Glee woke up very early naturally, when it was still dark. No one else in the circus woke this early, which Glee found slightly strange -- almost every day, the performers woke up before dawn to prepare for the day’s show, so they thought that people’s bodies would adapt to the schedule.

They got dressed and walked to the beach, arriving just as the sun rose.

Rags was already there, the kid obviously excited. “I can’t wait! What time does the show start? Do I get to go backstage? Ooh, what kind of shops are there? Is it true you sell sugar-spun clouds? How are they made? Do they taste good? How do people decide what to do? Do you win prizes from the games?

They paused for a second. “A little after midday, yes but not for long, all kinds, yes, Whispi makes them, yes, they do all the things, and in most games you win prizes.”

Rags gave a broad grin and restated again his excitement and how much he just “Can’t wait!”

Glee laughed a bit and handed Rags seven crown chips. “Spend this how you want, just don’t waste it all in one place. Take home some good food or something.”

Rags’ reaction was so enthusiastic Glee wondered if the kid would start screaming or running around in circles. Or something, they thought.

The procession of questions continued for hours until it was just a few hours before noon.

“Well, Rags, I have to head back to get ready by now. Why don’t you come with me? I can get you backstage for…” Glee checked the placement of the sun—“about half an hour. Maybe a bit longer.”

Rags agreed excitedly and practically jumped off the log he was sitting on as Glee got up and began the walk towards the grounds where the traveling circus rested. When they reached the grounds, Glee showed Rags to a large stage and led him behind the curtains.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“This is amazing!” Rags announced as he stared around with wonder, eyes fixating on makeup palettes, jumping to the bright colors of the curtains and ribbons, gaze leaping around everything in the area.

Glee gave a little grin and patted Rags on the head as they walked away to prep for their show.

Almost an hour later, Glee found Rags and sent the kid on his way to do what he wished in the carnival for the half-hour before the show. Rags chose to ignore their suggestions and found his way to a seat where he’d be able to see the show when it started. He opened a book and settled into his chair.

When Glee was prepared, their face had been laced with bright flame patterns that stood out against the pale appearance of the skin on their face. They were wearing solid black cargo pants and a slightly loose dark shirt that was breathable and seemed more made for practicality than appearance. Despite this, it was decorated with intricate designs in warm-colored hues that reminded many of flames. The shirt also had arm-guards above it on the upper arm and almost cuff-like wristlets on the lower arm.

After their appearance was made up, Glee spent about half an hour warming up for the show and waited backstage for their turn, occasionally stretching or flicking a sprout of flame between their fingers to make sure the warming up wouldn’t go to waste.

“Glee,” came a stern voice from behind them.

The bright-colored creature startled, then relaxed, expression an easy smile. “Geez, S.M., you could ease up with it. You walk like a cat. Wear a bell or something.”

The woman appeared human, but her skin was very slightly translucent, the veins visible underneath, her ears pointed. Tiny imp-like horns poked from her forehead, the tips of which protruded from dark bangs.

“Right, Glee, I’m amused,” the Showmaster said sarcastically. “I’ve heard that you invited someone. Who is it now?” her tone was not amused.

“Oh, you know, no one. You might’ve heard of ‘im, he’s pretty young, though…” Glee flashed her a relaxed smile, waiting for her to ask for the name.

The Showmaster begrudgingly took the bait and asked.

“Oh, you know, no one. Just Rags.”

She paled, but her shocked expression quickly turned into a glare. “Glee! You’ve gone too far. Don’t you know who that kid is? No one could touch him in the arena—he was too fast and strong for even the most experienced.”

Glee laughed quietly. “The kid’s nice. Let him be. Not like he’s killed me, eh?”

The Showmaster gave them a warning and moved on, pinching the bridge of her nose like she had a headache.