Sole Memorial

Two Firsts and a Second

Here we go, another chapter! I tried making this one longer, since I thought the previous chapter was short. I hope you're enjoying this so far, those who are reading. Do drop a comment! I practically live on feedback. It's almost as good as coffee.

Disclaimer: I would love to work at Pixar, but that does not and never will mean I own anyone here.

"I call upon the voice of the Equinox Philosopher!"

From behind the curtains, Flik watched as Manny spun the Cabinet of Metamorphosis. Normally, he would be completely focused on the show, but his mind kept wandering this time. It was almost time for the clowns to act, and each passing second made him more jittery, yet they also seemed agonizingly slow. Part of him wanted to get this thing over with, another part wanted to take some more time to perfect his performance. He glanced at the bird costume at the side, just waiting for its chance to shine, and then looked around the backstage for some distraction.

It didn't really help. The backroom was just as bustling as the outside floor itself. Even when resting, nobody simply laid around and relaxed. To one side, Rosie was praising Dim and giving him treats, and then checking him over in case she accidentally struck him, Judging by the rhino's pleased expression, he was totally fine. Nearer to the curtains, Tuck and Roll were arguing in their unintelligible language and wrestling. As it was an everyday occurrence, they were left uninterrupted. Way in the back, Heimlich was chasing Francis and Slim as last minute practice for their upcoming act. Well, it was either that or Francis had stolen the large clown's pie and everyone knew Heimlich magically became active when he was hungry.

Giving up, Flik looked back outside, where he caught sight of the highwire poles. Thoughts congregated in his head and his heart began to race with excitement. Wouldn't it be amazing if the bird flew down from above?!

"Uh oh, that's the face of someone who's got an idea."

Perfect! Just the person he wanted to ask! "Rosie! I have—"

"No can do. You don't want to overdo it." The ribbon dancer pulled him away from the curtains. "I don't care how much better you think it'll be. If we haven't rehearsed, we can't do it."

"Just think of it as improvisation!" Flik pleaded, putting his hands together. "You just need to lower me—the bird—to the ground for a split second. I don't need to fly!"

"You don't need to try so hard, either. It's just one act, and I'm sure you'll be fine." She gestured to the resting bird. "Besides, do you even have a harness in that thing? I don't think you expect me to just lower you without one." Remembering the frame under the tarp, Flik knew she was right. It wouldn't be easy to float down as is, and untying the silk could be a hassle.

With a defeated sigh, he lost his energetic posture. "Okay, you're right. I just wanted to prove myself, you know? I mean, I don't work everyday like the rest of you do. Only when something needs fixing." It certainly didn't feel like enough to warrant the roof over his head and the food he shared with everyone. "You all took me in when I didn't have anything. Shouldn't I be giving back?"

Rosie huffed and rolled her eyes. "We didn't adopt you on a loan or anything like that. It's all unconditional, got it? Unconditional." She gave him a light punch to the arm as she enunciated. "Just take care of yourself, that's all we want. And I mean it."

Before Flik could retort, he heard a loud applause. He felt his heart pounding as he realized it was time for clowns to go out.

"Magic show is over! You clowns get out there now!" P.T. shouted from the curtain before leaping back out to announce the act.