Hello!

Before you go on reading this, and this is mainly for those who follow me for Guarding Vale or Pick Yourself Up, allow me to explain some things.

As of recently, the school has been a real pain in the ass. Gee I know, like I haven't mentioned this before. I got three classes hammering my rear with assignments, projects, and finals. So what do I do to take the edge off of things? Alcohol? Drugs? Nooo sir I turn to sappy romance like the hopeless romantic I am! Been listening to a lot of these manga dubs on youtube with all of these cheesy romantic scenarios. These stories remind me of those classic 80s and 90s romance films like Pretty Woman or You've Got Mail. And as of recently, that love has been re-sparked by Marry Me starring and Owen "Wow" "Ka-chow" Wilson. So it got me thinking.

Could I churn up something like that from my own imagination?

So I got to work. I didn't want to go for RWBY cause it's been done thousands of times with one shot. Without a basis, I turned to shows that I knew. Now there's this show that I've been sitting on for a while now. It's Kaleido Star, if you haven't read the tags for this story in the first place. About 5 years ago I searched up on a whim a circus anime. And so here I found Kaleido Star. It's about a young girl from Japan joining this insanely good circus company in California. Now the show does take place in our universe however the main difference is that the laws of physics are pretty much out the window for a lot of the acrobatics they perform in the show. There's this one called the legendary great maneuver and I went full geek on that shit to figure out the realistic probability of it being done. Go to the Reddit page for Kaleido Star if you wanna see that rant. I feel ashamed but at the same time, not ashamed.

ANYWAYS. There's romance in this show but I don't know enough of the show to even touch the main characters. I've basically skimmed a lot of it off of youtube and the wiki. Along with assumptions, I determined a particular character that could be a possible character in this romance I've written. She only has a brief amount of lines and only appears for a couple of scenes, but has such a direct connection to the main characters. And so I decided to use her and apply something I also find of interest. Military decorum. And what better branch to choose than the United States Marine Corps? I have never served but this story is a means of showing some appreciation to those who served, especially during the Gulf War.

And before I forgot. Yes Guarding Vale's next chapter is in the works. It's just slow pickins, I apologize.

Now let's get on with the show. (Sounds like a circus now. Roll out the clown car.)

Disclaimer: Kaleido Star, its characters, its setting, and any other things associated with it all belong to the original owners. I claim nothing except the original characters I make.

May ##, 1992

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

Mandatory Fun.

Words that strike contempt to the Sergeants who even designated a day out of the week just for fun. For the most part it wasn't even fun. It'd be things you had to go but in order to make you go fun was slapped on as bait. Just what one of America's finest needs to unwind. But coming up was Armed Forces Day. Which usually meant a trip to the San Diego Zoo or a Padres Game. Which was better than anything else that they had to do. Though what tickled Sergeant Roy Collier pink was when he received a letter from the USO, which had been given to all others in the regiment. For Armed Forces Day, the USO had purchased tickets to Kaleida Stage up in Ventura for the entire regiment. Being selected to represent the Marine Corps branch amongst the other service branches.

Setting the letter down he chuckled to himself. Fighting back a smug grin that painted his face at the thought of his sister. Stricken with jealousy and hate to her brother, who was going to see the show she oh so adored. Another win for Roy in his mortal fight with his sister Margret. Looking at his computer screen he began to type out a letter to pin to the barracks. Thinking all the while as to how he'd go about calling Margret triumphantly.

After finishing the basic letter, he sent it to the printer to get several copies out before picking up the phone and dialing her up. Snickering all the while from his office. She soon picked up.

"Hello?"

"Oh, hey Sis, just checking in to see if you're alright and all."

"I'm alright Roy, just getting some stuff from the grocery store. Charlie's been an absolute milk magnet. This is the 4th time this month that I'd had to go get formula."

"Man, that sucks. Though I hope my nephew grows up with some strong bones in him."

"He better if he's drinking me this much."

"Mhm, anyways how's Jack? Still having trouble with diapers?"

"Yep, though I wouldn't blame him. He was an only child, so he didn't have to learn to change diapers. Unlike you."

"Fair enough, anyways before I hang up I gotta tell you something."

"Yeah?"

"I'm going to Kaleido Stage with my Regiment."

Letting the words sink in, Roy couldn't help but snicker off to the side. Covering the headset and letting it all out before he put it back to his ear.

"…"

But he was met by silence.

"Sis? Margret? Margie?"

"… ROY NATHANIEL COLLIER, I SWEAR TO GOD YOU BETTER BE LYING."

"No, no I'm not."

"You piece of SHIT! You get to see Kaleido Stage while I have to nurse a baby. Do you KNOW how much I want to go see it. I have all of their DVD performances, but YOU GET TO SEE THEM? Come Thanksgiving I am going to beat the shit out of you Roy! You hear that!?"

"Okay, okay calm down, Sis. Another thing too is that you're a several hour flight from California. HOWEVER, I am willing to get you some shit from their store. Hell, maybe even some autographs from the performers, especially that one you love. Dalia? Dora?"

"…It's Donna Walker, Roy. And you are forgiven dear brother."

"Thanks Sis, I'll call you soon as the whole thing's over, okay?"

"Okay, talk to you later. But you better get those autographs."

As the line went dead, Roy slumped in his chair. Exhaling a sigh of relief after avoiding Armageddon. Getting up out of his chair he went to retrieve the copies from the printer outside. Thinking all the while as to what else he needed to get done for today.

May ##, 1992, Armed Forces Day.

Pressed and starched, the short-sleeved service uniform felt snug. Though with how the drive was going to go, there were going to be a few new creases. Heading out to the motor pool, buses were lined up. Gathered nearby was the regiment. Joining the Battery Commander, they quickly loaded them all up into the buses. Setting off for Cape Mary.

Sitting at the front of his bus, Roy was in charge of giving the briefing for that day. And so, with the microphone in hand he addressed the group. Clearing his throat over the bus's PA system before continuing.

"Okay before you all go to sleep, here's how the day will go. You all will be spending the day going around Cape Mary. Pretty nice city, good spots to eat, nice beaches, tall cliffs, and then there's the big fucking tent over by the water. Can anyone tell me what that place is?"

Looking around a few of the guys chuckled at the bit. One guy raising his hand like a shy student in class. Smiling, he walked over to him with a big grin on his face and stared him down. "Yes Gomez?" Roy asked in a sing-song voice.

"Da battery camp site?" He said in the dumbest voice possible, earning a few laughs.

"Yes, Gomez. We're going camping over the water. I bet there's a swami that can teach us how to walk on it." The bus roared to life with laughter as he hushed them down again. "For those of who do know but don't want to speak up. We're going to the Kaleido Stage, a big circus group of great renown. My sister was a huge fan of them when we were growing up, never saw them but I did have to sit through some of the DVDs she had of them. And if I remember right, you're going to see some insane shit. This isn't Ringling Brothers or the occasional circus traveling through town."

Pausing as he thought of what he was going to say he then resumed as he clasped his hands. "I'm talking bout some insane stunts. Things that'll make you go Oooooh, Aaaah, and Jesus fucking Christ did she just do that? But in the end, remember, these are professionals. Just like we're professionals in making something 13 miles away go kaboom, these guys are professionals in performing circus acts. So, act right, don't make an embarrassment of yourselves, and enjoy the show. Now go to sleep."

After a bit of applause from the gallery followed by a small bow. Row went back to his seat at the front of the bus. Proceeding to clock out for the rest of the ride.

Cape Mary

Once arriving at Cape Mary, the group was released into the small city. Which by then was filled with members of other service branches. Roy and other NCOs had reported to the Kaleido Stage tent for a briefing for the event that evening. They were met by Kalos Eido, who was the manager of the stage. After some formalities they were given a tour of the main stage area. To him and the other NCOs, the size was enormous. The stands were as well, their seating specially marked by some chains but even then, the servicemen would only take up less than a quarter. But having center facing seats was quite a joy.

Coming up to the employee's area, a rundown on what special events might occur. Mister Eido taking the floor as some of the more involved personnel took notes.

"Gentlemen, I'll keep this brief cause I have plenty of work to do today. Currently this season's show that we've been running is based off Flight and Fall of Icarus. The show is set around the main stage where which will be converted into a pool. They'll be aerial acts based on it." He then paused and turned to some members of the Air Force.

"Now the part that's service related is that we'll have some participation from the Air Force who are setting up near one of the unoccupied trapeze towers. They'll be coordinating an aerobatic flyover which involves the releasing of flares. From what we've planned, it'll complement the performance well. Once the show is complete, we'll roll out with your honor guards, national anthem, a speech from some dude, and we'll end the night. Any questions?"

Two other officers raised their hands and were chosen. One stepped forward, a Coast Guard sailor. "How will the tickets be handled, Sir?"

"Good question, to prevent a lot of traffic with the regular showgoers. We'll be instituting a separate line system for all military personnel. From there you'll be given your tickets and guided to your seats." Eido answered before turning to the other individual. "And you."

"Yes, I'd like to ask as to if there will be any audience participation involved." Said an Army Sergeant.

Eido nodded "There will, mainly at the beginning with some of our smaller routines for the children but we'll have some for you all. Though I hope you don't mind heights as often."

This got a lot of chuckles from the group. Though with all questions answered they dispersed. Off to enjoy the rest of their day, however Roy hurried to catch up to Eido before he went out of view. Passing by some workers and performers. Excusing himself as he slid through some gaps before reaching him.

"Sir! Just a moment." Roy called out before slowing down.

Eido quickly turned around. "Yes… uh, Sergeant. Right?"

"Yes, Sir. I…" Roy took a moment to collect his thoughts before replying. "I would like to ask if it were possible for me to get some signatures. Including your signature too. My sister has been a mega fan of your group since we were young. I promised her some mementos since she's all the way back in Ohio with her kid."

Eido paused, slightly stunned as his eyes widened and eyebrows rose. It took him a moment to answer but he nodded. "Well… Sure that sounds fine. Though I can't let you get any autographs from any of the performers. They're currently getting ready for tonight and I don't want to take them out of focus. But come by this area after the show and I'll allow you to get them. I guess something for the troops

"Understood, Sir. Here's the notepad." Roy said as he produced a notepad and pen. Handing it over to Eido to sign. "Thank you very much."

Seeing Eido walk off, he turned around and made his way towards the exit. Passing through corridors he took small glimpses of the rooms he passed. Some were studios that were in use, another was a pool, there was a dressing room too, and just a generic storage room. Turning his head back forward he stumbled into another person. Pushing them to the ground, yelping in surprise.

Looking down in panic he saw a young blond woman hissing slightly. She was fair with blueish grey eyes. Kneeling slightly, he extended his hand out towards her with an apologetic expression. "Crap…" Roy muttered under his breath "Ma'am I apologize for that; I was not looking where I was going."

She looked up towards him with a small nod. Her face seemingly expressionless as she clasped his hand and pulled herself up. "It's alright, I wasn't paying attention either." Once she got back onto her feet, she dusted herself off and bowed her head slightly.

"Glad you're not hurt, anyways have a good day, Ma'am." Giving a prompt nod of his head he continued towards the exit out towards the stage area. Not looking to linger much longer because he started to feel something growing in his stomach. A lack of food perhaps.

Yeah, that had to be it.

Later that evening...

Sitting in his seat, he heard the murmuring of the crowd after the kiddie show had ended. Aside from some of the performers playing around with the kids. They invited the servicemen to take a swing on the lower-level trapeze. Which resulted in a lot of the guys holding on for a dear life which made for quite the funny moment. The attempts to clasp the other bar was met with guys coming short or slipping up early and falling upon the net. Screaming all the while to the amusement of their fellow servicemembers.

Though with the comedy act now done, the main performance was up. Music came over the speakers as parts of the main stage area submerged to reveal pools of water. Where performers began to act out and dance. Lights then lit up the sky and the high wire as upon one of the trapezes poles the performers were there. From the looks of things, the two of them had costumes on with feather wings attached to them. Then as a crescendo erupted, they both began to swing out onto the trapeze. Going back and forth as they gained momentum before letting go. Twirling and tumbling mid air before going into a glide of sorts. Making it seem that they were on the Moon's gravity. Exchanging swings as the climax of the act began to start.

Lights shown upon a wider set of trapeze swings, made for two. The two performers had brought themselves onto it and began to swing back and forth. They stoon stood upon the bars and began to jump and leap between different lit up trapeze swings in the air. They seemed like they were flying as they spread their arms, letting the feathers flutter in the cool air. Giving a quick look to the other Marines in the regiment, they were just as stunned as he was. Captivated by the beauty of their acrobatics and the daringness of each move.

As the music started to rise, so did a slight drone in the air. It grew louder and louder and louder as the red and green navigation lights of a C-130 came above the open-air stage. From it burst out a bright aerial flare, as bright as the sun, which was followed by its countermeasures, flying out from the body as it pulled away. Just as the bright flare lit the main stage, the performers acted upon it. One of the performers flew high from their trapeze bar. Their silhouette illuminated by the flare but as they were in the air, the feathers off their costume began to fall off. With grace they began to fall as the other performer flew and attempted to intercept the falling performer.

Gasps drew out from the crowd before the now falling performer grabbed onto a lower trapeze bar and hung onto it from their hand. The other performer now stood upon the high wire as they saw their partner slowly lowered into the water where they disappeared. With the music ending and the lights dimming down.

From the silence, the first roar of approval came from the section of Airmen who were on their feet going nuts. The other branches soon quickly followed and so did the rest of the crowd. The performers soon congregated in the middle platform of the stage. The two trapeze artists taking center stage as the applause showered them all. Then the stage lights began to illuminate one of the vacant trapeze poles where airmen were stationed with radio sets. This drew a larger cheer from the servicemen as the coordination with the pilots was on point. The Performers took positions surrounding the stage as they left it vacant. As the applause soon died down, then did the Honor Guard marched out to the center stage, followed by the First Division Marine band from Pendleton.

Roy checked his watch, keeping track of the time they still had before they had to get back on the buses. Vaguely listening to the speech and only standing for the national anthem and the Marine Corps Hymn.

Meanwhile Backstage...

Following Eido backstage, he did his best to stay out of the way of the crew and performers coming in after the performance. Getting some autographs and giving congratulations as he passed. Though coming upon the dressing room area, he saw Eido knock on the door before opening. He talked for a moment with the occupants inside before turning to Roy. Giving him the signal to follow him in.

Following the man, he saw that there were performers chatting about each other after the performance. Though quieting down as they saw him enter. Off to the corner were the two performers that evening, one in feathers and the other not so much, though the hair of the latter seemed familiar. Standing by the door with his hands behind him, Roy let Eido talk to his performers before going about his own business.

"That was fantastic, all of you. Given the headwinds tonight I was slightly concerned but it seems you all handled it well. Donna, Klaus, good work you two. Laura you and the other dancers were spot on, dare I say you moved like real ocean waves. Now I hope the flare wasn't as bad, that plane makes me want to buy one to replace out fireworks." Eido said with a small chuckle. Earning some from the rest of the performers.

One of the performers, a younger girl, jumped up in excitement. "Yeah, that was super cool Felt like we were in some war movie. I didn't know those planes had such pretty effects."

"They're meant to confuse radar and infrared-guided missiles." Roy pipped up though he quickly shut his trap as he saw the room turn to him. He grimaced and slowly lowered his head. "Apologies."

Eido smirked and shook his head. "Not at all Sergeant, anyways great work tonight. And before I leave here Sergeant…" He turned around to look to Roy for a name.

"Collier, Sir."

"Yes, Sergeant Collier here would like to ask for all of your autographs. His sister's a huge fan of the show and he'd like to send her back something so if you don't mind, we'll just pass around his notepad to sign. Have a good night." Eido smiled and exited the room. Leaving it to the performers and Roy.

Withdrawing his notepad and pen from his pocket he handed it off to the closest performer for them to start signing. Just to put his own two cents in he spoke. "Just want to say y'all were fantastic. Hell, I'm still feeling some chills from the performance. No wonder my sister adores all of you."

The comment got a lot of the performers smiling, seeing that their efforts were being appreciated. Some approached Roy to converse a little more. A kid in her teens approached with a smile on his face. "Thanks a lot, Sir. But man, that plane flying over was really something. I kept watching them as they made their practice runs a week ago."

"You better direct that praise to the guys with silver wings on their chests. Or the guys who were up in that tower." Roy said with a chuckle. "But yeah, it was super cool, felt like an air show."

Another performer came up and smiled, reaching out and tugging his arm for a moment. "Hey while we're all signing your notebook, why don't we introduce ourselves. It would be a little rude to ask when you don't even know who most of us are."

"You make a fair point, so I'll just give off my basics first then the rest of y'all can chime in." Giving a glance around the room he saw a few nods and so he introduced himself. "My name is Sergeant Roy Collier, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines. It's a pleasure to meet all of you."

'Well good to meet you Roy, Sergeant, or whatever you prefer, but what's your role in that outfit of yours?" asked the performer, motioning to the rest of them. "We're trapeze artists, dancers, comedians, and more."

"We're an artillery battery and I'm an enlisted officer. So, in short, I supervise a bunch of people in their 20s in the operation of 155-millimeter howitzers. Sending a bunch of high explosives where they're needed." With a smile, he saw that some of the performers nodded their heads in acknowledgement. "Hell of a job but you're probably going to lose your hearing by the end of it. I know mine is starting to go."

After his introduction, then came the cascade of names of the performers in the room. He was surprised to learn that even kids in their teens were performing at Kaleido. He himself couldn't imagine joining the circus and flying around in the air for a living. But they sure as hell impressed him. As he went down the line, shaking hands, they came to the principal performers who were now in streetwear. Looking to see the two he rose his eyebrows to see the woman from earlier reading through a textbook.

"And these two are the stars of tonight's show. Klaus Knoller and Donna Walker. Say hello you two!" The performer said in an exuberant voice.

Klaus extended his hand and Roy shook it. The two give a firm grip and shake with a nod of their heads. "It's good to meet you, Sergeant. Always an honor meeting a service member."

"Likewise, Mister Knoller. That was some real fancy flying up there, got us all on the edge of our seats. You'd probably make the obstacle course look like hopscotch. That and you've got a career as a paratrooper." The two of them laughed for a moment.

Turning to Donna, he looked to see that she was still invested in her textbook. Almost glued to the pages as she wrote notes on a paper. Leaning over he skimmed a few brief lines off the page before making a small note "Veterinary medicine?"

She quickly turned her head upwards to Roy, pausing for a moment at the small familiarity before nodding. Surprised at his assessment. "Yes, how do you know?"

"Some of the words remind me of some of the things my sister says when she calls from work. She's a veterinarian, and I assume you're studying to be one?"

"No not exactly." Turning in her chair she shook her head but smiled at the recognition. "I'm studying to become a dog trainer. The course I'm taking requires me to learn about medicine. But it makes me happy to see that your sister became a Vet."

"I'm glad too, she's your biggest fan and all. Though I think she'll get a kick out of hearing that you're studying to become a trainer. But thank you for your autograph, I really appreciate it and I know my sister will." Roy smiled back though he couldn't help but smile a little wider.

The notepad rolled around to the two. Klaus signed and placed it on the table beside Donna's textbook. Stopping her note taking she raised her pen to write upon the notepad but paused for a moment. Looking at the blank page before turning to Roy she asked. "Would your sister be willing to… Tutor me?"

He paused as he looked towards her, giving the idea a quick thought. Taking into consideration his sister she would probably be ecstatic for the opportunity to teach and interact with her idol. So, he nodded in reply. "I think she would. I can give you, her number."

"Really? That's great!" Donna beamed and quickly wrote down her signature. "And what's your sister's name?"

"Margret, but she prefers to be called Margie. And once you're done, I write it down there on your notes." Roy said she leaned over. Once she finished her little message, he took his pen and wrote down his sister's number. "Oh, and just one thing, she's taking care of her kid so just a heads up with that."

Taking back the notebook and pen he pocketed the items and gave her a small smile. "Thank you very much Miss Walker."

"You're welcome, Sergeant. Have a safe drive home." Returning the smile, she went back to her textbook.

Turning around he made his way to the door, only to turn around and bow his head to all of them. "Thank you, all of you. I'm sure my sis is going to get the surprise of a lifetime, and not murder my ass at Thanksgiving. Have a good night." Giving a small informal salute he departed and headed off to rejoin the main group to head back to Pendleton.

Back on the bus...

"Holy shit did you see those guys fly? That was insane, I mean they were floating!"

"Talk about showmanship, they were super high up, way higher than that try the trapeze stuff."

"I just about lost it when that girl fell from the trapeze. Almost thought we were going to see some gory shit. But it was all apart of the act, like damn."

Roy couldn't help but laugh a little at the commentators a few rows behind him. Listening in he couldn't help but agree form their perspective. Who wouldn't be absolutely stunned by the performance? Though in a triumphant turn he spoke up from the head of the bus.

"I told you so! Hah!" Adding a bit of a snarky tone to his voice as he returned back to resting for the trip back.

A lingering thought laid in his mind about the day. He had just met the person his sister absolutely adored and… He couldn't help but feel something towards her. She was just cute, cute like the homey girl next door kind. He could faintly remember the recordings from back then, never really getting a good look at her but seeing her soar through the air like something out of a comic book.

Though in actuality she seemed quiet and reserved for someone of her craft. Perhaps her ego wasn't as large as others. But it made her seem more and more endearing. All the things Margret had told him her over the years only made that admiration grow. Tugging at his mind to visit Kaleido once again to see something beyond his wildest dreams. Or someone.

Part 2 Coming Soon.

Hope you like the first part, before you go on about grammar or spelling this is just a crack fick for me to just schpeel out. Writing really does help with the anxiety of college. Anyways I hope you enjoy this and my other stories and until then...

Stay turned for Part 2