Chapter 5

As the quartet is leaving the stage, the crowd had already dispersed. Oswald soon approaches the group. He's a tall man with a square jawline and blonde hair, dressed in a typical circus ringmaster uniform.

"Is everything all right?" Oswald inquired.

"Yes, Oswald." Holly answered. "We're just about to take Aurora here, to meet the rest of the troupe."

"Ah," said Oswald.

"Forgive me, dear child…for assuming that you were a performer. It was a mistake on my part." He addressed Aurora.

"I forgive you, sir." Aurora responded. "I only came to ask you for help, since I was lost and didn't know where I was."

"Thank you, dear girl. Now, if you'll follow me, please." Oswald begins to lead the way.

"Oswald, if I may," Jack began to say.

"How could you have mistaken this girl for a circus performer?" He gestures to Aurora.

"Well, she looked like one to me, in my mind." Oswald replies. "It was an impulsive move and poor judgment on my part."

Soon, the group are headed towards the same area and hallway where Oswald had taken Aurora earlier before the performance. Oswald then opens the door to a lounge, where all the circus performers hang out.

The quintet enters the room and everyone looks up.

"Good evening, everyone." Oswald addressed the troupe.

"I just want to inform you all that we have someone new joining us."

The ringmaster signals Holly and she began to introduce Aurora to the performers.

"Everybody, this here is Aurora." Holly announced. "Aurora, this is everybody."

"Oh…hello," Aurora greets the group, nervously with a smile. She wasn't used to this type of crowd back home, this was a whole new world for her. She even notices there are three girls (four including Holly) and five guys.

"Come Aurora." Holly leads the princess to a small group of clowns.

"Over here, this is Seymour, lead clown." She said.

Seymour had a slightly short frame and short, curly red-brownish hair underneath a red wig. He wore half clown makeup and a red nose; dressed in a multicolored clown suit.

"Other than clowning, Seymour juggles and rides a unicycle." Holly added.

"A unicycle?" Aurora asks, confused.

"A one-wheel cycle, you ride on it." Seymour explains.

"Pleasure to meet you, young lady." He held his hand out to shake and Aurora shakes it.

"Pleasure's all mine, Seymour." Aurora said.

"These three here are my fellow clown performers. That's Peggy, Bruce, and JoJo." Seymour gestures to the other three clowns. Peggy wore full clown makeup, a puff sleeved dress, a pink nose and a lavender wig. Bruce and JoJo wore half clown makeup, red noses, different colored wigs and clown suits.

"Hi there," Aurora shakes their hands. "Oh, hello Dopey!" She exclaimed, happily; upon seeing the short clown.

Holly, Annie and the four clowns giggle. Oswald and Jack looked at Aurora, dumbfounded.

"Honey, are you for real?" JoJo asked, amused.

"Yes," Aurora answered, innocently. "You remind me of someone I know back in Auradon."

"Auradon, what's that?" A girl named Jacinda asked. "Is it close to the Sierra Morena?"

"I don't know," Aurora responds. "Auradon is my home, that's where I'm from."

"Ah. I'm Jacinda, I walk on stilts." Jacinda introduced herself. She had black hair pulled into a top knot, brown eyes and a slightly lighter skin tone.

"Hi," said Aurora. "Exactly, what's stilts?"

"Stilts are a pair of upright poles which supports the feet, and it allows me to walk at a distance above the ground. It does require practice, though." Jacinda informed.

"Is walking on stilts dangerous?" Aurora questioned.

"Oh, no, honey. No," Jacinda assured. "Where did you get an idea like that?"

"You'll have to excuse her, Jacinda. Aurora had her first tightrope walking experience." Holly pointed out. "It didn't end well."

"Oh," said Jacinda.

"So, you're the girl who fell during the act." A girl named Tami piped up.

"You know about that?" Aurora asked, surprised.

"Yeah. Don't sweat it, if at first you don't succeed, you try again." Tami said.

"The name's Tami, I do aerial hoops." Tami had shoulder-length, curly brown hair, green eyes and wore hot pink lipstick.

"Hello, Tami. I'm Aurora," Aurora greets.

"And over there; that's Puck the human cannonball. Jon, he does the rolling globe act. And that's Drake; he's a knife thrower, lion tamer and trick rider." Holly said.

"Hello, gentlemen." Aurora waves; and the men wave back.

Drake is an athletic looking man with a muscular frame, for a trick rider/knife thrower/lion tamer. He had a shaved head, olive skin tone and brown eyes. Puck is a young man with slicked back black hair, brown eyes and deep brown skin tone. Jon had the same olive skin complexion as Drake, short, curly black hair and brown eyes.

"Oh, one thing I forgot to mention before," said Holly. "I'm also a trapeze artist."

"Trapeze artist?" Aurora asks.

"I do difficult and skillful acts on a trapeze, which is a short bar hanging high above the ground on two ropes." Holly explains. "It's quite liberating and exhilarating, when you're flying and swinging through the air. You feel like a bird,"

"Ah," said Aurora. "Well, it's always nice to make new friends."

"Tell us how you arrived in Las Vegas," Annie piped up.

"Yes," The entire troupe agreed.

"Well, it's quite a long story." Aurora replied, a little bit anxious.

"No worries, child. We've got time." Oswald assured.

Aurora exhales. She then proceeds to tell her story.

"I happen to be a princess from a magical land called Auradon. I live with my parents, King Stefan and Queen Leah." Aurora began. "Today, I was getting ready for my birthday ball celebration."

"Today is your birthday?" Annie asked, surprised.

Aurora nods.

"Happy Birthday, Aurora!" Annie and the others said in unison.

"Thank you all." The teen monarch responded.

"How old are you?" Peggy asked.

"Sixteen," Aurora answers.

"Anyways, I got ready for the party with help from my animal friends. Just as I was about to go downstairs to attend, a strange, mysterious voice called my name." She continued.

"And then what happened?" Puck asks.

"I followed the voice up to a tower. I go in and the voice tells me to look at my reflection in the mirror. I lean in and then…someone shoved me through the mirror. I fell down, down, down, and then I climbed out of this big round hole. I got very lost until I found that giant jester outside this place. I go in, hoping to ask someone for help. That's when I encountered Oswald. He thought I was a performer and then I met Holly; she helped me get ready." Aurora continued.

"Were you nervous about doing the tightrope act?" Jon asked.

"Yes, at first. And after watching Holly doing it, I believed I had it under control, despite the stumbling. Ultimately, I fell and then Jack saved me. And now, here I am with you all." Aurora finished.

"Is this a big habit of yours falling off stuff?" Jack asked the blonde, with a hint of skepticism.

"Oh, well usually someone catches me." Aurora responds.

"But fret not; I know that Aunt Flora, Aunt Fauna, Aunt Merryweather and Philip are already on their way and searching for me no doubt by morning." She assured.

"They'll come and rescue me from this strange land, take me home to be with my parents, and Philip and I can share True Love's Kiss."

"True Love's Kiss?" Jack repeated.

"It's the most powerful thing in the world," said Aurora.

Jack stared at her dumbfounded. Annie, Oswald and the circus troupe appeared to find Aurora rather intriguing. However, the seventeen-year-old found her to be an odd duck. It took all of his willpower not to roll his eyes at her.

"Right," He said.

"Now, if I could only find a place to rest my head for the night."

"What kind of place did you have in mind?" Jack inquired.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe a cottage, like the one I stayed at with my aunts." Aurora suggested. "Or a house full of dwarves, I hear they're very hospitable."

Jack looked at Aurora like she'd grown a second head. Annie, Holly, Jacinda, Tami and the clowns giggled. Oswald, Jon, Drake and Puck wore bemused expressions.

"Actually, my dear girl." Oswald spoke up. "You can stay with us for the time being."

"Really?" Aurora asks, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Say what?" Jack asked in disbelief.

"You heard me, Jack." The circus ringmaster said sternly.

He then turned to address Aurora.

"I'm afraid there aren't any cottages nor houses full of dwarves nearby, child. And until your aunts and this Philip fellow come to get you, you'll spend the night here at Circus, Circus."

"I will give you another chance to do a circus act, albeit a different one. Tomorrow morning, we'll conduct tryouts." He added.

"Tryouts?" Aurora asked, confused.

"Test you out in your abilities for different performances. And to see which act is a good fit for you," Tami informed.

"Oh," said Aurora. "So, maybe it'll be multiple choice?"

The others giggled.

"So, have you ever been to a circus before, little lady?" Seymour asks.

"No," Aurora replied. "In my homeland, we have jesters and minstrels."

"Well then, this will be quite an educational experience for you." Drake said.

"Wait a minute, hold up." Jack said, putting his hands up. "You're seriously going to let this girl stay with the troupe?"

"Yes, of course Radcliffe." Oswald answers.

"Please let Aurora stay, Jack." Annie pleaded. "I believe she's a real princess."

"Annie, just because she claims to be a princess, doesn't mean she's a princess." Jack pointed out. "She is a seriously confused girl who's fallen into our laps."

"Stop it, Jack; have a heart. Aurora doesn't have anywhere else to go." Holly pointed out. "She's new here and is not familiar with this area. She doesn't have any family members or friends here in Las Vegas."

"Plus, you wouldn't want to be wandering around Vegas by yourself on your 16th birthday, would you?" Bruce asked.

"No," said Jack.

"Besides, we have plenty of rooms. If we didn't, I would have you take Aurora home with you and Annie." Oswald added.

Jack doesn't say another word and he thinks about what Oswald said. The more Jack thought about it, he realized that Oswald has a point. All Jack wanted to do is to go home with Annie, after a long day of work. He certainly didn't want to have anything to do with Aurora and her oddity. And since the troupe will be the ones dealing with Aurora, it'll be one less thing to contend with.

"Excuse me, Oswald." Aurora spoke up. "Just out of sheer curiosity, where will I be sleeping?"

"You'll be sleeping in one of the hotel rooms, child." Oswald replied. "You'll be rooming with Holly."

"Oh, thank you sir," said Aurora.

"Great," Holly smiles.

"Now then, I think it's time to turn in for the night. Jack and Annie, I'll need you both present tomorrow morning for the tryouts. Jack, you'll probably need to make a new change to the performance schedules. Everyone else, you may go to your rooms. Jack will be up there to make sure you're all in bed." Oswald announced.

Time Skip

Soon, Aurora and the circus performers took the elevator to the second floor, where the rooms are. While the others went to their own rooms, Holly leads Aurora to the room they'll be sharing.

"Here we are, your new room." Holly said. She opens the door with the hotel room key.

"It's not fancy like the castle you live in, but it's quite cozy and comfortable."

Holly holds the door open and allowed Aurora to enter the room. She shuts the door.

Aurora surveys the room. There are two queen-sized beds, a desk and a chair. Above the dresser is a large screen TV. A nightstand with a lamp sits in between the beds. The room had light beige walls and brown-beige carpeting.

"So, what do you think?" Holly asks Aurora.

"I actually quite like it," Aurora answers. "It reminds me of my aunt's cottage back home."

Holly nods, grateful that Aurora wasn't acting stuck up about the room.

"Would you like to freshen up?" The brunette questioned.

"Freshen up?" Aurora asks.

"Take a shower," Holly clarified. "You do take showers?"

"Oh, why yes," said Aurora. "Usually, I have my animal friends help me."

"Well, taking a shower is quite easy, without your animal friends helping you." Holly informed. "I'll help you set up with your shower and then I'll shower after you come out."

The two head for the bathroom. Holly turns on the light. The bathroom itself is clean and well-lit. Spreading out a bath mat, Holly turns on the water and sets it on a warm temperature. All the while, Aurora observes; amazed.

"All right, let me help you undress." Holly began to untie the caplet and takes it off, before moving on to the corset.

After unlacing the corset, Holly takes it off. Aurora then slips the skirt off and unties the slippers.

"All right, I'm gonna leave you be. You just take your shower, I'll find you something to sleep in." Holly instructs.

Aurora nods. "Thank you, Holly."

"You're welcome," Holly leaves the bathroom and shuts the door behind her.

While Aurora is showering, Holly goes to her suitcase to get pajamas for herself and Aurora, plus underwear.

As Holly lays out the pajamas and the pairs of underwear on the first bed; she hears the water being turned off.

Walking to the bathroom, Holly knocks on the door.

"Come in!" Aurora called.

Holly opens the door and sees Aurora reaching for a towel. Wrapping the towel around her body, Aurora steps out of the shower.

"This is a magical room," Aurora remarked. "Where does the water come from?"

"The water comes from the pipes." Holly replied.

"Where do the pipes get it?" Aurora asks, as she unpinned her blonde hair and shook it dry.

"From wherever the pipes get it." Holly said.

"Oh. It is magical." Aurora commented.

Holly smiles and giggled.

"You're funny," She said. "I believe you'll do quite well with the clowns."

"Really?" Aurora asked.

Holly nodded.

"Come on, I found the perfect pair of pj's for you." Holly leads Aurora to the first bed.

"Try these on," The brunette hands over pink striped pajama top and pants and one pair of underwear.

"Thanks," The blonde princess slips on the top. It had a gold crown graphic and the words "Nap Queen". Next, she puts on panties and the matching bottom pants.

"Say, that looks cute on you." Holly comments.

"Oh, thank you. Also, thank you so much for helping me. Today took an unexpected turn for me." Aurora said.

"You're quite welcome," Holly replied. "I'm sorry this isn't what you had in mind for your sixteenth birthday, but I'm sure we'll think of something to celebrate."

Aurora nods. Suddenly, she yawns.

"I feel sleepy, I think I'm going to crawl right in the bed." She said.

"OK. Go right ahead, it's been a long day for you." Holly goes to the second bed and pulls back the covers.

"You take this one,"

"But where will you sleep?" Aurora asks, concerned.

"I'll take the first bed. Now, get some sleep; we have a big day tomorrow with the tryouts." Holly advised. "I'm gonna take my shower and go to bed as well."

Aurora nods. She gets in the bed and pulled the covers over her body.

"Good night, Holly," said Aurora.

"Good night, Aurora," said Holly.

Immediately, Aurora falls asleep. Holly warmly smiles at her. She then sets the time on the alarm clock.

Just as Holly is gathering up her pj's and panties, there's a knock at the door.

"Coming," Holding her clothes, Holly goes to the door.

Taking the latch off and turning the lock, she opens the door to reveal Jack and Annie.

"Hey Jack, Annie." The trapeze artist greeted.

"Hey. We're just checking in," Jack said.

"OK. Aurora's already asleep, I'm about to shower and then go to bed."

"Alright. Good night, Holly." Jack responds.

"Night, Holly;" said Annie.

"Good night, you two." Holly goes into the bathroom; for her shower.

"Annie, wait right out here. I'll be back." Jack instructs.

Annie complies and Jack goes in.

The eldest Radcliffe takes the time to call a ride for Aurora. While Oswald and the troupe were willing to accommodate Aurora, Jack didn't want to put up with a nuisance and a nut job at work. He had secretly been plotting to get rid of Aurora, while making sure the other performers were in bed.

Taking his phone out, Jack dials the number for a transportation service.

"Hello, I need a car at 2880 S Las Vegas Blvd please; thank you." He said in a hushed tone, careful not to wake Aurora.

Jack is put on hold. As he waited, his eyes landed on Aurora, who's sleeping peacefully. Something made Jack stop and think. At that moment, he realized that it'd be cruel of him to send a sixteen-year-old girl away in an area that's unfamiliar to her; after all she'd been through upon arriving. Aurora looked quite beautiful, with her blonde locks, red lips and alabaster skin. She did look like a fairy tale princess. Aurora may be strange, but she seemed harmless.

"Hello?" The voice asks.

Jack hangs up. He smiles a bit and took one last look at Aurora, before turning around and leaving the room.

"Come on, Annie. Let's go home," Jack said to his sister.

"OK," The two siblings make their way to the elevator, going home for the night.

Meanwhile, Holly emerged from the bathroom, dressed in her pajamas. After moving a few things off the bed, Holly gets under the covers. Turning off the light, she goes to sleep.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for your patience!

After posting the last chapter, I started working on this chapter and then typing up half of it. I did start on writing the next two chapters for I Just Wonder, then my work schedule has gotten busy for me. I've transitioned out of a vacation rental and moved into a new place. Also, as I'm finishing the chapter; I recently took the time out to see the Barbie movie! It was great, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were perfect for Barbie and Ken. I will not go into spoiler territory for those of you who have not seen the Barbie movie; I'd recommend you check it out whether you're a Barbie fan or not.

A few Disney references I want to point out:

Aurora calling JoJo the clown "Dopey" is a callback to the scene from Enchanted where Giselle encounters an angry little man whom she calls "Grumpy."

The pajamas Holly gives Aurora is a nod to the lounge wear Aurora wore in Ralph Breaks the Internet, the sequel to Wreck It Ralph.

Thank you to sarah-west-94402343 for the favorite, follow and reviews; I hope you enjoy more chapters ahead. Also, thank you to Crimson Commander688 for the review as well.

Up next, the three Good Fairies and Philip travel to Las Vegas in search of Aurora; and we'll have a montage of Aurora doing different circus acts for the tryouts.

Please don't forget to favorite, follow and review. And if you have seen the Barbie movie, let me know your thoughts in the reviews. Until then, see you next time!