Courtyard Concert {Pop}

After the Ringmaster said goodbye to his most precious darling, he bought a cup of coffee from the school cafe and leisurely made his way to the gates. The Ringmaster has never been to school. He was educated at home by his father, the late Oliver Francois, and while his teachings were never inadequate, he often wished to know what it would've been like to be in school. Know people your age. Mature together. He passed by skaters and cheerleaders, and when he turned his head, he heard the sharp whistle of a referee at the Sports Field signaling the end of a round. As he exited the gates, he heard the soft strumming of guitar strings.

Now here was a sight!

As a proud performer by trade, the Ringmaster could sniff out other performers a mile away. He could tell a waitress was a dancer with the way her hips swayed as she walked, and a man a comedian with the way he and his buddies roared in laughter with his slightest words and actions.

Performing outside was a little obvious, but at least the Ringmaster knew this was an invitation for an audience. His footsteps were light as he approached the young performer quietly enough so he wouldn't disturb him. When the piece was finished, the claps were slow and full of awe.

Unfortunately, the Ringmaster so rarely respected any sort of silence of mellow atmospheres. He stood up and turned his clapping into full on cheering, saying, "Bravo! Bravo! You have quite the talent, young man. Tell me, what is your name?"

"Richard Trickson!" The Ringmaster threw his arms wide open. "A fine name. Richard Trickson, my dear child, I can see you've quite the bright future ahead of you. You might be Starlight Academy's resident rocker, but I believe that you have the potential to be so much more." He scooted over to Richard Trickson resident rocker's side and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Imagine this. Your name on headlines and city lights. People far and wide asking for you to autograph their copies of your album."

He smiled. "Now, you might think that's impossible, but there's nothing you can't achieve with a little hard work and determination, Richard Trickson. Tell me, Richard Trickson, do you have an album? I wish to hear it. I wish for all of my family and friends to hear it. I would be honored if someone such as yourself sold me a copy of your labor of love."

Antoine stepped back when he noticed the flinching. It was a small sign, but the Ringmaster had been around too many abused people that he knew it was a warning sign. Still, his enthusiasm didn't falter.

"Whaaaaat? Booed off?" Antoine gasped, gesturing dramatically at Richard Trickson, current rockstar and future household name. "Monsieur, such a notion is so inconceivable for me! My, your peers should rightfully acknowledge your talents! Such skill is wasted on them, tsk tsk tsk."

He shook his head.

And then, an idea popped into his head. Ideas were always so exciting! He clapped his hands together. "Richard Trickson! I believe formal introductions are in order." Antoine took off his top hat, blew on the inside and pressed it to his chest as he bowed. "I am the Ringmaster, Antoine Francois, of the Midnight Circus. I will help you kickstart your new rocking career. How would you like to play your guitar as the opening act in one of our performances?"

The Ringmaster adored that look, but at the same time, pitied it greatly. There were so many people miserable and down in their luck. It was shameful that this small act of kindness could trigger such hope. Were people truly so unkind?

"Why, of course I'm not, Richard Trickson!" he said, eyes bright, voice honest. "The Midnight Circus will be happy to have you. Now..."

He pulled out his white rose from his breast pocket and started marching towards the nearby building, tapping the end of his cane on his leg before tucking it under his arm. He didn't look back for he knew he would follow. "Come with me, Mr. Trickson. We will need to make preparations."

As he opened the door, it led to the center stage of the circus. The lights of the stage flared up as soon as it recognized the presence of its master. "The Circus is open all week at Midnight, but only in weekends do we have performances. They start at one in the morning so ensure you get proper rest before they begin. Do you require any sort of equipment or food to get you going? On the topic of compensation, how much do you charge by the hour?"

"That is easily rectified, my dear." The Ringmaster tapped the cement ground of the stage with the base of his cane. A stand rose up from the floor with several papers covered in sheet music. Ah, yes. Traditional circus music, always a classic. He offered them to Richard Trickson with a smile. "Would it be feasible for you to play at least three of these songs by Saturday? You have time to practice."

He started walking around the stage waving his cane like a baton. The magic in the air glowed and sparkled around the place as his ideas started to form into solid shapes. The decorations of the usual circus popped up, with the tent's colors patterned with silver, gold and midnight blue and the seats covered with lush, dark velvet and the base with ornate silver designs. Loud speakers appeared overhead. Richard Trickson's own wardrobe was transformed into a Midnight Circus themed suit with a dark blue coat and slacks, silver shoes and a grey top. An electric guitar black but decorated with constellations appeared in his arms.

The Ringmaster smiled. "Would you like to give it a try, Mr. Trickson?"