings for the photo shoot. That is all,” Kira, the stage director explains to the cast.

“It seems we have time before Dark appears, so how about a little bit of fun,” Cassidy suggests, excited to get started.

“Yeah, let’s go,” Mina said excitedly about it.

The girls break for the stage and start jumping on the trampoline having fun and others jump to catch the nearest trapeze to fly in the sky. The cast on the trapeze twists, turns, flies, and even catches each other from falling. Laughter can be heard as they soar and do not care who will be watching. They even manage to catch each other, tossing each other high in the air, catching the opposite trapeze. Then without realizing it, they were putting on a mini show. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves without care in the world. They were about to begin a different routine but are interrupted by a cold front feeling.

“And here I thought this was supposed to be joint practice,” Scarlett commented.

“Glad you can make it. We didn’t think you would show up,” Risa said, jumping off the trapeze.

“Yes, well, we were held up in a meeting, so shall we get started?” Scarlett said she was taking her position.

“Very well, let’s begin,” Cassidy said, joining them on stage.

“Since this is a joint performance, I suggest we focus on knowing our strengths and weaknesses, so we can be paired off. Now let’s get started,” Cassidy suggests.

“Very well,” Scarlett reluctantly agrees.

“Laurel paired up with Scarlett. Mina and Ruby. Risa and Sadie. You may begin,” Cassidy said, giving orders.

Laurel and Scarlett walk to the ladders on the opposite ends, climbing to the highest platform ready to jump. They both grab the trapeze and begin to fly in the sky. It seems their entrance looked flawless, but it seems Laurel was about ten seconds off in the timing with Scarlett. As they continue performing their unique stunts, they were completely off in their timing. It just goes to show divas are on an entirely different level than everyone else.

“Ok, that is enough. Mina and Ruby, you are next,” Cassidy ordered.

The two wait for Laurel and Scarlett to come down, so they can have your turn. Once everything is clear, they go up to perform their routines. Mina, maybe talented, but she has difficultly caught up to Ruby. Ruby is at a whole different level with her fearless and dangerous stunts making her a wild performer in everyone’s eyes. It seems Mina will not be a perfect partner for her.

“Righ’, is this a train’ or a competition? We are here to work as a team. Risa, Sadie, Head up there now,” Cassidy said, getting a bit impatient.

Mina and Ruby head down the ladder, so Risa and Sadie can take her turn. It seems Risa decides to let Sadie go first before joining him. Sadie starts out her routine with a little wilder style than the other two with her routines, of intense jumping, spinning, and wildly flying high in the sky. When Risa sees an opening, she jumps in and begins mimicking her moves and improving them a little bit more.

“Hey, those are my moves,” Sadie said, a bit jealous.

“Ruby, Scarlett, please head up and join them up there. There is something I need to see,” Cassidy orders.

Ruby and Scarlett quickly jump on the trampoline and grab a trapeze above them. Risa quickly avoids their entrance by jumping on Sadie’s trapeze and jumps on the next trapeze. Now with four ladies on stage, the test really begins. Risa performs a high back flip twist, along with a shift turn gracefully. Scarlett joins her by performing a series of wild and fearless flips and turns. When it came to Sadie, she was performing any moves she could think of, and Rudy did the same thing with her fearless handstands with twists and turns before joining Scarlett in her routine. It really does show Risa can easily mimic their routines again, and it shows how she really is a prodigy.

“Ok, thank you ladies, you can come down now. I think I might come up with an idea,” Cassidy said thinking this through.

“Right, ok, thank you, for your amazing work. Now here is the lineup, Risa. Aside from your solo routine, you will be performing with the Dark Ladies. Laurel, Sara, and Mina, you will be performing with me in the Witch Queen act. The stunts are a bit advancing, but that is what training is for. Now I suggest all of you get cleaned up as the photo shoot will start in one hour,” Cassidy explains, before leaving the room.

“Nice performance out there, just like I remember from before,” Scarlett actually complimented Risa.

“Thanks, you are not bad about yourself,” Risa complimented back.

“See you soon, come along ladies,” Scarlett said, calling the others to follow her.

“Cassidy, I am wondering since the costumes are not ready for the show, then why have this photo shoot to begin with?” Sara asks.

“Oh, right, well, our lovely Tess is getting right on it, but we do have some similar outfits in the costume room, for the photo shoot, so it should be fine. Now go and get dressed,” Cassidy instructs.

“Right, let’s go,” Risa said heading out of the stage.

Risa and the other girls made their way to the costume room to be fitted in their temporary outfits. “I wonder what these outfits will look like. I hope they are elegant,” Sara asks, wondering. “Always worried about the details,” Risa teases.

“What? Details are important and we are royal after…”

“Do not say anything. We may come from rich families, but they do not exactly know about our real background,” Risa whispers her warning to Sara.

“Sorry,” Sara whispers back.

“Is something wrong?” Mina asks.

“No nothing.” They said at the same time.

“Right whatever,” Mina said back.

In a few minutes, they arrive at the costume room, and it seems it was pretty busy with designers working hard to come up with designs for the outfits or adjusting the outfits for the photoshoot. “Wow, I have never seen a costume room so busy before. I guess this show really is going to be the highlight of the season,” Risa said, observing performers going in and out.

“It really is going to be something,” Mina replies excitedly.

“Ah, good ladies you have arrived. I picked out a few outfits for you to try on, so pick what you like and get dressed quickly,” a worker said, fitting a different girl.

“Oh, this is going to be fun, come on Risa,” Mina said with great excitement as she is dragging Risa along with her.

“Mina, please let go,” Risa begs, trying to run from the Mina.

“Oh, try this on,” Mina said, throwing an outfit at Risa and shoving her into the dressing room. “Oh, and here you are Sara.” Mina said, handing her an outfit.

“Thank you,” Sara said kindly.

Risa and Sara quickly changed to their outfits, but only to find out they were not to their liking. The costumes were similar to the old court jester outfits with different diamond patterns along with a bell hat and similar to which out with black ruffles in the end.

“Mina, we are supposed to be getting photographs of these costumes they are hideous,” Risa complains showing it off.

“No not with those, but with these,” Mina said, using some magic to alter them a bit.

“Thank you, Mina, that is much better,” Risa said, loving the outfit even better.

The outfit Mina changed looked more elegant. Risa changed into a full- length black dress with wavy ruffles at the end along with diamond shape prints around the dress, opera gloves, matching strapless high heels, and a witch’s hat. Sara’s outfit changed into the same outfit as Risa’s, but it is red with black diamonds.

“You two look great. Now you are ready for the photo shoot,” Mina complimented.

“Thank you, Mina,” Risa says checking out the outfit.

Then suddenly the door opens.

“Oh, good you are dressed. Risa, please head to studio two. They are ready for you,” Miniki informs Risa.

“Thank you. I will head there now,” Risa responds.

“See you later, Sara,” Risa said, walking out.

“Ok, see you in a bit,” Sara said.

As Risa is heading to the photo department, she bumps into Theo.

“Oh, I am sorry. Huh, Theo, what are you doing here? I thought you were having dinner with Laurel,” Risa asks, surprised.

“We came back early to check out the photo shoot,” Theo replies.

“Right, now you can leave,” Risa said, walking away.

“Wait. The real reason I came back early is to see you,” Theo admits.

“That is sweet, Theo, but I am late for my shoot, and you really have to forget about me.”

“Why?”

“Why? You have a girlfriend. I told you before I am willing to be friends with you.” Risa soon walks away while leaving something for Theo to look forward to. “I will leave you with this-I do have feelings for you, but I am not ready yet,” Risa confesses.

“You do, then you do not mind if I do this…” Theo said, grabbing Risa and kissing her.

The kiss seems so real to her like is something she always wanted.

Before anyone spots them, Risa shoves him away.

“Whoa, what was that for?”

“Do you want everyone to see us?”

“I do not think they will care?”

“Well, I would. Just promise me you will not tell anyone.”

“I promise.”

“Good, I better go now.”

“I will escort you,” Theo offers.

“No thank you,” Risa denies his offer and walks away.

After her small romantic episode, it seems this kiss stays in her head as it is making her feel something from long ago. At least, this helps her distract her from the idea to be photographed with the “Three Witch Divas” and doing this show with them too.

When she opens the door to studio two, flashes of cameras were going off every few seconds and photographers giving instructions to the performers as they show off their costumes. Risa watches the photoshoot, and she remembers how much she hated being in the spotlight.

“Ok, thank you ladies. Now is Risa here?” The photographer asks.

“Yes, I am here,” Risa replies.

“It’s about time. We can finally get this show on the road,” Sadie said impatiently.

“Easy Sadie, we do not want to scare away our little toy,” Scarlett warns.

“I know, but we have been waiting for her for a while,” Sadie points out.

“Right, thank you for waiting and I am sorry for the wait, so should we get started?” Risa said, jumping in.

“Fine by me,” Scarlett agrees.

“Alright, ladies please head to the stage,” the photographer orders.

The girls followed his orders and went on stage.

“Ok, Risa stand in the front. The rest of you surround her,” the photographer orders.

“Ok, nice. Oh good, ok. Please pose for the camera. Smile. Good. Good. Excellent ladies. You are fabulous. OK, good, now ladies please leave the stage. Ok Risa, pose and smile, you are amazing. The camera loves you. Good now, show me your wicked side. Amazing. Ok, everyone returns to the stage, not all together. Please show me your good side. Excellent. Ok, thank you, ladies, you are amazing,” the photographer orders.

“She really is talented in front of the camera,” Mina said, admiring her.

“Yes, and beautiful too. Huh Mina,” Theo said, a bit surprised, seeing her next to him.

“I knew you loved her. Better hope Laurel does not find out,” Mina teases.

“Thank you, ladies, that was perfect,” the photographer said, finally dismissing them. “The photos will be ready in a few days for your approval.”

“I'd better get going,” Theo said before Risa spots him.

“That sure was exhausting,” Risa commented.

“Yes, it sure was. I am surprised you are still great in front of the camera since you retired,” Scarlett said, pretending to act surprised.

“Yes, well, that was a long time ago,” Risa admits.

“Well, it suits you. See you in rehearsal,” Scarlett said, walking away.

As the demon sisters are leaving the room, Risa checks her phone, and she receives a text from an old friend. “I have some news. Check your e-mail. – C.”

Risa did not have a second thought, quickly changes to her street outfit and races outside to get into the car to drive back to the academy. Sara stayed behind for some magic training and Risa sent the car for her to come home. When she returns to her dorm and checks her email to see something she never wanted to see. It was something in her past she wanted to forget.

A week later, the photos first went through Dream and Dark for approval, and it did not take long for the photos to appear online and throughout the city. “The photos look great,” Melody said enjoying viewing the pictures. “I am glad you are enjoying them. At least they sent us proof before printing them,” Risa said kindly.

“I am,” Melody said kindly. “I am going to keep them in my room.”

“I am happy for you Melody, but how are we going to perform without magic? Risa asks.

“We are coming up with a solution. Now shall we get back to rehearsal,” Melody advises.

“Yes, let’s get to it,” Risa agrees.

Risa drops the magazine and heads up to the tight rope.

“Ok, Risa since your routine requires the use of a wand, then you can use this for now,” Melody said handing Risa a prop wand.

“Thank you,” Risa said, ready to jump.

Since tightrope rope routines are different that the trapeze, the movements had to be more graceful and fast. Risa begins jumping with one foot high in the sky gracefully turning and jumps on the other foot while spinning her wand spreading pixie dust. She jumps high spinning to the next tightrope as she quickly dances and does one final jump landing on one foot.

“That was amazing, Risa. Did you come up with that routine all on your own?” Melody asks while cheering her on.

“Yes, sort of,” Risa admits.

“You are amazing,” Melody said, cheerfully saying with great cheer.

“Ok, that is good, keep it up,” Cassidy said.

“Ok, Risa, you are up. Dark girls head up on standby,” Cassidy orders.

“Coming Cassidy,” Risa said, running up to the ladders.

“Right, ladies, let’s go,” Scarlett said, heading up as well.

As the lights dim, Risa begins her routine. She begins the same routine as before with Melody by her side only this time trying to make no mistakes. The Dark witches appear few minutes later while Risa takes the lead. Since the routine is routine is to showcase their own skills, each girl performs their own routine and join together in the center with their wands tossed in the air catching them in the air setting the stage for the Witch Queen to appear.

“That was beautiful ladies, well done. Risa, your solo act was simply amazin’ keep it up. Alrigh’ ladies, good work on your routines, you are going to make this show a success. Rest up. You are all dismissed,” Cassidy said, informing everyone.

Risa and the others jump down and get ready to leave.

Laurel and Theo enter the training room to practice their routine after Cassidy’s routine. Theo swiftly passes by Risa and whispers, “Beautiful.” With that one word, it made her blush.

“So, Risa, is there anywhere we can go to hang out,” Scarlett asks.

“Um…you might want to ask Sara. I have a meeting to get to. See you at the next rehearsal,” Risa said, heading out rather quickly.

“Right, see you later,” Scarlett said.

“Yeah,” Risa said, walking out.

“I never thought you would be so nice. I thought you were going to challenge her to a fight,” Sadie said observing Scarlett.

“Not now she is not ready yet,” Scarlett whispered as she was leaving.

The day ends with performers training or doing their own thing for the rest of the day and mysteries need to be solved.

After many days of rehearsals and working with Team Dark, it appears the show is ready to enter the final rehearsal before opening day.

“Everyone, this is our last chance to catch any mistakes, so do your best,” Laurel said, trying to be supportive.

“Right!” The cast shouts in agreement.

“Hey Risa, what’s wrong? You seem a bit out of it,” Sara asks with worry.

“I am fine. I just got an email from Charles a few days ago,” Risa vaguely explains.

“I see. It must be one heck of an email if it is bothering you so much,” Sara points out.

“Never mind, let’s get back to work,” Risa said, changing the subject as she is walking to the stage to begin her performance.

“Good you came. Ready?” Scarlett said, heading to the stage.

Risa quickly follows Scarlett and the others to the stage to rehearse their roles.

“Alright ladies, please show me your performance. Only this time will you be performing with your wands,” Laurel said ordering them around, handing them their wands.

They each grab their wands and climb up the ladder to begin their routine.

As always, Risa being in the center twirling around, jumping high, spreading the sparks in the sky and lands on her hands to twirl her legs. Sadie jumps above her and on to the top tightrope as she spreads her sparks. Scarlett and Ruby on the trapeze jumping high in the air to perform the routine together. They continue on the performance from where it originally starts and continue on from there.

“Looking for good ladies. Keep it up,” Laurel said, giving words of encouragement.

Risa and the others continue their routine for the next few minutes until the lights blink to signal their routine is over. Theo and Laurel along with some other cast make their way to the stage to rehearse their scenes.

“Nice job out there,” Ruby complimented.

“Thank, that sure was not easy,” Risa said, catching her breath.

“Indeed. You really are a great performer,” Scarlett said, complementing Risa.

“You were amazing as well,” Risa responds quickly.

“Alright enough chatting we have a rehearsal to get to,” Laurel said rudely interrupted.

“Sorry, miss diva,” Risa replied, walking away.

Theo passes by and freezes Risa on the spot. Quickly Risa regains her posture and walks out of the staging area waiting for Sara.

“Oh, la, it seems the prince is getting to you,” Melody teases.

“If you know what is good for you, you will shut up,” Risa threatened.

“I am sorry,” Melody said, apologizing.

“Oh, sorry for making you wait,” Sara said, running to Risa.

“It's fine, I just finished a little while ago,” Risa said kindly.

“Right, should we head home since we do have a big day opening tomorrow,” Sara suggests.

“Sure, I am a bit tired,” Risa replies.

“Alright, see you tomorrow Clear,” Sara said, saying good-bye to Clear.

“Yes, see you tomorrow,” Clear said, hugging Sara’s face.

“See you tomorrow, Melody,” Risa plainly says.

“See you tomorrow. I cannot wait to perform with you,” Melody said excitedly.

“Goodnight,” Risa said as her final good-bye.

“We sure got lucky with our friends,” Clear says to herself.

“Yes, I really love Risa,” Melody said.

“Let’s head inside before the queen begins to worry,” Clear suggests.

The two fairies returned inside while Risa and Sara got into the car heading back to school excited about tomorrow’s opening day.