A few weeks passed since the first show performed by the P.T. Barnum Circus. Since that day, there had been many more shows with an even higher attendance than the first. It surprised Barnum, Erik, and the Equestrians just how successful the show had actually gotten in such a short amount of time. Now it is true they had their fair share of incidents, with critics' reviews and altercations with those who believe the show to be nothing but a glorified freak-show. However, this did nothing to deter Barnum or Erik from their show.
As a matter of fact, all it had done was encourage them to keep going bigger and better. Before too long, the show had gotten so successful that Barnum had enough money to sell the run-down apartment that his family and their new friends had been staying in and purchase a new piece of property. It was going to be a grand surprise for Charity and the girls.
Now here they were with Barnum leading his wife and daughters, with their eyes covered, toward their new home.
“And right this way,” He ushered excitedly.
“Don’t you think there’s enough blind trust in my life?” Charity giggled.
“Well, isn’t that what makes it fun?”
Right behind, Erik, Spike, and the girls followed closely behind as they spoke.
“Ooh, this is so exciting!” Twilight smiled happily. “I am so happy for Mr. Barnum and his family.”
“I just can’t believe how quickly thinks turned around for Mr. Barnum,” Spike replied. “I mean a few weeks ago, he was on the verge of going completely broke. Now he’s pleasantly wealthy and moving to a new place.”
“That’s the power of positivity little dude,” Rainbow nodded.
“Now don’t go playin’ innocent now hun,” Applejack scoffed. “Ya’ll weren’t exactly bein’ positive before when Phineas and Erik first came up with this here idea.”
“I said I was sorry!”
“Yeah, I heard you,” Applejack responded.
“Oh, please don’t argue you two,” Fluttershy pleaded. “Especially not when things are going so well.”
Both Rainbow and A.J. sighed as they looked at one another for a moment before finally speaking.
“Ah’m sorry,” Applejack apologized.
“Me too,” Rainbow nodded.
Just then, Pinkie popped up in between them and wrapped both hooves around their shoulders.
“There now you see, that’s the spirit!” Pinkie smiled happily. “Every pony loves each other, we’re having super-duper Pinkie Pie fun, and making money while doing it. And besides, how many carriages have we ridden that were pulled by a zebra before?”
True to her word, when they awoke that morning, Barnum and his family picked them all up in a magnificent carriage being pulled by a zebra. It was certainly wacky to say the least, but then again, they were involved in circus work, so it made sense. Phineas helped Charity out of the carriage while guiding her forward.
“Keep coming,” He instructed. “Okay, are you ready?”
Removing the blindfold, Barnum smiled as Charity stared wide eyed at what she saw before her. It was the old run-down mansion they visited when they were children. It had obviously since been reupholstered and remodeled to where it was all shiny and brand new. Charity and even the Equestria group all seemed quite shocked at the sight of the large mansion that stood before them.
“Is it?” Charity gasped.
“It is,” Phineas smiled.
“Wow!” Twilight gasped in shock.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself darling,” Rarity nodded. “This is absolutely magnificent. However did you manage to do all this?”
It was then Erik stepped up alongside his wife and friends.
“Well, he certainly didn’t do it alone,” He smirked. “While he handled the performances of the show, I handled the operation and money. So, I was able to take some of the money, hired the best architects in New York, and arranged for them to work night and day to bring this mansion back to glory.”
Everyone turned to Erik with wide eyes and bright smiles.
“You did this for us?” Charity asked.
“Of course!” Erik nodded. “I couldn’t very well let the co-owner of Barnum and Bailey’s Circus and his family live in squalor.”
“Barnum and Bailey’s?” Rara asked confused.
“Ah yes, my new alias name… James Anthony Bailey.”
Barnum approached the former opera ghost and placed a single hand on his shoulder as he looked at him with a most grateful look.
“Thank you, my friend,” He smiled. “I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for what you have done for me and my family.”
Erik merely nodded his head in thanks as Barnum walked back up beside his wife and daughters.
“Come on. Let’s go.”
Soon the entire group walked forward towards the new house. Both Caroline and Helen put their hands on the two big front doors of the manor and pushed with all their might. The door opened wide and as they walked into the mansion, all eyes looked around in amazement over the fine décor and all the extravagant designs of the mansion. Clearly no expense was spared during the renovation of this mansion.
“Wow!” Charity gasped.
“It’s so beautiful!” Rarity smiled.
“I have similar plans for a new home for you and I that will be constructed upon our return home,” Erik informed his wife. “You can still have your boutique just as you love it and come home to a wonderful home every night. A lovely place for our family to grow.”
Rarity had a few tears springing from her eyes as she literally jumped into her husband’s arms and they both embraced tightly. As they were doing this, the two Barnum girls were still admiring their new house.
“Helen, that’s for you.”
Barnum gestured to a lovely looking dollhouse which Helen ran straight over to and started playing with it. Barnum then handed a beautifully wrapped present to Caroline.
“And, Caroline, this is for you.”
Caroline ripped the wrapping paper off the present and opened the box within. She smiled brightly upon seeing a pair of ballet slippers, just like she had wished for. She threw her arms around her father who laughed upon being hugged.
“There’s a ballet school right down the street,” Phineas told Charity. “Just past your parents’ house, actually.”
“Don’t tell me you bought this house just to rub my parents’ noses in your success?” She responded.
“Well, that wasn’t the ‘only’ reason,” Phineas said, before sharing a kiss. “This is the life I promised you. Shall we?”
He then grabbed her hand in his as they began to waltz around the grand foyer, smiling happily as they did so.
“Phin… it’s beautiful, but you know, we don’t need all of this to be—”
Charity found herself cut off when Phineas lifted her into the air and spun her around causing her to laugh.
“It only took me 25 years, but… welcome home, Charity Barnum,” Phineas said proudly.
Off to the side, Caroline walked up to the Equestrian group.
“Um can I ask you guys for a favor?” She asked.
“Of course, sweetie,” Fluttershy nodded. “Ask away.”
“Can you please watch me practice my ballet so I can rehearse performing for a crowd?”
“Of course, Caroline, we’d be honored,” Twilight nodded.
Rainbow Dash started taking a few steps back.
“Um, you’ll have to excuse me,” Rainbow said. “I have something to do that won’t allow me to stay much longer. See ya!”
She tried to take off and fly into the air but found she couldn’t get very far because Applejack caught her tail in her teeth. Applejack quickly pulled her marefriend down to the ground, drew out her lasso, and proceeded to tie her up and sit her back down beside her.
“You’re stayin’ right here and given’ the girl yer support… or ya can ferget about havin’ anymore of mah homemade apple cider!” She threatened.
With a little growl and a glare, Rainbow sat completely still as Caroline began her ballet routine.
<>
Later that night, the Barnum’s and even the Equestria group found themselves seated in a very fancy concert hall as they watched Caroline’s ballet recital. After watching her practice session earlier, they all could see that she was a very talented girl. She might have been a little shaky at times, but what performer wasn’t?
Now they all sat and watched her perform like the little star she no doubt was destined to be. The only one who didn’t seem happy was Rainbow Dash, who sat and grumbled in sheer boredom until the show was over. By the time all was finished, everyone gathered in the grand hall for general mingling.
“I think that was a marvelous performance,” Rara spoke with admiration.
“Same here,” Twilight agreed. “I really think Caroline stole the show out there. The other girls were really good, but she was great!”
“She certainly does have the potential to shine brightly,” Erik agreed.
Off to the side, Phineas took notice of a handsome young man mingling with a few high-class patrons as they sipped their beverages and engaged in small talk. Though he put on the act of being happy, Phineas could tell this young man felt trapped by all of this.
“Hey sweetheart, who’s that young man over there?” He asked Charity.
“Oh, that’s Philip Carlyle,” Charity responded. “A bit of a scandal, they say. His last play was a hit in London.”
“Play?” Phineas chuckled. “You pay good money to watch people stand around and talk for two hours, and they call me a con man.”
Off to the side, Erik and the Equestrian group watched as Caroline made her way out from the backstage area and over to the other dancers. They also noticed how the other girls started mocking her.
“Ew, hat’s that smell?” One girl asked. “Do you smell that?”
“Ew, something ‘does’ smell,” The other responded.
“Oh, I know what it is… peanuts.”
Both girls snickered and laughed as they walked away, leaving poor Caroline standing there and feeling sad. It was then Rara approached her and placed a gentle hoof on her arm.
“Pay no attention to them Caroline,” Rara said. “You were amazing out there tonight. Quite frankly, they’re just jealous of you.”
Caroline gave no response and just shrugged the hoof off as she walked away.
“Oh, the poor girl,” Fluttershy sighed sadly.
“If there is one thing I can’t stand it’s bullies!” Rainbow spoke through gritted teeth.
“Now don’t go off and do somethin’ crazy sugar cube,” Applejack told her.
“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Rainbow assured. “Despite how much I ‘really’ want to…”
Little did any of them know that Phineas had also seen the entire thing from the sidelines. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for his daughter. When he was younger, he suffered the same sort of scorn and mockery from children for being both the son of a tailor and homeless. Nonetheless, he tried to put on a good face for his family as they made their way from the concert hall and towards their waiting carriage.
“I can see it right now,” Phineas declared proudly. “Youngest prima ballerina in the history of the city ballet.”
“I’m quitting,” Caroline said flatly.
“What?” Phineas asked in shock. “Why would you quit?”
“I started too late. I’ll never catch up.”
“Caroline, you were the best dancer on that stage.”
Caroline faced her father with a deadpan expression.
“What? You think I can’t spot talent?”
“Ballet takes years of hard work,” Caroline responded. “It’s not like the circus. You can’t just fake it.”
<>
Later, back at home, Charity and Phineas sat in their room together. While Charity did her hair, Phineas was trying to figure out what to do about his daughter wanting to quite ballet. She just couldn’t quit. She was one of the best dancers on the stage and she was giving up simply because a few snobby girls stuck their noses up at her. Phineas couldn’t stand the thought of his daughter giving up.
“She can’t quit,” Phineas told his wife. “No. No, I mean, she just… she just feels out of place with the other girls.”
“Well, I should certainly hope so,” Charity responded. “I’ve never seen so many little prima Donnas in my life.”
“Yeah, but those prima Donnas are the most important thing in the world to her right now.”
“She’ll learn to ignore them just like I did,” Charity assured.
“She shouldn’t have to,” Barnum replied. “New York society will never accept us.”
“If they did, they’d have to stop judging and actually do something with their lives.”
“This isn’t about me.”
“Oh. So it’s different than everything else then?” Charity retorted.
“I just want her to be proud of who she is, of her family.”
“She is proud,” Charity assured. “We don’t have to be the Carlyle’s.”
Hearing her say the name made Phineas freeze for a moment, and an idea popped into his head. Quickly approaching the side of the room, he grabbed his coat and hat then made his way to the door much to his wife’s confusion.
“Where are you going?” She asked confused.
“Just out for a bit,” Phineas responded.
“But it’s already so late at night.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t be too late,” Phineas smiled.
Walking out the door, Phineas blew a kiss to his wife and then made his way down the hall with specific intentions in mind. Stopping in front of one of the guest room doors, he gave a quick knock to which was answered by none other than Erik.
“Good evening Mr. Bailey,” Phineas jokes.
“Going from a ring master to a comedian are you?” Erik asked, rolling his eyes. “How can I help you?”
“I’ve found a possible new business associate for us. I need your help to convince him to join us.”
Erik raised an eyebrow toward Barnum for a moment before grabbing his cloak and followed him out the door. Whatever Barnum was planning, it would either be really good… or really bad.
<>
Walking down the streets of New York, Erik and Phineas made their way towards the direction of the concert hall. A recent play by Philip Carlyle had just ended as people spilled out of the hall. They passed by many different patrons and other folk before finally finding the man they were looking for. For there stood Philip Carlyle himself, leaning against a stone wall with a drink in his hand and a dazed expression in his eyes as the two gentlemen walked beside him.
“Mr. Carlyle,” Phineas spoke to him. “You produced this play?”
“Yes, I did indeed,” Philip responded. “Refunds are available at the front box office.”
This got a chuckle out of both Barnum and Erik, who merely reached their hands to shake the young man’s.
“P.T. Barnum,” Phineas introduced himself.
“James Anthony Bailey, at your service,” Erik greeted.
“From the circus?” Philip asked.
“Yes. You—you’ve been?”
“God, no,” Philip chuckled. “But I have seen the crowds. People leave your shows a great deal happier than when they came in, which is much more than I can say for my play.”
“And yet, you have no trouble selling tickets,” Erik responded. “As a man of the theatre myself, I must say you don’t seem to be doing so bad for yourself.”
“That’s because I’m selling virtue,” Philip responded.
“Can I buy you a drink?” Phineas asked.
Philip looked between the two gentlemen before getting a smile on his face.
“You can buy me two…”
<>
Later on, the three men found themselves sharing drinks at a local tavern.
“I wanna go after the carriage trade,” Phineas explained to Philip. “Present legitimate acts, expand our appeal, go after the snobs.”
“If you only knew how suffocating they are.”
“Believe me my young friend, I have experience with their kind,” Erik responded. “They always look down upon those they feel they are superior to. If you are not highborn or have any success, you mean nothing to them.”
“Sounds about right,” Philip nodded.
“So come join the circus,” Phineas offered. “Teach me how to appeal to the highbrows.”
Of course, Philip looked at him as though he were speaking like a raving mad man.
“Are you serious?” He asked.
“Mm-hmm…” Phineas nodded.
“Mr. Barnum, I can’t just run off and join the circus.”
“Why not? Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it?”
“Not to mention you clearly have a flare for show business,” Erik added.
“Show business?” Philip spoke confused. “Never heard of it.”
“That’s because we just invented it,” Erik smirked.
“Let’s just say I find it much more comfortable admiring your show from afar,” Philip chuckled.
“Comfort, the enemy of progress,” Phineas said, throwing back a shot.
“Do you understand that just associating with you could cost me my inheritance?”
“Oh, it could cost you more than that,” Phineas responded. “You’d be risking everything. But, on the other hand, well, you just might find yourself a free man.”
All three men threw back another shot before they did what most men who’ve had a few too many shots do in a situation like this… sing.
https://m.Philip Carlyle stood for a moment as he considered the notion going through his head. Then a big grin spread across his face as he turned right back around.
Grabbing a shot of whiskey off the counter, Philip raised it up with a smile on his face.
“Sir, it looks like you have yourself a junior partner,” He declared.
Barnum and Erik both raised their own glasses as the bartender rang up their drinks on the cash register.
“What I have is an overcompensated apprentice,” Barnum joked.
“Either way, it means more money in our pockets and more attention to our cause,” Erik smiled.
The three men toasted to their new partnership before throwing the shots back and slammed their glasses onto the countertop. With that in mind, the three men made their way back to Barnum and Bailey’s Circus.
From the sky box high along the Circus building, Philip emerged in time to see Anne Wheeler in the midst of her trapeze act, and she rose high enough to where they locked eyes with one another. In that one instant, the rest of the world stood still and there was no one else except them in that exact moment. Then, as quick as it begun, it was over as Anne fell right back into her routine and Philip just stared after her almost in a trance.
“Who is that?” He asked.
“Perhaps we can introduce you,” Erik smiled.
Leading the young man out of the sky box, Erik and Phineas drew him down to meet the acts.
“Hey, hey!” Barnum shouted loudly. “No one’s buying hats back here. Get out front, go!”
It was then Anne and W.D. came back after finishing their routine. Erik approached the pair eagerly to introduce them to Philip.
“W.D., Anne, allow me to introduce our newest hire, Mr. Philip Carlyle.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” W.D. greeted.
“Yeah, pleasure,” Philip shook his hand.
“And what is your act, Mr. Carlyle?” Anne asked.
“I don’t have an act.”
Anne merely chuckled at that response and gave him a mischievous smirk.
“Everyone’s got an act.”
She walked off back to the changing room with Philip watching her every step of the way. At that moment, Mr. O’Malley ran in looking quite worried.
“Mr. Barnum! Mr. Bailey!”
“What is it O’Malley?” Erik asked.
“You better come see this.”
Erik ran off with Phineas right on his tail. Phineas called back to Philip, who was still in a trance.
“Philip, keep up!”
Philip turned back only to come face-to-face with a very stern W.D., who had caught him gawking after his sister. Philip merely smiled nervously before awkwardly scurrying off behind him. When he finally caught up with the circus owners, he was surprised to look out upon an angry mob with signs and torches in front of the building. By the looks of them, they were quite angry indeed.
“A bit of a nasty element,” O’Malley commented.
“There always is, isn’t there?” Erik asked.
“Nothing draws a crowd quite like a crowd,” Phineas added.
“We don’t want you in our city!”
“Go home, you freaks!”
“Freaks!”
Erik and Barnum both looked at each other quite nervously. Clearly the crowds of hateful patrons were growing far more angrier and violent by the day. They feared that sooner or later this little spark would light the fire that would eventually end them for good. They could hope that sooner or later they’d find a way to stop it… hopefully.
11160614
A lot more convincing than how Blitzo and his co-workers "disguised" themselves. That's for certain. But... Shhhh!
It seems all is well for Barnum and the troupe given how popular their recent shows have turned out and the amount of people who pay to watch their acts. But if we know Barnum at this point, he is hardly content with the success he has now. It's one thing that his show has raised some HUGE profits for him, more than enough to buy that mansion he & Charity explored when they were kids, but now he wants to expand his business to a larger audience. And for that to happen, it's up to Barnum & Erik (Or 'Bailey' as he is using for an alias) to meet with a member of the Carlyle family, Philip, who knows a thing or two about appealing to the uppercrust of society (Despite how unhappy he is with the rich life). And while initially reluctant at first, they managed to persuade Philip to take part in their troupe where already he's smitten with one of the acts (Much to the chagrin of her brother).
Still, not all is sunshine and unicorns for this circus. Apparently the circus life has made one of Barnum's kids a mockery amongst her fellow dancers despite fulfilling her dream of being a ballet dancer. The teasing is so bad that already Caroline is considering 'quitting' when it seems she's just getting started (Makes you wonder how Rara feels in relation to what the girl is going through). And the mobs are growing increasingly violent what with the way the circus orchestras the 'freaks' and no doubt it's going to get worse before it gets better. Makes you wonder why some audience members receive a 'permanent' ban from attendance after attacking certain acts at 'Wrestling' shows.
11161029
I typically don't like most of your posts for reasons I'm too busy to name...
But this 'is' a beautiful portrait. Credits to the artist.
Ah. Erik is Bailey in this. Good twist.
Very good
11161077
We decided that it made sense given that Erik is a genius where he comes from and while he's here in Barnum's time he is given an identity that would otherwise reflect on the history of what would stem from the circus. And we all know for a fact Erik is mostly a behind the scenes kind of guy as we've seen in that 'Phantom' project.
Wonderful job as always.
No matter the criticism, he never gives up. And him doing anything to help make his daughters happy is quite heartwarming.
But even though he may be unorthodox, his heart was in the right place.
Even my brother in law loved it (he was reading with me).
And now the young man Carlyle is in the story.
Cant wait to see what happens next.
11161098
That's Barnum for you. He's not one to argue angrily about how wrong the criticisms are. He tries to work around it, especially for his daughter's happiness. He just wants her and her sister to be able to enjoy having the same rights and opportunities he never got to have when he grew up. In a way, it seems like his kid is just giving up too soon just because she can't make friends with these prima donnas. I wouldn't want to be friends with these snobs either.
And now with Carlyle in the picture, it's going to be interesting to see his part played out in this story. There'll be plenty more chapters to come within the next few days, given our schedule provided.
11161163
And I'll be waiting and will be more than happy to read them.
A standoff…how will it end?
The suspense is killing me….
11161072
In your commentary can you have discord do something snappy to those prima donnas
11161228
Sure! Anything particular in mind?
11162442
11161206
Meanwhile, Back in the Projection Booth,...
Me: Let's hope it's going to be better then the similar standoff with the WWE. …
Hungry: Or the ongoing war with this series' written grammatical and word mispronunciation errors. Especially in this chapter.
(He then gets smacked upside the head with a big lollipop by Wander.)
Me: Can it, you shmuck and just announce the special guest star host segment.
Hungry: Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Adolescents of all ages and every gender of the world stage! Prepare yourselves to bear witness for one of the most mind-bending acts that is a feast to the eyes and ears!-
Me: -As I, Wander McOz, and my Hench-worker; FIM-Fic's Hungry Hero...
Hungry: (under-breath) ..still don't like that name..
Me: -am Proud to introduce to you, a encore of this chapter's musical number; "The Other Side",...
Hungry and Me: But with a TWIST!
Hungry: Performing an all Female cover duet of the song,....
Me: Please welcome famous YouTube Cover stars....
Me and Hungry: ANNAPANTSU with Featuring Guest; CAMI-CAT!
Me: Truly stellar powerhouse performances there from both the ladies and Gentlemen!
Hungry: I legit got chills and goosebumps during the High Bars!-
(Suddenly an alarm with 3 color lights goes off.)
Me: OOH, WE GOT NEW CHAPTER SIIIIIIGGGGGN!!
Hungry: AAAH! See you on 🎶”The Other Side!”🎵
[and then Hungry and I scream as we go to rush back to our projection booth positions in the theater and watch the rest of the movie from the window for the projector to showcase the film through.]
So Erik is the Bailey in Barnum & Bailey here. Interesting. I do remember checking out the modern equivalent of Barnum & Bailey at least once as a kid. Best part I remember was the lions, bike dome, and of course the clowns. Though I admit I don't know much of the history behind the circus.
11161268
There's so much history behind Barnum & Bailey, more so than we give it credit for. That we forget that this was a circus that had been around for years and years. That everything that was put together with the animals, the stunts, and the clowns... most of which would not have been made possible not without the people behind it all. True, they might not have had a hand with 'all' of it including the modern stunts we had at the time... but they saw something that would initially give the people something to talk about and it just grew from there.
So many people are so afraid and paranoid by things that're different from them the first thing that comes to their minds is to light torches and rally as a mob.
11161236
Banana peels 🍌
11161029
wow that art looks amazing
11161329
And we think that heavy censorship was not enough. Then again, the issue we see here almost reflects on a similar circumstance why 'Mansley' had this paranoia that the Giant may be a mechanism from some far off country either to spy on the Americans or doom them all. How the government has little to no explanation as to 'how' or 'why' this circumstance has occurred and they automatically assumed the worst. Sadly, that same paranoia still exists regardless of the circumstances and we're still trying to learn how we can be better.
11161236
How about making something big fall on them.
11161236
11161331
Me: Banana Oil!
Hungry: A grotesque Slip 'N Slide made out of the blood of a kraken and suppositories?
Me: 😳……………..😓 You disturb me sometimes, you know that?
11161415
Me: I hear that!
Hungry: Yeah! I mean, Look at the era of the last president of the USA.
11161329
That's why humanity can't have nice things. They fear what they don't understand. Either something is endlessly ridiculed or want to be studied and disected for all the wrong reasons. Sure there some exceptions but more often than not its one way or the other with little middle ground
11161339
sorry to butt in but maybe he could somehow have their pants split open
11161444
Their tutus you mean
Things are going very well for Barnum and his family. At last, he can give them everything that he promised to them. However, wanting to reach the highest classes of society, he and Erik incorporate a new partner: Mr. Philip Carlyle. Although this young man hesitates at first to join Barnum because of the risk that it supposes, he soon rejoices in his decision when he meets Anne Wheeler, having a love at first sight towards the beautiful trapeze artist; and soon, Barnum (and the whole circus) will be glad they met him. But it seems that people who don't like this circus are taking racism to a more dangerous and violent level.
Amazing idea using the name of James Anthony Balley. He was the owner and manager of several 19th-century circuses, including The Barnum and Bailey Greatest Show on Earth.
11161450
right tutus
There's no business like show business!
11161460
Give a man a few shots, and you'll convince them to do just about anything. All joking aside, Carlyle may be Barnum's ticket to reach out to the highest classes if they want to draw a bigger crowd. But there's ton of risks involved moving forward and Carlyle knows that those people can be just as bad. But not as bad as the rowdy crowd who want those freaks out of sight so badly that they'll do anything.
It always bugged me that Bailey was not featured in the movie despite playing quite a role with the circus. This was a rather subtle way of having at least his name involved somehow.
11161582
You ask four different people how that whole thing started; chances are you'll get 'four' different versions of the answer. No one can really say for sure just how long ago it happened, but it all began through similar means. Fear... hate... then eventually the urge to make people suffer. Such dark emotions drive a man or woman to darker thoughts. And by the time they eventually realize how they are acting, it's too late to turn back.
If there's one thing I can't stand, it's bullies. Caroline's and the hecklers.
Sorry Mr. E.
Guess I'll have the commentary up tomorrow.
11161902
it's ok. take your time. after all, it's not like you're on a deadline
11161902
Don't worry about it. We all have schedules that prevents us from doing certain things. You'll have plenty of time to prepare the commentary for the last chapter while I get to work on editing the next one. Shouldn't take me more than a day or two to finish.
Meanwhile, back at Discord's Theater(s)
Discord's Cut
Discord: "I helped! You're welcome..."
Discord's Cut
And it did nothing to deter Charlie from watching more of their show, to the point she became a regular.
Discord's Cut
Discord: "And with so much money, I don't suppose P.T. wouldn't mind if I make a few withdraws of my own..." (Swipes some of Barnum's hard earned moneys)
Maud Pie: (Monotone) "I think it's fun."
Gabby: "Yup!"
Big Mac: "Nope."
Marble Pie: (Shakes her head) "Nuh-uh..."
Equestria Girls
Sugarcoat: (To pony Rainbow Dash) "She's right. You're guilty."
Galaxy
Sunset Shimmer: (To pony Rainbow Dash) "And you thought you could get away with it, huh?"
Future G5
Izzy Moonbow: (Shakes her head) "Uh-uh-uh! BAD Rainbow Dash."
Apple Bloom: (To Zecora) "Zecora. Did you once pulled a carriage for our friends, before?"
Zecora gave Apple Bloom a confused look in response.
Discord's Cut
Discord: "DARN IT! I'm not supposed to make sense!"
Crazy Steve: "She's going to love iiiiiit!"
Crazy Steve: "She loves iiiiiiit!"
Discord's Cut
Discord: (Breaks the fourth wall) "Of course, he meant me..." (Bounces his eyebrows up and down) "...and the crew!"
static.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/a/aa/Five_Discord_duplicates_standing_together_S7E12.png/revision/latest?cb=20170806161352
Me: "Ooh! Not bad."
Equestria Girls
Sunny Flare: "Wow! That's quite the cover name!"
Sour Sweet: "I'll say. How did he ever came up with that name?"
Juniper Montage: "A whole lot better than names, like: Lady Marshmallow, Kellogg, Bashful Butterfly, or–"
Rainbow Dash: (Red in the face, with yellow Sith eyes) "DON'T SAY IT!!!"
All Theaters
Audience: "WOW~!"
All Theaters
Audience: "AW~!"
Sugar Belle: (Crying uncontrollably) "I WANNA CRYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!"
Big Mac: (To Sugar Belle) "But you are crying..."
Discord's Cut
Meanwhile, sipping a cup of tea, and yet, nobody still haven't noticed him...
Discord: "That's only PART of the reason, my dear..."
Me: "I think I speak for most of us when I say I'm interested." (Most of the audience and staffs agreed with me)
Gilda: "And that's my cue for a nap." (Takes a nap) "Wake me up when it's over." (Snores obnoxiously)
Gabby: (Rolls her eyes) "Oh, Gilda..."
Equestria Girls
EQG Rainbow Dash: "Welp...gotta use the little girls' room. And while I'm at it, gonna get some more popcorns..."
Me: "Hehehe. A life without apple cider is a fate worse than death for Rainbow Dash."
Discord's Cut
PLUS a special guest of Discord's, and a CUP-ple of others...
Yona: "Yona like dance!"
Ocellus: "Me too!"
Silverstream: "Me three!"
Smolder: "Meh. It was alright." (Looks to the side)
Discord's Cut
Charlie: "Wow! That was a great show! P.T.Barnum's little girls are even more spectacular!"
Discord: "Do tell. Do tell. I suppose showmanship runs in the family. And no doubt, P.T.'s little girls' names will be up in lights!"
Charlie: (Chuckling) "I hope I can get their auto–Oh!" (Bumps into a couple of little guys, dressed in coats, and hats)
Had anyone been paying attention, they would've noticed the hats knocked off to reveal some large white drinking straws, colored with red and blue stripes. Like Charlie, these two "gents" aren't exactly human either.
Charlie: "Oh... I-I'm sorry, I didn't–"
????: "All good!" (Gets helped up by his companion, while Charlie walks away)
????: "Cuphead. I told you it wasn't such a good idea to come to this world. Elder Kettle's gonna blow–"
"Cuphead": "Ah, c'mon. What the old teapot won't know won't hurt us. It's a whole new world~!"
Discord's Cut
Discord: "That's what I said! Argh! That's the worst part of being a background character! Someone is always taking your words for it!"
Random Dude: "Well, I thought it was a pretty good idea!"
Capper Dapperpaw: "You don't say..."
Discord's Cut
Charlie: "Wow! I'd like to see some of his play...that is, if there's still a showing..."
Discord's Cut
Charlie had also seen this and she was shocked and saddened to see this mockery, towards young Caroline.
Smolder: "Oh! The nerve of those girls!"
Granny Smith: "I ought to give those brats a good spanking!"
Sweetie Belle: "What gives?! Caroline gave her performance to the greatest of her abilities!"
Scootaloo: "Yeah! She was great! I should know, because I took ballet classes myself!" (Immediately blushes when she let that little secret out)
Aunt Lofty: "It's true!"
Aunt Holiday: "We even took a photo of it."
derpicdn.net/img/view/2012/7/2/28049.jpg
Equestria Girls
Sour Sweet: (Sour) "Why those ungrateful brats!" (Sweetly) "Don't listen to them, Caroline!"
Lemon Zest: "You were gnarly out there, dudette!"
Derick: "Make that three of us!" (Vouches for Carrie White, who nodded in agreement, happy to be rid of Chris and such)
Equestria Girls
EQG Rainbow Dash: "You said it, other me!"
EQG Fluttershy: "If Daffy Duck were still here, he'd say they're despicable!"
EQG Rarity: "Here here!"
All Theaters
Audience: "WHAT?!!!"
Izzy Moonbow: "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, SAY WHAT?!"
Me: (To Caroline) "Is that you talking? Or the bullies?"
Discord's Cut
Discord: (To me) "Well, I'll tell you what I'm going to do, Doc." (Taps his fingers deviously) "I'm going to get those girls, and I'll make it look like a bloody accident." (Laughs evily)
64.media.tumblr.com/f69833d357208b9800b7c9ddde371597/tumblr_inline_p9f41zkSmm1qke885_500.gifv
Sapphire Shores: "Ugh. Tell me about it."
Songbird Serenade: "Don't have to tell me twice."
Equestria Girls
Kiwi Lollipop: "Oy vey..."
Supernova Zap: "Ditto."
Vignette Valencia: "Ugh! Some people think everything revolves around them, as if they don't have anything better to do, or even get a life. I mean, honestly... It's like...like..."
EQG Applejack: "Lookin' in a mirror?"
Vignette Valencia: "Exactly!" (Double take) "Wait..."
Galaxy
Sunset Shimmer: (Sigh, while holding Ray close) "Please tell me I wasn't that cruel..."
Galen Marek: (To Sunset Shimmer) "You weren't that cruel."
Sunset Shimmer: (To Galen Marek) "I wasn't asking...but thanks."
Galen Marek: (To Sunset Shimmer) "Sunset...the fact that you were a Sith wasn't your fault. It was mine. Blame me."
Ben Solo: (To Sunset Shimmer) "You were a Sith?"
Future G5
Pipp Petals: "Ugh! The nerve of those prima Donnas!"
Zipp Storm: (To Pipp) "It takes one to know a few..." (Receives a glare from Pipp)
Discord's Cut
Discord: "Or she should be pleased to hear that I've arranged a little 'accident' for said prima Donnas."
Me: "...Discord...what did you do?"
Discord: "Ooh, let's just say, after a banana peel and a piano, those snobby little girls won't be dancing for a long while."
Me: "Excuse me. What?"
--Earlier that evening--
The snobby prima donnas who had mocked and belittled poor Caroline were just walking down the streets, minding their own business, while talking behind Caroline's back, when a banana peel suddenly appeared in their path. The girls were too stuck up, all high and mighty to notice, until it was too late.
*Slip and Fall SFX*
Prima Donnas: "AAAAAHHH!" (Landed on their back)
Discord: (To the Prima Donnas) "What's the matter ladies? Can't stuck the landing? Okay, boys! Let 'em have it!"
Cuphead: "Okay!" (Throws a piano off the roof)
????: "Cuphead! You're gonna hurt someone! This ain't a cartoon!"
*Piano Crash SFX*
Random Dude: "My leg!"
Second Random Dude: "My car!"
Third Random Dude: "My cabbages!"
---Present---
Me: (To Discord) "You...murdered some kids, with a piano?!"
Discord: "I wouldn't exactly say 'murder.' They just got hurt, very badly. And besides..."
🎼Kids die for free~🎶
Me: "Now what's going on in that little head of his?"
Mudbriar: "Technically, at night, it's already too late."
Discord's Cut
Discord: "Or perhaps he's finally wisen up and know who to call. Me!"
Discord's Cut
Among the audience leaving the concert hall, is the mysterious woman in red and black dress, with matching hat.
Discord's Cut
Discord: "ME!" (Presents himself, while slamming his cane on someone's foot)
Random Dude: "OW! My bunion!"
Discord's Cut
Discord: (Outraged) "WHAT?! That no talent buffoon over ME?!"
Discord's Cut
Discord: "Refunds? Barf. I'll have you know, when I run MY theater, there's never been a refund, because I have a sign that reads: No. Re-funds!"
Discord's Cut
Discord: (Pouting jealously) "Yes...well, he's not so bad, for a showman. I guess..."
Discord's Cut
Discord: "Virtue. Phft!" (Rolls his eyes) "I can sell better than virtue..."
Discord's Cut
Discord: "Oh. So now I'm the third wheel, am I?"
Discord's Cut
Discord: "And poor little ol' me is sitting in the corner, drowning my sorrow, in chocolate milk..."
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
Discord's Cut
Discord: "....Uh, waiter? Refill, please." (Gets a refill) "Thank you." (Drinks the cup, but not the drink, before he did a spit-take, while throwing the drink out the window) "WHAT?!"
*Explosion*
Random Dude: "OW! My spine!"
Me: "Is he serious?!"
Equestria Girls
Sugarcoat: "Seriously?"
Galaxy
Ben Solo: "Is he serious?"
Sunset Shimmer: "Oh yeah. Dead serious."
Future G5
Izzy Moonbow: "He's serious."
Marble Pie: "Mm-hmm."
Big Mac: "Eeyup."
Discord's Cut
Discord: "I. INVENTED. SHOW. BIZ. NESS!" (And yet, nobody even noticed him)
Me: "Easy for you, if you're far-sighted, like an eagle. But for most of us near-sighted, we have to wear glasses to see in finer details..."
All Theaters
Audience: "Oooh!"
Ember: "WHY?!"
Discord's Cut
Charlie was just passing by, when she heard the song going on.
Charlie: "Hey. What's all the hubbub?"
Discord's Cut
Barnum spins Phillip around, as he continues to sing. Meanwhile, on the sideline, Charlie smiled and danced along with the man's song. And she ain't the only one. The two mysterious, short gents from earlier came waltzing in, and danced along with Barnum.
Discord's Cut
Barnum startled Phillip and Erik, when he stood up on the table, which Discord happened to be sitting at.
Discord: "AAAAHHH!!!" (Falls out of his chair)
Discord's Cut
Barnum then flips up a top hat. Discord's hat.
Discord: "HEY! My hat! Give it back!"
Discord's Cut
Charlie smirked, as if knowing otherwise. Meanwhile, Cuphead turned to his companion, while pointing his thumb at Phillip.
Discord's Cut
The bartender looked rather flabbergasted at Phillip, dancing on the table, since he's recently cleaned it. Meanwhile, Charlie smiled as she watches Phillip getting into the groove.
Discord's Cut
The bartender quickly moved his bottle out of Phillip's dance steps, before he gave some shots to Barnum, Phillip, and Erik. Cuphead was pointing at and laughing, when Discord poured chocolate milk into him and picked him up.
Cuphead: "HEY!"
Discord drinks away Cuphead's colors, until he's nothing but line arts, much to Charlie's bewilderment and Cuphead's companion's fluster.
Cuphead: "AH!" (Covers himself, while Charlie covered her eyes, before he runs off to the men's bathroom)
Big Mac: "Nope."
Equestria Girls
EQG Pinkie Pie: "Nope."
Galaxy
Sunset Shimmer: "Nope."
Future G5
Izzy Moonbow: "Nope."
Discord's Cut
Charlie: "Nope. But I like parties."
Discord's Cut
Charlie simply rolled her eyes, while a colorfully restored Cuphead and his companion shook their heads.
Discord's Cut
Charlie: "Exactly!"
All Theaters
Everyone in the theater(s), and in the movie itself, watched anxiously and anticipated for Phillip's answer.
Discord's Cut
Charlie: (Cheering) "WHOO! It's a deal!"
Cuphead & Mugman: "WHOO-HOO!"
Discord: (Unamused) "Yay..."
Flurry Heart: (To Princess Cadence) "Mom?"
Princess Cadence: (To Flurry Heart) "Yes, sweetie. It is."
Storm Shield: "Can you feel the love tonight?"
Future G5
Pipp Petals: "Someone's in love~" (Singing) "Mi mi miiiii~🎵"
Shining Armor: "Mayday, mayday. Overprotective brother alert."
All Theaters
Audience: (Exasperatedly) "Now what?"
Discord's Cut
Charlie: (To the mob) "Hey! What's the matter now?"
Mugman: "Uh, Cuphead?"
Cuphead: "Mugman?"
Mugman: "Should we run now?"
Cuphead: "Oh yes. Let's." (The two took off running for their lives)
Granny Smith: "Why those low-down varmints!"
Gilda: "Them's fightin' words!"
Carrie White: "I've been called a freak. But nobody calls my friends–"
Derick: (Calming Carrie down) "Whoa, whoa, easy there, Carrie! Calm down! We don't want a repeat of what happened, like last time. Do we?"
Princess Celestia: "I may not be a talented actress, but I know better than disrespecting such brilliant actors for all their hard works."
Princess Luna: "We must do something about this..."
Equestria Girls
EQG Rainbow Dash: "I ought to press those jerks in cider!"
EQG Applejack: "I ought to smack them upside the head!"
Juniper Montage: "I'd like for Discord to open up a portal, and then send them to Jurassic Park, to get eaten by the dinosaurs!"
Wallflower Blush: (To Juniper) "That's pretty excessive, even for you, Juniper..."
Galaxy
Sunset Shimmer: "What is wrong with those people? Don't they know real art, when they see it?"
C-3PO: (To Sunset) "Apparently not, it seems."
Sunset Shimmer: (To 3PO) "That was a rhetorical question."
Future G5
Sunny Starscout: "Wow. And I thought a lot of us ponies have had it rough, learning to get along, and accepting each other's differences..."
Zipp Storm: "I'll say. I mean, c'mon. Pegasi eat their youngs?"
Izzy Moonbow: "Unicorns shooting lasers and fry your brains? Where did all that come from?"
Pipp Petals: (To Deputy Sprout) "Yeah...Sprout..."
Deputy Sprout: "Hey! I said I was sorry!"
Sheriff Hitch: (To Sprout) "Doesn't exactly take away the fact that you turned Maretime Bay into an empire, where you self-promote yourself as emperor, build a giant pony-shaped robot, and planned an invasion against the unicorns and pegasi."
Sunny Starscout: (To Sprout) "And you wrecked my home!"
Zipp Storm: "And claimed to have seen a ghost, when it's clearly your own shadow."
Deputy Sprout: "Okay, fine. Yes. I admit. I was drunk with power and I abused it, to make myself emperor. And I'm sorry again for wrecking your lighthouse. But I really did see a ghost of the guy who was the manager of–!"
Mane Five: "Oh shut up, Sprout!"
And just like that, Sprout gets yeeted out of Maretime Bay, and he landed on his head.
Deputy Sprout: "Maybe dad was right. I should've been a plumber..."
Discord's Cut
Charlie: (To the mob) "Hey! What's wrong with you! We're all people here!" (Darts her eyes, left and right, while keeping her hat on) "Most of us, technically... But still. Can't we all just get along?"
11162442
As always a fantastic commentary my dear friend. I love the additions of Charlie and Cuphead
11162488
Just keep an eye out for I.M.P. I fear Margaret and Chris hired them to take out a certain girl, her boyfriend, and her friends.
It's official! Barnum's got his partner!
11162488
So do I! Great commentary, Phantom-Dragon!
11162442
Smurfs or Snorks reference I see….