literature

Adventures in Equestria Ep. 14

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*It was late at night in Mareheim, as most of the lights throughout the town were out. Aside from the street lamps, everyone remained asleep in the comforts of their own beds. The only people out at this hour were Castle Mareheim's night guards. The guards often changed shifts to help give each other a much deserved rest. Little did they know that something dark, mysterious was lurking about*

Guard 1: *shouts* One o'clock, and all's well!

Guard 2: *yawns* For you maybe. I'll never be used to these late shifts.

Guard 1: Just do what I do: Drink coffee… A lot of it.

Guard 2: You know coffee makes me jittery. *sighs* My family has a history of heart conditions.

Guard 1: *pause* It sure is quiet out here.

Guard 2: Yeah. Too quiet. *yawns*

*Just then, a mysterious shape zoomed past the guards. Alert, the guards circled one side to the other but it was so dark that they couldn't see*

Guard 2: *snaps awake* Huh? What was that? A bird?

Guard 1: I don't know, it looked too big to be a bird.

Guard 2: A Pegasus maybe?

Guard 1: *narrows his eyes* Not likely… *turns to his partner* Alert the others, make sure every guard has a musket if this gets dangerous.

Guard 2: *nods* Roger.

*With a salute, the second guard sprint off to alert the other guards. The first guard turned the other direction, taking off as quick as he could in pursuit of this creature. A creature that proved too fast for this human, who soon lost track of the mysterious figure*

Guard 1: *looks around* All right… Where are you?

*Suddenly, a woman's scream pierced through the night drawing the guard's attention towards the castle. He recognized the scream, a sinking feeling made him realized what had happened*

Guard 1: *shocked* The queen… *shouts* THE QUEEN!!! *runs towards one of the watchtowers and shouts to a guard* Intruder! Sound the alarm!!

*Reacting quickly, the guard approached a giant horn hanging along the ledge and blew as loud as he could. It's one single note blaring out, as the sound of heavy footsteps echoed along the stone floors outside the palace. Every guard within an ear's reach heard the alarm, a musket held in each arm with every intent to bring down the intruder on sight*

Guard 3: Keep your eyes pealed, men! We must defend the Queen!

*Just then, as they reached for the doors to their Ruler's bedroom, the doors burst open and a shadowy figure flew over the guards, who were knocked onto their backs from the surprise*

Guard 4: The intruder!

Guard 3: Halt! *lights his musket* Shoot it down!

*The guards aimed their muskets and fired round after round against the flying figure, but each attempt missed the target. The figure's movement was just too quick for even the most experienced guard and clearly it had no intention to fight. It swiftly flew towards a window, bursting through the glass and made it's getaway, as the guards continued to fire through the broken shards*

Guard 5: Blast, it got away!

Guard 3: To the Queen, quickly!

*The guards burst into the bedroom to see the King and Queen in bed, dressed in their night clothes and Nathanial holding Marilyn close, as she was nearly scared to death after what she saw. All Nathanial could do was console his wife as gently as he could, calming her down though he himself was just as frightened*

Guard 3: *bows* Your majesties, are you all right?

King Nathanial: Aside from the rude awakening from a burglar, waking us up in the middle of the night, we're fine.

Guard 4: Has anything of value been stolen, sire?

King Nathaniel: Not that I know of.

Queen Marilyn: *gasps* Unless… *turns to a drawer, notices an open cabinet* No!

King Nathaniel: What is it, Marilyn, what's wrong?

Queen Marilyn: *turns to her husband* The key… It's got the key!

King Nathaniel: What?! *looks at the open cabinet* Oh no!

Guard 3: Key? *realizes* You don't mean--?

King Nathaniel: *turns to the guards* Quickly, to the vault!!

*Quickly, the King, Queen, and the guards sprinted out from the room. Down the hallway and up several flights of stairs, they eventually made their way towards the royal vault. When they arrived, however, they saw that the doors were burst open as such that a single door barely hung on it's hinges. To their horror, once they stepped inside, they saw right across from the group that the vault was also opened*

Guard 5: The vault’s been opened!

King Nathaniel: *eyes widen* No… No! *runs and looks inside the vault* T-They're gone! That thief made off with the crown jewels!!

Queen Marilyn: Oh no! This is terrible!

Guard 4: But what was it?

Guard 5: *turns to a broken window* Whatever it was… It's gone. They're all gone.

???: *groans* Urgh…

*Everyone turned to see an unconscious elderly guard, who was just starting to come to after lying on the ground for so long. They allowed the guard some air before it was safe to approach him*

Elderly Guard: *stirs awake* Wh-What happened? *rubs his head* Urgh… *gasps* The Crown Jewels!!

King Nathaniel: They're gone. The thief made off with them and then flew out the window. *looks to the broken window* It knew we were coming.

Queen Marilyn: *to the guard* Can you remember what happened? Did you at least see what the thief looked like?

Elderly Guard: *holds his head* It happened so fast. One minute, it looked like something burst through the doors and before I could react, it crashed into me. I hit a wall, everything went dark, and then… Nothing.

Guard 3: Forgive us, your majesties. *bows his head in shame* We've failed you in your time of need and the Crown Jewels could be miles from the castle by now.

King Nathaniel: *turns to his guards* You've tried your best, that's all we can ask of you. Right now, you must send out an alert, let the people know what's happened and post a reward if we must. That thief won't get away with this.

Guards: Yes, sire! *runs off down the hallway*

Queen Marilyn: Nathan, are you sure that will work?

King Nathaniel: Marilyn, whoever's taken the jewels is clearly trying to send a message. Who's to say it's going to stop there? The sooner the thief is found… The better.

*Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the kingdom, a train rolled along the tracks at this very late hour. Judging by the designs and pictures of animals, it appeared to be a circus train of sorts. The shadow of a flying creature flew past the train and the doors to one of the cars opened, as the shadowy figure flew with a soft landing inside, the train rolling along it's course vanishing far from the kingdom of Mareheim*

*A few days later, in Ponyville, it's citizens were abuzz with activity and a large gathering formed at the local newsstand. One by one, each pony purchased the latest edition of the Ponyville Express. It's headline read: "CROWN JEWELS OF MAREHEIM STOLEN!" And this was all they could talk about*

Pony 1: Can you believe this? The scandal!

Pony 2: First Cloudsdale and Manehatten, now Mareheim? These robberies have gotten way out of hoof!

Pony 3: Wait! Wasn't that wizard boy from Mareheim?

*Meanwhile, at Carousel Boutique, Mezmo was paying a visit to one of his good friends, Rarity. He too read the latest edition of the Equestrian Post, his feet tapping on the floor as he sat leaned by one of the mannequins, the article itself made him very cross*

Rarity: I must say, this is quite some troubling news. Didn't you say that Mareheim's royal guard are some of the most well-trained human soldiers?

Mezmo: *groans* I can't believe this! The third robbery this month! I mean I can understand robbing Cloudsdale and Manehatten, but Mareheim? My old hometown? Who'd be crazy enough to think of robbing the royal family, let alone succeeding? *sighs* I never should've left; I could've done something to prevent it!

Rarity: But Mezmo, darling, what could you have done? Whomever committed these crimes was quite fast. No offense, dear, but I doubt you'd catch the culprit even if your magic was strong. Besides, you don't really mean that about not coming here... Do you?

Mezmo: *sighs* You're right, Rarity, I'm sorry. It's just... The King and Queen are like family to me, kind've the closest I have to family now. The very idea of anything bad happening to them… Getting robbed, even… The Crown Jewels of Mareheim are well over a thousand years old. They're worth over five hundred million Mareheim sovereigns, a man would have to stoop so low to try and steal them from the royal family!

Rarity: Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it. The King and Queen already put so much press about the theft, surely something will turn up sooner or later.

Mezmo: I hope you're right, Rarity. *shakes off the feeling, puts the paper aside, walks behind Rarity* What are you working on, anyway?

Rarity: Well recently I got an order from this nice young human Duke up north. I was wondering if you'd like to help model for me. From what I can tell, the two of you are practically the same size.

Mezmo: Sure. Anything to help a friend. *pause* As long as it isn't too… Poofy.

*Moments later, Mezmo stood in the middle of the shop, wearing an outfit for a rather extremely flamboyant gentlemen's dandy. All the way down to the clean white stockings to the ruffled shirt and matching powdered wig. Mezmo slowly turned to face Rarity, who tried to stifle a laugh*

Mezmo: *eyebrows narrowed* You tricked me!

Rarity: I'm terribly sorry, Mezmo, but he had very specific requirements for his outfits.

Mezmo: Ugh… Could you at least hurry up? *scratches his wig* This wig's getting really itchy!

*At that moment, Rainbow Dash flew straight into the shop with an excited look on her face*

Rainbow Dash: Hey Rarity! Guess what?

*Before she could share the news, Rainbow Dash turned and saw that Rarity was working with Mezmo, taking note of the ridiculous looking outfit he was made to wear. Like Rarity, she tried to hold in her laughter but still…*

Rainbow Dash: Pphhhhht… BA-HAHAHAHAHA!!!! *rolls around on the ground, holding her stomach*

Mezmo: *irritated, eyes twitch* Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up, Dash. *pulls out his wand* Let's see how funny it is after I turn you into a ladybug!

Rainbow Dash: Okay! Ha ha, okay! I'm sorry! *calms down* But seriously, you both need to come outside RIGHT NOW!

Rarity: Why? What's going on?

Rainbow Dash: You'll see! COME ON!!! *zooms out the shop, blows the wig off Mezmo's head*

Mezmo: Well, somepony's really excited today.

Rarity: Last time she was this riled up was when she was waiting for her autographed Wonderbolts poster. What could it be this time? *trots outside*

Mezmo: *struggles to remove the outfit* Hey, wait up! *trips himself, falls flat on his face, muffled* I hate this suit.

*Later, just outside the boutique, hundreds upon hundreds of ponies gathered about from all over town. A massive parade drew every pony's attention to the street and none were the most fascinated than Rarity and a rather excited Rainbow Dash*

Rarity: What in Celestia's mane is going on out here?

Rainbow Dash: Look what's coming down the street!

*Up the street, a marching band consisting of both human and pony musicians alike traversed down the road playing the most festive of tunes. Behind this band were a pair of large grey elephants wrapped in colorful cloths with a sign stitched onto the sides. As Mezmo joined up with his friends, still dressed in the Duke's attire (minus the wig), he happened to stumble onto the sign, which read "Grand Show's International Circus"*

Chorus: *singing* Hold your horse, here they come!
Ra-a-tat goes the drum
The circus is on parade!
See the clown falling down
It’s the best show in town
The circus is on parade!
See the monk climb the rope
Hear the steam calliope
Buy me a lemonade!
Look a-here, look a-there
Throw your hats in the air for the big parade!

Rarity: Well, what do you know? A circus. How about that.

Rainbow Dash: I know! This is great! Grand Show's International Circus works with the Wonderbolts. They put on an aerial show like none other!

Mezmo: Oh man, I can’t believe it!! I just LOVE the circus!!

Chorus: *singing* Hold your horse, here they come!
Ra-a-tat goes the drum
The circus is on parade!
See the clown falling down
It’s the best show in town
The circus is on parade!
See the monk climb the rope
Hear the steam calliope
Buy me a lemonade!
Look a-here, look a-there
Throw your hats in the air for the big parade!

*The parade continued down the road. A team of horses came down. Most of them were pulling the circus wagons and animal cages. The head horse trotted down in lead. On its' back was a yellow earth pony stallion with a blue mane and tail, green eyes, and a red and white stripped circus tent for a cutie mark. He was wearing the standard uniform for ringmasters, from the red coat and black top hat to his handlebar mustache*

Rarity: A pony on horseback. That's certainly new.

Mezmo: *raises an eyebrow* It’s freaky if you ask me.

???: Yes, I know. Next you'll be seeing pigeons hitching rides on the backs of eagles.

*Suddenly, a figure jumped up from behind Mezmo and Rarity and landed in front of them with a flip. This figure was human. He wore red shorts and an orange shirt that he left open to show off the large tattoo on his stomach. The tattoo was of a monkey chasing it's own tail in a circle around the trigram for earth. His head was completely shaven and free of hair and he wore a great deal of clown makeup in a Chinese inspired monkey theme with it mostly being white with gold and red details*

???: When they fly south for the winter that is. Heheheee oop oop!

Mezmo: AAAHHH!!! *pants* Don’t DO that!! Jeez, almost gave me a heart attack!

???: I did not mean to set off your sensitivities, my fine sir. Sonny Kong is the name. Monkey style master and kung fu clown.

Rarity: *raises an eyebrow* Kung fu clown?

Sonny: Any old clown can throw a pie, but I can throw three at once while standing on one hand.

Mezmo: Huh… Not even my friend Lian can do that! And she's a martial arts master!

Sonny: Oh is she now?

Rainbow Dash: What's with the pony on horseback? Seems kinda… Uh… What's the word…?

???: Redundant is the word you're looking for.

*Just then, a female Pegasus pony flew in next to Sonny. She was a light teal color with a long black braid. She wore a silk blouse with a straw hat. Her cutie mark was of a pair of cranes flying in a circle around the trigram for wind*

Sonny: AH! War Fan! Good to see my favorite straight pony.

Mezmo: Straight pony? Is she your partner?

War Fan: Yes. My name is War Fan, pony mistress of Crane style. Sonny and I are a comedy duo in the circus.

Sonny: Our new friends here wanted to know about the boss man. Eek, eek!

War Fan: Oh, you mean Grand Show? He's the ringmaster, bravado is part of his job.

Mezmo: Figured as much.

Rarity: Excuse me. I don’t mean to sound ignorant, but… Shouldn’t you two be in the parade?

Sonny: Oh we are, I'm just waiting for my giant ball. *notices a giant red and yellow ball rolling down the street* There it is. *back flips onto his ball and starts walking on his hands while on top*

War Fan: I have to make sure he doesn't break his neck. *flies up next to Sonny and follows him close*

Rainbow Dash: Now THAT was cool!

*As the parade continued, more performers were seen marching down the street, including Zebras in capes and feathers atop their heads, clowns slapping each other silly, while walking on stilts and some falling down comically, acrobats somersaulting and other various routines, the strong man lifting five ponies at once, cowboys and ponies riding horses and buffaloes whilst twirling lassos, and finally, a team of rhinos garbed in colorful blankets pulling a large painted cannon with a man waving from inside the barrel. And suddenly… BOOM! The cannon fired and out popped the man, who landed safely atop five ponies the strong man was carrying, thus forming a pyramid*

Rarity: Oh my goodness, I haven't seen a show like this in ages, not since my foalhood.

Rainbow Dash: I'll say, and this is just the introduction parade.

Chorus: *singing* See the monk climb the rope
Hear the steam calliope
Buy me a lemonade!
Look a-here, look a-there
Throw your hats in the air for the big parade!

Mezmo: We've got to tell Twilight and the others. *looks down at himself* But first, I gotta get out of this ridiculous monkey suit!

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, they'll probably think you're part of the act.

Mezmo: *irritated* Now don't start that again!!

*Rainbow Dash laughed and Mezmo's frustration, even Rarity giggled a bit*

*Later that afternoon, the whole town gathered before a set-up circus tent. Foals of all ages giggled and ran about, passing one attraction to the next and the melody of steam calliopes filling the air. Sword swallowers and dancing elephants, even fire jugglers, amused the crowd drawing their attention. The strong, the most popular, performed a great many feats from rolling up frying pans and tying steel rods to knots. The Mane Six, including Spike and Mezmo (who had assumed his normal attire), arrived following the start of the show*

Twilight: Wow! This is amazing. I didn't even know there were still traveling circuses these days.

Mezmo: Oh yeah, they usually--

Rainbow Dash: Don't tell me. "They usually come to Mareheim"?

Mezmo: Am I THAT predictable?

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, pretty much.

Pinkie: *wide eyed* HEE HEE!!! Jugglers, and acrobats, and clowns, OH MY!

Applejack: And food! I want to try some of them caramel apples over there. See how their recipes hold up ta my family's.

Fluttershy: And look at all the different kinds of exotic animals. There’s elephants, rhinos, lions, tigers, bears, horses, and even chimpanzees! It's like a wonderful dream come true!

Rarity: Those costume designs are just marvelous. They're even giving me a few ideas for stage costumes.

Mezmo: Sapphire Shores could learn a thing or two from these guys, that's for sure.

Rainbow Dash: All that stuff is great and all, but I'm here for one and one thing only.

Twilight: What’s that, Rainbow?

Rainbow Dash: The Wonderbolts are going to perform with the aerialists. It's going to be so AWESOME!

Twilight: *rolls her eyes* Of course…

Pinkie: Hey look! That man with the big mustache is balancing an oven on his chin!

*The Mane Six, Spike and Mezmo turned to see the strong man balancing a large oven on his chin. He was a rather large man with a bald head, a thick, handle bar mustache, large muscular arms, and a chubby belly. He was dressed in a dark blue leotard with purple leggings*

Mezmo: Guy's almost as strong as Lian.

Applejack: Well let's go check it out before we takes our seats.

*The group walked over to the strong man just as he was taking the oven off his chin and putting in on the ground. It was then that he noticed the six ponies, baby dragon and boy dressed in funny blue clothes walking up to him*

Strong Man: Hello, friends. You come to see Andre perform? Maybe you have challenge for Andre.

Mezmo: Challenge? Like what?

Andre: Tell Andre what you like Andre to do and he will do it. Anything you want to see Andre do.

Mezmo: Okay… Juggle three of my friends here.

Andre: Da, will do. *picks up Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, and starts tossing them up into the air*

Applejack: *holds onto her hat* Whoa, Nelly!

Rarity: Gracious!!

Pinkie: WHEEEE!!!!

Rainbow Dash: Aww man, you guys get all the fun!

Rarity: I'd happily trade places with you if I could. Oh dear, I'm starting to feel ill.

Andre: Don't worry. I put you down now. *stops juggling the three ponies and sets them carefully on the ground*

*Applejack and Rarity were equally dizzy while Pinkie was just hopping up and down, smiling*

Pinkie: Again! Again!

Andre: Sorry, miss, no time. Got to get ready for the show.

Spike: Well, guess that means we should get our seats then. May I sit with you, Rarity?

Rarity: *eyes spinning* Once the world stops spinning around and levels out.

*As Rarity took a moment to recover, a circus barker standing at a podium in front of the tent, one of the humans of the circus, waved about a cane and called out for everyone to gather for the show*

Circus Barker: *calling out* Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Step right up, folks, and get your tickets, please! The most amazing show in all the world is about to begin! So hurry, hurry, hurry!

Mezmo: Well, come on, you heard the man! The show’s about to start!

Pinkie: Then what are we waiting for?! It‘s Showtime! Yippee!!

Mezmo: *singing* He flies through the air
With the greatest of ease
The daring young man on the flying trapeze

Pinkie: *singing* His movements are graceful
All the girls he does please

Mezmo & Pinkie: *singing* And my love he has taken away!

*A while later, everyone made it to their seats just in time for the show to start. The house was full as the lights began to dim. They were greeted with the sound of a drum roll as Grand Show stood in the spotlight*

Grand Show: *calling out to the audience* LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS!!! CHILDREN AND FOALS OF ALL AGES!!! I, GRAND SHOW, WELCOME YOU TO MY INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS!!!

*The lights came back on and there was a blast of confetti littered the whole tent. The music started up and the opening act began*

Pinkie: Hey! The party cannon's MY thing! I'll sue!

Mezmo: *rolls his eyes* Oh, Pinkie…

*The center ring was greeted with the presence of the circus acrobats who thrilled the crowd with a few leaps and flips to start things off. The acrobats then brought out a bunch of chairs. The first chair thrown towards another who climbed on top when he placed it down. A second chair was thrown over to him and stacked it on the first chair and then climbed up further. Then a third chair was thrown over, then a fourth, a fifth, soon there was a tower of carefully stacked chairs in the center ring with one of the performers standing at the top*

Twilight: Incredible!

Spike: Wow! Now THAT'S cool! *looks at Mezmo* Can Lian do that?

Mezmo: I'm not sure, but it doesn't look like it's over yet.

*They then brought out a large seesaw and one of the female acrobats stood on the end that was touching the ground. A hush fell over the crowd and a drum roll started to play. The man on the top of the chair tower then jumped off and catapulted the female acrobat into the air and on top of the tower. She stood there and blew kisses as the crowd cheered*

Rarity: *applauds* Bravo! Bravo!

*Just then, a vendor selling bagged foods and cotton candy came walking through the aisles, shouting to the crowd*

Food Vendor: Peanuts, popcorn, cotton candy! Get your peanuts, popcorn and cotton candy here!

Pinkie: *stands up, waving her hooves* Ooh, ooh!! Cotton candy! Cotton candy!!

Mezmo: *stands up, waves his hand* Popcorn, right here, buddy!

*The vendor tossed over Pinkie's cotton candy and Mezmo's popcorn. Pinkie caught her cotton candy and Mezmo's popcorn landed into his lap*

Mezmo: Thanks!

Food Vendor: No problem, kid, enjoy the show. *goes back to selling food* Peanuts, popcorn, get your cotton candy over here!

Mezmo: *eats a kernel of popcorn* Mmm… Needs more butter.

Pinkie: Here you go. *hands Mezmo a cup of melted butter*

Twilight: Pinkie, where did you get that butter?

Pinkie: I always keep a cup of movie popcorn butter with me at all times.

Twilight: Where do you keep… No, never mind, I don't want to know.

Grand Show: And now! Please direct your attention to the blue ring for a sight that will both amuse and amaze. From the heart of the Ibex Empire, she seeks out inner peace, while he seeks out a good laugh. Give it up for Sonny Kong and War Fan!

Mezmo: Ooh! These are the guys we told you about, Twi!

Twilight: The kung fu clowns? This will be interesting.

Spike: I just hope it's funny.

*The house lights dimmed and a single spot light turned on. There War Fan stood one legged on a shoot of bamboo in a meditative stance with her eyes shut and her wings out. Suddenly, a hand came down from above and tapped her on the shoulder. The hand disappeared the moment she turned to look. Another hand appeared and tapped her on the other, only to vanish once that grabbed her attention. Looking around cautiously, suddenly both hands make off with her straw hat. Looking up, A spot light shined on Sonny, who was standing on an acrobat's platform and wearing War Fan's hat*

Pinkie: *snorts* Hahahahaha!!

*Annoyed, War Fan took off to get her hat back. Just as she was about to make contact, Sonny swung himself underneath the platform and somehow held himself there with nothing but his toes. After which he climbed down the pole where the platform was attached in a similar fashion to a monkey. Once he was on the ground, he held up War Fan's hat in a taunting fashion. Seeing this, War Fan swooped to grab it, on to discover Sonny was holding a cream pie behind it*

Rainbow Dash: BA-HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Twilight: *giggles*

*Sonny danced around while they laughed at his antics and while War Fan wiped the cream from her face. When her face was cleaned, she began to walk angrily towards Sonny. Once Sonny noticed this, he began to walk backwards away from her. This continued until he reached a placed table covered with ripe bananas, two of which he held at War Fan in a similar fashion to revolvers. Confusing her for a moment, he then squeezed the bananas and fired the fruit out into her eyes*

Mezmo: Hahahaha!!! Bull's-eye!!

Spike: Ha ha ha!! That was hilarious!! Ha ha!

*War Fan wiped the bananas out of her eyes. Sonny suddenly started flinging bananas at her, which she deflected with her wings. Once Sonny was out of bananas, which War Fan caught in her hat, she than walked over to another placed table with an empty pie tin and a carton of heavy cream. She used her wings to slice open the bananas and mix them up in the tin with the cream. Using her wings and training, she mixed up a beautiful banana cream pie. She offered the pie to Sonny, who was very cautious while approaching. He tasted the pie and they both smiled after he showed how much he enjoyed the pie, only of War Fan to slam the pie into his face*

Rarity: *giggles* Oh my, that was ever so humorous!!

*The crowd cheered and applauded as War Fan and Sonny Kong took and bow, the tin still stuck to Sonny's face, and the walked off*

Grand Show: War Fan and Sonny Kong, everyone! Aren't they a pair? The question is: A pair of what?

Mezmo: Wow… Those two were great!

Applejack: Yeah, I know. I wonder how that Sonny feller was able to hang upside down like that. *turns to Mezmo* Are toes usually that strong?

Mezmo: I doubt even Lian's toes are THAT strong!

Grand Show: And now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for…

Rainbow Dash: *excited* Oh man! This is it!

Grand Show: Please join me in welcoming to the center ring, the greatest flyers in all of Equestria. Soarin, Fire Streak, Wave Chill, and Spitfire! The Wonderbolts!!

*The Wonderbolts came flying in with colored smoke following them. They swooped around the audience, dazzling them with their incredible control in the air*

Rainbow Dash: OMIGOSH, OMIGOSH, OMIGOSH, OMIGOSH, OMIGOSH!!!!

*Two of the Wonderbolts started flying in a spiraling formation, forming a tunnel of colored smoke. Of which Spitfire flew through before the smoke dispersed*

Fluttershy: Oh my! They certainly are fast.

Rainbow Dash: Of course they are, they're the Wonderbolts! They've had to train for years in order to be that good!

Twilight: They do seem to be very serious about their stunts.

Mezmo: Think we could meet them after the show?

Rainbow Dash: I got some pull with them.

Mezmo: *raises an eyebrow* Oh?

Rainbow Dash: Met them at the Grand Galloping Gala. Left a real impression on them.

Rarity: You saved a pie and helped wreck the ballroom.

Rainbow Dash: And if that doesn't leave an impression on anypony, I don't know what does.

Applejack: Let's just hope that's not the wrong kind of impression.

*The Wonderbolts began to climb up high into the air and make a sharp decent downward until they hit the ground. There was a large mushroom cloud of multi colored smoke. When the smoke cleared, there the Wonderbolts stood in a triumphant pose*

Mezmo: *applauds* Bravo! Bravo! Yeah! Whoo!

Rainbow Dash: Never expect any less from the Wonderbolts. If you do, they will blow your minds.

*The crowd cheered and applauded as the Wonderbolts waved to the crowd*

Rainbow Dash: *sighs* Some day, that's gonna be me down there, standing side-by-side with the Wonderbolts…

Pinkie: Aim for the stars, Dashie. But don't fly up there, there's no air in space.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah, I'll be sure to be careful about that.

*A few hours later, the show had reached it's end, and the Wonderbolts were just signing autographs at a table nearest the tent entrance. Close by, Andre was annoyingly occupied with Sonny Kong, who was doing one-handed hand-stands on Andre's head*

Andre: *annoyed* Very funny, Sonny. Now PLEASE, get off Andre's head!

Sonny: Oh, but how else to get "A Head" in life? Eep eep! *back flips off Andre's head*

Andre: *sighs* Ugh… You and your puns…

Sonny: What can I say? I'm just a 'punny' kinda guy. Ooo ooo eek eek! *cartwheels off*

Andre: *slaps forehead* Oye…

*Just then, Spitfire and Soarin, their goggles removed, approached Sonny, who turned to face the two Wonderbolts with a smile*

Spitfire: Hey, Sonny! Just wanted to say you and War Fan were great out there! You had US laughing so, Soarin' literally almost lost his lunch!

Sonny: I'm honored my monkey shines bring such joy to you and your friends. After all, it's like what War Fan always says…

War Fan: *swoops in* A Pegasus with low spirits will never take flight.

Soarin: Heh! You got that right!

???: Hey, Spitfire! Soarin!

*Everyone turned to see the Mane Six, Spike and Mezmo approaching from behind, led by a rather excited Rainbow Dash*

Rainbow Dash: It's so awesome to see you guys again!

Spitfire: Rainbow Dash! *runs up, gives Rainbow Dash a hug* It's so awesome to see you again too!

Rainbow Dash: The show you guys put on was so awesome! The smoke streams, the loop-de-loops, the mushroom cloud! You guys really topped yourselves this time.

Spitfire: *scratches her mane, chuckles* Eh, it was nothin', really. *sees Mezmo* Hey! I know you. You're that wizard kid from Mareheim; the same kid that went to one of our shows once.

Mezmo: *tips his hat* Guilty.

Rainbow Dash: Whoa, wait a minute! You know Mezmo?

Mezmo: *shrugs* Kinda.

Spitfire: We did an air show in Mareheim some time ago. First time we ever performed for mostly a human crowd. You don't forget stuff like that.

Mezmo: That, and I… Uh… "Kinda" interrupted their performance… *sweat drops*

Rainbow Dash: Interrupted? How exactly?

Spitfire: He came zooming in on some out-of-control flying broomstick.

Applejack: Huh… Here I thought only witches did that.

Rainbow Dash: *smirks to Mezmo* Couldn't just stay in the stands, could you?

Mezmo: Wasn't my fault my uncle gave me a defective broom! *looks to Spitfire* Thanks again for helping me land it, Spitfire.

Spitfire: No prob, kid. Never had to land a cleaning utensil before.

War Fan: *giggles*

Rainbow Dash: So, did you hear about those robberies that have been going around?

Spitfire: Oh yeah, we're actually looking into that. Not much to say, but our investigation has revealed a pattern of sorts.

Twilight: How so?

Spitfire: *looks around, leans close* This circus has either visited or passed by each location the robbery took place.

Mezmo & The Mane Six: *gasp collectively*

Rarity: Even Cloudsadle?

Spitfire: Uh-huh. They visited Cloudsdale the day "before" the robbery.

Soarin: Somehow the robbery happened while the show was going on.

Mezmo: What about Mareheim?

Spitfire: The circus train stopped there for a few hours late one night to restock on supplies. Whoever it was, they had to be fast, possibly a flyer, in order to leave the train, rob the palace, and climb back on board without being seen.

Applejack: Wouldn't that make the thief a Pegasus?

Soarin: That's the problem: We know it's a flyer, but we DON’T know that a Pegasus was involved. Without the right amount of evidence, we may risk pursuing the wrong culprit.

War Fan: Sonny and I'd be more than willing to help in any way we can.

Mezmo: *determined* And so will we!

Mane Six: *turns to Mezmo, shocked, in unison* WHAT?!

Spitfire: That's really awesome of you, guys! Just keep an eye open for anything suspicious, and if you see anything… Report back.

Mezmo: *salutes* Will do!

Twilight: Mezmo!

Mezmo: *to Twilight* What?

Rarity: Calm down, Twilight, he just wants to recover the stolen jewels and return them to the King and Queen of Mareheim.

Twilight: I understand, Rarity, I just don't feel it's our place to interfere. I'm usually used to Princess Celestia assigning us to situations like this.

Applejack: Honestly, Twi, I don't reckon' doin' the right thing and helping out with a serious problem is something that should be assigned.

Mezmo: Please, Twilight… King Nathaniel and Queen Marilyn are like family to me. I'd do anything to help them, just as you would help me.

Twilight: *sighs* I guess I'm outvoted. Alright, we'll help.

Mezmo: Great! And I know just how to do it. Girls, Spike… We're joining the circus!

Pinkie: *gasps* That's my 26th secret fantasy! Number 25 is diving in a pool filled with butterscotch pudding, but it can wait!

Spike: That sounds fun… As long as I don't get stuck on clean-up duty.

*A while later, the Mane Six, Mezmo and Spike stood inside Grand Show's office, which just happened to be a large yellow circus wagon with bright red wheels. The ringmaster pony himself sat at his desk, at first just closing his eyes as if thinking of what to say. An awkward silence was held between those in the wagon… Which lasted at least no longer than a couple seconds*

Grand Show: So… You want to join our circus?

Twilight: That's right, sir.

Grand Show: Well now, not just ‘anyone’ joins my show. You've got to have talent; I trust you all do?

Twilight: Mr. Grand Show, I know what you're thinking. We're just a band of ponies and a single human looking for jobs. But before you consider closing the door on us, I have a few words to say that is sure to persuade you otherwise.

Grand Show: I'm listening, Ms. Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle: In this room, I guarantee the group behind me are some of the most talented you'll ever meet. *motions to each friend* From flyers so amazing they can break the sound barrier with a legendary Sonic Rainboom to one that can easily tame even the fearsome Cerberus. Critter corralling, magic fire spewing, and some of the most astonishing costume designs you'll never see anywhere else. *points to Pinkie* And Pinkie for being… *pause, Pinkie waves* Well… Who else can make an audience laugh and throw amazing after-parties at the same time? *gestures to Mezmo* And Mezmo happens to be a promising student in magical arts.

Grand Show: And what about you? What's YOUR special talent?

Twilight Sparkle: That is easy. My talent "is" magic, and nothing like the kind you see in magic shows. I mean "real" magic.

Grand Show: *shakes his head* Sorry, kid, but we can't have TWO magical acts in this circus. Having two of the same act in a show is considered bad luck.

Twilight: What? But-but-but--

Mezmo: Well, I'm not really THAT good at magic, I'm just a beginner. But I DO know some fire-eating tricks I learned from the gypsies.

Grand Show: Fire-eating, eh? And from gypsies? *smiles* Well, that's more like it!

Twilight: So will you hire us?

Grand Show: You've convinced me enough and I just had to send away some rather… Disappointing acts. I hope you lot can do better.

Twilight: We will, sir. Thank you. *looks to the others* Did you hear that, guys? We’re in!

Pinkie Pie: YIPEE!!! *singing* I get to be in the circus!! I get to be in the circus!! *prances about the office*

*Just then, a knock on the door drew everyone's attention as a male human entered. He was tall with slick black hair and a small goatee, garbed in a white buttoned-down shirt, a black bowtie, a pair of khakis with red suspenders and black spats on his feet. He held a bunch of papers under his right arm and a cup of hot coffee in his left*

Grand Show: *turns to the man* At last, where've you been?

Man: *panting* Sorry I'm late, Mr. Grand Show. *places the cup on the desk* Here's the coffee you asked for.

Grand Show: *mutters* Took long enough. *aloud* Since you're here, would you kindly show our new stars to their stations? I've a show to prepare for. *takes out a clipboard, quickly writes down on it, hands it to the man* Make sure they know "exactly" what jobs to do around here. We don't want anymore hiccups, do we?

Man: *shakes his head* N-No, sir. I‘ll get right on it. *opens the door, turns to Twilight and her friends* Follow me, please.

*The Mane Six, Spike, and Mezmo followed the man out of Grand Show's office and into the main circus tent*

Pinkie: You know, for a ringmaster, he's a real grumpy pants.

Man: He's not bad... Once you get to know him. By the way, name's Ringo. Ringo B. Bailey, Mr. Grand Show's personal secretary.

Twilight: Nice to meet you, Ringo. My name is Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends: Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, and Mezmo.

Ringo: Oh yes, I've heard of you, Ms. Sparkle. You and your friends helped save the once-lost Crystal Empire from destruction, am I right?

Twilight: My brother and his wife needed our help; it was the least we could do.

Ringo: I thought so. *clears his throat* So, you and your friends seem anxious to join the circus. *pause* Why?

Twilight: Well, I always believed that experience makes for good learning and the circus seemed like a fun place to volunteer.

Rainbow Dash: *adds* And we'd get to perform with the Wonderbolts! How could we pass up that?

Ringo: *chuckles* Yeah, they are pretty cool, aren't they?

Rainbow Dash: They're the greatest!

Ringo: As for me, I come from a long family lineage of circus performers. My dad was a lion tamer, my mom was a clown, and my sister's an acrobat. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit any of the talent my other family members got. But I was lucky enough to get a job as a secretary to Mr. Grand Show.

Applejack: Was your sister one of the acrobats that did that thing with the chairs?

Ringo: Yup, though she usually prefers doing tricks on the trapeze.

Rarity: I suppose there is nothing wrong with trying new things.

*Soon enough, Ringo led the ponies, Spike and Mezmo to the center ring of the tent. Everything looked different than hours before the show was going on. The seats were empty, the tent lit up brightly instead of dim, the custodians sweeping the floor of hay, and the performers, mainly clowns and acrobats, talking to one another as the rest practiced their routines for the next show*

Ringo: *claps his hands* May I have your attention everyone? Attention, please?

*All the performers gathered around Ringo and the others, giving him their undivided attention*

Ringo: Thank you. Allow me to introduce Twilight Sparkle and her friends: Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, and Mezmo. They've just joined the circus and I think it's only fair we gave them all a warm welcome into to our big, happy family. Am I right?

Performers: *in unison* Yeah!

Andre: Welcome, friends. Andre's pleased to have new friends among us.

War Fan: *to Mezmo* So it's true? You're joining our circus.

Mezmo: Why, yes. Yes, we are.

War Fan: *pause, pleased* Wonderful!

Sonny: *leans an arm on Mezmo's shoulders* Get ready, this is going to be more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Oh yeah, it's that fun.

Ringo: Uh, Viv? Has anyone seen Viv?

???: Right here!

*Suddenly, from the top of the tent, a human girl was seen swinging on the trapeze before diving legs first before landing on a large trampoline, bouncing off, doing a quadruple somersault in midair, and landing safely in front of the Mane Six, holding her arms up in the air with a smile on her face. She had black hair with green highlights which was braided into a long ponytail, along with a small star tattoo under her right eye and was dressed in a green and black unitard with gold stripes along the sides*

Girl: Ta da!

Rainbow Dash: Hmm… Not bad for a human.

Ringo: Hey, Viv. *walks up to the girl, places an arm around her shoulder, turns to the others* Guys, this is my sister, Vivian, possibly the greatest acrobat in the history of Grand Show's International Circus! *to Vivian* Viv, these are Twilight Sparkle and her friends. The boss man himself just hired them, so let's make them feel welcome.

Vivian: Hello everyone, and welcome to our little family. I take it you haven't been given the official greeting yet?

Mezmo: *raises an eyebrow* Official greeting?

Twilight: I thought that "was" the official greeting.

Vivian: Oh no, not for circus performers. Here, we put on grand performances for every occasion, especially greetings.

Ringo: You guys will love working here. For when you enter a circus tent, you enter a whole new  world!

*Just then, a circus fanfare erupted from out of nowhere, quickly alerting the Mane Six, Spike and Mezmo as a song picked up following the opening orchestra*

Ringo: *singing* Strike up the band backstage at the circus
Where it’s a Rainbow World
For every boy and girl
When you feel down and blue, bring out the clown in you
Come take my hand here at the circus
A magical place to be
Dancers and acrobats, thrills and chills
That’s just a part of what you will see
Join in the joy and you’ll find that
This is a Rainbow World!

Vivian: *singing* Isn’t it grand backstage at the circus
Where it’s a Rainbow World
Tumblers twist and twirl
Children from everywhere hip-hopping through the air
At your command here in the circus
We make your wish come true
The greatest show on earth full of fun and mirth
And it’s all here waiting for you
Join in the joy and you’ll find that
This is a Rainbow World!

Sonny: *singing* It doesn’t matter how tall you may be
For everyone here is a child

War Fan: *singing* Whether you’re four or one hundred and three
The horses are tame, it’s the dreams that are wild

Everyone: *singing* So join in the joy and you’ll find that
This is a Rainbow World!

*Near the conclusion of the song, one of the spotlights fell loose and crashed near the Mane Six, ending the fanfare so abruptly*

Pinkie Pie: WAAH!!!

Rarity: *surprised* Good gracious!

Ringo: Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! *moves aside* Not again. *calls out* Hey Gil, another spotlight got loose again!

???: *calls out* Alright, I'm coming, I'm coming!

*Suddenly, flying into the tent was a small female griffin with yellow eyes, white feathers with light violet tips covering her head (three of which in a fancy hairstyle), dressed in a simple blue custodian's jumpsuit. She carrying replacement spotlight with both talons gripped firmly around it. As she approached, the Mane Six were surprised*

Gilda: *grumbles* All this singing and jumping about, the boss doesn't pay you guys to sing AFTER the end of the show!

Rainbow Dash: *eyes widen* No way! Gilda, is that you?

Gilda: *turns, raises an eyebrow* Dash? What are YOU doing here?

Ringo: I take it you two know each other?

Rainbow Dash: *folds her hooves* Gilda WAS a friend of mine.

Vivian: Was?

Rainbow Dash: Let's just say she couldn't take a joke and left a bad impression on my friends.

Gilda: *mutters* Some joke…

Ringo: Well, isn't that something? Gilda's been working here at the circus for about three months now and she never told us about you.

Rainbow Dash: *to Gilda* Seriously?

Gilda: What? A griffin's got to eat and there wasn't many opportunities to take… *turns away from Dash* Not like it matters.

War Fan: The only position we had left at the time was a custodial job.

Ringo: Speaking of which, Gilda, the spotlight, please…?

Gilda: *rolls her eyes* Yeah, yeah, I'm on it!

*Gilda flapped her wings hard, slowly rising in the air while keeping a tight grip on the spotlight. Though it was a heavy piece of machinery, she managed to put the spotlight into position and, with some nails and tools from her suit pockets, screwed the nails in tightly to ensure it remained in place. She then moved her talon to a switch in the back, activating a high beam towards the circus folk and the others*

Vivian: There we go!

Twilight: Wow! She's very good at her job.

Gilda: *wipes her brow* I've lifted heavier objects back in my homeland; this is nothing.

Ringo: Have you finished sweeping up the animal stalls? Mr. Grand Show wants them all clean this time, not just one.

Gilda: *flies back down to the ground* I just finished half the stalls, like five minutes ago.

Ringo: Well then go finish the other half. And afterwards, Mr. Grand Show wants you to empty all the waste bins in everyone's dressing rooms.

Gilda: Pphht! Whatever, “Mr. Secretary.” *begins to walk off to resume her duties, stops, slowly turns back to Dash* Oh… By the way, I never did get that call. *spreads her wings and flies off*

Rainbow Dash: *growls in anger*

Rarity: Goodness, she hasn't changed a bit!

Pinkie: Ah man! Here I thought working at the circus would be fun, now we gotta work with Miss Cranky-Pants!

Ringo: *rubs the back of his neck* Yeah… Gilda isn't much liked around here.

Vivian: *folds her arms* Brown-beaker, that's all she is.

Ringo: Easy, Viv. The boss likes her, so we can't do anything about it. *looks at his clipboard* Alrighty, time to assign you to your stations, according to Mr. Grand Show's list. Twilight, since you'll be our magic act, feel free to set up in Trixie's old tent.

Twilight: Trixie? As in "The Great and Powerful" Trixie?

Ringo: *pause* Yeah? You knew her, too?

Twilight: We've had a history… A “not so good” history.

Ringo: I see… *turns back to the clipboard* Applejack, you and Fluttershy will work with our lead animal trainer, Carl.

Applejack: Rounding up critters? Sounds good to me.

Ringo: That also includes elephants, lions, tigers, bears, rhinos, horses, zebras, you name it and we've got it.

Applejack: *turns to Fluttershy* Fluttershy?

Fluttershy: Don't worry, Applejack, I can handle them.

Ringo: *looking at the clipboard* Rarity, you're in the costume department.

Rarity: Not to worry, dear. I guarantee this circus shall have the most spectacular costumes like nothing you've seen before.

War Fan: Oh, from what I've read in that article of Clothes Horse Magazine, I know you will.

Ringo: *looking at the clipboard* Pinkie, you'll be working with Sonny, War Fan and Greg. They'll show you the ropes on how to be a clown.

Pinkie: *gasps* Making others laugh and smile! I was born to be a clown.

Sonny: Pinkie, we're going to have so much fun together!! Eeek eek ook!

Pinkie: Ooh! Ooh! You must teach me to make those monkey noises too!

Sonny: Done deal!

Ringo: Mezmo and Spike, you'll work with Pyrina, our fire dancer.

Spike: Pyrina?

Mezmo: Fire dancer? *pause, shrugs* Cool!

Ringo: *looking at the clipboard* And Rainbow Dash, you're assigned to both the Wonderbolts and… *takes a closer look* Andre the Strongman?

Rainbow: *wide-eyed* Oh… My… Celestia!! THE WONDERBOLTS?!?! I GET TO PERFORM WITH THE WONDERBOLTS?!?!

Andre: *puts a hand on Rainbow's back* And get to work with me, little rainbow pony.

Rainbow Dash: Of course, but… THE Wonderbolts!! This is so… Awesome!!!

Ringo: Now that everyone's got a job, let's get started, shall we?

Rainbow Dash: *salutes* Can do!

Pinkie: *salutes* Ready, willing, and able!!

Applejack: This is going to be a real hoot.

Ringo: *claps his hands* All right everyone, make for your stations!

*As everyone went off to assume their assigned stations amongst their trainers, there was a pair having a hushed discussions away from anyone's, or any-pony's ears. But this discussion clearly had nothing to do with circus plans*

War Fan: Any word yet?

Sonny: *turns to War Fan* Hmm... From what?

War Fan: You know… *turns side-to-side, whispers* "It".

Sonny: Oh! Right, that! *shakes his head* No, not yet. Why do you ask?

War Fan: Because this is the last place anyone would think to look. Not to say we don't have enough time, but who knows how long before one of these folks catches on.

Sonny: And suppose we do find it… What then?

War Fan: *pause* After this… We'll be long gone from the circus. We'll leave all this behind us, and then we can finally go back.

Sonny: *sighs* If you say so… But what if the ponies suspect?

War Fan: *turns to face the busy ponies* They'll suspect something, but this is way beyond their hooves. They must not know why we're here or why we're doing what we've done… At least not until they're ready.

*Sonny took a moment to reflect, as if he is feeling out of character with the expression of guilt on his usual happy face. Little did he know, they're conversation was overheard by Pinkie, who strangely blended in with a circus poster with one ear listening in as she keeps still. She heard the conversation, but could not understand the meaning as so little was shared. After a moment of silence, she heard another word*

Sonny: *reluctantly nods* Okay… I won't tell.

*Pinkie's eyes widened upon Sonny's response, thoughts circling her head of all the possibilities. But reflecting on an earlier instance, she kept quiet so as not to draw attention until the patter of footsteps started to fade indicating that both War Fan and Sonny were leaving. She slowly peered over to watch, seeing their figures at a distance and she began to wonder*

Pinkie: Hmm…


To Be Continued…
Episode 14 of Adventures in Equestria. To take their minds off a robbery, Mezmo and his friends in Ponyville go to a circus that has come to visit. While there, they learn about the robberies and their connection to the circus. Now they have to join the circus and find out who did it.

Written by me, :iconmrskaoovie: and :iconwrestlemaniac829:
© 2013 - 2024 HewyToonmore
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