Author's note: Ok, it took me long but let's this show in the road. Why didn't I write this before? Simple, I liked Kooza so badly, I wanted to write something good. Here's to Cirque of Soleil, who keeps posting videos to help us go through this quarantine. A new road to the Big Top!
Tribute to the stories of Florentine Quill, Zikka-chan and Arixa23.
1. INVOCATION
"There's a crack in the sky and the warning's out.
Don't take that dive again!
Push through that band of rain!
Five miles out,
Just hold your heading true.
Got to get your finest out"
Mike Oldfield
Once upon a time, not as much as it seems but perhaps nor the less, a strange box was sent to a boy named the Innocent. Inside it, was the domain of Kooza, the creation of the mysterious Trickster. "All to please and teach the youngster" or so he said. When they parted ways, the boy was on his way into the world. A bright future, indeed, but me thinks something's still in the air. Like the always restless trapeze that Morgaine uses, the magic is still hanging and swinging. So maybe it's a good time to go find the Innocent once again. And it's going to be easier than what we actually think. Follow me, my dearests and you'll see.
The colorful Big Top of the circus "Carnival Row" has been set on the park and the audience is gathering around the ticket boxes. Lovely music floats around while some artist play around the large tent to entertain those coming in. Among them there is no Innocent, the clown is still inside the safety of the top. He's always the shy guy, no matter what. He has gained confidence over the years but you can still see a child looking through those blue eyes.
Today is their first day in town and the boy was hoping to have the courage to act in front of the audience, but his legs are not up for the task. Again, he will have to wait for his number on stage.
"It is quite a fine crowd, ain't it?" the ringmaster of Carnival Row is always there when the clown needs advice, no matter if the Innocent thinks he needs none. "Scary but enough to make you wish for more. Right, Guido?" the man had given the boy that name from of his favorite novels. Under his top hat, the Ringmaster smiled.
"I dunno" the Innocent was still not much of talking, but his gesture were easily read by his superior.
"You are going to do just fine, you´ll see. Trust yourself. You are the Innocent. Names are what we are, actions who we are" the man smiled. "'We too, must shatter the mirrors. We must look in to ourselves and root out the distortions until that thing which we know in our hearts is perfect and true, stands before us' wrote Garth Stein" the Ringmaster went to check on his show. In moments like these, Guido missed having the Trickster around, he would give him confidence (even if it was through some of his strange games)
"I can do this, I can do this. I can't do this!" where is a magic wand when you need one? Guido sighed and sat down on a crate.
The boy had learned many things from his stay in Kooza, but growing up is always a hard one to chew. Guess Guido did needed a comeback, after all. But all in a good time, as soon as things are in place. And three of them were more than ready to act. The show is starting and everybody gathers around the main stage. Magic, music and thrill meet under the Big Top. It doesn't take long before the clowns are on stage, Guido among them, and laughter takes over the place. The Innocent is doing a good job but he is shaking like a leaf. That confidence is still a long way to go. Once out of the stage, Guido watches the Ringmaster in awe. He doesn't mind been laughed at, the man moves a hand and the whole bunch is in love with him again. The Innocent would like to be able to do that so much. The Trickster could too, why can´t he? Back in his corner, Guido wonders if the strange magician found another 'source of inspiration'. And what about all the inhabitants of Kooza? Are they all right? He can't even imagine.
"Are you sure that's him? It doesn't look like him" says a familiar voice behind Guido.
"Of courses, I'm sure, you dum-dum! When was the last time I was wrong?" answer another acquainted voice. The Innocent couldn't believe his ears so he turned round. Now his eyes were playing tricks on him. There stood the two lackeys of the Fool King of Kooza (who the Trickster dubbed as Snug and Starveling), in their colorful attires.
"Me says that ain't him. He's wearing the wrong clothes!" says Starveling, the fat clown.
"It is so. Nobody else has that sheepish look" Snug, the thin one frowned. "Oh, hey, kid! How's it hanging?" he smiled and waved at Guido who swallowed hard. "'Xcuse us a sec, ok? I´m telling you it's him!" both clowns had to turn when the poor boy fainted, unable to cope with the surprise. "See? Yer fault!"
"It ain't so!" grumbled his partner.
"Are you two done?!" Lear, the King of Fools, was in no mood for surprises. Being away from his kingdom for so long was never a good idea. When he saw Guido on the ground, Lear blinked and gave him a small touch with his foot. "Yes, you are" he rolled his eyes.
"He started!" they pointed at each other. The King gave them a blank stare and took out a big steak from his pocket. Both lackeys began to bark and jump.
"Sit" Lear ordered and they obeyed, receiving as a reward one big smack each. "That should teach you. He want him to come, not to drag him all the way there"
"The Ringmaster said we could come talk to him first" said Snug and Starveling nodded.
"Talk, not scare" the monarch barked in response and both clowns looked down. "Anyway, lots to do so let's get moving" Lear looked around, finding a wheelbarrow in a corner. "This should do. Not a carriage, but at least something. Let's go!" ordered the king and the three of them headed outside, towards the insides of the park where Kooza was waiting for the Innocent to return.
Our first take into this marvelous world. I will do a little research into the other universes of the Cirque of Soleil in order to make a good story.
See you soon!