//------------------------------// // Come one come all, don't be shy! // Story: The Great Circus-Catastrophe // by Dableaxcheaz //------------------------------// “Come one, come all! Come on down to the Big Top circus! Come and see a troupe of animals trained by the ring leader Big Top! And don’t miss your chance to witness the debut of the one and only 30ft ape, Magnus the Ultimate!” These were the words printed on an eye catching flyer with an ape in the center. The text was in all capitals and were in a typical circus style font; the very font that caught the attention of any pony passing by. Ponies gathered around the flyer, just moments after it was posted it on the exterior of Sugar Cube corner for the town to see. More posters began to pop up all across town, bringing the message to all the equines of ponyville that the circus was coming to town. Interest in the show began to spark around the town, as they all traded murmurs and whispers among themselves. They were not just surprised by the short notice that the circus was coming soon, but what the circus was about to bring to town. According to what the poster claimed as well as the picture, the Big Top circus was bringing a giant ape along with them. The ponies spread the news around the town like wild fire, faster than the posters did. Everypony began to highly anticipate for the show, calendars were marked and schedules were rearranged for this grand event. Fast-forward to the day of the show, two weeks and at 3:00 in the morning. In the field just outside the north outskirts of town, a group of wagons came pulling in while all was dark. It was the Big Top circus, arriving early to set up for the big day ahead of them. All of the stallions pulling their loads, unhooked themselves from the wagons and went right to work. The team worked diligently throughout the early morning hours, and wanted to surprise the public with their overnight appearance. By the time the sky was slightly light, and moments away from the sun’s rise, a giant red tarp was laid out in the grass. The workers dressed in red shirts and black pants, gathered around the tarp for its grand rising. They all took up large ropes that were stringed up with yellow and red pennants, and began to pull away as hard as they could. As they started to move backwards, the tarp began to rise up. They all kept on pulling and gave it their all, until the tarp became more of a high and mighty circus tent. The workers immediately tied the ropes to large tall pegs before their strength gave out. The pegs were hammered into the ground with oversized mallets, each swing making the tent more stable. It wasn’t too long before every peg was secured into the earth. The rush to set up the tent was finished, and just in time for the sun rise. As the sun crept out from the horizon and the moon was taking its rest, a mighty light beamed across Equestria. It pulled off the curtain of darkness, unveiling the Big Top circus for all to see in the light. The workers looked up at the yellow and red striped tent while they caught their breaths; and their boss marveled at the dawn of his own circus, and the success that he couldn’t wait to receive. As the morning went on, the residents of ponyvile slowly began to wake up to a delightful tune. It sounded like an organ, playing a carny tune that was set up to attract a crowd. It gave everypony that heard it a welcoming morning message. The circus was in town. Little fillies and colts began to quickly wake their parents, getting them out of bed so they could take them there. More and more ponies began to wake up and listen to the tune. The organ’s music made the morning seem more lively. If only the day wasn’t Sunday, then it would have enhanced the business and market place greatly. But even then they would only stay open for a few minutes; it was the event that they all have been waiting for, who would want to miss this? For the residents of Ponyville and the equines that were putting on the show, it was a big day for all of them. For the two weeks that the flyers were posted, it has been the most talked about subject in a while. Whether somepony was out shopping, at work, or just sitting around the house; they heard the name Big Top Circus at least once or twice a day. As for the circus itself, it was the shows own debut, or at least to Ponyvile. A lot of planning from the circus master went into this project. Workers of the tent were hard at work preparing for the show, securing the pegs with more rope and positioning animal cages behind the tent. On the inside there were working stallions building the bleachers for the audience. They assembled the pieces of wood and banged every nail in their right places. They were painted blue with white stars, giving them a small magic touch to it all. The stands themselves were big and tall, and they all circled the ring in the center. It was the very place where the performers would show off their stunts and wow the audience. The tent’s inside was very tall and spacious, and could house around half of Ponyvile’s population. The circus master paced around his circus with his assistant pegs, making sure nopony was slacking off and doing their part of the job. Luckily nopony was slacking behind in the slightest, and they worked extra hard to please their boss. Everything seemed almost ship shape for the show, so it was now time for the big boss to get ready himself. He ordered pegs to take charge, while he went to his wagon and thought of the future. He could see success from afar. He could see it now. If the show succeeded then it was no doubt that he and his show would become big, and the show would go down into the equestrian history books. The master knew that Ponyvile was in for a treat when they see his prized ape in action. He’ll be a big name star by the end of the day. Though the Big Top circus was the first to ever come to Ponyvile, Equestria had another traveling circus which was in the prime of its career. This circus was known as the Moscow Circus, headed by the master also known as Moscow. It wasn’t that the circus was too good for Ponyvile, its just that the show was far away at another fancy venue, and never came to Ponyvile. The residents would all agreed that the circus should come to town more often. When the time of high noon arrived, the show was ready for the crowd. Ponies began to flock on over to the tent as the sun hid behind clouds, shading off Ponyvile in the cool of the day. The tent wasn’t open for seating, but many ponies came in early anyway. The line started out small, but it soon grew out rapidly as more ponies came along. Within the first few minutes a long line formed, stretching from the entrance of the tent all the way across the path that went into town. The line had mares and stallions, accompanying children and craving the thirst for the excitement. They all kept on murmuring about the show, waiting patiently for what they would be paying for. It was a very good thing that it was shady, or else the line may have been whining about the heat (or bring out vendors who would charge an unfair monopoly on the water they sold) . Every pony saw this day as a big day, and the circus was moments away from being open to the public. Around the middle of this long line of ponies, were four familiar figures that you all know and love. It was Fluttershy chaperoning three little fillies, or the cutie mark crusaders. The four of them were just as excited about the show as anypony else was. Scootaloo kept on talking about it at school, bringing Diamond Tiara to the brink of insanity as Scootaloo stole her conversation thunder. They were lucky that Fluttershy was able to bring them to the first showing of the day. The Apples were busy trying to keep some animal from eating the crop, Rarity had some dresses to finish, and Scootaloo couldn’t get her parents or Rainbowdash to take her. They were all busy bees that couldn’t make the time. Fluttershy was more than welcome to take these kids to the show. “Ah’ can’t wait to see the Circus!” Said Applebloom peeking her head out of line,” just look at all these ponies.” “You said it,” added Scootaloo,” I hope the place doesn’t fill up too fast, I wanna get good seats.” Sweetiebelle turned to Fluttershy,” thanks for taking us to the show Fluttershy.” The yellow Pegasus smiled, ”oh it was nothing Sweetiebelle. I always welcome company.” Applebloom then said,” Good thing too, you just got me out of doing todays chores. I would have been at home cleaning out the pig pens all day.” Sweetiebelle added,” well at least that’s better than listening to your older sister whine at you whenever she needs some precise assistance or something.” She rolled her eyes,” Rarity is such a drama queen.” ”I can’t wait to see the ape.” Scootaloo said,” I wonder if he really is 30ft tall?” “Of course it is,” replied Applebloom,” It said so on the poster. The poster wouldn’t lie would it?” “Well… it is a poster with an ape on it.” Sweetie said rubbing her chin,” Maybe it’s just a marketing scheme to get us worked up for the show.” “What do you know about advertisin’?” Applebloom interrogated “Have you seen the line we’re in?” Applebloom and Scootaloo poked their heads out to see the rest of the line behind them. It looked like the line was longer than they last checked.” Everypony in Ponyvile has been talking about this show since the posters came up. The poster was pretty influencing. ” “Point taken.” Scootaloo said.“ But I wonder what kind of tricks he can do? Maybe he can juggle barrels while balance on a large ball, or hand standing while solving a puzzle cube” she continued to brainstorm with the possibilities,” Ooh, ooh. What if he can juggle fireballs while balancing on top of a big star ball! ” Fluttershy interrupted,” Don’t you think that’s a little bit, uh I don’t know, extreme?” “It’s possible,” she defended flapping her wings in excitement,” we’ve never seen him before, so anything is possible at this point! Right?” Fluttershy giggled,” I guess kids will be kids.” She thought to herself, ”no matter how wild their imaginations run.” Applebloom then asked, “How big is Magnus?” “Less than 30ft tall,” Sweetiebelle answered,” that’s for sure.” Applebloom felt pestered by the remark,” Well maybe he’s bigger than 30ft.” “Or smaller.” Sweetiebelle chuckled wanting to get on Applebloom’s nerves. “He is 30ft!” Applebloom stammered. ”It’s what the poster says, it’s what everypony here in this line says, and that’s what I say.” Scootaloo wanted to try breaking up the silly argument before it got out of hoof, ”Guys guys, can we stop arguing about his size please. With a title like Magnus the Ultimate, is definitely huge!” Applebloom looked at Sweetie,” See? See?” “Whatever you say Applebloom,” Sweetiebelle said pulling out from the argument. Applebloom kicked off a debate,” Oh yeah well-“ Fluttershy let them be for a second while she started to think to herself. Though Fluttershy didn’t want to form any assumptions, she did hear some things about the show; some ugly rumors that were going around. She wasn’t the type who would intrude on any conversation, but she heard from one of the many conversations revolving around the ring leader Big Top. Rumor has it, that the animals at the Big Top circus had a dark secret. The stories ranged from mentioning robberies, to illegal scandals. These things did torment her the more she thought about it, but then again they were just measly rumors. Of course, nopony in ponyvile has ever been or even heard of the Big Top Circus, let alone go behind the scenes and investigate for themselves. Even though they were only rumors, they seemed very real to Fluttershy. As the CMC continued to argue some more, the line leading into the tent began to move. Fluttershy noticed this when she broke out of thought and turned to the CMC. ”Uh, guys.” She softly asked. The CMC turned to her,” What!?” they all said together making Fluttershy jump. “Oh, sorry.” She quickly apologized,” The line is moving.” The three looked ahead and saw ponies moving into the big red tent,” Forget about the ape guys,” Scootaloo suggested,” let’s just go in and have a good time.” Applebloom turned and whispered to Sweetiebelle,” We’ll settle this after the show.” Sweetiebelle smiled, even though she really didn’t care about the debate. Soon the wave of movement made its way to where the four ponies stood, and they began to move with the flow. At a moderate pace, Ponies entered through the opening in the tent paying a small fee of bits for the admission. There was a pony inside of a booth taking the payments like at a movie theater box office. And of course with a large audience coming towards the Big Top circus’ way, it was reasonable to say that the money quickly racked up. The basket where all of the money was held was nearly full by the time Fluttershy and the fillies got there. Judging by the rate of incoming ponies, the show would be making more than a small fortune by the time the seats were full. As they came closer to the booth, Fluttershy looked over at the side of the tent when she thought she heard something. As she was staring off, the CMC saw that she was holding up the line. “Come on Fluttershy, we gotta get a good seat.” Said Sweetiebelle. She turned to Sweetiebelle, “You three can go on in.” she turned back and stepped forward out of line,” I kinda want to see something real quick.” ”We’ll save you a seat Fluttershy.” Said Sweetiebelle. They went up to the booth and paid their admission fee, and they went on inside to grab their seats before it was too soon. Fluttershy walked along the side of the tent, hearing more noises as she got closer to the back. A pegasus like her wouldn’t normally be snooping around, but her curiosity got the best of her. The Rumors have been getting to her for a while now. If she just got a sneak peek at the back and prove the rumors to be false, maybe she could forget about those stories. When you hear the same types of stories for about two weeks, it kind of gets to you. The pegasus continued to walk around the tent until she stumbled upon an amazing sight. Before her very eyes was a yard of empty animal cages, all of them varying in size and shape. The organ that played the music was also there, with its red and yellow colored box and giant horns playing the tune. Fluttershy turned to where she could hear the animal sounds clearly, seeing that they were rounded up into a group. They all looked like they were being dressed and prepped for the show. She saw a wide range of animals, from seals to monkeys and from dogs to exotic birds. They all looked as excited as they were restless. Fluttershy could see more animals from behind the group, but she couldn’t make out what they were from where she stood. It was quite a surprise to see all of these different types of animals in the same place. It was also mind blowing to think that one stallion trained them all by himself. Now that she was thinking about it, where was Magnus? Was he somewhere else getting prepared? She didn’t notice it at first, but Fluttershy was actually standing in front of Magnus’ cage with her back turned. She turned around and froze in astonishment. The ape was right there in his cage slouching up against the bars. From the looks of it, the poster didn’t lie with any false advertising. If only Applebloom was there to prove Sweetiebelle wrong. Fluttershy looked up at the top of his cage. On a wooden board, the words read Magnus The Ultimate with the same exact circus font that was used on the posters. For an ape as big as Magnus, he had plenty of room in there. The cage was bigger than all of the others, making her wonder how many ponies it took to pull him here? The ape within the cage was modestly buff, and looked very lanky seeing that his legs extended to the other side of the cage. He didn’t appear to be tense but he looked like the kind of ape who was friendly, maybe even a little bit clumsy at times. He had black fur, and tan skin to distinguish his face, feet, and hands as well as his chest. His eyes were black, and he had a red nose that stood out on his face. But something about him felt off to Fluttershy. Unlike the rest of the animals who looked prepped and ready for the show, Magnus looked tired with his baggy eyes and body language. The ape didn’t look too happy either, as he placed his giant hand on his head and feeling a migraine in his forehead. Fluttershy stepped closer to the cage. “Oh my,” she said,” are you ok?” The ape didn’t notice her soft voice, but instead turned on his side for a better sleeping position. Fluttershy watched him rub himself as he heard him gritting his teeth as if he was in pain. He didn’t look like he was ready to go on, or in the right health to perform. Being the animal caretaker she was, Fluttershy started to become concerned for the ape’s health and decided to notify the ring master at once. The Pegasus walked away from the ape’s cage and began to look around for the circus master. She looked at the ponies who were preparing the animals, but he didn’t look like he was there. Maybe he was getting ready for the show himself? She then among the yard of animal cages until she saw something. Off in the distance was a lone red wagon with a star on its green door. It was far away from all the other wagons and looked like it would stand out if it was lined up with the others. The wheels were gilded with gold and had the wagon had the words “Big Top circus” on the side. Fluttershy saw it as her best bet to look first. Inside the wagon was a unicorn who was preparing in the candle light of his wagon. The stallion was the one and only Big Top of the Big Top circus. He was a grey colored, black mane stallion and was dressed in a fancy red suit. He had a thin black mustache and matching go-tee combo. His cutie mark was one that resembled his own tent outside his wagon, and was the symbol that proved that he was the ring leader. He was now looking into the mirror with his black eyes as he prepared himself, by giving himself some pep talk before he went on to begin the show. “This is it Big Top!” he said to his reflection in a deep rough voice,” today is the day that I Big Top, will show Ponyvile the greatest show in the land. This may be the moment that I will be known by this town, and prove my worth. This is where I’ll make my stand, this is where I will grow. I just know that I will soon be known far and wide across this nation.” He chuckled to himself and turned to a poster flyer of the Moscow circus on the wall. He gave the ring master pony in the center a crazed grin,” yes, there can only be room for one ring master in Equestria.” A knocking came to the door, Big Top broke away from his ego self-talk. He looked back to the door and cleared up his voice,” Come in, come in, whoever you are.” He greeted. The door slowly opened, Big Top turned to see Fluttershy at the door. Big Top grinned,” ah, come in, come in. What does one want with the one and only ring master of the circus, Big Top?” “Oh,” Fluttershy softly said pulling her head away,” I-I’m sorry to interrupt, but are you-“ “Come closer, don’t be shy. If there is anything that you want to tell me, I’m all ears. Now tell me, what’s your name dear?” The Pegasus entered with the door closing, “Fluttershy.” “Fluttershy?” He turned to his mirror looking at both of their reflections,” I can see that the name implies your personality now doesn’t it? But at least you could bring yourself courage to talk to me.” He laughed at his comment. “Well yeah, but I want to talk to you about something s-sir.” “Yes, tell me now.” He twisted his chair to Fluttershy,” Anything that you’re concerned about, ask away.” “It’s about the,” she turns her head to the window, seeing Magnus slouched up against the cage.” I mean, Magnus sir. I think that there might be a little bit of a problem with the state he is in.” The ring leader turned to the window where Fluttershy was looking,” Ah yes, Magnus, a fine work that ape is. It’s not every day you find a 30ft ape on some island in the middle of the ocean.” Fluttershy turned to him, “I guess you must be one lucky stallion.” He let out a remarkable sigh as he turned back to powder his face,” Indeed, I remember the very day that I found him. The moment I stepped off that boat, I was certain to find something in the jungle. It was fate’s decision that we would find each other, and we would make our greatest stand.” He then murmured,” But today will be our greatest comeback.” Fluttershy was puzzled by that last phrase,” Comeback?” Big Top quickly said,” Oh yes Ms. Fluttershy, today is our return to the scene.” Fluttershy then asked,” What exactly made you stop? Our town has never heard of you before.” Big Top felt a little bit shaky to tell her,” No no, we were doing well at first. Then we just had a bit of…” he thought to himself, trying to remember,” financial troubles. I know it’s sad, but it’s true.” He turned to Fluttershy,” After all, I wouldn’t have put Magnus on the poster if he wasn’t the star of the show now would I. Have you grown fond of him?” “Why yes, I take care of animals in fact.” She looks at her cutie marked flank,” That is my job in life.” Big Top became intrigued and rubbed his chin,” I see. An animal expert.” “Yes, and as I was saying Mr. Big Top, Magnus doesn’t look to well.” “Really, how so?” Fluttershy looked out of the window,” Well, he looks very tired for one thing, and I think he might have hurt himself as well.” “A result of working hard on his act no doubt,” he took his black top hat off its hook.” I know that he’ll be great today.” “And that’s the thing sir, he looks awful today. He’s having a hard time trying to sleep. I think that it would be best if you let him rest today.” The stallion got off his seat and approached Fluttershy with a more cunning tone of voice,” Now now Fluttershy.” He put a hoof around her neck,” being the manager of this fine show, safety is our number one concern. Maybe Magnus isn’t feeling the best of his days, but I can assure you that nothing bad will happen. Magnus is a trooper even when he feels under the weather.” Fluttershy felt uncomfortable by the way Big Top was acting, and took his hoof off and backed away. “Are you sure you can’t just let him sit out this one time?” Big Top sighed,” Look here Fluttershy. That option would be very hard to do with the public.” He looked outside his window again.” They are already paying to see Magnus perform, I can’t just tell them that Magnus the Ultimate can’t perform. My first impression will be scathed you see, everypony has been waiting for this event for at least two weeks now.” Fluttershy tried to find that statement reasonable,” with a little bit of motivation I’m sure that Magnus will be good as new.” As soon as he finished, the door opened wide and brightened the room some more with the sunlight. It was Big Top’s assistant manager Pegs, with the same exact features as Big Top only without facial hair and was younger. He looked like he had news to tell his boss, “Mr. Big Top, it’s almost time for the show sir.” With a pleased tone, “Ah, wonderful Pegs. How’s the size of the audience right now?” Pegs quickly peered over his clip board,” It’s pretty large sir and ponies are still coming in. The basket of money in the box office is overflowing.” Big Top’s eyes widened as he imagined the wicker basket being covered in bits. “On top of that sir, I’d say that it’s gonna be a full house today. If we pull this off, we’ll be more than just a hit sir. We’ll be a smash hit!” Big Top could feel his heart tickling with excitement. He felt deeply motivated by the news and said, “Excellent Pegs, I’ll be right out!” The stallion smiled,” We’re gonna knock em dead aren’t we sir?” “You’ve got that right.” Pegs chuckled a little as he closed the door. When Big Top looked at Fluttershy again, a thought popped into his head at that very instant,” wait a minute Pegs!” He called out The door quickly opened up again,” Yes sir?” “I want you to give Ms. Fluttershy here, an escort to a free showing.” He smiled at the pegasus and twisted his mustache,” It’s on me.” Both Fluttershy and pegs were surprised by the order. Pegs looked at Fluttershy and said,” Look at you girl. Guess today must be your lucky day huh?” Fluttershy didn’t feel as lucky as she was supposed to be. Big Top approached the Pegasus,” And don’t worry Ms. Fluttershy, I’ll make sure that Magnus The Ultimate is up and running like a well-oiled machine. Now go on, we wouldn’t want to keep the audience waiting now would we?” Fluttershy still felt the hand of uncertainty touch her heart. But she nodded and followed pegs out of the dressing room. As the two trotted towards the circus tent Big Top waved at them as they left. He closed the door and went back to his mirror for the finishing touches on his features. Fluttershy turned her head to the cage where Magnus was kept. She tried to leave her trust in Big Top. But she had the feeling that Big Top gave her the free admission to get her out of his hair. He was hiding something from her, something that could spawn numerous ugly rumors like the ones she heard. Back inside the dressing room wagon, Big Top just finished washing his face for any dirt or grime that could be spotted by anyone with sharp eyes. He turned himself to the cage of his star, who was still twisting and turning to get some sleep. He began to frown upon him.” This ape is going to end this show without a hitch. I refuse to let what happened last time happen again. I will not let history repeat itself, and tarnish this stallion’s reputation.” Big Top turned back to his mirror and began to groom up his mustache and goatee.