The circus gang, while dealing with the grief of losing a colleague, knew that the show had to go on.

On the way to the new destination no one spoke to anyone, they suffered in silence each one dealing with the grief in their own way.

Caine drove trying to stay focused on the road, but it was difficult; he simply needed to be able to cope with something as natural and mundane as death. But he had too many things to think about, a circus to run and, more importantly; some artists to get to their destination safe and sound.

Caine: *sighs*

Bubble: Everything okay?

Caine: Do you think I'm not very expressive?

Bubble: You're quite expressive if I'm honest

Caine: Thanks for saying it...

Bubble: ....

The ringmaster kept his eyes on the road, trying to cope with the pain in silence. It was hard and painful to do, but she wouldn't allow herself to cry while driving anyway.

Bubble: We'll need a replacement... We can't be left without a clown

Caine: I know, as soon as we get there we'll put up the notice that we're looking for a clown... Although, it'll be hard for him to be as fun as Kaufmo was

Bubble: I know that emptiness won't be filled with anything, but you said it yourself; Kaufmo wouldn't like to see us sad no matter if he took his own life

Caine: You're right crazy bubble, you're right *turns on the radio*

The music was enveloping the front seats to break the silence, besides; it was a good company to relax the emotions. Caine and Bubble looked at each other and started listening to the melodies on the radio.

Although of course, both were dealing with grief from within; the volume of the music didn't matter. Inside they felt like they were in an eternal wake...

On the circus side they remained silent, they didn't know what to do...

Gangle was asleep in her seat, apparently she cried until she fell asleep even with the traces of tears on her face.

Zooble looked at the window thoughtfully, they were thinking too much... Their breathing was agitated while they shook a set of keys from one side to the other...

Kinger and Ragatha felt sorry for each other, they suffered a lot for the suicide of their colleague. Ragatha cried, hating herself for not being able to help Kaufmo when she could still do it. Kinger was delirious from the experience making his nerves go through the roof while he repeated to himself "Why him and not me?"

Jax had his ears down all the time as he tried to keep his thoughts calm, he remembered the pranks he used to play on the clown, but he also remembered that it was thanks to Kaufmo that he could now stand on his hands on a ball without fear of falling.

The atmosphere was cold, only Ragatha's sobs and Kinger's nervous voice could be heard... They really needed to have Kaufmo nearby... But that was no longer possible...

The rabbit sighed and decided to break the silence.

Jax: You know, this could be a new beginning for us

Zooble: Does that mean that Kaufmo's suicide is no relevant to you?

Jax: Not at all; Polygon, my mother told me that where one door closes, another opens... It's up to us if we want to see what's on the other side

The rabbit saw the mask tremble slightly, she seemed to be having a bad time even while asleep, he got up and placed his coat on her as a kind of blanket and saw that the trembling of his favorite prank victim stopped.

Jax: We can't stay here feeling sorry for ourselves... We have to cross the threshold of that new door and see what the other side holds for us

Zooble: ... It still hurts, doesn't it?

Jax: Obviously, but I won't stay crying for something I couldn't control, we will continue to entertain the public as Kaufmo would have wanted

Kinger: Jax, I admit your determination; but none of that is going to take away the fact that young Kaufmo killed himself... I would have preferred to be me since I'm already old...

Jax: *takes Kinger* Don't say that! Don't ever say that again, Hoo Ha! Please...

Kinger: I always thought you didn't care about anything...

Jax: I can pretend... However, crying and letting it all out can be good, but moving forward is always better

Zooble: It pains me to say it, but you're right... Kaufmo wouldn't have wanted to see us cry, he always encouraged us to continue with the show

The rabbit smiled while waving his cotton tail, the chess piece calmed down a little while the asymmetrical one put a hand on Ragatha's shoulder in support.

Ragatha: *looking at her colleagues*

Zooble: try to smile Rags, you know Kaufmo didn't like to see us sad

Ragatha: *depressed* How can I smile when I couldn't even help him? Better let me get depressed in peace...

Jax: Dollface, be honest. Would any of us have known what Kaufmo was going through without him telling us?

Ragatha: Still, I should have seen it coming... A whole college career studying psychology wasted... *hugs her knees*

Kinger: *puts a hand on Ragatha's shoulder* don't feel bad my Lady *sighs* I don't think anyone would have predicted it, none of us can see how another person's mind works no matter how prepared we are

Zooble: Still, we must move on... The wound that was left will heal one day

Everyone hugged each other and began to chat about the pleasant moments they spent together, Kinger told them great stories about the beginnings of the circus and of course he shared working with Kaufmo and living the great adventure as if it were the last.

Little by little the sadness was replaced by warmth and everyone ended up chatting and smiling as if they still had Kaufmo making them smile.

Several hours passed until they reached their destination city and the circus performers got off the transport.

Ragatha: Okay, where are we going to put the lockers?

Kinger: Forget that, where are we going to set up the tent?

Jax: And don't forget to find a replacement for Kaufmo

Caine: Calm down, superstars, we'll sort all that out. *takes off his hat* I recommend you all go back.

Zooble: *gets back in the car*

Caine: Hey, there's no need to brag.

Kinger, Ragatha, and Jax walked away until they were near the sidewalk, leaving the area clear. Caine took his cane and hit the brim of his hat, causing a blue glow to come out of it.

He pointed the hat forward and shot the fully-installed and equipped circus tent, landing in perfect condition.

Caine: And that's how you set up a circus *puts hat back on*

Kinger: That trick will never cease to amaze me Lord Caine

Caine: Heh, that's what the Amazing Digital Circus is all about dear Kinger *shakes hands* now let's get the luggage down

Zooble: *opens door* Is the tent up yet?

Jax: Are you blind or what?

Gangle: *walks out holding Jax's coat* I feel like I slept like a log... Oh, the big top is up now

Caine: Thanks for the observation dear Gangle, now get out of the car and let's get started on setting up the circus

Gangle and Zooble: *get out of the car*

Jax: Hey Crybaby, give me back my coat

Gangle: Oh is it yours? Sorry if I took it... *gives his coat back*

Jax: *takes his coat* (you can tell she's stunned... It's kind of adorable...)

Gangle: (strange, he usually pushes me after this... It must be because of the mourning...)

They started with the conditioning of the circus and its surroundings, some were putting the seats, others the ticket booths and so on.

Ragatha finished installing a ticket booth when she saw someone running around the place, at first she decided to ignore it, but the crack of a twig made her turn around and see the person.

She had blue and red eyes simulating roulette wheels and dark brown hair, it also stood out quite a bit that she was short. The doll stared at her while the brunette was paralyzed with fear.

Ragatha: Hello, do you need something? Are you coming to buy tickets so early?

???: ...

Ragatha: *takes some tickets out of her bag* here you go; without fear

???: *takes the tickets*

Ragatha: the first show will start soon, make sure you are on time *smiles*

???: *nods*

Ragatha: *nods* okay, I hope to see you there and that you enjoy the show

And so the doll went to install another ticket booth smiling warmly, that young lady was quiet but charming. When she was polishing a window she saw that they were bringing the window cleaner to her.

Ragatha: *takes the window cleaner and sprays the window* thanks

???: you're welcome...

Ragatha: *startle* Are you still here? (I thought it was Gangle) Is something wrong?

???: umm... *starts playing with her hair* I... Um...

Ragatha: hmmm... *picks her up*

???: *gets more nervous*

Ragatha: you're adorable, I'm sure you got lost. Can I help you find your parents?

???: I-I'm not 10 years old, miss... I'm more like... Can I see your boss?

Ragatha: Caine? Sure. What do you need him for?

???: I just want to see him... Please... (I feel like I'm going to faint...)

Ragatha: come on then (something's wrong...) What's your name? My name is Ragatha

Pomni: My name is Pomni; Nice to meet you

Ragatha: Alright Pomni, let's go see my boss and clear this up

Ragatha (still holding Pomni in her arms) walked into the tent, the redhead looked tenderly at the brunette, so small but sweet. Pomni for her part was clearly anxious and dying of nerves, not even being in Ragatha's soft arms could calm her down completely.

Ragatha walked to the track where she saw Caine chatting with Bubble while they shared anecdotes among colleagues.

Ragatha: Caine, Bubble, look what I have

Bubble: *looking at Pomni* she looks like a kitten

Ragatha: her name is Pomni =w="

Bubble: wow, the kitten even comes with a name and everything

Pomni: (I'm not a kitten) Can you put me down please?

Ragatha: *puts Pomni down* Caine, she told me she wanted to see you

Caine: Really? I don't even know her *floats in the air while holding the cane* What do you need, sweetheart?

Pomni: *inhales deeply and exhales* I need a job...

Caine: A job? Well... I don't know. What's your age?

Pomni: (damn) I'm 25, yeah; 25

Caine: Are you sure? You look kind of short for your age

Pomni: Yes, I'm 25; I swear... Another thing is that I'm short because of genetics *nervous*

Caine: You're not twenty-five, right? *sighs while materializing a cell phone* What's your parents' number?

Pomni: No, please! *gets on her knees* I'll do anything but don't call them! Please... I beg you...

Caine: *notices Pomni's nervousness* Ragatha, take her to the front seats

Ragatha: understood boss *extends her hand to Pomni* let's sit down, you must calm down

The brunette gave the rag doll her hand while her eyes became scribbles from anxiety, both went to the seats and sat down. Pomni had her heart beating a thousand times a minute and her breathing was all shaky.

Ragatha: Do you want me to bring you water?

Pomni: *nods nervously*

Ragatha: *goes to get water*

Pomni: (this was a bad idea, a very bad idea...) ...

Bubble: She looks stressed

Caine: Something happened to her that she doesn't want me to call her parents... Should we let her work here? She's not old enough for this job

Bubble: Maybe we should try our luck, anyway it's not the first time you've done something like this... More than anything because of Zooble

Caine: It's true, it's true... But Zooble could already work when that happened... But, nevertheless; we need a substitute...

Pomni continued to ramble on in her thoughts while regretting all her decisions, Caine sat next to her and snapped his fingers to get the attention of the brunette who immediately stopped rambling.

Caine: Your name was Pomni?

Pomni: Yes, that's my name, I understand if you doesn't want to hire me

Caine: I just want you to listen to me. Are you sure you want this life? Entertaining adults and children alike, traveling here and there and struggling with training?

Pomni: That sounds better than being pressured into doing something I don't want to do

Bubble: Right now we need a clown

Caine: *pokes Bubble with his cane* Like my assistant said, we have a vacancy for the clown position; only if you want of course

Pomni: *thinking* I said I'd do anything, I don't know anything about comedy, but I'm willing to learn. I'll be the circus Jester... But please don't call my parents, that's all I ask

Caine: *extends his hand* Don't let me down girl, you're in

Pomni: *shakes his hand* I'm willing to make the audience laugh

Ragatha re-entered the circus with a bottle of water in her hands while Kinger was walking next to her and listening attentively to the gossip that Ragatha was passing on to him.

Both the brunette and the master of ceremonies saw them approach to give the new news.

Kinger: Who would have thought? She's really small

Ragatha: I know. Can I keep her?

Pomni: (I see she likes me)

Caine: Actually, superstar, I need you to make her a costume

Ragatha: Sir, yes sir! *military salute* Any special theme or should I surprise you?

Caine: Could you make a costume that resembles that of a medieval jester?

Ragatha: It won't be difficult, Pomni; here is the water you asked for *gives her the bottle while taking a measuring tape out of her bag* but for now, we're going to take your measurements

Kinger: Wow, calm down my Lady; let the young lady take a few minutes to process everything. Are you sure you want to work here?

Pomni: Yes, I'm sure; I really need this job *opens the bottle while drinking some of the content* I may not know much about this, but I want to learn how to make others laugh

Kinger: Just like young Kaufmo, you have that same spirit *puts a hand on her shoulder* If you need any advice don't hesitate to ask me, I'm Kinger, the Equestrian Rider

Pomni: Equestrian Rider? Does that mean you have a horse?

Kinger: Yes, it makes sense since I'm the representation of the white King piece in chess

Ragatha: Oh, I don't know if I told you Pomni, but I'm a tightrope walker and tricks with balance are my specialty. You can look me up if you need any arrangements with your future costume (I don't plan on letting her go through what Kaufmo did... Not this time)

Pomni: Thank you very much, I'll keep that in mind

Caine: Well Pomni, that's all we need to say: Welcome to the Amazing Digital Circus Do you want to take a tour?

Pomni: Well, I...

Caine: Excellent, there's no time to waste *takes Pomni by the arm and takes her around the place*

Kinger: I see that you have a lot of confidence in this newbie

Ragatha: I know, she'll love the other guys

Kinger: Weren't you going to take her measurements, perhaps?

Ragatha: •u•" I'll be right there

Kinger: wait for them to come back, while you can design and select the fabrics so it looks good

Ragatha: that makes more sense if I'm honest, this time I'll plan first *anime drop running down forehead*

Kinger: well, I better go check on Orion; maybe he'll end up liking Pomni

Ragatha: I'm going back to my workshop, I have a lot to do

And both colleagues went their separate ways while Caine gave Pomni a tour of the circus, some of its members and how the acts worked, poor Pomni was getting dizzy but she didn't let it show so as not to interrupt. Classic nervous problems.

Gangle, in a moment of curiosity, approached Caine to meet the girl.

Gangle: boss

Caine: ah, Gangle, how nice to see you

Gangle: Who is she? It's still very early

Caine: Gangle; she is our new member, her name is Pomni and she will be the circus Jester

Gangle: *about to cry again*

Pomni: Is she okay?

Caine: if I'm honest, she's still pretty hurt by something that happened to us (I'm still hurt too, but the show must go on) now Gangle, everything will be okay; try to meet her

Gangle: *wipes away tears and takes a deep breath* well... *extends her hand* I-I'm Gangle, the Ribbon Dancer

Pomni: I'm Pomni, the new Jester *shakes her hand* it's a pleasure to meet you Gangle, I hope we can get along well

Caine: and believe me you'll get along with her dear, she'll be your teacher in circus arts

Gangle: What?! *startle*

Caine: Can I trust you with this task? No one knows more about the fine arts than you

Gangle: well... Umm... Y-Yes, I'll do my best but I need to prepare first and I also have to combine classes with my training

Caine: well let's keep the classes short then, we need Pomni ready to go to the show as soon as possible

Pomni: Mr. Caine, what are we going to do about that matter?

Caine: You leave that in my hands, superstar, for now you just worry about learning the art of comedy

Gangle agreed with what his boss said, and she patted Pomni's head as a sign of wishing her luck. When they returned to the tent, Ragatha was already finishing designing the jester's costume in her notebook and as soon as she saw the newbie, she approached her to take her body measurements.

She also took the circumference of her head to design her hat and immediately went to her workshop to work with the fabrics, so she spent a long time until she finished with the necessary stitches.

Ragatha: *leaves her workshop* Pomni, your suit is ready. Where did Caine go?

Pomni: He said he had things to attend to, so I stayed here waiting

Ragatha: Well, it's ready anyway and I need you to try it on to see how it fits

Pomni: Sure... *enters*

Ragatha: *hands her the suit* it's freshly made and I have to say that I'm proud of it, you can get dressed in the dressing room

The brunette nodded and went to the dressing room where she took off the clothes she was wearing and replaced them with the blue and red suit that Ragatha had made for her, she also put on the shoes with bells and the gloves as mandatory accessories and left the dressing room.

Ragatha: Do you like it? Don't you have an itch? Is it comfortable?

Pomni: *looking at herself in the mirror* well it's pretty, that's a fact; It's pretty comfortable too and no, the truth is that it doesn't give me itching or hives or anything like that... It's just that I feel weird...

Ragatha: It's normal, you'll see that it will pass *gives her a hat* put this one and now you'll be complete

Pomni looked closely at the striped hat, she really liked it; all the clothes matched her eyes and yellow was also a color she liked. She saw the jingle bells along with the bells tied with ribbons a little strange but she didn't say anything, hesitating she put the hat on and looked at herself in the mirror again.

Ragatha: Wow, now you really look like a jester Pomni

Pomni: Are the bells and the jingle bells really necessary?

Ragatha: Obviously, you have to attract attention; besides, they look pretty on you. Do you like how you look?

Pomni: *smiles softly* Yes, I like it; Thank you very much

Gangle: *enters* Pomni, we already have to... Wow, she looks beautiful

Ragatha: Hehe, I know. Do you need anything from here?

Gangle: Actually, I came to take Pomni... Caine assigned me as her teacher

Ragatha: Well, my work here is done

Gangle: *extends hand* it's time for your first class

Pomni: *takes her hand*

Ragatha: Good luck

The Ribbon Dancer left the workshop with the Jester ready to take her to her first class and introduce her to her first steps in comedy.

Hello, I hope you loved this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

See you in the next one.