The next day, following the amazing performances by Jenny Lind and Rara, needless to say things were not going smoothly for Barnum and Bailey Circus. Phineas was so engaged with setting up Miss Lind’s next performance he was completely ignoring his duties as co-owner of the circus. Whenever matters came up regarding future shows, he’d always shove them on Erik and Philip while he kept his focus on climbing the social ladder in New York. And then it only got even worse from there…
Phineas had announced he was going on tour around the country to manage Jenny as she performed. To say both Philip and Erik were none too pleased to hear the news would’ve been a major understatement. Hence why they found themselves trying to talk to Barnum about it, as the next show was being set up and Barnum unfurled a large promotional poster for Jenny Lind on his desk.
“Why can’t you just put more shows in New York?” Philip asked him. “Why do you need to tour the country?”
“Why did Napoleon march on Russia?” Phineas retorted.
“I’d like to point out that Napoleon was ‘defeated’ in that invasion,” Erik reminded his partner.
“Napoleon didn’t have a 60-piece orchestra.”
“A 60-piece orchestra?”
“Just get the cheapest musicians you can and watch that.”
“We’ll still have to board them,” Erik reminded Phineas. “It’s not as simple as you make it out to be.”
“We’ll get married ones,” Phineas suggested. “They can share a bunk.”
Just before leaving the office, Phineas turned back and noticed O’Malley messing with his daughter’s piggy bank.
“O’Malley, that’s Caroline’s piggy bank,” He reminded, as they left.
Out in the main performance ring, many of the troupe were rehearsing for their acts that night. Fluttershy’s main job was working with the animals of the show. Currently, she was trying to calm an upset elephant who refused to eat. She tried to gently encourage him to eat, but the gentle giant simply refused.
“Aw, come on now Titan,” She encouraged kindly. “We got you some nice quality hay and grass. I promise you’ll love it.”
Titan the elephant just waved his trunk around and knocked the cart of hay and grass off to the side much to the Pegasus’s surprise.
“What’s wrong big guy?” Fluttershy asked. “You’ve been like this for days; it’s not healthy for you. Just tell me how to make it better for you and I will. I promise.”
Titan just moved his giant head toward the direction of the upper walkway. It was then Fluttershy noticed Barnum, Erik, and Philip continuing on with their conversation.
“Custom sets?” Philip questioned.
“Yeah,” Phineas nodded.
“Fireworks?” Erik continued.
“Uh-huh.”
“Inside theaters?”
“That’s genius!” Barnum smiled.
“No. Hey, P.T.!” Philip called after Phineas. “These are the most famous theaters in the country. They make you buy the seats in advance just to book them—”
“Yeah, I took out a loan,” Phineas interrupted.
“Not to mention we’d have to pay Miss Lind in advance,” Erik added. “She’s certainly not cheap to book—”
“It was a large loan, okay?” Phineas interrupted again.
“My point is you won’t see a penny of profit until your 40th show…”
“41st, actually.”
“Do you ever listen to yourself?” Erik argued. “You’re risking everything we’ve built here!”
“How do you think we built it?” Phineas asked. “We took risks and it paid off. We’ll have plenty of profits to go around after this.”
Philip finally had enough with all this nonsense. He grasped Barnum by his shoulder, and forced him to face him.
“P.T.?”
“What?”
“Your attention has been divided long enough.”
“He’s absolutely right,” Erik agreed. “Our gate is down, and we have more protestors every day. Yet all you seem to care about anymore is how high you can rise on the social ladder instead of how you got there to begin with.”
“You just need to get people to come back,” Phineas shrugged. “If you haven’t been to the Barnum Museum lately, you haven’t been at the Barnum Museum.”
“In case you forgot, it is as much my museum as it is your!” Erik shot back. “Barnum and Bailey, just as we agreed! I put up my own business in order to help you and your family out of financial disaster! I’m the one putting all of my plans aside to cover for you.”
“They come to see you,” Philip reminded Barnum. “Your crazy ideas… your new acts, the unusual.”
“Well, then how about you show them a smile?” Phineas shot back. “That’d be unusual. Keep rehearsing. Just make it very clear I expect them to afford you all the deference you deserve and that they should be nice to you anyway.”
And just like that, Phineas made his way through the backstage area and out the back door. This left Erik and Philip looking after him in disappointment and the rest of his troupe looking hurt and angry.
“Ain’t that a sight for sore eyes?” Lettie commented.
“Couldn’t even say ‘hello’,” Charlies added, shaking his head.
“Or ‘goodbye’,” Philip sighed. “He’s going on tour. Sorry, guys.”
“Oh, pull yourself together, Carlyle,” Lettie rolled her eyes. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”
Philip grabbed his pocket watch from his pocket and looked down at the time. He realized he was running very late. Erik placed a hand upon his shoulder and the young man looked up toward the smirking gaze of the Phantom himself.
“Best not keep young Miss Wheeler waiting,” He chuckled. “Go on and have a good time. I’ll take care of things for tonight.”
“Are you sure?” Philip asked.
“I was pulling the strings of the theatre arts long before you were born,” Erik replied. “I can handle the show. Now go… give her the best night of her life. And make every moment count.”
Philip nodded with a smile and raced off to meet with Anne. Erik knew that a thing was going on between Philip and Anne Wheeler, especially from what his pony friends mentioned (Mostly Rarity). There was a spark between those two, yet they barely seemed to push it any further due to whatever reluctance weighed upon the boy. Erik could only hope this night would turn out well for them and lead to something more. Everyone else watched after him, while Charles chuckled over his departure.
“That boy has got the love disease for Anne bad,” He chuckled.
“That he does,” Erik nodded in agreement. “But we cannot focus on his business. His affairs are his own after all. Let’s focus on tonight’s show.”
“What’s the point, Mr. Bailey?” Lettie sighed. “Without Mr. Barnum, there isn’t a point in any of this.”
“Surely you can’t believe that.”
“It’s the truth,” Charles added. “None of us would even be here if it wasn’t for him. We’d still be going about life being kicked around and laughed at. We’re all just a bunch of freaks and monsters.”
At that moment, Fluttershy made her way backstage toward the others. She overhead them talking in between comforting Titan and hearing them say such talk hurt her heart.
“That isn’t true,” Fluttershy told them. “You are all wonderful human beings just like everyone else. Sure you may not look like other people, but that doesn’t mean you should feel less than others.”
Despite her kind words, Lettie and Charles just looked down sadly.
“It’s nice of you to say Fluttershy,” Lettie thanked her. “Sadly, the rest of the world doesn’t think the way you and your friends do. There will always be people reminding us of who we really are. A bunch of abominations with no place in this world.”
Seeing her friends so dejected and somber made Fluttershy want to cry. Instead, she retained her composure and was determined to prove to these poor people how much they should be treated the same way as she wanted to be… an equal.
“You know… in the land I come from, ponies used to treat ‘me’ like an outcast,” Fluttershy admitted. “And for the longest time, I didn’t feel like I belong anywhere.”
“You?” Lettie questioned.
“When I was a filly, back when I lived in Cloudsdale, I attended flight school like my fellow Pegasi,” Fluttershy explained. “They bullied me often, poking fun at me just because I couldn’t fly as good as all the other ponies my age. Sometimes… I wonder ‘why’ I was even born a Pegasus, that maybe I should’ve been born an Earth pony. Had it not been for Rainbow Dash sticking up for me, being my only friend, I wouldn’t know where to be. She may be hard on me at times, but she was the one friend who treated me as ‘no’ different compared to any other Pegasus… or any pony for that matter.”
“What’s your point, kid?” Charles retorted.
“My point is… you only believe what you are because for the longest time, you haven’t had anyone tell you any different,” Fluttershy replied. “I believe all you really needed is what I needed all those years ago. What all us outcasts need.”
“And what would that be?” Charles asked somberly.
“A friend,” Fluttershy smiled.
Both Charles and Lettie looked up toward the timid yellow Pegasus, who just smiled brightly and offered a hoof to each of them. They both looked at her for a moment of confusion before slowly reaching out and taking a hoof each. Fluttershy helped them stand before she broke out into song, one she hoped would inspire the troupe.
Soon as she finished, both Lettie and Charles gazed upon her with big smiles on their faces and held back tears threatening to emerge. Never before had they ever had anyone in their lives so willing to be their friend, a friend willing to help them through their problems. They embraced the young Pegasus in a hug to which she happily returned. From the sidelines, Erik looked on with a happy look on his face. Barnum may have given up on the circus game, but not Erik and he never would. And without question, his friends clearly won’t give up on these people… not ever.
<>
Later that evening, Anne Wheeler, dressed in her finest ensemble, walked into the New York Opera House to see the latest show. All her life she wanted to go to the theatre and now here she was finally in a position she was able to do so. Mr. Barnum apparently left a ticket just for her and so she approached the ticket booth to collect it.
“Mr. Barnum said he left a ticket for me,” She spoke to the attendant.
The attendant reached down and pulled it out. To her surprise, the man proceeded to hand her not one, but two tickets. This most certainly confused Anne greatly.
“I’m—I’m sorry,” She spoke confused. “I—I believe there’s only supposed to be one.”
“No, there’s meant to be two.”
The sudden voice beside her made her turn her head and see Philip Carlyle standing right next to her dressed in a fancy suit. The two stood there for a moment as they gazed at each other. They had not seen much of one another since the night of Jenny Lind’s performance, and they remembered that moment very well.
In the midst of Lind’s song, Philip reached over and intertwined his hand with hers. In that one moment, Anne felt happier than she had ever felt in her entire life. Sadly, the moment was spoiled when they both noticed Philip’s parents in the audience looking at them funny. Philip quickly released his grip on her hand, which made Anne feel so foolish, so upset that she walked out of the hall.
And now here they stood, face-to-face once more as if by chance… or destiny.
“I wasn’t sure you’d come if I asked,” Philip said awkwardly.
“Five minutes to curtain,” A man announced.
Philip offered his arm to Anne, who accepted after a moment’s hesitation. He proceeded to lead her towards the entrance to the theatre where a wonderful show waited for them.
“I’ve always wanted to go to the theater,” Anne told him.
They both smiled at each other as they made their way up the steps. Then suddenly, they found their path blocked by none other than Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle, Philip’s parents. Both Anne and Philip looked toward them awkwardly.
“Philip, is that you?” Mr. Carlyle asked.
“Mother… father…” Philip nodded to them. “This is Anne Wheeler.”
“Philip… have you no shame?” Mr. Carlyle asked appalled. “Associating myself with that Barnum business is one thing… but parading around with the help?”
Hearing him say such a remark made Anne suddenly feel very out of place. She quickly turned heel and started making her way out of the building.
“Anne!” Philip called after her. “Anne! Anne!”
She gave no reply nor even looked back. She just walked out the front door as Philip looked on. The moment he turned to look at his father, anger drew upon the young man’s face.
“How dare you speak to her like that?” He asked lowly.
Philip started to follow her, only for his mother to hold out her arm to stop him.
“You forget your place, Philip,” She said.
“My place?” Philip asked. “Mother, if this is my place then I don’t want any part of it.”
And that said, Philip pushed past his parents not once looking back. All he did was kept going and followed Anne out the front door determined to find her again.
<>
As it turned out, Anne hadn’t gone as far as Philip thought. She had made her way back to the circus building, where Philip followed her the entire way. The moment he entered the building, he found Anne in her costume sitting on the bleachers and he walked toward her.
“Anne,” He spoke gently. “They’re small-minded people. Why do you care what they think?”
“It’s not just them,” Anne responded, trying not to cry. “You’ve never had somebody look at you the way your parents looked at me. The way everyone would look at us.”
Anne made to walk away, but Philip quickly turned on heel to face her once again as his true feelings for her came out in song form.
Soon as the singing was over, Anne placed a single hand upon Philip’s cheek before she walked off. Philip found himself standing there, feeling hurt for two reasons. The fact that despite being willing to give up ‘everything’ for her, Anne seemingly didn’t want to be with him. But worse than that… he was angry at the world and its people for not accepting the idea of them being together. Circus business was not all smiles and laughs as he originally thought it was.
And from the shadows, hidden in the dark, Erik had been watching the pair the entire time. He too was angry… only he was more sympathetic for the young man. In a way, Philip reminded Erik of himself… the way he had initially loved someone, but they could never be together. And that was long before he met ‘the one’, a very special pony, one he happily married and would soon share a child with… everything was working out for him. But for Philip and Anne… Erik knew it would take some form of magic to make their union a reality.
<>
Meanwhile, across town, things were truly falling apart at the Barnum mansion. Shortly after informing is family he’d be going on tour to manage Jenny, Charity made it very clear she was certainly not pleased. It wasn’t so much he would be traveling with Jenny that bothered her; rather, it was the fact he was willing to leave his wife and kids for such a long time. Charity was already content with the life she and Phineas had together with their family, but it still seemed that it wasn’t enough for him, and he always wanted ‘more’.
Barnum was currently packing for the journey while his wife tried to reason with him.
“First, it was buying a house on the same street as my parents,” Charity spoke upset. “Then, meeting the Queen. Then bringing Jenny Lind, then my father the other night. When will it ever be enough for you?”
“I’m doing this for Caroline and Helen,” Phineas responded.
“Look around you,” Charity gestured. “They have everything.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I do understand.”
“No, you don’t understand,” Phineas responded loudly. “How could you? My father was treated like dirt. I was treated like dirt… and my children will not be.”
“You don’t need everyone to love you, Phin,” Charity assured. “Just a few good people.”
“I know that…” He sighed.
No matter what Charity said, no matter how hard she tried, she found it impossible to make her own husband realize they didn’t need a life of luxury and wealth to be happy. All they needed was each other, that’s more than anyone ever needed. Phineas seemed to be the only one who didn’t seem to realize that. But of course, they weren’t the ‘only’ ones dealing with this problem.
In another part of the mansion, Rara packed away a few essentials as ell for she too would be accompanying Phineas and Jenny on tour. After seeing her first performance on stage, the people demanded for more appearances of the magnificent pony with the voice of an angel. And soon… word of her performance reached out to nearly every country around the world begging her to perform there. It really made Rara feel good to feel wanted by the public again, to feel like that shining star she once used to be.
Her friends, on the other hoof, had a different view on the matter.
“What do ya mean yer leavin’?” Applejack asked, in shock.
“I mean exactly what I said,” Rara responded. “Mr. Barnum wants me to open for Miss Lind every night during our tour of the country. This is an amazing opportunity for me.”
“Yeah… for six months,” Rainbow emphasized.
“I know it’s a lot, but it’s worth getting back to what I used to be.”
“Darling, I more than any pony understand wanting your artistry to be adored by the millions,” Rarity sympathized. “But you’re talking about leaving everyone you know and love behind for Celestia knows how long.”
“Now I love going on super-duper fun adventures with my friends a heap of a lot like the next pony,” Pinkie added. “But I can’t ever imagine leaving my friends, my family, or even Cheesy and Lil’ Cheese behind for so long like that.”
Rara had just finished packing her stuff and released a deep sigh. She turned around to look the others straight in the eye.
“Look guys, with all due respect, you don’t understand what I’m going through,” Rara told them. “You’re the Elements of Harmony, practically Equestria’s superheroes! Your legacy is literally built in stone, and even when you retire from all this for good, you’ll still be regarded as heroes for thousands of years!
“Me… I don’t have that luxury. If I can’t be a singer, I’ve got nothing to live for. No pony or creature will look at me the same way ever again. I’ve strived to be the best for so long and I’m notabout to pass up an opportunity like this. I just… can’t.”
Applejack squinted her eyes as her faced garnered a more upset look.
“Is that Rara talkin’… or Countess Coloratura?”
“What’re you talking about?” She asked, shocked and confused.
“Yer actin’ just like how ya used to when Svengallop was yer manager!” Applejack responded. “Always worryin’ more ‘bout what other ponies think of ya more than what youthink of ya.”
“It’s not the same!” Rara responded, greatly upset. “Back then, I made music that meant nothing more for me but glitz and glam. Here I am making music that actually ‘means’ something to me. All I want is for everyone to enjoy it. If you were truly my friend, you’d understand that.”
This caused every pony to gasp loudly over her choice of words. Applejack was especially shocked that her own friend would even say such a thing. From day one, she was Rara’s number one supporter of living her music dream ever since they were fillies in summer camp. She helped her realize she just needed to be herself and everywhere she’d go folks would love her for who she was. Now Rara was twisting all of that into this brand new image of wanting to please others, and for what? For false glory…
Applejack stared right at Rara’s face, frowning heavily.
“Yer right,” She spoke. “Ah don’t understand it. Guess that means we ain’t friends.”
Applejack quickly turned back around and made her way out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Every pony else and Spike stood in silence for a few moments before they slowly followed Applejack out the door. Soon Rara was left standing alone, a single tear falling down her face which she quickly wiped away and grabbed her luggage. She made her way down to the main hall where Barnum was waiting with his own luggage.
“You ready to be a star?” He asked her.
“As ready as I’ll ever be, Mr. Barnum,” She responded.
The two departed the mansion and made their way down the steps where the carriage was already waiting in the road. Barnum held the door open for Rara and she jumped into her seat opposite of Jenny Lind. Barnum hopped in behind her as Charity, the girls, and the Equestrians came out to watch them leave.
“Ah can’t believe she’s actually goin’ through with this,” Applejack sighed sadly. “Ah guess the Rara ah knew really is gone…”
“I could say the same about Phineas,” Charity added solemnly.
“No, no! Daddy!” Caroline cried out.
“Daddy!” Helen cried.
It broke the Equestrians hearts watching the pair race down the steps toward the carriage, as Barnum shut the door and signaled the driver to go. The carriage pulled off down the street as Caroline and Helen raced after it. Charity, the ponies, and Spike did nothing to stop them, they just stared sadly after them. Soon Charity began to sing a sad song for the loss of the man used to be her husband.
https://m.Days turned to weeks, weeks into months, and in all that time life slowly moved on for the Equestrians and the Barnums. Caroline, the girls, and their friends did everything they could to enjoy each other’s company, but without Phineas and Rara it just wasn’t the same. True Caroline continued to excel at ballet, but what was the point? It always saddened her whenever a show was over, and she could see everyone there supporting her… except her father.
Phineas, Rara, and Jenny were busy enjoying the spotlight that they absolutely had no idea how much they were being missed back home. Every night, Rara would open the shows to a standing ovation and Jenny would close with a showstopping number. When it was all said and done, the girls and Barnum would stand on stage to a cheering crowd who threw flowers at them. At this time, the spotlight and fame were all that mattered to them.
As for the circus troupe, Erik and Philip somehow kept everything together as best they could. Yet without Barnum, the circus life just wasn’t the same. More and more protestors continued showing up by the day and made life ‘miserable’ for the circus. Lord knows it was only a matter of time before everything they had built would fall apart at the seams.
Dinners at the Barnum Mansion were especially lonely for the Barnums and the Equestrians. Even after they’d break their bread and enjoy a wonderful meal Charity would prepare, the atmosphere was just too gloomy for them to enjoy. All they could think about was loved ones who couldn’t be with them tonight nor any night for that mattered. Picking at her food, Rainbow Dash briefly turned to an empty chair meant for a certain ‘marefriend’ and for once she was more worried than usual. She had a rough idea where she was, as Rainbow Dash’s eyes gazed up as if she could look past the ceiling.
Most nights, Applejack would be in the guest room mainly by herself and she’d been very depressed since her fight with Rara. Granted, she wasn’t really sorry for what she deemed to be the honest truth (As harsh as she may have been) but she never felt so alone even among her friends and her marefriend... not till now. Once more, one of her oldest friends was gone, out of her life again… only this time, A.J. truly wasn’t sure if she’d ever see her again. But then, after what they each had to say, Rara likely wouldn't want anything to do with Applejack anymore. Trying her best to hold back any tears, she leaned back on the bed and tipped her hat so far down her face so none could see… but that didn’t stop her from silently weeping into the cold, lonely night.
Fame can really blind someone even to your family
Change in general is a very scary ordeal and believe me when I say, as a person who 'struggles' with change drastically, it's never easy. Especially when you see how success, while bringing out the best in people, often ends up bringing out the 'worst'. Soon it becomes very clear that Barnum is not satisfied with having a successful running show or finally having the money for a bigger home. He wants more and more with this whole Jenny Lind deal, to suddenly focus his attention on making her a worldwide attraction that he neglects the concerns of his family and friends. As if that's not enough, even Rara seems more concerned of being that successful singer she wants to be all for the adoration of her newfound fans. Maybe the way she explained it may have come off the wrong way, but this is definitely putting a strain on her friendship with Applejack... again. Course we as an audience must beg the question as to 'how' deep Applejack and Rara's friendship truly was? Was there more to this than just being mere camp mates in their childhood? Who knows?
And if there's something about change that scares people greatly is when it suddenly starts becoming a trend of having a relationship that's not centered on one specific race, when it can be 'interracial'. For when Philip first saw Anne Wheeler, he did not see another African American... he saw the most beautiful creature on two legs the same way as we look at a human being whom we feel attracted to (Regardless of our own preferences). And yet his parents make it feel like a crime for him to take the 'help' to a prestigious theater just to watch a show. If I were in Philip's shoes and I couldn't date someone either because they weren't my color or whatever excuse they can throw in, I'd want nothing to do with my family either (Even if it puts my financial status at risk). Yet even Anne has doubts that this relationship will ever work, that she'll 'never' be able to provide that happiness Philip wants because they come from two different worlds.
It's a struggle we're all still facing and I see that happen almost every day. I see some couples able to make it work regardless of all the obstacles they push through to make it happen. And then I see those who 'can' be happy together, but life throws every possible measure to keep them apart. But I believe in this idea that there is 'always' still a chance, even when you don't believe you can be happy. In the end, in order to truly have what we really want in life, we must ask ourselves...
What's the bigger picture? What do we really want to gain more than 'anything' in the entire world?
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Makes us wonder if all those major celebrities we followed in life had ever gone through the same trials and tribulations. We know of their work that makes them a lot of money, and they are so famous you'll see mentions of them on every known page in social media. But then we ask ourselves... for all the money, for all the fame, and even all the exaggerations about themselves... are they truly as happy as we assume they are? And how does this affect their relationship with their significant others? Friends? Family? If any at all?
Oh, Rara... why'd you have to go back to being Coloratura? Now it looks like her friendship with Applejack is over.
No doubt there'll be some tears in the audience watching the film according to the upcoming commentary of this chapter for a certain sad song, right, Phantom-Dragon?
Is fame and glory really important than your loved ones? I don't think so. When you think that you're at the bottom and no one is willing to pull you out from the darkness...you kept forgetting that people who loves you for who you are and what's inside your heart. But, when you have fame and money, who do you have then? No one.
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Which really begs the common questions in life: Can fame and glory really make you happy? Will finally having 'everything' you've been begging for and claiming to be striving for truly make you a better man or woman? There are many more treasurable moments that bring happiness in one's life. From the people who love you, to acknowledging who you are as a person... and NOT 'what' you are (As many unmentionable figures refuse to realize). But suppose you suddenly become the most famous person in the entire planet. Say you finally have ALL the money in the world. Answer this one question:
Are you finally satisfied with your life? Or is enough 'never' enough for you?
Me: (coughs uncomfortably)
Hungry: Dramatic Irony?
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Toon’s Right! Go ahead! Do your worst, dislikes!
You may be able to take our positive creditability, But you can never take,…
OOOOUUR FRREEEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
Me: Oh, fame! Why do you have to be such a cruel mistress at times!?
(Hungry is about to take a breath to say something while raising a finger but then i place my own finger and place it on his mouth.)
Me: If this is about grammatical, punctual and word mispronunciations, Don't even, Man. just don't even.
and Because 1. If you do say anything, i'll use the Cattle prod on yah soon to be pain induced keister.
and 2. If you hadn't noticed from watching and reading the movie from our booth here, this is clearly.... NOT. THE. TIIIME.
(They both then lower their fingers as they move on to the next part of the CA.)
Poor AJ, this chapter got me all misty-eyed
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That was the general idea when getting this chapter together. We knew this was going to bring out a ton of emotions moving forward.
*sigh* Why did Rara have to say something like that? Does the spotlight really have to change people (or ponies) for the worst?
First Phineas and now Rara is losing sight of what's really important. Hopefully they can open their eyes and realize they already have what they need and don't need to keep looking for more
Oh no....
Not good.
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Who knows? Some folks end up saying a few things mainly because it is the stress talking and not the person themselves. Yet still, there's often no way of knowing of whether they mean it or not. But then again, the spotlight has a way of changing people for better or worse. It all depends on how we take that approach.
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I'm sure they'll open their eyes somehow. Even if it takes some great disaster to make them understand that 'maybe' they've been going about this the wrong way.
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Well gee... that was a little bit harsh. I mean I was up till midnight editing this chapter.
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Oh no, I meant what's happening with Rara and Applejack was terrible. I hope they make up soon.
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We can't really give anything away at this time. But with a few bits more of the story to go, we're bound to have something planned.
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You and me both. Heck, I'm on the same boat that the "freaks" are on, in either the mistreatment department or the unappreciated department. But still, I feel sad if I don't feel needed or wanted. It makes me feel like... I'm hated. Like how the circus people are going through.
Go ahead, give me negative dislikes. I don't care.
11163394
Situations like that make people do things that won't pay off.
Take Laura Barns for example after the video was released that will end up as a victim of cyberbullying stress caused her to commit suicide.
11163428
way to go toon i salute you
I understand Rara's point of view. She's a pony who wants to make others happy through music; and after how poorly she's been doing recently, it stands to reason that she wants to keep going now that she's successful. But she's gotten so caught up in her newfound fame that she's prioritizing her over her friends. She has lost all foothold when she accused her friends of not understanding her. What a hypocrite, They helped her to believe in herself again. But instead of being who she was, she has become who her old manager wanted her to be: Somepony who doesn't care about others if that doesn't gets a benefit. Although he hurts her, it is normal that Applejack no longer wants her as her friend; I wouldn't want to have someone who says those things to me either.
The bad thing about Barnum's actions is that it's his friends and his family who really suffer from his actions, especially his daughters, as we see during Charity's song. Luckily for Charles, Lettie and the rest, The Mane 6, Spike, Erik and Philip are there to help them. Speaking of which, he has his own problems, since his parents don't even bother to hide his racism towards Anne, and make it clear that it is because his social status is what worries him most, and not her. his son his. But this only makes Philip see how toxic his parents are, choosing his love over them. The bad thing is that, since Anne loves him too, she doesn't want him to go through the same thing as him, so she has to reject him. Although something tells me that Erik is not going to let this relationship end if he can do something.
I hope both Barnum and Rara realize their mistakes before it's too late, and I'm not just saying that because of their family and friends situation. Those who do not like the circus will not take long to take their prejudices to a more extreme level.
Gah. -two finger forehead slap- I hear "Rewrite the Stars" so much at work, but can't believe I forgot it originated from this movie only seeing it once so far.
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It is a beautiful duet. If not for this movie, this song wouldn't be so catchy.
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hey doc what is is the saucy image it not letting me see it
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A blast from the past with Liberty Kids? Well I love the theme song as a kid and I still do
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I think your 'saucy image' is broken, Doc. Otherwise great commentary.
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It's actually just a logo of the word "saucy." Lol
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oh
Ahhh, fame and family, usually one is at the expense of the other. It is rare for the two to balance against each other (though there were some vaudeville acts that were family affairs) ...
Aw...poor AJ...poor Caroline and Helen and Charity...poor everyoneeeee!!!
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Yes... it is rare indeed. In most movies, that almost never works out for whatever reason.
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Yes, all is sad in the world right now. All we can only hope is that everything has a way of working out in the most heartwarming fashion.
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Oh, well, I'm expecting that, this is a musical. Also this is one of Enigma's fanfictions. He always finds a way to make things happy again!
But right now I'm mad at Barnum and wanna hug everyone else.
Hm...I wonder if I could dimension-hop to them...
He said that he's doing it for family, but fame really can blind you.
Is he really doing this for his daughters or is he doing it for himself?
And I can't believe Rara is so blind to this. Nothing is more important than friends and family. If I didn't know any better I'd say that she's no better than Svengallop.
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I was nostalgic. Plus, it's a catchy song.
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In a way, this reminds me of Walter White's descending spiral of his humanity in 'Breaking Bad'. He was a mild-mannered but still caring father trying to provide for his family on a minimum wage but the day he learned he has cancer that's when things really go wrong. Then he finds out one of his old students is involved in the meth business and discovers they can make a lot of money off their products. So initially he wants to use his scientific skills to good use, make this stuff, and generate just enough money to support his family while keeping his work a secret. Initially he insists he's doing these criminal activities to support his family, but the deeper he goes into this drug business and the cartels, the mob bosses, and even those Nazi wearing motorcycle guys, he becomes this cold hardened criminal no longer disgusted with the deaths of others and suddenly realizes that everything he's been doing, with this whole empire, was starting to become something he 'loved' even at the expense of becoming a monster to his entire family (Even his own son who was initially supportive of his father, even though he had no idea what Walter was doing).
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Wow... That's deep man.
Here I am.
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Wonderful Doc. Look forward to the commentary you provide for the next chapter.
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Wow this whole chapter was pretty emotional. Phineas forgetting everyone and abandoning his circus, Aj actually crying over losing Rara, that all hit me very hard. Surprised we only have one left now. Keep up the fantastic work guys!
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Thanks, guys. That makes me feel better... a little. I mean, the way Phantom-Dragon said he wants to do the commentary without me? That's... that's kinda like how Barnum's treating his circus regarding Jenny.
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Link
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Because the last time I "worked" with you, all you did was stepping out of line and making an even bigger mess.
Meanwhile, back at Discord's Theater(s)
Me: "Sad, but true."
Me: (To Barnum) "Uh, that's the part where you say, 'Touché.'"
Me: "But if they're married, then they won't have enough time to spend their loved ones..." (To Rain Shine) "Like how I'm spending my free time with my favorite queen."
Dr. Fauna: "Goodness! What's the matter with that elephant?"
Equestria Girls
EQG Applejack: "I don't think it's an upset stomach. But an upset argument..."
Discord's Cut
Discord: "Well! That was a harsh..."
Me: "You'd better get a move on, Phillip! It's not nice to keep a lady waiting."
Silver Shill: (To me) "Sort of like you, before you worked up the nerve to propose to Rain Shine, huh?"
Me: (To Silver Shill) "Oh shut up."
Discord's Cut
Charlie Morningstar: "Hey now! Don't sell yourself short like that! You're not a bunch of freaks and monsters! I should know, because I...because I...I..."
Discord's Cut
Charlie Morningstar: (Nodding) "Yeah, yeah! Exactly, what she said!"
Discord's Cut
Charlie Morningstar: (Nodding) "Right!"
All Theaters/u]
Audience: *GASP*
Discord's Cut
Charlie: "What? Really?"
Me: "I too was once an outcast. I come from a family that immigrated another country. I didn't get along so well with the kids, because I didn't understand the language, and I don't know how the first thing about 'interacting,' that I find it easier to just hide than putting myself out there."
Equestria Girls
Sci-Fi Twi: "Before transferring to Canterlot High, back in Crystal Prep, I was the top student, and the prized pupil of Abacus Cinch. But I didn't have any friends. Everyone were always shutting me out, or distancing themselves from me. Sometimes, it felt like I don't belong there at all..."
Galaxy
Sunset Shimmer: "I kinda know how it feels to be an outcast. Back in Canterlot, I was a major bully. A queen bee. That is, until Twilight came and..." (Sighs) "Anyway...I was down in rock bottom, I tried to build myself back up, but...a lot of people were distrusting of me then. Except for a few..."
Ben Solo: (To Sunset Shimmer) "You were a queen? Even before you were the leader of the Empire's Fury?"
Sunset Shimmer: "In a manner of speaking. I'm just glad that some of my classmates were willing to forgive me and took me in, when no one else would. And now, look at me. I've become a better person..."
Ben Solo: "..."
Future G5
Sunny Starscout: "I know a thing or two, about being an outcast." (To the rest of her friends, besides Sheriff Hitch) "Before I met all of you, I was the only earth pony in Maretime Bay to think unicorns and pegasi are the good guys. Everypony all thought I was crazy. A loose cannon. A lot of things. And all because I believed in Equestria for what it was. A home for ponies of every kind."
Discord's Cut
Charlie Morningstar: "You're not the only outcast, Fluttershy. From where I come from, it's...not a friendly place. Sometimes, I wondered, why was I ever born there. Why am I so different from all the other de-denizens of hel-home... And, I just couldn't stand it anymore that, I...ran away, and came here, just to get away from it all. Because, here is where...I sorta feel like I belong."
All Theaters
Everyone all stopped what they were doing, enchanted by Fluttershy's singing, and just listen with joys in their eyes. Even the tsundere Ember and bad girl Gilda can't help but listen – like they had a choice.
I pulled Rain Shine close for a cuddle, and we enjoyed the song from Fluttershy. Tempest Shadow held up an umbrella, to shield herself from a downpour of Sugar Belle's tears, and any other drinks or foods that may potential be thrown at her.
Equestria Girls
Kiwi Lollipop held both Flash Sentry and Supernova Zap, as they enjoy the song together. Rainbow Dash and Applejack even wrapped their arms around each other, with their heads side-by-side, to enjoy the song.
Galaxy
Sunset and Galen too held each other close to enjoy the song.
Future G5
Sunny Starscout wrapped her hooves around Sheriff Hitch and Izzy, with Zipp and Pipp hold each other close. Deputy Sprout bawled like a baby, while hugging his mother, who held up an umbrella.
Discord's Cut
Charlie Morningstar: "My mom once sang me that song... She said she borrowed it from my friend, Octavia's father, Stolas."
All Theaters
Audience: "AW!"
EQG Security Guard: "It's enough to make a grown man cry!" 😡 "But not this man! GET BACK IN THERE TEAR!"
Discord's Cut
Discord: "Oh! Mr. Bailey! I know I've been in yours and Mr. Barnum's hairs for quite some time now, but I've come up with an act that's better than Napoleon! Maestro!"
Me: "Oh darn. Ride 'em cowboy!"
William Tell Overture
Over hill, over dale,
As we hit the dusty trail
And those Caissons go rolling along
In and out, hear them shout,
Counter march and right about
And those Caissons go rolling along.
*Waaaah waaaah waaaah waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah SFX*Me: "Discord, those aren't even the right words. I think you better do us all a favor a ride off into the sunset."
Discord: "You people have no taste..." (Slumps and walks away) "The rehearsal was good though..."
Erik: (Pinching his temples) "What am I going to do with him?"
"Come, friends, who plough the sea"
Random Dude: "ARRGH!!!"
Me: "We need to get that fixed."
Shining Armor: "Surprised?"
Me: "I say it's destiny."
Princess Cadence: (To me) "Or, they simply needed a little push in the right direction."
All Theaters
Audience: "UGH!"
Sweetie Belle: "OH COME ON!!!"
Sunset Shimmer: "Great. As if TWO disapproving parents weren't enough..."
Me: "It took some time for my dad to give me and Rain Shine his blessing."
Me: "Like how in another universe, you're the bae of Spider–Man?" (Everyone looked at me) "I'm just saying..."
Ember: (Pulling her eyelids) "WHY?!"
Thorax: "I don't know what you're complaining about Ember. I like it."
Gabby: "Me too!"
Discord's Cut
Charlie was just passing through, when she heard the singing.
Me: "Yeah, man. Anne's a girl worth fighting for!"
Discord's Cut
Watching from the sideline, Charlie smiled, feeling a fuzzy feeling buzzing within her, at the thought of someday finding someone worthwhile, and sharing this tender love song with them.
Flurry Heart: "Well, they almost felt the love tonight..."
Equestria Girls
EQG Sweetie Belle: "OH COME ON!"
Discord's Cut
Charlie's eyes followed where Anne was going, before she turned back towards Phillip, with looks of sympathy. Tears ran down her cheeks and in that moment, the effect of her disguise wore off, to reveal her eyes turned red, with yellow scelra.
static.wikia.nocookie.net/hazbinhotel/images/5/57/Always_Chasing_Rainbows.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20191023215937
Shining Armor: (To Princess Cadence) "Mayday, mayday. Happy marriage falling apart..."
Shining Armor & Princess Cadence: "Exactly!"
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
Equestria Girls
EQG Applejack: "Ditto."
Galaxy
Sunset Shimmer: "That's right."
Future G5
Mane Five: "Yup!"
Sapphire Shores & Songbird Serenade: "Six MONTHS?!"
Equestria Girls
PostCrush: "Six Months?"
Future G5
Pipp Petals: "Six Months?"
All Theaters/u]
Audience: "SIX MONTHS?!!!"
Sunburst: "It's Sunset Shimmer all over again..."
Lil' Cheese: "Mama Pinkie no leave, Cheese?"
Me: "Hey now! I've watched over these heroes for a long time now. And out of all, Spike's destiny wasn't built-in stone, like the girls. But that never stopped him from being a hero of his own rights, right? So I'd say, anyone can be the hero of their stories. And honestly, I think it's awesome!"
All Theaters
Audience: *GASPS*
Zipp Storm: "Ooh. Low blow!"
Sunburst: "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It's Sunset Shimmer all over again..." (Starlight Glimmer comforted Sunburst to the best of her abilities) "She was back with us one moment. She's gone the next. She's back. And finally, she's just...not here anymore..."
Galaxy
Sunset Shimmer: "Hmmm?"
Galen Marek: "Something wrong, Sunset?"
Sunset Shimmer: "I just had this funny feeling someone is talking about me..."
Ember: (Sigh) "At this point, I don't even care anymore..."
Discord's Cut
And yet, through it all, Discord continued to pester Erik, and Philip, with hundreds of his pitches for over-the-top acts, that just don't make the cuts.
On the bright side, the mysterious woman, Charlie Morningstar, kept on coming back to the circus show, eager to see more of the spectacular acts from the troupe, but to also let them know their biggest fan never gave up.
Discord: "Welcome to the abridged sad story of Twilight and Sunset Shimmer."
Discord's Cut
Outside, it was snowing. The mysterious Charlie was walking down the streets, wearing a winter coat, when she stopped outside the Barnum's Mansion. Pondering to herself, she walked up the steps to knock on the door, to which Helen answered the door.
Helen: "Hello!"
Charlie: "Hi...Is your mother home?"
Helen: (Calls to her mom) "Mom! There's a nice lady at the door!"
At that moment, Charity appeared, with Caroline, and the other Equestrian Heroes.
Charity: "May I help you?"
Charlie: "No. I was wondering..." (Knelt down to Helen's level) "Do you want to build a snowman?"
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A great job as always. You’re almost finished and I’m taking a little break to recharge so there’s now need to worry
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I didn't mean to step out of line. I am very sorry. I walked the path of redemption. And yet, I still feel like the circus troupe and how they were treated, like I'm unwanted and hated. You know what I'm saying?
And the dislikes on the previous comment and this one prove my point, too.