Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Parvana and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.

Parvana: The Most Breathtaking and Spectacular Tigress Chapter 9

Stefano is in for it when Alex and Parvana confront him about the circus once they're out of Rome. The others are left steaming in the train car they'd been assigned for the trip. The Penguins especially are angry they'd been duped by the original circus owner. Turns out there had been enough money left from their gambling to buy a plane of their own. It was only the authorities chasing after them the way they did that caused them to use the money prematurely like that.

Stefano understands where their fury and irritation are coming from. To stem the flame before it can explode Stefano explains he has something to show them, taking Alex and Parvana only to the ringmaster's personal train car. On the way there Alex impresses Stefano with his quick reflexes and acrobatics as they head into a tunnel and Parvana her grace and agility. It gets him all excited about their skills after witnessing them recover the show in Rome.

Stefano finds them incredible and exactly what the failing circus needs to recover itself. He's quite tenacious and determined on that front.

Only when they reach the ringmaster's home is it all made clear to them.

Upon entering Stefano ignites a lantern and switches on a couple of well-placed lights, unveiling what's within.

Alex and Parvana stare around in awe at all the glowing news articles, awards, memorabilia, and trophies regarding the circus when it was in its prime.

Parvana scrutinizes some immaculately kept posters and prize ribbons on the wall.

"Whoa," gasped Alex. "What is this place?"

"I know you think we are a stinky, poopy circus, but there is something you must know. There was a time when Circus Zaragoza, we were a great circus! Number 1 in all the Europe!"

Parvana then spots a picture showing a breaming Vitaly with a big grin on his face, flexing arm muscles. The opposite of what he is now.

Stomach flipping, Parvana asked "Is that Vitaly?"

Head bowed sadly, Stefano sighed "Vitaly, he was the biggest star of us all! He was fearless. Taking risks. Always new. He jumped through the hoop like he could fly. It had never been done before because it was physically impossible! And the people, they loved it! And the hoop, she got smaller. Like a ring on the finger of the tiniest lady with the slimmest fingers. He would not stop pushing. And one fateful day, he pushed too far! He fly too close to the sun and he got burned. Literally. The extra virgin olive oil is extra flammable. And he lost everything. His wife, she run off with a musician. He lost his dignity, his fame, his passion, and his fur. And when it grows back, it is less soft. More like a prickly beard. His only passion now is the borscht."

"Turning him into a drunk," said Parvana, critically.

Not the least bit affronted by her tone given the circumstances, Stefano said "Yes."

"Whoa," said Alex.

"He was our inspiration. So when he lost his passion…Well, as Vitaly goes, so goes the circus," said Stefano, resolutely. "This is why we need your help."

"What sort of help," asked Alex.

Excitedly, Stefano said "You can teach us to do new circus. Americano style! We find a new passion. Make a new show. And we go all the way to the U.S.A. I know it is a stupid idea. We are a lost cause."

Lightbulb going off in his head, Alex said "No, no, no, this isn't stupid. This could work."

"What," said Stefano.

"What you just said. Stefano, you're a genius," said Alex.

Bashfully, Stefano said "No, no, no, no. I am only average intelligence. Some say I'm even slightly below."

"We are gonna rethink everything anybody's ever known about the circus," declared Alex. "Count on it."

Stefano laughs in happiness.

Parvana is listening to everything that's being spoken, but her mind is elsewhere.

As Parvana solemnly contemplated what she had learned she realized that Vitaly couldn't help how he acted, his traumatic experiences had left a looming shadow over his heart that tore at him deep to the core to this day. His rude and unpleasant behavior toward them and those around him isn't intentional. It's just his way of dealing with the pain. This realization made her disdain and contempt for him vanish. And in its place, she felt compassion and pity.

Authors Note:

What do you guys think of Parvana doing aerial ribbon dances as practice for her act?

I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.

So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.

I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.