"Always look on the sunny side,

And though life chequered be...

A gladsome heart bids care depart,

And time flies pleasantly..."

A sweet voice pierced loudly through the afternoon air, filled with cheer as its owner marched happily through the tents of the fairground. Evelyn was running - running! - with neither a cast on her leg or crutch attached to her arm as she rushed unsteadily towards the first tier tents. Earlier that day, she had gone to see Doc about getting the cast on her leg changed, and upon taking off the wretched mold the frizzy-haired man had asked if the illusionist had felt any pain. With a short examination and a small, flustered laugh, Doc had exclaimed "Well! Looks like I was wrong - your leg wasn't broken in the fall from the carriage. Just very, very sore." and whisked her cast away, proclaiming that her leg was absolutely fine. Well, my arm may still be out of commission, Evelyn thought, practically bouncing with excitement as she headed towards a certain ringleader's tent, but at least my leg is free!

Her song dying down to a spot of humming, Evelyn knocked on the tent's support pole before pulling the entrance flap towards the side, calling out "Joker! Would you believe it, my leg's alri-" before stopping short at the sight of an empty tent. "Joker?" She called, ducking under the entrance and standing up tall inside the tent, looking around and seeming bewildered.

"Well, guess he's not here then..." She sighed, beginning to turn. A flash of white caught her eye as she rotated, causing her to stop and wander over to it. To Evelyn's confusion, there sat a letter on the ringleader's bed, its elegant wax seal broken and crumbling onto the sheets. "What...?" Evelyn wondered aloud, picking the paper up and flipping the envelope around, reading the name etched onto the back in spidery script. "Tom, the piper's son," she read, becoming more confused by the minute. Feeling a bit guilty, Evelyn pulled the letter from the envelope, raising it to her face to read it in its entirety.

Tom -

It is in my highest hopes - and utmost certainty - that this letter will find you healthy and well. I can't say the same for your brothers and sisters, seeing as they never seem to visit - but you're a good boy, the dutiful piper. I know you wouldn't dare to leave a poor man lonely.

The reason of my calling is that we - mainly, Noah's Ark - have run into a... small problem. Nothing too serious, no, but an important issue nonetheless.

You see, we haven't got quite enough 'sweets' for the next show.

I'm counting on you to be ever obedient and fetch them - one would do perfectly. Please carry out this task as soon as it is convenient - and by convenient, I mean as soon as you get a spare minute to breathe. You wouldn't disobey me, would you? I know you'll do well.

Over the hills and far away, - Father

Puzzled, Evelyn reread the letter over and over again. Why is it so important that we have enough candy...? She pondered, placing the letter back in its envelope and setting it onto the sheets once again, quickly making her way out of the ringleader's tent and towards her own. Snatching up a small coin purse from one of her spare drawers, the illusionist placed a small pin in her hair, smoothing out her dress to make herself presentable for a day in the city. I'm sure the others are busy - I'll go get the sweets myself. Maybe even get myself a treat, the girl thought giddily, her boots sending up small clouds of dust as she strode quickly towards the entrance to the fairgrounds. Can't be unprepared for a show.

Strolling towards the makeshift stables, Evelyn led a horse out from the holding area, gripping the reins tightly in one hand as she guided the creature towards the entrance. Clumsily hoisting herself onto the animal, Evelyn prepared to kick off, ready to go pick up the treats, as an amused voice sounded from behind her.

"Miss Illusion, what are you doing?" A silky-smooth voice drifted towards her, and as she turned, Evelyn saw Black standing a ways off from the horse, a trademark smirk on his face. Sighing loudly, while wishing she had left sooner, Evelyn glanced back at the ex-butler.

"Heading into the city," she replied haughtily, turning back to face the open gate in front of her, patting the horse softly atop the head. "Saw a letter that said we need more sweets for the main event. I decided I would go get them, considering that I'm not all too busy at the moment." As she looked back, Evelyn swore Black's face piqued in interest, uncertainty filling her mind as Black's expression retained its normal look.

"I see. Well, I wish you the best of luck on your trip, Miss Illusion," Black smiled after a long silence, his expession showing a coy look that greatly unsettled Evelyn as the performer turned away, quickly strolling off as Evelyn shook her head.

"What a strange man," she mumbled in distaste, tapping the horse with her heels and heading into the city.

Evelyn could hear hushed, disgusted mutters as she neared the back of the training tent, having finally arrived back from her trip to the city. Armed with packages of Funtom chocolates and lollipops, the illusionist unwrapped a strawberry candy and lifted it to her mouth, sucking on the sweet as she pushed the entrance flap to the side.

"...aren't enough sweets for the main event, we'll do it tonight," She heard Joker say in a low tone as she walked in. Pulling the lollipop from her mouth, Evelyn looked around at the depressed, darkened faces of her fellow first tiers, a small frown pulling at her lips. "Tell Dagger and Doll for me," Joker began, turning to exit the tent, stopping as he caught sight of Evelyn.

Evelyn felt a wave of fear prickle across her skin as Joker's face reverted to the expression he'd had in the medical tent - deadly, murderous, and practically feral. Evelyn stepped back, pulling the Funtom packages out from behind her back as she did so. "Not a problem...?" She said uncertainly, holding the candies out with a confused look on her face, feeling a bit scared. "I just went out and got some more sweets, I heard we were running low... If it's a problem I'll set them in storage..." The illusionist trailed off, as the first tiers stared at her.

"T-thank you, Evelyn!" A forced, falsely cheery voice caught her attention. Beast gritted her teeth, pushing out a smile as she went and took the candies from Evelyn's arms. "Just what we needed. You're a right life-saver," The tamer lied, turning and setting the packages to the side. Joker's face went blank for a moment, before he smiled, stepping over to the performer.

"Oh, thank you, Evelyn. You're a sweet, yerself," He chuckled, throwing an arm around the bewildered illusionist's shoulders. "Oh, did you get that bandage off? Wonderful! Now you can perform again," The ringleader grinned, leaning down and pressing his lips to her temple. Evelyn blushed, smiling happily.

"Not a problem," She laughed, unwinding herself from the man's arms. "Suppose I'll see you all later, then - I'm going to train with Dagger and Smile. Need to loosen up for the next performance," Evelyn smiled, heading towards the front of the tent and feeling joyful.

Still, though... her mind wandered as she greeted Dagger, looking up at the practicing performers as she let out a small sigh. It seems strange how shocked they all looked. And Beast... why would she be so kind? I thought she still hated me...

Shrugging, Evelyn climbed the ladder up to the Flying Blanco platforms, magicking herself onto the trapeze in a small burst of purple smoke.

Oh. My. God.

First off, let me apologize for the lack of update for quite some while. School started, and... well, it didn't start off nicely.

Let's just say the first day ended with me bursting into tears and I haven't been all that happy since. Did find some new friends, though. That's nice. And I did pretty well on my AP test. So that's good, too!

Anyway, WE'RE BACK! And just in time for episode 7 to air! Oh, I've been waiting so long to write again.

See you in chapter twelve!