Chapter 11: The Witching Hour

Tonight is the grand opening of the “Witching Hour.” The circus has been working nonstop putting up decorations for the big show tonight. The residents of the city are also busy at work decorating the entire city for the Halloween Festival happening later tonight.

Since it is Halloween, all the schools have this day off to enjoy the festival. As for Risa, she skips the festivities and usually uses this day to catch up with schoolwork. She will really need to catch up since she will be performing tonight at Dream.

As usual, Sara has to be the voice of reasoning to snap Risa out of her funk and have some fun once in a while.

“Come on, Risa, are you going to work all day or are we going to have some fun,” Sara complains as she is stretching on her bed.

“I am almost done. I have this last file to look over before I send it out to the clubs,” Risa said while working.

“Fine but hurry up before we miss the beginning of the festival,” Sara said, eager to get out. “Besides, the fairies are probably waiting for us too.”

“Alright. Ok, send and done. Ready to leave,” Risa said, hitting her final click on her laptop and turning it off.

“Finally,” Sara whispers.

“Why do you have to say it that way? You know I get busy around the holidays,” Risa defends herself as she gets her bag from the chair.

“I know, but it would not hurt to have some fun,” Sara protests.

“Which is why we are going out right now before heading to work,” Risa replies already heading out the door.

“Wait for me!” Sara shouts as she heads out the door.

Risa and Sara left their dorm, joining the other students in the school’s festival filled with activities. The first thing they did was throw fake heads at bottles to win prizes. Next was playing a ring toss game with figures as the goal. After the games, they went over to the food stands to grab some food while exploring the rest of the festival. The last thing they did was tour the haunted house where at least five different clubs joined together to make. It is a normal haunted house where monsters and decorations fill the entire walkway with creepy decorations to scare everyone. It seems it was not scary for Risa or Sara, but the girls that joined them earlier were scared out of their wits. Risa let out a little laugh and walked out rather quickly.

Once it was over, it is now time to head to Dream for their performance.

“Phew, that sure was fun,” Sara said, catching her breath.

“Yes, but I think the haunted house needed more work,” Risa comments.

“Oh, you sure are cold hearted,” Sara teases.

“Well, it wasn’t scary and it needed work,” Risa said, ready to leave.

“Yes, let’s go,” Sara said following Risa’s lead.

Since it was too dark to walk to Dream, Risa called her driver to meet them at the main school gate, so they could drive over to Dream. It only took about ten minutes for the driver to arrive. Sara and Risa both entered the car, and they were off to Dream.

As the car drives through the city, Risa and Sara enjoy the view of the decorations and how much the city loves this holiday.

“Wow, it sure is beautiful. I cannot wait to see what Dream dreamt up for the show,” Sara said excitedly, dreaming about it.

“Yes, me too,” Risa replies with such misery.

Upon arriving at Dream, they were surprised how different it looks with all the new decorations for this holiday. The bridge is decorated with amazing Halloween decorations of pumpkins, skeletons, and huge black cats filling the area with creepiness. There are people selling goods and putting shows for the guests before the real show begins. Risa and Sara step out of the car to view this amazing site.

“Wow, this is amazing,” Sara said with a big smile on her face.

“Yeah, amazing,” Risa said, a bit shocked at what she was seeing.

After walking through the decorations, it seems Risa is actually enjoying herself, but it was interrupted by her pesty friend Melody.

“Risa!” Melody shouts as she is flying full speed towards Risa.

As always Risa dodges her greeting.

“Hello Melody. Aren’t you supposed to be inside?” Risa said, greeting her fairy.

“Yes, but I was asked to get you two,” Melody explains.

“Really, what for?” Sara asks politely.

“To get you ready for the performance of course,” Melody chimes in.

“Right, we better get going,” Risa agrees as she heads inside.

“Risa, what’s wrong?” Sara asks worriedly.

“Nothing. We have a show to do,” Risa said, ignoring this strange feeling.

As they enter Dream, it is busy as ever getting ready for the show. Workers running left and right carrying last minute accessories to the stage before the guests arrive. Performers heading to the dressing rooms to get changed or waiting in the wings stretching ready for their scene in the performance. It was literally a circus in there which surprises Risa.

“Ladies, there is no time to gawk. We have to get you dressed,” Clear said, being the voice of reasoning.

“Right, ok,” Risa said, coming back to her senses.

“Yes, I am excited to see the new outfits,” Sara agrees, continuing to walk.

As they are walking to the dressing room, Risa sees Theo walking with Laurel, but for a spilt second, stare at each other, and exchange smiles before Laurel takes him away.

“See something interesting?” Sara asks teasingly.

“No, nothing,” Risa said, covering her smile.

Then Risa and Sara finally arrive at the dressing room to change into their costumes.

“Oh, it’s about time you two show up,” Cassidy said, greeting them.

“Sorry, we had something to take care of,” Risa explains.

“That is alright. You are a busy littl’ girl,” Cassidy said, brushing it off.

“Right, well, let’s get ready. The show is about to start,” Mina said, chiming in.

The girls each went to separate stalls with their outfits to change. Risa being the first to finish is greeted by Melody. “Oh, Risa, your outfit is so cute,” Melody said praising the outfit.

“Save it for later, help me with the zipper,” Risa said, getting a bit impatient.

“Sorry, ok done,” Melody said a bit sad.

“Thank you. Melody. I love your outfit too,” Risa said apologizing.

“Wow Risa, you look great in that outfit,” Sara complimented.

“Yes, and so do you,” Risa replied.

“Don’t forget about us,” Mina said, coming out.

“Yes, you all look lovely. Now let’s get this show on the road,” Risa said, ready to go.

“Now we better head on to the stage,” Melody said, being cheerful again.

“Yes, let’s go,” Risa agrees while being the first one out.

Risa and the girls left the dressing room to join the others waiting in the wings for the show to start.

Meanwhile, Laurel comes walking in with Theo excited about today.

“Theo, were you looking at Risa earlier?”

“No, I only have eyes for you,” Theo said, covering up his earlier action by kissing Laurel’s cheek.

“Good because if I find out you have feelings for her then we are done for good,” Laurel warns, sounding a bit jealous.

“Don’t worry that is not going to happen,” Theo reassures her by kissing her.

“You are such a charmer. Now let’s hope we can pull off a good show even with those witches around.”

“Yeah, me too,” Theo plainly says turning the other way.

Theo sees Risa with the other girls and his only thought he had was Risa looking good in her outfit. As for Risa, she is trying to get used to her new costume.

“Risa, can you stop fidgeting with your dress? You look great,” Mina said, trying to get her to stop.

“I am sorry, but I am not used to performing in this kind of outfit,” Risa said, trying to put her dress down.

Risa’s outfit consist of; a witch’s hat, a short midnight blue and black mini dress with sparkles on it, tip less gloves of opposite length also blue and black, black over the knee socks, and black and blue opposite length boots. To complete this outfit, a magic wand with a star on top is given to her for the show.

“Well, I think you look cute in your outfit,” Cassidy complements.

“Thank you, but I would much rather wear yours. You look amazing,” Risa complimented.

“Thank you, darlin’, but I don’t think you want to wear this outfit after seeing the routine I came up with,” Cassidy warns.

“I will keep that in mind,” Risa teases.

“Oh, right, we almost forgot. Risa, hold out your wand,” Mina said, coming in.

“What for?” Risa asks, confused.

“We have to channel some magic to your wand, so you can perform your routines on stage with us,” Mina explains holding out her own wand.

“I totally forgot about that,” Cassidy said, ready to take action.

Mina and Cassidy touch Risa’s wand with their own wands and begin pouring a small amount of magic into the wand.

“Right, that should do it for tonight’s performance,” Mina said, a bit exhausted.

“Thank you. I cannot wait for this to be over,” Risa said hoping to end this quickly.

“Hey, Risa, you look great in that outfit,” Sadie kindly compliments.

“Thank you, Sadie. You look great in red,” Risa said, returning the compliment.

“Thanks,” Sadie said, as she shows off her outfit similar to Risa’s.

“Yes, I guess the costume designer did not make a total disaster with this outfit,” Scarlett replies, taking her position.

“Hey, watch what you say about our design team. They work very hard to make our costumes and they are praised around the world,” Cassidy warns the witches.

“Ok, sorry. They are lovely for your circus,” Scarlett replies.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Risa asks, a bit annoyed.

“Nothing,” Scarlett replies back.

“This is not the time. Now get to your positions,” Cassidy warns breaking up the fight.

“Sorry, my lady,” the girls said as they were making their way to the stage.

“Come on Risa, we have to get into position,” Sara said, grabbing Risa and heading to their part of the stage.

“Risa!” Melody said happily.

“You look cute,” Theo complimented Risa.

“I can say the same thing to you. You look handsome in your outfit,” Risa said, returning the compliment.

Theo is in an all-black button sleeveless shirt with matching pants and shoes.

“Thank you. You are beautiful too,” Theo complimented.

“Yes, you said that already. Anyways, you better hurry to the stage because the show is about to start,” Risa warns, hoping Laurel did not hear Theo’s compliment to her.

“Theo, come along; you do not want to be caught flirting with the rookies,” Laurel said, dissing Risa and her friends.

“Right, have a good performance,” Theo calls out as he is walking away with Laurel.

“Thank you,” Risa calls back.

“Honestly Theo, stop wasting your time with a wash out,” Laurel rudely commented.

“She is not a bad person. You should give her some credit to come back on stage after what happened to her,” Theo said, defending Risa.

“It does not matter what she went through. If a performer quits, then she is a quitter for life,” Laural remarks.

Oh, Laurel, your way of thinking surely has changed,” Theo remarks.

“Whatever, just remember who you are with,” Laurel said, as she kissed Theo’s lips.

“I know,” Theo said, kissing Laurel on the cheek.

“Alright everyone, the show is going to start in five minutes. Please make your way to your starting positions on stage,” the stage director announces.

“It is time,” Sara said a bit nervously.

Hurriedly, the performers head to their positions ready to begin the show.

The stage is filled with darkness, and the arena is quiet. Then suddenly two lights appear revealing the owners of the two circuses.

“Hello and welcome to Circus of Dreams and Circus Dark first ever joint performance for this year’s Halloween event,” the boss said.

“Yes, we are eager to get started, so without further ado, please enjoy “The Witching Hour!” Cassandra Dark shouts as they both disappear into the darkness.

The first act begins in a dark forest covered in darkness with trees with crooked branches reaching high above covering any hope of light from entering. All seem lost in the grove, as they wait for a miracle to come. The court jesters from both Dream and Dark appear dressed in mismatched costumes decorated with the four suits of the cards to begin dancing and performing tricks around the grove showing there is nothing but darkness feeling the air.

Then Sara and Mina, along with two other pairings, accompanied by their fairies, come on stage to begin their routine. The stage crew releases the trapezes, so the three pairings begin their routine. Sara and Mina begin with both of them jumping together to the next trapeze in perfect synchronization. With the help of their fairies, they begin spreading confetti all around the stage, continuing to dance together on the trapezes. The other pairs join in on the duet by performing the same routine with a few step changes as they spread the confetti. They fly high above the trapezes, creating something magical.

As the pairs continue performing, they are reaching the end of the first act. Sara and Mina with the other two pairs each grab their own trapeze and begin swinging each other as fast as they can. They manage to gain enough momentum to fly off the trapeze, cartwheeling in the air, and flying down to the ground only to land on top of the trees. And with the flick of their wands, they brought the grove back to life.

The crowd cheered and applause enjoying the first part of the show.

Sara and Mina race backstage taking a short break.

“Wow, Sara, your performance was beautiful,” Risa complimented.

“Thank you, Risa. Well, I better go change for the next act,” Sara quickly said before running to the dressing rooms.

“Alright, see you soon,” Risa shouts back.

“Everyone who is performing in act two, please standby!” The stage director announces.

“I hope you enjoy our part of the show,” Scarlett said, walking by Risa.

As the Dark girls walked by, Risa noticed their outfits were bit too revealing. The outfits have matching witches' hat, wrap dresses in black, blue, and purple, matching boots, gloves, and wands.

Act two begins with the stage cover in darkness and sparks around the stage. Then the jesters for Dark appear beginning to dance around the stage a bit wildly. A few minutes later, the Dark witches jumping on the trampoline wildly over each other and jump once again only this time grabbing the trapezes opposite of them. Then on the trapezes they quickly jump over each other, grabbing the other trapezes opposite of them. Then they continue performing wildly and for free but seem to be doing well. Then they move on flying high in the sky jumping through the hoop trapeze and catching each other and tossing them high above the trapeze.

“Wow, they really are daredevils,” Sara said a bit surprised as she was watching them.

“Yes, I forget they are the most daring circus around,” Risa replies.

“Good luck,” Theo whispers to Risa, as he walks to the stage to begin his performance.

The act continues on as the Dark witches continue to fly wildly jumping with their fairies' spreading sparks and with one last leap into the air the Dark girls finish their routine with creepy kitty smile and posing as they were each landing on separate trapezes to be lifted up in the sky.

Act two scenes begin with Laurel’s and Theo’s last minute addition duet scene to complete the act. They appear on the tight rope together dancing the waltz gracefully. Theo twirls Laurel around like he has done always together. As they continue to dance, Theo twirls Laurel around tossing her up to the trapeze. Theo joins her on the trapeze and continues their dance. They dance on the trapeze and then they both gracefully jump on to opposite trapezes. Theo and Laurel jump, spin, and perform on the trapeze like they are meant to be.

“They look good together huh,” Mina teases.

“Yes, they do. I better get into position,” Risa said a little sad and heading to the ladder to get to her spot on the high stage.

Theo and Laurel enter their final dance on the trapeze they are swinging high on the trapeze. They both gaining speed and as soon as they had enough momentum release themselves from the trapeze landing on the high stage on opposite sides ending their routine. Theo lands at the spot where Risa is standing and surprises her. He quickly comes close and kisses her lips. Then he whispers, “For luck.” Risa stunned about the kiss almost misses her entrance, quickly runs off the stage and dives down to the tightrope to begin her routine.

Act three begins with twirling with one foot holding her wand gracefully and makes a black flip and doing cartwheels on the thin rope. Then jumps on to the next tight rope and does a one handstand and back flips to the next tight rope. Risa then spins faster and faster on the tightrope. The trapezes came down, and it is now time to start with the second part of the act to begin. Risa presses hard on the tightrope and jumps through the circle trapeze grabbing it with one leg and poses gracefully with her wand.

“Wow, Risa really is amazing,” Theo comments.

“As if.” Laurel said, a bit jealous of Risa’s routine.

Risa begins spinning on the trapeze as fast as she can and flies to the trapeze closest and catches it with one hand. Then she swings herself up to the trapeze and begins to swing with a bit more speed. Melody joins in the performance while dancing with Risa. She jumps off the trapeze and does a horizontal twist with a front flip catching the next trapeze while spreading the magic sparks with Melody.

“I swear she is just showing off,” Scarlett said a bit more jealous than Laurel.

Risa’s last solo act is jumping on the trapeze and jumping to a different trapeze, jumping high above the sky. Then lands on the tight rope and jumps high, spinning wildly and does the splits between in the air. She slowly lands on the tight rope, ending her solo.

Her routine is not done yet.

Three lights appear on the stage as the Dark Witches return on swinging trapezes high above her. Scarlett is the first to enter the stage by jumping through the circle trapeze and holding on to it. Then she performs on the circle trapeze until she swiftly swings herself on the upcoming trapeze Ruby is swing in. Ruby and Scarlett on the same trapeze, they perform together on one trapeze. Holding hands and tossing one another while Ruby jumps on the next trapeze and Scarlett on a different one. Sadie joins the three of them in the sky with her own unique star shaped trapeze.

Risa joins Sadie on a different star-shaped trapeze and begins some form of dance. Since this part is somewhat free style, the girls did their own routines. Risa and Sadie are dancing and jumping around the star trapezes. They are not easy to perform on, but it is a lot of fun to use.

Scarlett and Ruby continued their routine until it was almost time to end their routine. Risa decides to do a split-second adlib where she jumps on to the highest trapeze, as she spreads lights in the sky. The other girls did the same and followed their leader up to the trapeze with one final pose. Their scene concludes and act four will soon begin.

“You really are something Risa. I can see now the stage loves you and you love it,” Scarlett said in between breathes.

“Thank you. That was exciting,” Risa replies, catching her breath too.

“The final act is about to start. We better get into ourthe position,” Sadie says, heading to her position.

The fourth and final act of the show is when the real witching hour soon begins. This is the real act of the “Witching Hour.” Before Cassidy makes her entrance on to the stage, Theo and Laurel come in. They come into the stage with the trapeze and suddenly disappear revealing the tight ropes. They begin performing on the tight ropes like an elegant pair of. Then comes Mina and Sara flying down and gracefully land on the tight rope. Each partner pair begins dancing and jumping while gracefully spreading around magical orbs floating in the air.

Five minutes to twelve, and they continue performing. Theo switches with Laurel and begins performing with Sara. Sara blushed with the sudden change but decided to follow Theo’s lead. He tosses Sara high and poses gracefully in the air alongside Laurel. They continue to perform back flips, spinning, and all sorts of things making their routine magical.

When the clock's hand strikes twelve, everyone paused in their place and posed to await what comes after the clock strikes twelve. Once the final strike chime, a magic door opens, and the Witch Queen appears. Cassidy appears in her amazingly beautiful witch costume. Her costume consists of a witch’s hat, a witch outfit blue and black and a bit revealing all over her body. Her witch shoes are amazing too and it was great.

Cassidy begins by jumping high on the tight rope and begins dancing. She spins and twirls around dancing like a beautiful angel. Cassidy continues to perform her stunts until she gets enough momentum to begin her famous routine. Theo knows her signal and joins her in her routine. They jump high together and in one spilt second, she manages to pull off her signature move, Spiral High Jump. It impressed the crowd and when she posed with Theo.

As the witching hour continues, all the performers made their way back to the stage to perform. Risa and the Dark Witches, sky dived back on the stage blasting the magic orbs sending blinding lights on stage. Theo notices Risa flying in and joins her on the tight rope. Theo quickly kisses Risa as the lights blind everyone to see.

Risa jumps on the tight rope to a trapeze, continuing to shatter the magic orbs.

Mina and the rest of the cast follow Risa’s lead continuing to shatter the orbs and fireworks filling the stage ending the show.

Risa leaves the stage when it goes dark and quickly heads to the dressing room to change before the fans show up wanting her autograph. She manages to sneak off and hide out by the docks before anyone sees her.

Sara did not see Risa in the dressing room after they left the stage, so she decided to send her a text to see where she was and why she left so suddenly.

“Where are you?”

(Beep. Beep.

“I am outside by the docks.”

“Ok, I will meet you there.”

Sara soon leaves the dressing room and quickly meets up with Risa.

“Oh, Risa, there you are.”

“Hi Sara.”

“Why did you leave suddenly? There is going to be a party for our success tonight.”

“I will pass on it.”

“Why is it going to be fun?”

“Because I want to avoid Theo.”

“Theo? Why?”

“Because he kissed me again tonight. Not once, but twice.”

“Really when?”

“Once before my performance and the second in the final act of the show.”

“Really? He sure is clever. He really does like you.”

“Shut up. Come on, we better head home and get some sleep for tomorrow.

“Right. Sure. Let’s go.”

The second day went without a hitch and a huge success. This time Risa manages to avoid Theo trying to kiss her again by jumping over him and adlibbing a jump or two to her routine to avoid him at all costs.

The final day of the show was the best because now Theo was not in the way of her routine and the fact she could perform without distractions. At the end, Circus Dream will finally have a break from Circus Dark. “I really enjoyed working with you, Risa. I hope to see you again soon,” Scarlett comments.

“Me too. Maybe I can visit your circus one day,” Risa replies.

“Indeed. Take care,” Scarlett replies.

The Dark Witches exit the stage, and Risa soon follows five minutes later.

“Well, everyone since our show was a huge success, I am giving all of you two weeks off, now go and enjoy them,” the boss says before heading to his office.

“Right, Theo, we should go somewhere fun this time,” Laurel suggests.

“I think I am going to stay here. You can take one of the girls if you want,” Theo replies as he is gawking at the direction Risa left.

“You better watch out, littl’ brother,” Cassidy whispers as she passes by.

The night ends with their celebratory party while others decided to go into the city to enjoy what is left of the Halloween Festival.