Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Come one! Come all! For one night only the Circus will be coming to your town! Come and be a part of the crowds to experience excitement and thrills you’ve never felt before! Bring your family and friends, and let your eyes be dazzled! So please, join us under the stars for a night you shall never forget!

“A circus? Just what is that exactly?” Asks the little filly.

Earlier this morning she hopped out of her bed without even bothering to brush her yellow coat or her puffy red mane. Although, it’s not like she’s the kind of girl that obsesses over her appearance like any other. She did however tie her big pink bow in her hair to show she at least had done something this morning. She didn’t know why, but today she felt this sudden anxiousness and energy about her. Perhaps because it was the first day in a while that the sun was able to warm up the air. She had been walking with a young colt, maybe a couple years older than herself, whom she had just met near the neighboring forest. He had been walking around with a stack of flyers tucked in a cloth bag around his waist, so naturally her curiosity was raised. The colt looks like he just got out of bed with his shaggy black mane. He bears an unbuttoned white vest over his light gray coat which is splotched with stains of dirt. She saw him with his head hung low, and wondered why he appeared so sorrow. She approached him with a friendly hello, and he returned it with another. It was as though he all of a sudden changed his entire demeanor as soon as she greeted him. He handed over one of his flyers, and she read the bolded ornate words from left to right as the wonder built up in her mind with every enthralling statement.

“You don’t know about the circus?” The colt asks in surprise.

“Well I’ve never heard of it before. What’s it all ‘bout?”

“It’s a place where you can watch shows, go on fun rides, and play games! There’s acrobats, the lion tamer, the freak show and more! We’ve even got a carousel and a Ferris Wheel!”

“Wow, that sure sounds like fun. Where is it?” She asks excitedly.

“Oh, it’ll be set up in these woods. You could follow that crooked path down there and it’ll take you right to it. But remember, it won’t be open until around midnight tonight.”

“Great! I should go see if my Sis wants to come along too. I hope she won’t be too busy.”

“Well I hope to see you there. So long!” The colt says about to walk away.

“Hey wait!” She calls getting him to halt. “What’s your name?”

“Me? Oh, well . . . my name’s Jerryl.”

“Hi Jerryl, my name’s Applebloom. It’s nice to meet you.”

“The same to you.”

“So wait umm . . . do you like live around here?”

“Me? No I . . . I don’t. I travel around all the time. Wherever the circus goes, I go.”

“But, aren’t your parents worried or somethin’?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know?”

“I just . . . never mind. I-I have to go now, maybe I’ll see you down at the circus tonight. Goodbye.” He says trotting off into town.

Applebloom wondered why he didn’t completely answer her question, and found it odd how he just took off like that. She assumes he must just be in a hurry, and then focuses her attention back down at the flyer. She then galloped at full speed, at least, the fastest her little legs would let her, back home. Her family owned quite a few acres of land for farm work, and spring was just beginning to take effect, so preparations were being made to plant new crops. When she finally made it to her family’s big red farmhouse she immediately began looking for her Sister. She found her in the kitchen preparing something on the kitchen table which was nearly covered in flour. Next to her is a big bowl with a metal whisk leaning against the brim. Her orange coat was splotched with puffs of flour, her messy blonde mane was also tainted by the mixture she had been preparing. Pouring in the sliced apple pieces mixed with cinnamon from a bowl and into a shiny metal pie tin she greets Applebloom as she walks through the doorway.

“Ah there ya are Applebloom. You’re back early.”

“Yeah . . . Hey uh Applejack?”

“Yes?” She asks with her eyes fixed on the dough as she flattens it out.

“Have you ever been to a circus before?”

“A circus? Now why have ya got your mind wrapped aroun’ somthin’ like that?”

“Well, because there was this colt handin’ these out.” Says Applebloom as she holds up the flyer given to her.

Applejack wipes her hooves over her white apron and grabs the paper from Applebloom. She scans the page mumbling the words to herself as she reads them, and then approaches Applebloom with a question.

“An’ did you want to go to this?”

“Well, yeah! It sure sounds like fun! Don’t you think?”

“I guess, but when is this supposed to be takin’ place?”

“He told me midnight tonight.”

“Tonight? Oh Applebloom I don’t know about that.”

“What do you mean?”

“That’s a bit too late for you to be awake.”

“Huh? But I’ve been up way past that before!”

“Right, but do you know what we’ve gotta do tomorrow?”

‘Uh. . .”

“Tomorrow’s the day we all have to start plowing the fields and gettin’ everything ready for the upcomin’ season. You know Granny likes to get up bright an’ early to get all this goin’, and we’re gonna need to make sure we’re all well rested.”

“But couldn’t we just go for a little bit?”

“I’m sorry Applebloom, but we just can’t do it. Maybe next time this comes around I’ll take ya, but tonight’s no good.”

“. . . Okay.” She says in a sorrowful voice as her ears droop down.

“Hey I’m makin’ an apple cinnamon pie, are ya gonna want a piece once it’s done?”

“No thanks.” She says making her way gloomily up the stairs. “I’ll just be in my room.”

Applejack could just see the storm cloud above her little Sister’s head, but she didn’t know what else to do. There was nothing else she could’ve thought of in an attempt to help take her mind off this ‘circus’ thing. It’s not like she disliked the idea. She would love to take her, it could be a real fun time. But tomorrow’s chores are what’s keeping her on a leash. The amount of work that needs to be done and the tight schedule that comes with it makes this all so difficult. As she continued to compose her pie she kept thinking of some way she could make her Sister happy, but nothing comes to her mind.

Hours pass, and Applebloom is still lost in her gloom. She no longer felt the buzz of energy she did this morning that wanted her to leave the house and jump about in the outdoors. She didn’t feel the need to go outside, trot around and bathe in the sun like any other young filly should. She instead slouched herself against her bed looking out through her window at the neighboring forest. Because her room was on the upper level she could see above the trees all the way down to the horizon where the sun began to set. As the stars dot the sky and the Moon pierces the dark Applejack comes in to tuck her into bed. As Applebloom snuggles her little body under the blanket she keeps her eyes fixed downward and away from her Sister’s. Applejack immediately takes notice of her eyes avoiding contact with her own, and tries to apologize to her once again.

“Applebloom, I know you’re upset, and I’m sorry.” She says.

“. . . We never git to do anything.”

“What do you mean? We do a lot.”

“No, I mean . . . you and me. Whenever I want to spend time with you, work always gits in the way.”

Applejack is struck with the truth. She knew very well that her Sister’s words were true. Work is always such a high priority that it never reels back to give them time for themselves. Time to just have fun as a family. Sure they have their yearly celebrations and get-togethers, but she cannot recall a time where she and Applebloom spent quality time together as Sisters. As the reality finally catches up with her, she is left stunned by the realization.

“Well, I. . . You know that work is important. And we need to stay on top of it.” She says in an attempt to somehow justify her absence from her Sister.

“It’s not fair.” She says turning her head away and to the edge of her plain white pillow.

“. . . Tell you what. Next time somethin’ like this comes ‘round, and you want to go, I’ll be sure to take you. I promise. Goodnight Applebloom.”

Leaving a kiss on her forehead Applejack leaves, but lingers behind as she leans against the doorway to look back at Applebloom. She has her back turned laying her head against the pillow, while the guilt delves deep into Applejack’s heart. She had never thought about it before, but she has never felt so disconnected from her Sister. She wishes she could find a way to fix this, she just needs time for it to come. Applejack pulls the switch dangling from the lamp shade nearby to blanket the room in shadows. The only lights left are the rays brought in by the Moon. She then gently closes the door and quietly walks down the hall to her bedroom, unsure if even she herself will be able to sleep this night.

Applebloom can’t sleep, it almost feels impossible. All she can think about is what could be going on out in the woods. What could this place look like? What would be there? Jerryl gave her ideas, but not enough to let her imagination see the whole picture. She knows her sister won’t keep her promise, she never has. She can’t remember just how many times she’s promised time to her, but conveniently time is always eaten up by chores and work. She tosses and turns, listening to the tormenting ticking of her little alarm clock on her bedside table.

She messes around with her thick blanket to try and find a comfortable position to guide her to sleep just so the night could end, but out of frustration she throws it off her and stares up at the ceiling. She hadn’t noticed it before, but the ticking of the clock has suddenly stopped. She turns and inspects the face of the clock, only to find it frozen at midnight. All three hands are stopped at the number twelve, and no amount of shaking and tapping can get the hands to start moving again. She finds it unbelievable how she could have stayed up all the way until midnight, and at this point she gives up even trying to get to sleep.

She figures that maybe it’s just the Moonlight keeping her awake. She steps out of bed, and just as she is about to pull the curtains together an orange glow captures her attention. Far out in the distance within the masses of trees many of these lights reach out to her in the dark. Her eyes are entranced as the lights beckon her closer. It must be the circus, it just has to be. It is just beyond her reach as the walls of her home are the only things holding her back. She can feel something building up inside her the longer she stares. Something she can’t hold back for very long before forcing her to take action.

“That’s it.” She whispers aloud. “I don’t care anymore. I’m going just for a while, then after that I’ll head straight back home. She’ll never know.”

Applebloom shuts the curtains and creeps out of her bedroom careful to not let the creaking wood disturb any of her sleeping family members. Carefully she closes her door and sneaks down the stairs all the way out the front door. She gallops at full speed through the grass towards the woods. Although the day may have been warmer, the night is still chilling to the point to where she can just barely see the clouds of her breath. Branches and bushes obstruct her path, but she charges through them without a hinder in her speed. Loose vines tangle around her hooves nearly causing her to come crashing down onto the forest floor. But as she staggers while lifting her legs out from the looped vines she regains her momentum. She can see the rays of orange light climbing around the silhouettes of the foliage pulling her deeper into the forest. Music and laughter are breaking the constant sounds of snapping twigs and rustling leaves. Suddenly she is brought to a gradual stop as her eyes consume the stunning sight before her. She looks on in awe, lost in astonishment.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Applebloom's eyes undergo the pleasure of a bright and jovial splendor of lights that stretch across the pointed rooftops of the many red and white striped tents of varying sizes. Her ears are delighted to a slow but playful tune playing throughout the entire circus that only envelopes her the further she walks in. Ponies from town are gathered and exploring this stunning place and the many activities set up around the circus. Smaller tents have been set up for games with an excitable pony behind each one shouting and explaining the rules and rewards for their games. Some of them appeared to just be games where you throw an object at a stack of assorted items, and the reward would be one of the many stuffed toys hanging from the ceiling of the tent, while other games seemed a bit more convoluted. Randomly, ponies dressed in puffy striped clothing with their faces masked in make-up, and manes fashioned in goofy styles and ridiculous colors, riding unicycles and juggling balls or pins at the same time pass her by. Some wear odd hats with little jingling bells that hang off the pointed tips off the top.

Scattered around are big cages lined with metal bars that house all different kinds of animals like big cats and crocodiles. She then finds a pony walking by dressed in a black suit and top hat, however, he towers above her as his legs appear far too long. She watches a tall alighted Ferris wheel nearly touch the thick smoky clouds of the dark sky as it slowly spins around. Other rides with their own borders of lights spin about crazily as cheers fill the air, however, none reach as high as the wheel. But, in the midst of all the music, laughter and cheering, she can hear one particular voice overtake the others.

“Fillies and gentlecolts! Come and witness the biggest spectacle of the night!”

Applebloom follows the voice through the groups of ponies to a stallion dressed in dull yellow clothes with thin red stripes standing atop a platform decorated with painted red and yellow zigzags. He’s shouting into a loudhailer while waving his cane and pointing it at the gathered group of ponies. Applebloom watches him through the legs of the crowd as she cannot find a way through them.

“The Twirling Twins will reach impossible feats! The Fire Dancers will amaze you with their ‘fiery’ performance! The Tamer and all his animals will perform tricks you never thought possible! What else lies in wait you may ask? Well, join me and see for yourself!”

The stallion then hops off his platform and trots joyfully into the opening in the tent behind him. All the ponies around follow suit, and Applebloom finally can see just how enormous this particular tent is compared to the others. Brimming with excitement she follows the crowd inside. She believes that this should be enough to satisfy her curiosity, and decides that after this she will hurry on back home. She squeezes through to the front of the crowd to allow her eyes the leisure of witnessing every inch of the expected spectacle. The stallion gallops to the center of the large shadowed room as he waits for everyone to get settled in.

“Everypony prepare yourselves, for the show is about to begin!” He shouts. “Firstly! I present to you, the Twirling Twins!”

A spotlight shines on the upper right side of the tent, revealing two identical mares dressed in pink skin tight uniforms standing atop a wooden platform high above the ground. She can make out their long violet manes and their milky white coats as they wave to the audience. Hanging from the beams that hold up the roof of the tent are several ropes with rings attached to the ends. The two mares nod to each other, and one of them leaps off the platform. She grabs onto a pair of the rings and tosses herself back up into the air. She follows the sets of rings with a series of flips and whirls until she lands on the opposite platform on the other side. Oohs and awes fill the crowd, but it was just merely the beginning. This time, the both of them leap out and grab a set of rings, but it doesn’t appear that there’s enough space for them to pass each other safely. They follow the rings all the way to the other side with a similar set of flips like the previous, however, as soon as they cross each other they flip and twirl in such a way that they pass right by each other. They land on the opposite platforms, and the crowd, along with Applebloom, cheers.

“I see that you all are impressed, but let’s just see what these wonderful mares can really do!” The stallion announces.

A drum begins to pound rapidly as the two mares step back from the edges of the platforms readying themselves for a short sprint. One mare dashes and hops into the air, the highest the crowd has ever seen her go, and she dives straight down. At the speed she’s falling Applebloom begins to tense up. The other mare drops down and gets her hind hooves snug into the rings allowing the rest of her body to hang low. She swings herself to catch the falling mare, they swing back to gain more momentum, and she tosses her back up into the air. Applebloom’s heart calms, but is eagerly anticipating their next move. The still hanging mare readies herself by grabbing onto the ropes and removes her hind hooves from the rings and replacing them with her fore hooves. The other mare falls and grabs hold of her own pair of rings as the two swing back and forth. The two leave the rings and into the air, and just as Applebloom is expecting them to twirl around each other again, something different happens. The two mares bump each other slightly, breaking their entire rhythm. As Applebloom’s heart sinks down to the bottom of her chest they both fall while flaring their legs about showing they’ve lost complete control. The mares become entangled in the ropes, and are hung by their necks as the drum silences. Their motionless bodies are suspended in the air with a fearful gasp from Applebloom. The spotlight remains over their bodies as the crowd suddenly fills with cheers. Confused, she starts to believe that perhaps it is just part of the show, but she can’t ignore the bodies that the light is still holding on.

“And now fillies and gentlecolts we will move on to the next act! The Tamer and his amazing animals!” The stallion shouts and points with his cane.

Suddenly the light shuts off masking the bodies in the dark as another clicks on and hovers over a rather skinny stallion in a red bow tie and forest green vest. Behind him are several cages filled with animals, and he pulls open the door to one holding three canines that quickly hop on their hind legs to lick his face as he scratches the back of their ears. Trying to put the previous image out of her head, and assuming it truly must’ve been just part of the show, she smiles at the adorable scene. The stallion grabs hold of a green hoop off the ground and holds it up into the air. One of the dogs runs about and leaps through the hoop, and as he grabs another off the ground with his teeth, the next dog leaps through it as the other continues to hop back and forth through the other. He then lifts up another off the ground with his hind leg, and now holding all three puts him in an awkward pose. All three dogs are leaping through the hoops, and as the stallion quickly and constantly changes his pose switching the position of the hoops, the canines adjust without missing a single loop.

The crowd and Applebloom cheer, and after a while the stallion ends the dogs’ cycle by setting down the hoops and returning to the cages for a new animal. He unlocks an extremely tall cage where a giraffe steps out. It follows him back to where he stood with the dogs, and he begins to gather back up his hoops. He positions himself a good distance away from the animal, and he tosses up one of the hoops like a disk toward it. The giraffe lowers its neck just enough to get its head through the ring and proceeds to spin it around its neck. He tosses the remaining two at the same time where the giraffe catches both and is now spinning all three around its neck. The stallion raises his hooves into the air, and the animal somehow manages to work the rings upward and toss them back to him. He catches them all, and the audience stomps their hooves crazily while Applebloom is stunned. The giraffe starts to walk back to its cage, but just before it passes the tamer he holds out his hoof where the animal bumps its hoof against his. Chuckles fill the crowd as the giraffe enters its cage, and the stallion adjusts his tie.

“Now everypony, I do believe he has a new friend to introduce!” The stallion shouts.

The tamer hurries over to another cage, and the animal he retrieves sends a shiver of fear up Applebloom’s spine. She watches him walk side by side with a lion that is nearly twice his size. Applebloom had never seen someone get so close to a lion before, nor has she ever been in the same room as one. The stallion and the lion stand face to face, and as soon as he raises his hoof the lion lifts itself up on its hind legs. The crowd gasps, Applebloom’s jaw drops, but the lion suddenly growls. In one quick motion the lion swipes its claw directly into the side of the tamer’s face sending him down to the ground. The stallion yells in pain, and Applebloom covers her eyes with her hooves. The entire crowd then bursts into a joyful laughter, and after the spotlight shuts off Applebloom removes her hooves from her eyes. While everyone laughs she is conflicted with what she should be feeling. She is still unsure if this really is part of the show, or if he really was hurt. Filling with discomfort, she looks into the dark as the stallion announces the next act.

“And now everyone! It’s time light up this show!” The stallion announces.

Six orange flames cut through dark slightly revealing the bodies of three ponies carrying torches and dressed in uniforms lined with reflective sequins. They each begin to juggle their own pair of torches, then they slowly transition to passing them over to each other and tossing them higher into the air. With their eyes focusing on the torches they start to mix up their order by walking in circles and swapping places with the pony next to them. The ponies in the audience cheer them on, but Applebloom watches the torches flip as the tension builds in her heart. She watches in horror as a single torch misses the grasp of one of the ponies and falls to the ground. The grass quickly catches fire, and it spreads at a fast rate consuming the darkness that once coated the room. The jugglers turn and gallop as fast as they can out the back exit of the tent. The growing flames reveal the still hanging bodies of the two mares, and the animal tamer whose body is lying sprawled across the ground with the lion sitting nearby, and the fur of its paw is tainted with red.

Frozen in fear, her eyes notice something in the center of the room. The stallion that announced every act is standing, without panic, and juggling three hats identical to the one he wore on his head. He tosses one hat high into the air, and with her eyes locked onto it she follows it up into the air and all the way back down where it is caught by a hand covered in gray fur. Her eyes follow the long arm to the shoulder of a tall figure standing on two long thin legs with its back to her. It bears the same design of clothing, and its tail is long and bare to show its pink skin tone. Suddenly the heads of the hanging mares lift up and turn to stare at Applebloom with big bright smiles. The tamer raises his head, and she can clearly see the deep claw marks that have been dug into the side of his face. The marks extend from his eye socket all the way to his mouth, but he smiles at her just like the mares. The strange figure rests the hat on top of its head holding the brim over its eyes, and turns with a smile just like the others lined with its jagged teeth. Its face is coated in gray fur, it bears a long muzzle with whiskers, and small round pink nose. It raises the brim of its hat to reveal its red irises staring intently at her.

“Did you enjoy the show my dear?” He asks with a delighted grin.