Whew! That took a over a week. Thanks to everyone who decided to read the story and thanks to all three of you who commented! To answer the question from Jay, I guess the whole circus part of this story is inspired by the original treatment. Oddly enough, I only learned about the first draft of A Bug's Life about a month or two ago. Isn't that a hoot?

Disclaimer: Once again, none of these guys are mine. They belong to Disney/Pixar. I kinda hope they show up in Kingdom Hearts 3.

Under Watchful Eyes

"Bright" and "warm" were the typical words one would use to describe the summer, and "colorful" would be thrown in for this particular time. Chatter and laughter filled the streets from both adults and children alike as they followed the cobblestone path to a large pasture that served as land for a fair. The fairgrounds were littered with lines of more colorful tents that served as shops, games, even fortune tellers. Here and there were petting farms for the little ones or animal lovers and to the further end there was an empty plot for races or reserved reenactments.

Perhaps the cream of the crop was the circus that had come to town: P.T. Flea's. A proud red and white tent stood right in the center of the fairgrounds and the stars gave previews of the night's acts outside. Rosie had a scaffold set up in order to practice her elaborate silk dancing; Manny was practicing the magic of metamorphosis with Gypsy; Dim led fellow animals around while Tuck and Roll jumped from back to back. They enjoyed cheers and applause from the audience gathered around, and they were eager for more come sundown.

One would think that clowns would be walking around, and they were. They were also calling, not in any comedic manner, but concerned and maybe panicked.

"Flik!"

"Flik, kiddo!"

"Vere are you?"

With his face hidden under a green cap, the missing young man weaved between man, woman, boy, and girl to the edge of the fairgrounds. In his arms was a parcel that he held as dear as a baby, careful to protect it from impact of wall or body. His feet flew from grass to cobblestone as the runner made his way to no direction in particular. As the crowd diminished, he soon found himself in a plaza, complete with a fountain and a full view of the Anterrian castle.

The hum of the water soothed him, a sweet contrast to the varied screams back at the fair and the deafening quiet of the caravans. Flik breathed the smell of fresh bread and sweets from a nearby bakery and took a seat at the fountain. Yes, this was the perfect spot to get to work. He unwrapped his parcel, a small catapult, and began to fiddle with its parts.

His thoughts began to wander, despite his attempts to concentrate on the catapult. By now, it had become routine for him to sneak away from the circus while busy. It wasn't that he disliked being there, but he sometimes needed some wide open and bustling space on his own. The others could be a bit stifling when trying to help him through the effects of his curse: Dying Memory.

Manny had told Flik about it once, and then reminded him a few times. The common knowledge of the spell was that it erased memories, and personal experience told him it left years-long damage on his now-small soul. He hadn't given it much thought for the first few years, but lately he wanted to know why someone cast such a spell on him. He had entertained a few scenarios: maybe he was some sort of master criminal back in the day, or he walked in on a murder scene, or he just insulted a very powerful and petty witch or warlock. Honestly, nothing made sense except that he was sure someone just really hated him.

But enough of that for now. "Let's see… The trigger looks kinda loose." He began fiddling with said trigger, not realizing how close to the catapult arm he had been leaning, when the sling came loose and the cup bore all its force on his poor forehead. "Ow! That smarts!" He set the catapult down next to him and rubbed the sore spot.

"Haha! You're so weird!"

Flik blinked at the new voice and turned to his left, where a lilac-haired child was sitting. She was smiling and laughing at him, but he couldn't find it in himself to be mad at her. Probably because he worked in a circus. "Um…"

The little girl got up and curtsied. "You can call me Dot," she greeted. "What's your name?"

"I'm… Flik."

"What'cha working on?" She reached for and obtained the catapult before Flik could take it and looked it over as best she could. After a few seconds, she quickly put it back, as it was too heavy for her to carry for long.

"It's a catapult. Kinda. I'm still trying to get it to work," the young man explained as he began fiddling with the catapult once more. He tightened the sling and tested the trigger, finding that the catapult just won't launch. "It's a little important."

"Are you gonna use it to hurt people?"

"No! No, it's supposed to throw pies."

"Are you a clown?"

"Well, I guess—"

"That's right!"

"Whoa!" Suddenly, Flik felt hands grab him from behind and he was hung over an seven-foot-high shoulder. Seems like he was found by the guys. His catapult fell to the ground, the impact triggering it to launch itself and hit a feminine and disgruntled face, a very familiar one. "Whoops. Sorry, Francis."

Clearly not accepting the apology, the feminine clown glared right at Flik. "You better be! Rosie would kill us if she—"

"Hey! Leave him alone!" Dot had her arms crossed and her foot was tapping, clearly expecting them to obey. She was either very brave, considering she was facing some strangers, or she just knew they weren't a threat. Seeing the clowns so confused when faced with a little girl was rather funny.

"I'm okay, Dot. They're friends," Flik laughed. "Dot, meet Francis, Slim, and Heimlich. Guys, meet Dot."

"Hey, how're ya doin'?"

"Hello, there."

"Hello!"

"Oh? Then, hi!" Discarding her defensive act, Dot regained her smile. "So, you're clowns from the circus downtown?"

"Ja! You schould come see us sometime." Heimlich handed her a pamphlet. The paper fluttered even in so little wind. "Vee'll be here for zee duration of zee fair!"

"In fact, starting today, we're trying out an improved act. This guy's joining us for the first time." Francis poked Flik's cheek, much to the latter's annoyance. "So long as he stays put, that is."

"You know, I'd love to join this conversation while actually facing everyone. Can I get down now?"

Slim didn't loosen his hold nor make any move to set the young man back onto the ground. "No can do. We can't risk you slipping off again, you know." There was no denying he had a point, much to Flik's chagrin.

"Just put him down," Dot laughed. "By order of—"

"Princess Dot! There you are!" A fancy-robed man accompanied by guards hurried up to Dot. "You had everyone worried sick. How many times have we told you not to wander from the castle?"

"But I'm just outside, Mr. Soil! I can even see Atta's room from here," said the princess, waving to the highest window of said castle. A glint of light flickered back.

"There are far too many ruffians outside the walls. What if you got hurt? Or worse?" The robed man led Dot toward the guards before turning to the clowns. He didn't seem to be fazed that Slim was practically carrying a captive over his shoulder. "I must thank you sirs for watching over our young princess. I hope she was not too bothersome."

"Uh… nope! Sweet as a peach." In the confusion, Flik finally managed to dislodge himself, only to fall unceremoniously to the ground. Once he dusted himself off, he noticed Mr. Soil staring right at him. "Hm?"

"Do I know you?"

Everything went quiet and Flik's eyes went wide. "D-do you really?" For the first time in the five years he had been conscious, he felt hope. "Funny thing is: I don't have any memories beyond five years ago." He began to fidget. Here was someone who probably recognized him, perhaps knew him before he had joined the circus. Maybe he could finally learn about his original self, when he had a full soul. "So, if you do happen to know me, could you possibly fill in some of the blanks?"

He could have sworn there was a flash of recognition, but his hopes were dashed when the man said: "I'm sorry. I suppose I had you confused for someone else," as he turned away. "We shall take our leave now. Good day to you sirs."

"Huh?! B-but—"

"Good day." Insistent on returning to the castle, Soil hurried away.

Dot looked back once and called out "Bye, Flik!" before she was covered out of sight by the group of guards.

Flik wasn't sure how long he had stood there after they left, or even how long he had been staring dejectedly at the ground. Maybe he just got worked up way too soon. Lost in thought, he almost didn't feel the hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, let's just get home." Francis gave him a sympathetic pat. "You wanna sit out for today? You can just join us tomorrow." He couldn't say things like "I'm sure you'll remember someday," because it was impossible.

Knowing that was probably the hardest to get used to. "N-no, I'll be fine." Slowly, Flik retrieved his neglected catapult and followed his friends back to the fairgrounds. All the while, one hand clutched his chest, a habit he had developed over the years. He tried to push back all the questions that wanted to flood his mind. At the very least, he should wait to ask Manny.

Passing the fairgrounds and trekking up the hill to the camp, the clowns led Flik to a green and blue caravan. It was one that he shared with Manny and Gypsy (the others would joke that they'd become his parents). Flik unlocked the door, bid a quick farewell to his friends, and entered the tiny residence.

Inside, dark wood was clothed in floral sheets just as blue and green as the caravan's outer shell. There in the back was a bed fitting two, and the hollowed crawl space below the bed served as Flik's own resting place. To the right were drawers for clothes and picture frames followed by a couch for guests; to the left was a much smaller cushioned bench followed by an antique cabinet. All in all, it was a tight fit, but it was home.

But he didn't come to admire the interior. It was the large wooden box lying right on the floor that Flik was after. Leaving the catapult on the small bench, he gathered the box and brought it outside. Settling down on the grass, he emptied the contents onto the ground. The first to come out was a folded wooden frame, followed by a gold-orange tarp with feathers at one end, then orange wings, and finally a gigantic red bird head slightly smaller than Heimlich's diameter. All of these were part of a large fake bird Flik wanted to use for tonight's show.

The anticipation of putting together the bird cleared out all the negativity in his mind, and he rubbed his hands together. "Right! Today's the day, buddy. We're gonna have our debut!" He began assembling the frame, everything already fitting into place thanks to weeks upon weeks of tinkering and molding. The wings fit easily into the body and the frame looked nice and even under the tarp. Once he attached the head, he stepped back to admire his masterpiece. "Lookin' good! Now, for the final test." He put the costume over himself and grabbed the handles controlling the beak, swooping forward as if the bird was eating something. So far, so good! And it held together well.

"You look like you're having fun," giggled a sweet voice. "Is this what's taking up all that space in our home?" Gypsy peeked through the beak, smiling at the young man inside. "You're really going all out for tonight."

Flik got out of the costume and gently set it back on the grass. "Yep! It's my very first show! My chance to prove myself!"

"You're already doing all right as our mechanic," commented the assistant, fiddling with some of the blue feathers in her reddish-brown hair. "Oh, but I'm excited to see what you'll do with this. What's the plan?"

"You'll see!"

"And here I was worried you would be in low spirits." The two turned to see Manny stride towards them, chin up in a show of confidence. Clearly, he had a satisfactory time at the previews. "If you are finished, we should be going inside."

Flik sighed. "That time again?"

"I will try to make this quick, my boy." They wasted no time going back to the caravan, and the air took on the hint of dread. Moving the catapult aside, Manny took a seat on the small bench and gestured for Flik to lie down on the guest couch. "Now, close your eyes."

Flik tried to relax, concentrate on anything except the procedure, but then his thoughts cut off and he let out a sharp gasp. Even though he knew otherwise, it felt like his heart was pulled out of his chest while still connected by a string. Something that felt like tendrils began to tug at his soul, fluffing it up like a pillow. They stretched and shaped it to fill out what emptiness it could. The still-gaping wounds and still-forming scars of the soul shifted along as it was kneaded, sending shocks of pain throughout his body. He clenched his teeth, his fingers and toes curled as he tried not to ball up.

The only comfort came from Gypsy taking one of his hands. "It'll be over soon," she tried to soothe him, very much like a mother would a sickly child. "You're doing great."

Thankfully, the process tended to only last a few minutes at most. When he began to hear the sound of breaking seams, it all stopped. Air began rushing into his lungs and he just realized he hadn't been breathing properly. He also felt just a little less empty, probably the only good thing to ever come out of this soul-fluffing therapy. From the corner of his eye, he saw Manny was fatigued himself, holding his head.

"How is he?" Gypsy asked, now next to her husband so he could lean on her. "How much progress have you made?"

Panting to regain his breath, Manny rubbed at his temples. "He's… recovering well, but there was instability in his soul." After a few moments, he sat back up and faced his patient. "What seems to be the matter, Flik?"

Flik found the strength to wave at him. "It's nothing. Just thought someone might have known me." He could see the magician's sympathy.

"Ah, yes. The boys have told me."

"Right, of course they—wait, if you knew, then why ask me?"

"I wanted to hear from you, of course," Manny chuckled. "Now, I've noticed instability, but does that little instant still bother you?"

Flik sighed. "I'll get over it." Glancing at a window, he realized he was running out of time. "Oh no! I'm supposed to practice with the guys!" He tried to sit up, but Gypsy stopped him.

"We can't have you performing with an unstable soul, dear. Don't worry, you don't have to earn your keep just yet." She kept a hand on his shoulder to keep him down with surprising strength. It was easy to forget with her delicate appearance. "You're still technically five years old anyway."

"I'm not five!" That didn't help his case. "Look, it's just my soul, and it's healing! I promise the moment something's off, I'll exit right away!"

"Bird and all?"

"Yes, yes!"

The married couple gave each other quiet and slightly exasperated looks before conceding. "One act," Manny conditioned with a sigh. "One hopefully short act, and that is all."

"Great! Perfect! Gotta go!" Flik scrambled off the couch, not even waiting for Gypsy to move her hand, and dashed to the door. Just as he opened it to practically fly out, he ran into Rosie's arm.

"Whoa there! Didn't you just finish therapy?" she laughed, holding the young man up before he could collapse.

"I'm fine! Fit as a button."

"You mean 'fit as a fiddle?'"

"Yeah, sure. I just need to find the guys. I'm part of their act today!" Flik squirmed and struggled, but Rosie clearly had no intention of just letting him go. When his legs gave way, he just hung on her arm, frustrated.

The spider-like woman let herself in, somehow graceful despite having so many legs. "You don't have to run, you know. Your legs were wobbling earlier." She practically dragged him back to the couch and made him sit, much to his annoyance and everyone else's amusement. "So, I heard about what happened in town."

Flik rolled his eyes. "First Manny and Gypsy, and now you."

"Hey, they were worried about you," Rosie crossed her arms, but her smile never left.

"They didn't have to tell everyone."

"P.T. doesn't know."

"P.T. doesn't care."

"What was that?" Any and all laughter ceased as the short ringmaster stepped into the caravan, not seeming to mind how crowded it was getting. "Geez, I was lookin' for you guys! We have very special guests coming, so go practice your acts!"

The ribbon dancer began fiddling her fingers. "Oh? Is tonight really that important? Maybe Flik should delay his debut."

"Rosie, I'm fine."

"All hands on deck! We're being visited by the royal family today. We gotta put on a performance like no other!" The small man then pointed at Flik. "That means you, too, Newbie!"

"Yes, sir."

"That's what I like to hear. Now, get to it! And check the cannon when you're done!" P.T. dashed away, hopping like his namesake to presumably look for the others to spread the news.

After a few seconds, Flik stood up. "Well, you heard the man. Let's all practice and make this a night they'll never forget!" Standing once again, he was pleased to see that his legs had stabilized. With a relieved sigh, he made his way to the door.

"Remember your promise, Flik!" Manny called.

"I know!" With a wave, the clown dashed into freedom, making a quick detour to grab his bird and rush to the field where the others would be practicing. A tailwind sped him along and he could have sworn he heard some celebratory song.

Dot flew up the spiraling stairs of the castle's tallest tower, giggling the entire way. Royal blue walls and floors gave way to soft purple the closer she got to the lonely door at the top of the stairs. The guards that stood there paid her no mind, for she was a princess. Knocking on the package flap, she heard a soft "Come in," allowing her to pull a key from her dress pocket and unlock the door.

"Atta! Atta! We're going to the circus tonight!" the small princess announced, rushing up to the bed at the other side of the room.

"I know. Mother told me earlier." Atta did not move from the window, peering through a green, crudely-made telescope at the outside world.

Dot climbed onto the bed and sat next to her sister. "I met the clowns, too! I really like the blue one the most. His name's Flik!" she chattered cheerily. "You saw him, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did." Atta set the telescope on her lap and smiled sadly. She mumbled something, but Dot couldn't hear. Turning to the smaller princess, Atta sighed and gave her a stern look. "But you shouldn't be going up to strangers like that."

"He didn't look suspicious!"

"Even if you somehow knew for sure that he's a good guy, the guards might misunderstand. They might arrest him and—"

"You're actually worried about him, aren't you?" Dot wasn't sure if she was satisfied or just more curious when Atta clammed up. Seeing how uncomfortable her sister looked, she decided against prying. The last thing she wanted right now was to make her sad. "It's okay. We only talked."

The elder princess nodded. "I know, I saw." She fiddled with the telescope, a fond smile on her features. "He looked so happy."

"Not the whole time," said Dot, frowning. "He got kinda sad when Mr. Soil said he didn't remember him. Flik said he can't remember anything from before five years ago."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I wonder what happened…"

"...I wonder, too."