Accelerando

Chapter 5 of 28. Stop The Clowning, Cello, Clefs!

Ah, the Clef Circus, the epitome of entertainment in the orchestra town. With its clowns, performers, and all, it was a spectacle to behold. Yet, unexpected guests had arrived: Kate Ellsworth and Kaitlyn Zoerhoff, the tuba player and the percussionist, the youngest members of the band clan. They embarked on this mission with a desire for something extraordinary.

Nervously, Kate glanced at Kaitlyn. "This circus gives me the creeps!" Together, they ventured into the backroom, where they stumbled upon Mrs. Stretch's prized possession: Jack in the Box. This clown led the parade of the circus and was deemed invaluable. "We've found it! And Mrs. G doubted us!" Kate exclaimed triumphantly. Kaitlyn chuckled, "Looks like G will have to reconsider!"

Their laughter was short-lived as they accidentally triggered a horn, startling Kate into Kaitlyn's arms, causing them to stumble and crash into a closet of costumes. After a moment of panic, they reassured each other, "Phew!"

Suddenly, there was banging on the dressing room door. Kate trembled, "W-What was that?!" Determined not to find out, she urged, "Let's just grab Mrs. Stretch and go!" Kaitlyn agreed, "And make a swift exit!"

Sneaking out with the stolen box, they were intercepted by another clown, Mrs. Weepy, Mrs. Stretch's devoted partner. "They took my girlfriend!" she wailed, chasing after the band duo. Almost out of the circus town, they were on the verge of being caught when they stumbled upon a warp zone, evading Mrs. Weepy's pursuit.

Safe for the moment, Kaitlyn opened the box and noticed something peculiar. "Hey, Kate, doesn't this clown seem familiar to you?"

Back in the actual town, Kamari lay sound asleep while the rest gathered around. With a sleepy yawn, she woke up to the chatter. Mr. Jingles, visibly relieved, remarked, "It's such a relief to unwind after such a wild adventure!" Kamari, still groggy, replied, "Yeah, I've been so exhausted, nothing could get me out of this bed!"

Suddenly, a small marionette doll darted into the room. "There's a creepy clown on the loose at the Clef Circus!" Kamari jolted awake. "We need to get that clown back to the tent before it scares the daylights out of everyone!"

Back in Clef Circus Town, the jugglers dashed frantically, pursued by the deranged clown. Their escape attempt ended abruptly as they collided with a tightrope, leaving one of them entangled momentarily. Meanwhile, the clown's cries echoed, "Where's my girlfriend?!"

Rushing to the scene, the quartet had to take cover as the clown hurled metal balls in their direction, wreaking havoc upon the tent. Marina exclaimed amidst the chaos, "That clown certainly knows how to make an entrance!" Haru concurred, "We need to tread carefully!" Kamari, ever confident, chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll handle this!" However, her bravado was short-lived as a barrage of magic props was flung her way, hindering her movements. "Just let me get rid of this cursed set!" she grumbled.

Seizing the opportunity, Kate and Kaitlyn slipped away unnoticed while Kamari struggled to free herself from the debris. Meanwhile, Mr. Jingles pondered aloud, "I wonder why the clown is so distraught." Their attention was drawn back to the fleeing band twins clutching the box. Mr. Jingles had an epiphany, "It must be something to do with that box those troublesome twins are absconding with!" Determined, he formulated a plan, "We must apprehend that clown! Haru, Marina, follow me! Kamari, stall the clown until we return!"

Agreeing to the task, Kamari called out to the agitated clown, "Excuse me, miss clown! Can we talk?" Mrs. Weepy turned abruptly, mistaking Kamari for Mrs. Stretch. "Ah, my darling harlequin! I've finally found you!" Bewildered, Kamari mused, "Her little harlequin? What's she on about?" As the clown advanced, eager for a hug, Kamari recoiled, realizing the danger. "A hug from her might be detrimental to my well-being! I better dash!" With a burst of speed, she darted through the circus, attempting a daring leap to escape, only to land unceremoniously in the clown's embrace. "Not quite the exit I had in mind!" she grumbled, struggling against the clown's grasp. "Haru! Mr. Jingles! Help!"