Wanderers of Sorceria

Suzie the Rising Star

Mizuki's daughter, Suzie, is the child of two stage performers, and she may be following in their footsteps.

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## The Circus Act

Hana sat cross-legged on the plush hotel bed, her silver bobbed hair catching the dim light from the nearby lamp as she scrolled through her phone. The Moonlight Prism country-wide tour had been exhilarating but exhausting, and during rare moments of downtime, she liked to unwind with something casual. Tonight, her curiosity had gotten the best of her.

Shizuka had confided in her a secret not many knew: her older sister Mizuki was married to Mr. Lector, a stage magician performing in a circus in the Kansai region. Their act was famous for pulling off impossible stunts. Hana's interest had piqued, and now she found herself deep into a rabbit hole, watching phone videos of Mr. Lector's act, eager to see what made them such a regional sensation.

Riko plopped down beside her, the bed sinking slightly under her weight. "What are you watching?" she asked, leaning in close, her choppy silver hair brushing against Hana's shoulder.

"Shizuka told me in confidence about her sister Mizuki," Hana murmured, keeping her voice low as if afraid of breaking the trust. "She's the assistant in this magic show. I'm looking it up to see what their act is like."

Riko's eyes widened in excitement as she leaned even closer, her breath brushing Hana's ear. "Mr. Lector? His tricks are supposed to be crazy-- like, really over-the-top. People say they defy the laws of physics."

"Yeah," Hana agreed, tilting the screen slightly so they both could watch. "I mean, look at this one."

The phone video was shaky, the camera held by a spectator sitting in the bleachers of the circus. On screen, Mr. Lector dramatically waved his hands, conjuring illusions that seemed to twist space itself. Objects vanished into thin air, and volunteers from the audience walked into an unremakrable painted box, only to reappear on the other side of the stage from a different box moments later.

"Whoa," Riko whispered in awe, her husky voice low. "How do they even do that?"

Hana's brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of the scene, but the shaky footage and poor lighting didn't reveal much. "I can't really tell from the phone videos. The magic just looks... seamless. But we'll have to see it live to get the full effect."

As the video ended, Hana's thumb hovered over a related video that caught her eye. It had a thumbnail of a high-energy circus performance from ten years ago, and the title read, "Clown Girl Gets Her Just Desserts."

"Hey, what's this?" Hana clicked on the video, intrigued.

The footage was grainier, clearly much older, and featured a young girl in an oversized baby clown costume. The tiny clown was stomping around the stage, pantomiming a temper tantrum in front of a laughing audience. She flailed her arms and made exaggerated yelling motions, her bratty antics causing the audience to roar with laughter. Soon, foamy pies started flying toward her, pelting her face and body in comedic chaos. Her tantrum only escalated, much to the audience's amusement, and it all culminated in the clown girl tripping and falling into a large inflatable kiddie pool filled with foam-- a "giant pie" of sorts.

Both Hana and Riko burst out laughing at the absurdity of it.

"Oh my god, look at her go!" Riko said between chuckles. "She's completely covered."

But as Hana scrolled down to the comments, her laughter stopped short. One of the top comments read, Can't believe that was Shizuka ten years ago. She was so good at playing that role!

Hana's mouth fell open in shock. "Wait-- what?"

Riko blinked, staring at her in disbelief. "Shizuka? She was the clown girl?"

Hana reread the comment and shook her head, stunned. "It says so right here... I can't believe it."

Riko looked equally amazed. "Shizuka, a clown? That's wild! I never would've guessed. She's so... elegant now."

Hana clicked through the comments, reading more of the audience reactions. According to several other viewers, it had been a one-time act, something Shizuka had done as part of the circus performance. Apparently, her fans were aware of this little chapter in her past, but the general public had no idea.

"She was so good at it, though," Hana murmured, still reeling from the revelation. "I mean, look at how much the crowd was into it. And this was ten years ago... she must've been just a teenager."

"She nailed it," Riko said, clearly impressed. "No wonder she's such a talented actress now. She had it in her even back then."

Hana nodded in agreement but couldn't help wondering why Shizuka had never mentioned it. She was such a private person, always so reserved and mysterious. But still, seeing her pull off a role like that so effortlessly... It was a glimpse into a different side of her, one Hana hadn't expected.

"What do you think happened?" Riko asked, still watching the video. "She was so good at it... why didn't she stick with the circus or comedy acting? She could've been famous for this alone."

Hana sat back and pondered. "I don't know... Maybe it was just something she didn't want to pursue. Or maybe it was just a fun one-time thing. But it's kind of amazing to think how much talent she had, even at that age."

Riko smiled, nudging Hana gently. "Looks like we're gonna have to ask her about her secret clown past next time we see her."

Hana grinned, shaking her head. "Yeah, I'm sure she'll love that."

They both laughed, but underneath their amusement, Hana couldn't shake the thought that there was so much more to Shizuka than any of them really knew.

----

The big-top tent of the circus loomed overhead, lit by strings of soft yellow lights that swayed gently in the evening breeze. Moonlight Prism --  Hana, Riko, Itsuki, and Kaede --  made their way through the crowd, each of them buzzing with excitement. They had managed to fit this visit into their packed concert tour schedule, and tonight, they were here for something special: Mr. Lector's magic act.

As they took their seats in the front row, the smell of popcorn and excitement filled the air. Riko stretched her legs, her mischievous grin never leaving her face. "I can't wait to figure out how they do those tricks," she said, her husky voice full of determination.

"You're not gonna figure it out," Kaede said, crossing her arms with a smirk. "Just sit back and enjoy the show."

"Watch me," Riko shot back, narrowing her eyes in mock challenge.

The lights dimmed, and the tent hushed. The spotlight snapped on, revealing Mr. Lector standing center stage in a sharp black tuxedo and a silk hat, his expression calm and composed. Beside him, his assistant Mizuki stood with an elegant yet mischievous air, wearing a matching tuxedo jacket over a black leotard and dark tights. Her black hair flowed down her back, and she had an air of understated confidence.

"Wow, those legs," Itsuki muttered, a teasing grin tugging at her lips. She leaned in toward Hana, nudging her with her elbow. "Mizuki's got quite the stage presence, huh?"

Before Itsuki could say anything else, Kaede elbowed her hard in the ribs. "Focus on the magic, not her legs."

Itsuki chuckled, rubbing her side, but her eyes stayed fixed on the stage.

Mr. Lector and Mizuki began their act, their movements synchronized as they presented the first trick: a seemingly impossible levitation act. Mizuki floated gracefully, spinning slowly in midair as Mr. Lector made elaborate gestures, almost as if he were controlling the very air around her. The crowd gasped, and Moonlight Prism found themselves leaning forward in awe.

Riko squinted, trying to figure out the mechanism behind the trick, but she couldn't see any wires or supports. "What? There's no way that's possible!" she muttered, her frustration mounting.

The act continued with an impossible feat on the stage, seemingly transporting objects and volunteers from one spot to another in the blink of an eye. At one point, Mr. Lector passed a volunteer through a person-sized box, and they reappeared in another, on the opposite side of the stage, without a single hiccup. Hana couldn't help but smile as she got caught up in the wonder of it all.

By the time Mr. Lector and Mizuki took their final bow, the audience erupted into applause. Moonlight Prism joined in, clapping along, though Riko was still frowning slightly, clearly upset she hadn't been able to solve the mystery.

As the audience began filing out of the tent, Riko turned to the others, shaking her head. "I don't get it. How do they do it? I was watching every little detail, and I still couldn't figure it out."

Kaede raised an eyebrow. "Maybe you're just not supposed to."

"I was so close, though," Riko insisted, crossing her arms.

Before Riko could continue her rant, Hana casually reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a small, golden pass, dangling it in front of Riko's face. "Don't worry, I've got us covered."

Riko blinked, her expression turning from confusion to excitement. "Wait, what's that?"

Hana grinned. "It's a special backstage pass from Shizuka. We're going to talk to Mr. Lector and Mizuki ourselves."

Riko's eyes lit up with excitement. "No way! We can ask them about the tricks? I need to know how they do it."

"Hold on," Itsuki cut in, her arms crossed as she leaned back in her chair. "Are you sure you want to know? If you find out how it's done, the show might not feel as magical anymore."

Riko hesitated for a moment, the excitement fading slightly as she considered what Itsuki said. "But... I mean, it's their job to amaze people, right? If I knew how they did it, it wouldn't be the same."

Kaede nodded in agreement, her arms crossed. "It's part of the fun. Wondering how they pull it off."

Hana smiled, watching the back-and-forth between her friends. She'd already made up her mind-- whether they found out the secrets or not, the magic of the show was in the experience. But Riko's curiosity was infectious.

"Let's go talk to them," Hana said. "Even if we don't get all the answers, it'll be interesting to see what they're like up close."

Riko nodded, still looking excited but a little more thoughtful. "Yeah... maybe you're right. I guess there's some fun in not knowing everything."

With that, the four of them made their way backstage, anticipation building.

----

Backstage at the circus, the excitement from Mr. Lector's act still lingered in the air as Moonlight Prism made their way through the narrow corridors, guided by Shizuka's guest pass. The four band members, still buzzing from the spectacle, were greeted by a stagehand who waved them toward a door with a golden star on it.

"This is it," Hana said quietly, feeling a flutter of nervousness. Though the magic act had been the draw, there was a deeper curiosity pulling her-- one about Shizuka's mysterious family. She glanced at Riko, who wore her usual mischievous grin. Itsuki and Kaede seemed more laid-back, their excitement directed toward meeting the performers they had just seen on stage.

When the door opened, they were met by the smiling face of Mr. Lector himself, still dressed in his black tuxedo and silk hat, though he had removed the coat and loosened his bowtie. Beside him stood Mizuki, looking just as striking as before in her leotard and tights, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders. She had a relaxed demeanor now, though there was an air of quiet elegance about her that Hana immediately noticed.

"Welcome!" Mr. Lector said warmly, extending a hand to each of them in turn. "You must be Shizuka's friends."

"We are!" Itsuki replied, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "Your show was amazing, by the way. That portal stuff-- it blew our minds!"

Kaede nodded in agreement, standing a bit more reservedly but clearly impressed. "Yeah, you two have a great chemistry on stage. It's no wonder you're such a hit."

Mr. Lector chuckled modestly. "Thank you. It's all in the timing, really."

While Itsuki and Kaede engaged Mr. Lector in conversation, Riko and Hana exchanged glances before turning toward Mizuki. Riko, naturally, jumped in first. "Your tricks were incredible! I've been trying to figure out how you guys pulled them off the whole time. I have so many questions."

Mizuki's lips curved into a knowing smile. "I'm sure you do. But you know, a magician never reveals her secrets."

Riko pouted but didn't press the issue-- at least, not yet. Hana, on the other hand, had a different matter on her mind.

"Mizuki," she began cautiously, "I wanted to ask about Shizuka. She told us that you're her older sister, and she speaks very highly of you. But there's something I saw recently..."

Mizuki tilted her head slightly, her expression softening as she listened.

"I found a video," Hana continued, glancing at Riko for confirmation. "It was from about ten years ago-- Shizuka's one-time clown act. It was really impressive for someone who was basically unknown at the time. I was just wondering... what was that all about? She seemed so talented, even back then."

At the mention of the clown act, Mizuki's smile faded, replaced by a somber look that caught Hana off guard. Mizuki glanced toward Mr. Lector and the others, making sure they were still engrossed in conversation. Then, with a quiet sigh, she gestured for Hana and Riko to step aside with her into a more private corner of the room.

Riko's curiosity was piqued, but even she could sense the sudden shift in mood.

"That wasn't really an act," Mizuki said softly, her voice tinged with regret. "Not in the way you might think."

Hana's brows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Mizuki hesitated for a moment, clearly grappling with how much to share. "Shizuka... wasn't exactly happy back then. I was dating Mr. Lector at the time, and she didn't approve. She was young, full of energy, and we were having a hard time getting along. To keep her out of our hair, it was... suggested that she put that energy to use in the circus."

"So, the clown act...?" Hana asked, her voice soft.

Mizuki nodded. "Shizuka wasn't performing. She was genuinely angry at me, and that 'tantrum' you saw was real. She was throwing herself into it because of how she felt-- not just for the audience's amusement."

Riko's eyes widened. "Wait, so... she wasn't acting at all? But she looked so convincing!"

"That's Shizuka for you," Mizuki said with a sad smile. "Even when she's not trying, she's a natural performer. She poured her emotions into that act, and everyone thought it was brilliant. But... it wasn't just a performance to her. It was how she vented her anger."

Hana absorbed the revelation, feeling a pang of sympathy for Shizuka. "But... that's also what makes her such a good actress, right? She's able to tap into those feelings and express them so naturally."

Mizuki looked at Hana, her eyes softening. "You're not wrong. That experience, as painful as it was, probably helped her grow in some ways. But it also put a strain on our relationship for a long time. I'd rather not revisit it too much."

Hana nodded, understanding that this was a delicate topic. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."

"It's alright," Mizuki replied gently. "Just... it's something we've both moved on from, but it wasn't easy."

Riko, sensing the heaviness of the conversation, decided to change the subject with her usual enthusiasm. "Well, on a lighter note-- about those magic tricks! Come on, Mizuki, you can't leave us hanging. How do you and Mr. Lector do it?"

Mizuki's expression brightened, clearly relieved by the shift in topic. She gave Riko a playful look. "Oh, Riko, you know I can't break the magician's code! Where's the fun in that?"

Riko groaned dramatically but laughed. "I had to try!"

Hana smiled as she watched Riko and Mizuki banter. The truth about Shizuka's past had been heavy, but knowing more about her only made Hana appreciate Shizuka's strength and resilience even more. And seeing Mizuki in a brighter mood now brought a sense of closure to the conversation.

"Thank you for telling us," Hana said softly to Mizuki. "We'll keep it between us."

Mizuki nodded in gratitude. "I appreciate that. And... I'm glad Shizuka has friends like you two."

As they rejoined the others, Riko's curiosity about magic tricks remained unsatisfied, but there was no denying that they had learned something far more meaningful. And as the night went on, Hana couldn't help but feel a deeper connection to Shizuka-- one that went beyond their shared experiences on stage.

----

Hana sat alone in her dimly lit hotel room, the hum of Moonlight Prism's busy tour schedule momentarily replaced by the soft glow of her phone screen. The others were out, either exploring the city or resting after a long day of rehearsals, but Hana couldn't get her mind off the conversation she'd had with Mizuki. Shizuka's sister had revealed so much more than Hana had expected, and it left her feeling conflicted.

She hesitated for a moment, then tapped the search bar and pulled up the video again-- the one from ten years ago. Now, knowing the truth behind it, it felt different.

The screen filled with the familiar sight of a much younger Shizuka, dressed in a ridiculous oversized clown costume. Her face was painted in exaggerated makeup, her long lilac hair turned into bouncy twintails tied with flamboyant ribbons. The audience's laughter rippled through the phone's tinny speakers as Shizuka-- or rather, the clown-- stomped around the circus ring, arms flailing in mock anger, clearly upset. Foam pies flew toward her from all sides, smacking her in the face as she screeched and threw exaggerated tantrums.

Hana's lips quirked upward in a half-smile. Outwardly, it was still hilarious. Shizuka's expressions, her timing, the way she flopped around in exaggerated indignation-- it was easy to see why the crowd adored it. Even now, the energy of the performance was captivating. She was so convincing as the bratty clown girl, so thoroughly immersed in the act. It was no wonder people thought she had a natural gift for comedy.

But Hana couldn't shake what she now knew.

Mizuki had said that this wasn't an act. That Shizuka, at the time, wasn't playing a role but genuinely expressing her anger. Anger directed at Mizuki. As Hana watched more closely, she could see it now-- the flashes of real frustration in the way Shizuka flung her arms, the way her body tensed when the pies hit her. The exaggerated pantomime was just a layer over something raw, something real.

Hana leaned in, her eyes narrowing. It wasn't just Shizuka's natural ability that made this performance so striking. It was the honesty beneath it. The way her anger, though wrapped in absurdity, came through so clearly. Shizuka had channeled her emotions into this chaotic, slapstick display, but now that Hana knew the truth, it was impossible not to see the pain woven into it. This wasn't just a talented teenager making people laugh-- it was a young girl struggling with feelings she didn't know how to express any other way.

In the video, Shizuka's clown character finally hit the climax of the performance. The tantrum reached its peak as she flung herself toward the center of the ring, right into the inflatable pool filled with foam, the 'giant pie.' The crowd roared with laughter, and Hana's heart sank a little as she watched Shizuka's form disappear beneath the foam. It had been such a perfect moment of comedy, a triumphant finish for the performance. But now, Hana could only think about what it must have felt like for Shizuka-- to end up in that ridiculous, humiliating position while everyone laughed at her frustration, even if they didn't know the real reason behind it.

She paused the video, letting the image of Shizuka covered in foam linger on the screen. It was such a strange thing to process, the idea that something so lighthearted and comedic could have been born from genuine turmoil.

Hana's fingers hovered over the screen as she thought back to what Mizuki had said. That this moment had strained their relationship. That it was something neither of them wanted to revisit. Hana now understood why. It wasn't just a funny performance-- it was a glimpse into a moment of vulnerability, a point in Shizuka's life where her emotions were on full display, but in a way that no one really understood at the time.

Letting out a soft sigh, Hana set the phone down on the bed and leaned back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling. The video still played in her mind, but now it felt more like a puzzle she couldn't quite solve. Shizuka had moved on, becoming a successful actress, known for her ability to transform herself into any role. But this clown performance-- this wasn't acting in the traditional sense. It was something far more personal.

And yet, Hana couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. Shizuka had taken what must have been a painful and confusing time in her life and turned it into something that made people laugh. It might not have been intentional, but it was impressive in its own way.

"Maybe Mizuki was right," Hana murmured to herself. "That moment did help her grow."

She thought about bringing it up to Shizuka, maybe even asking her what she remembered about that time, but after her talk with Mizuki, Hana wasn't sure that was a good idea. Some things were better left in the past.

Still, Hana felt a new sense of respect for Shizuka, not just as an actress but as someone who had endured something difficult and come out the other side stronger. There was a depth to Shizuka that Hana hadn't fully appreciated before. And now that she had seen it, she couldn't unsee it.

With a deep breath, Hana reached for her phone and closed the video. Tomorrow, she'd be back on stage with Moonlight Prism, performing for crowds just like Shizuka had all those years ago. And though their experiences were different, there was a shared understanding now-- the way performance could be a mask, but also a mirror to something real.

Hana smiled softly to herself as she turned off the light. Whatever Shizuka had gone through, she had become the person she was today because of it. And that, Hana thought, was something truly worth admiring.

----

## Clown Girl Gets Her Just Desserts

The stage was set under the big top, the bright lights casting colorful beams across the circus ring. The scent of popcorn and sawdust hung thick in the air, mingling with the faint sound of giggles from the audience. It was nearly time. Backstage, Shizuka tugged at the sleeves of her oversized baby clown romper, trying to adjust the ridiculous, polka-dotted outfit that hung limply from her frame. The thick fabric felt heavy, like a weight pulling her down, making her feel small and out of place in more ways than one.

Her lilac hair, usually straight and elegant, had been twisted into childish pigtails, secured with gaudy, oversized pink bows that flopped about whenever she moved. Her face was a mask of exaggerated innocence, white paint covering her features, bright red swirls drawn on her cheeks, and her lips painted into a cartoonishly large pout. Every part of the costume was designed to make her look ridiculous, the teenage girl reduced to a caricature of a helpless infant for the sake of a laugh.

A pit formed in Shizuka's stomach as she peeked through the side curtains. The audience was larger than she'd anticipated-- a sea of faces waiting to be entertained. The thought of stepping out into that ring, dressed like this, to act out a tantrum in front of so many people made her skin crawl. But her older sister had thought it was clever, a way to keep Shizuka out of the way, to give her something to do.

The ringmaster's voice boomed across the tent, signaling her cue.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, prepare for the antics of the naughtiest little clown you've ever seen!"

Shizuka swallowed her nerves, stepped into the spotlight, and made her entrance.

The audience's laughter began almost instantly, the absurdity of her costume already working its magic. The giant romper hung loosely on her frame, its large, rounded collar bouncing as she moved. The floppy, oversized shoes on her feet jingled with tiny bells attached to the toes, each step she took adding an unintentionally comic sound to her movements.

As Shizuka stomped forward, she could feel the weight of the audience's eyes on her. Every exaggerated motion, every flail of her arms was carefully orchestrated, designed to make her appear like an overgrown, tantrum-throwing baby. Her face contorted into a pout, lips curling down dramatically as she pantomimed frustration. She stomped her feet, sending the bells on her shoes jingling wildly, and puffed out her cheeks in mock anger.

Around her, other clowns played their parts. One acted as the hapless parent figure, chasing her around with a feather duster, while another handed her oversized toys that she threw aside with exaggerated disgust. Shizuka's bratty clown character was the villain of the skit-- the spoiled child who refused to be pleased, much to the audience's delight.

Each time she threw a toy or stomped her foot, the audience roared with laughter. Shizuka could hear it, feel it vibrating through her bones. But instead of the satisfaction of a performer making people laugh, she felt humiliated. This wasn't her. It was her anger, her frustration, being used as entertainment. The laughter felt sharp, like daggers piercing through her.

Despite it all, she kept going. She kicked a giant inflatable ball across the ring in a mock fit of rage, sending it hurtling toward another clown, who pretended to fall over in exaggerated surprise. The crowd erupted again, and Shizuka, caught in the absurdity of it all, let herself go with the act, flailing her arms, stomping her feet, and throwing herself onto the ground in a full-body tantrum.

But she knew what was coming next-- the climax of the act. The final humiliation.

As the pie fight began to break out around her, clowns tossing foam-filled pies back and forth, Shizuka pretended to be caught in the middle. She ducked and dodged, each move making her look more desperate and ridiculous as pies splattered nearby. The audience's laughter grew louder, and for a moment, Shizuka's heart sank further. This was it. The final joke at her expense.

With a sudden, exaggerated trip, she stumbled forward and fell into the kiddie pool at the center of the ring, filled with a frothy, soapy substance meant to look like a giant pie. The foam splashed around her as she landed in the center, arms flailing as she struggled to find her balance. Her face was immediately covered in the sticky foam, her elaborate clown makeup smeared beyond recognition. The bells on her shoes jangled as she kicked her feet in mock frustration, completely enveloped by the absurdity of it all.

The crowd erupted in laughter, louder than ever before.

But all Shizuka could feel was the weight of the foam, the weight of her costume, and the weight of their amusement pressing down on her. As she flopped around in the pool, pretending to fight her way free, the humiliation hit her all at once. They weren't laughing with her. They were laughing at her. And somewhere, deep down, she hated it.

Her pigtails, once perfectly arranged, were now drooping and soaked with foam, her outfit clinging to her in a way that made her feel even smaller than she already was. The performance had done its job-- the crowd loved it, loved her. But not for the reasons she wanted. Not because of her skill or talent, but because she was a joke.

Finally, the skit ended. Shizuka stood up, dripping in foam, her clown costume sagging around her as the audience cheered and clapped. She forced a smile, gave a bow, and then hurried off the stage.

----

## Setting the Stage

Mizuki sat at the kitchen table, her fingers absently tracing the rim of her coffee cup as she stared at the laptop screen in front of her. The "Clown Girl Gets Her Just Desserts" video played silently, the ten-year-old phone footage capturing every moment of that long-buried performance. Shizuka, dressed in that ridiculous oversized baby clown outfit, her face painted with exaggerated swirls and an exaggerated pout, throwing her tantrum for the audience, now existed in the permanent archive of the internet.

Back then, it had been a one-time thing. A way to get Shizuka out of her hair during that turbulent time. A distraction, a release for all of Shizuka's anger and frustration. Mizuki hadn't thought much of it at the time, but now, years later, it had come back to haunt them both. Despite the years that had passed, despite the fact that Shizuka had grown into a respected actress, a star in her own right, that one performance still lingered like a shadow, an ugly reminder of a time when things between them had been strained.

Mizuki sighed and closed the laptop, leaning back in her chair. She and Shizuka had made amends since then, both of them silently agreeing to never talk about that time again. It was easier that way. Shizuka had moved on, building a career that had nothing to do with clowns, and Mizuki had her own life as a magician's assistant, a role she had grown to embrace, though it was a far cry from what she'd imagined when she was younger. They both knew the video still existed online, but they'd chosen to ignore it, pretending it was some relic of the past that didn't matter anymore.

But now, things were different.

Mizuki's gaze drifted toward the hallway, where her daughter, Little Shizuka-- no, Suzie, as she now called herself-- was probably holed up in her room. Suzie had started calling herself that only recently, ever since she'd stumbled upon the connection between her aunt and the bratty baby clown from the video. It had started innocently enough, with Suzie giggling at the video when she was younger, not fully understanding what it was. But as she grew older, as she started to develop her own identity, her giggles turned to embarrassment, and her questions about the video became more pointed.

Mizuki remembered the day Suzie had come to her, wide-eyed and curious, asking, "Mom, why was Aunt Shizuka a clown?"

Mizuki had deflected, awkwardly explaining that it had been a one-time job for work. She had tried to keep it light, hinting that it was just a silly performance, nothing more. "Aunt Shizuka was really good at it, though," she had added with a forced smile, knowing full well that Shizuka hadn't seen it that way. But the truth was hard to explain to a child. How could she tell Suzie that Shizuka had been forced into that role as a way to cope with their messy relationship at the time? How could she explain that the tantrum Shizuka threw wasn't entirely an act?

Over time, Suzie stopped asking about it, but she also stopped finding the video funny. Mizuki noticed how Suzie began to distance herself from the idea of clowns altogether, expressing disdain whenever the subject came up. It wasn't surprising-- children often outgrew their childish interests, but there was something more to it. Suzie was growing up, and with that came a desire to differentiate herself from the people around her. Shizuka, who had once been Suzie's idol, was now someone she admired but didn't want to be like. And so, Suzie had created her own identity, her own name-- Suzie, not Little Shizuka.

Mizuki couldn't help but smile faintly at that. Her daughter was clever, just like her aunt. Even though she hadn't given Suzie a phone, knowing how quickly kids could fall down internet rabbit holes, it was clear that Suzie had found her way onto the internet anyway. She was too resourceful, too determined. And now, as Mizuki watched her daughter navigate this strange new stage of growing up, she couldn't shake the feeling that Suzie was turning out more and more like Shizuka with each passing day.

The irony wasn't lost on her. Suzie wanted to separate herself from her aunt, but in so many ways, she was following the same path. The determination, the curiosity, the desire to carve out her own space in the world-- it was all there, just like it had been with Shizuka. And just like Shizuka, Suzie was grappling with a past that she couldn't quite shake, even though it wasn't her own.

It was Shizuka's clown past that Suzie couldn't quite reconcile, and Mizuki wasn't sure how to help her with that. Suzie adored her aunt, even now. She still looked up to her, even if she was trying to find her own way. But there was a tension there, a sense of unease about the fact that her idol had started out as a clown, a symbol of something silly and childish.

Mizuki sighed again, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on her. She wondered if Shizuka had any idea how much Suzie still looked up to her, how much she shaped the way Suzie saw the world. Maybe one day, when Suzie was older, they could talk about it, really talk about it. But for now, Mizuki would let it be. She had to trust that Suzie would find her own way, just as Shizuka had.

----

## Being the Parent

Mizuki had been searching for her phone for the better part of ten minutes, frustration mounting with each second. She was sure she'd left it on the kitchen counter, but it had vanished. With a sigh, she checked the usual spots: the living room, the bedroom, and even the bathroom. No sign of it.

Then, a muffled giggle caught her attention from down the hall. Mizuki paused, narrowing her eyes. Suzie's door was slightly ajar, and she could hear the faint tapping of fingers on a screen.

"That little sneak..." Mizuki muttered under her breath as she approached Suzie's room. Pushing the door open, she found her daughter hunched over the bed, her small fingers moving furiously over the screen of-- Mizuki's phone.

"Suzie!" Mizuki exclaimed, startling her daughter.

Suzie jumped, eyes wide, her face flushing red. "Mom! I was just--"

But before Suzie could finish, Mizuki snatched the phone from her hands. "What are you doing with my phone?" She asked sternly, unlocking the screen with a quick swipe. "We've talked about this before!"

Suzie looked away, crossing her arms defensively. "I was just... defending Aunt Shizuka!"

Mizuki raised an eyebrow, her thumb hovering over the screen as she scrolled through what Suzie had been posting. Sure enough, Suzie had been arguing with other users on one of Shizuka's fan pages, leaving a string of nasty remarks aimed at people who had said anything remotely critical of her famous aunt.

One comment caught Mizuki's eye: "You're just jealous because you'll never be as talented as Shizuka! Go cry somewhere else!"

Mizuki's heart sank as she scrolled through more comments, her daughter's childish, defensive remarks standing out in sharp contrast to the rest of the conversation.

"Suzie," Mizuki said, her voice now calm but firm, "this is unacceptable."

Suzie's eyes filled with defiance. "But they were being mean to Aunt Shizuka! She doesn't fight back, Mom! Someone has to stand up for her!"

Mizuki's expression softened for a moment. She understood where Suzie was coming from. Shizuka had always been calm and composed when it came to dealing with public criticism, never letting it get to her-- at least, not outwardly. But Suzie was different. She was young, clever for her age, but very immature. She couldn't see the bigger picture yet, that not everything needed a fight.

"Suzie, Aunt Shizuka can handle herself. She doesn't need you doing this. And I've told you before, you can't just take my phone whenever you want," Mizuki said. "This is the third time I've caught you doing this, and now..." She shook her head, feeling the need to drive the point home. "Now, you're going to face the consequences."

Suzie's eyes widened with alarm, her bravado quickly slipping. "W-What do you mean?"

Mizuki handed Suzie her clothes. "Get dressed. We're going out."

Suzie took the clothes, her suspicion growing. "Where are we going?" she asked cautiously, her voice tinged with nervousness.

Mizuki's expression didn't change. "We're going to work. To see Daddy."

Suzie froze, her face paling as the realization hit her. "No!" she cried, her voice rising in panic. "No, I don't want to go to the circus! I don't want to see clowns!"

Mizuki suppressed a small smile, though she kept her face stern. She knew how much Suzie hated clowns-- ever since she was old enough to form opinions, clowns had been a source of discomfort for her daughter. It was a natural reaction, perhaps born out of watching that old video of Aunt Shizuka's infamous "bratty baby clown" performance. But clowns weren't just a source of discomfort for Suzie-- they terrified her. The threat of going to the circus, where Mizuki's husband performed, was far more effective than any time-out or grounding could ever be.

"Suzie," Mizuki said firmly, "if you're going to act like this, if you're going to post mean things online and behave this way, then you need to see where that kind of behavior leads."

Suzie's lip quivered, but she was too proud to cry. "No, Mom, please!" she pleaded. "I don't want to go! I won't do it again, I promise!"

Mizuki raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed. "This isn't just about what you posted. It's about understanding that words have consequences. Sometimes, you have to face things you don't like to learn that lesson."

Suzie shook her head vigorously, her pigtails bouncing as tears welled up in her eyes. "No! I'm not like Aunt Shizuka! I don't want to see those clowns! They're creepy!"

"You might be more like Aunt Shizuka than you think," Mizuki said, her voice softening just a little. "But if you want to prove you're different, then it's time to show me. Now get dressed. We're going to the circus."

Suzie's protests grew louder as Mizuki turned to leave the room, her daughter now in full tantrum mode. But Mizuki knew what she was doing. Suzie had always idolized Shizuka, but she had also been desperate to forge her own identity, to differentiate herself from her famous aunt. This was the first real test. If Suzie truly wanted to stand apart from Shizuka, she would have to face her fears and deal with the clowns she hated so much.

Mizuki paused at the door, hearing the muffled sound of Suzie's cries behind her. It wasn't easy, but it was necessary. Suzie needed to learn that she couldn't hide behind a screen or lash out in anger whenever something upset her. There were consequences to everything, and if going to the circus was the only way to teach that lesson, then so be it.

After all, Mizuki thought, it was time to see just how much Suzie was like her aunt.

----

## Send In the Clowns

Suzie stood awkwardly at the edge of the circus tent, her arms crossed defiantly as she glared at the group of clowns who were sizing her up. The air inside the massive tent was thick with the smell of popcorn, sweat, and sawdust, a scent Suzie had always hated. But it wasn't the smells or the colorful chaos of the circus that bothered her most-- it was the clowns.

Her mother, Mizuki, had dropped her off with Mr. Lector, who had quickly ushered her into the clowns' domain, claiming she needed to "learn a few things." Mizuki had given Suzie a stern look before walking off, leaving her no choice but to stay.

The clowns, dressed in their usual outlandish garb, gathered around her, grinning from ear to ear, clearly amused by the situation. One of them, a tall, older clown with streaks of gray in his bright red wig, looked her over, his eyes twinkling with recognition.

"Well, well," he said, his voice deep and raspy from years of performing. "I haven't seen a face like this in a long time. You remind me of someone."

Suzie's fists clenched at her sides. She already knew what was coming. "I'm not like Aunt Shizuka," she muttered through gritted teeth.

The older clown chuckled, exchanging glances with the others. "Oh, I know who you are. Little Suzie, huh? Heard your aunt was quite the brat back in the day. Put on a whole show with us about ten years ago. You know, her act became quite popular."

"I'm not like her!" Suzie snapped, her cheeks flushing with frustration. "And I'm not a brat!"

The other clowns giggled, and one of the younger ones, dressed in a polka-dot suit with suspenders, bent down to her level, grinning widely. "We've heard that one before. Didn't your Aunt Shizuka start the same way? All huffy and pouty, saying she wasn't going to be a clown either."

Suzie's lip curled in disdain. "I'm not going to humiliate myself in front of crowds like she did. I'm not some... clown."

The older clown shook his head, an exaggerated expression of disappointment on his painted face. "Oh, sweetheart, we're not here to humiliate you. We're here to teach you how to perform. And if you're going to misbehave, we've got just the thing to show you how it's done."

Suzie took a step back, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "What do you mean?"

The clowns all exchanged knowing looks, and the older one stepped forward, his face softening in a mockingly sweet smile. "You ever hear of the 'bratty baby clown'? Oh, I bet you have. Your Aunt Shizuka practically invented the role. See, she wasn't always the big actress she is now. Back then, she was a little firecracker just like you, thinking she was too good for this kind of thing. But the truth is... she had a natural talent for it. And maybe it runs in the family."

Suzie's heart dropped into her stomach as she realized what they were getting at. "No," she said, shaking her head quickly. "I'm not doing that. I'm not going to be like her. I'm not--"

But before she could finish, one of the clowns grabbed a large, comically oversized baby bonnet from a nearby prop cart and held it out to her with a grin. "Oh, you don't get to decide, Suzie. You're already here, and we're not a daycare center. So, you're going to learn the trade, just like your aunt did."

The other clowns erupted in laughter, and Suzie took a step back, her heart racing. "No!" she cried, her voice trembling with indignation. "I don't want to be a clown! I don't want to dress up like a baby and... and humiliate myself in front of people!"

The older clown shook his head again, stepping closer until he towered over her. "Oh, sweetheart, it's not about humiliation. It's about learning how to entertain, how to perform, how to make people laugh. But if you're going to be a little brat about it... then maybe the bratty baby clown act is exactly what you need."

Suzie's chest tightened as she backed up even further, her eyes darting toward the entrance of the tent, but there was no escape. She was trapped, and the clowns were determined.

The younger clown, still grinning from ear to ear, held up the bonnet again. "Come on, Suzie, don't be shy. Let's see if you've got what it takes. You want to defend your Aunt Shizuka so badly, right? Well, let's see if you can live up to her legacy."

"I'm not like her!" Suzie screamed, her voice cracking as she stomped her foot in frustration, but the clowns just laughed even harder.

"You're right," the older clown said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're not like her. Not yet. But give us some time, and we'll see about that."

----

Suzie sat cross-legged on the floor of the circus tent, staring miserably at the assortment of cream pies lined up in front of her. She sighed heavily, letting her shoulders slump. Every day after school, instead of going home to watch TV or do her homework in peace, she was dragged here, to learn how to become a clown. And not just any clown, but a professional one, just like Aunt Shizuka had been. She'd overheard her mom and dad talking about it, how Aunt Shizuka had a hidden knack for this kind of thing. And now... it was her turn.

She huffed in frustration, her hands balled into fists. It wasn't fair.

The clowns weren't mean to her, but they were insistent. They showed her all kinds of tricks and techniques, treating it like it was some kind of sacred art. But all Suzie could focus on was the fact that she, at nine years old, was being forced to spend her afternoons covered in pie, practicing ridiculous routines when all she wanted was to just be a normal kid.

"Alright, Suzie," came the familiar voice of one of the clowns who had taken a particular interest in training her. "Today, we're gonna work on your reaction. Remember, it's not just about getting the pie in the face. It's about what you do after it hits. That's what sells it to the audience."

Suzie grumbled under her breath. "Why does it even matter? It's just a stupid pie in the face..."

The clown knelt down beside her, balancing a cream pie in his gloved hands. He gave her a knowing look. "Oh, it matters. Trust me. The pie in the face is classic comedy. It's been around forever because it's funny, but only if you do it right. You've got to sell it, Suzie. The audience needs to see the shock, the frustration, the build-up before you explode."

Suzie rolled her eyes. "I don't want to explode. I just don't want to do this."

The clown chuckled. "You think your aunt wanted to at first? I'll bet she hated it. But look at her now-- people love her, and that's because she learned to own it. I'm sure you were not allowed to see all of her work, but your aunt did much worse than getting a pie in the face. Maybe it seems like something traumatic and life-defining now, but if you consider what she did afterward it seems like no big deal."

Suzie felt a spark of something when the clown mentioned Aunt Shizuka. She idolized her aunt in many ways, but the idea of becoming a clown like her was unbearable. Still, the clowns weren't giving her much of a choice.

With a heavy sigh, Suzie straightened her back and nodded. "Fine... let's just get it over with."

"That's the spirit! Now, remember, we're not just splatting this on your face and calling it a day. It's all about timing. You take the hit, pause for just a second, then let the emotion out. Your reaction's the punchline."

Suzie watched as her teacher demonstrated. He exaggerated each movement, slowly bringing the pie up and gently pressing it into his own face with a loud splat. His eyes bulged dramatically, and he stood there, frozen for a moment, before wiping the cream from his eyes and letting out an exaggerated sigh of defeat, his shoulders slumping comically.

"That's the essence of it," he said. "Now, you give it a try."

Suzie hesitated, eyeing the pies warily. She still couldn't believe this was happening-- she was a kid, not a performer. But reluctantly, she picked up a pie and held it out in front of her. The pie felt cold and slippery in her hands, its consistency exactly as they'd explained-- a soap-based mixture that was easy to clean but still messy enough to get everywhere.

"Alright, Suzie," the clown said, watching closely. "Let's see what you've got."

Suzie took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Then, with a determined look, she brought the pie up to her face and pressed it against her skin. The sensation of the cold cream hitting her face was jarring, and for a second, she froze, unsure of what to do next.

"That's it," the clown encouraged. "Now react! How do you feel?"

Suzie's cheeks burned with humiliation, and before she could stop herself, the words burst out of her. "I hate this!" she yelled, her voice high and furious. "It's stupid and I don't want to do it anymore!"

The clown burst into laughter, and he clapped his hands together. "Perfect! That's the energy we're looking for! Now, channel that frustration. Make it funny!"

Suzie wiped the cream from her eyes with an exaggerated motion, her lip curling in disgust. "It's gross!" she cried, throwing her arms up in exasperation. "I can't see anything! It's in my hair!"

"You see? That's how you do it. You let the audience feel what you're feeling. You've got the frustration down, now we just need to fine-tune the comedy."

Suzie glared at him through the cream. "I don't want to be funny. I just want to go home."

The clown chuckled and handed her a towel to wipe her face. "You'll get there. Just takes practice. Now, let's go again."

And so, day after day, Suzie found herself practicing her pie-in-the-face routine. At first, she'd resisted, kicking and screaming, throwing tantrums and storming off. But the clowns encouraged her to use those very feelings in her performance. Slowly but surely, she began to channel her frustration, her anger, and her embarrassment into her reactions.

When a pie landed on her face, she exaggerated her grimace, let out a dramatic sigh, and flailed her arms just like the clown had taught her. Her predictable tantrums, once the bane of her existence, became the very thing that made her performances funnier. And as much as she hated to admit it, she was getting better.

Each time the pies hit, she paused, took a breath, and reacted with just the right mix of shock and fury, earning laughs from the clowns watching her. She learned that it wasn't just about the pie-- it was about selling the moment, about making people laugh at her expense, just like Aunt Shizuka had done all those years ago.

It wasn't easy. Suzie still hated the idea of being a clown, of following in her aunt's footsteps. But as she practiced day after day, she couldn't deny that there was something strangely satisfying about nailing the routine, about getting the timing just right.

----

The circus tent buzzed with quiet excitement as the clowns bustled around backstage, preparing for Suzie's first full dress rehearsal. Suzie sat in front of a large mirror, fidgeting in her chair while one of the clowns carefully applied the finishing touches to her makeup. Her face was painted in bright white with exaggerated red cheeks, and a goofy oversized smile that twisted her usual scowl into something mischievous. Her short hair was tucked under a ridiculous curly wig that added to the cartoonish look she was going for.

However, her costume was an exaggerated baby clown outfit that Suzie herself had insisted on. The other clowns had raised their eyebrows when she made her suggestions, but they had gone along with it, amused by the audacity of her choices. Now, dressed in an oversized onesie with frills around the collar and puffed sleeves, a pacifier dangling from a string around her neck, and a massive cloth diaper secured with pins, Suzie looked the part of the ultimate bratty baby clown.

Mizuki stood a few feet away, watching her daughter in stunned silence. She had known this day was coming-- she'd been the one to bring Suzie to the circus, after all-- but she hadn't quite expected this. Seeing Suzie go all in on her persona, down to the ridiculous diaper and bonnet, was both surprising and oddly endearing. Suzie was determined to create her own version of the bratty baby clown, one that she believed would surpass Aunt Shizuka's infamous performance from ten years ago.

Mr. Lector chuckled with approval as he looked over his daughter's outfit. "Well, I must say, Suzie, you've certainly got a flair for the dramatic. I think you've got a little performer in you after all. Just like your aunt."

At the mention of Aunt Shizuka, Suzie wrinkled her nose in irritation. "I'm not like Aunt Shizuka," she said, tugging at the elastic waistband of her diaper with a scowl. "I'm gonna be better than her. She didn't go all the way with it. If she did, she would've looked like this. I'm gonna be the biggest brat of them all."

Mizuki couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's fierce declaration. "Oh, Suzie, that's exactly what your aunt would've said. Always wanting to push things further, never holding back." She smiled fondly, remembering Shizuka's own rebellious streak from years ago. "You may not want to admit it, but you're more like her than you think."

Suzie scowled again, puffing her cheeks like a petulant child, though the gesture only added to the comedic look she had already perfected. "I'm not like her!" she insisted. "I'm gonna do this my way. I'm gonna show everyone how a real brat acts!"

Mr. Lector grinned, clearly enjoying his daughter's enthusiasm. "You're my little girl! A true performer doesn't hold anything back. Now, let's see what you've got out there. Your mom and I are here to watch you shine."

With a final look in the mirror, Suzie straightened her wig, adjusted the frills on her onesie, and gave herself a determined nod. She was ready. If she was going to do this, she was going to go all out. No half-measures like Aunt Shizuka, no hesitation. She was going to own this role, even if it meant making a fool of herself in front of a crowd.

The clowns gathered around, giving her encouraging pats on the back and thumbs-ups as she stepped into the ring. Mizuki and Mr. Lector followed, standing by the edge of the circus floor, where they could get a good view of the action. The audience for the dress rehearsal was small-- just a few circus workers and performers-- but to Suzie, it felt like the eyes of the world were on her.

The routine was simple. Suzie's role, as the bratty baby clown, was to disrupt the other clowns' performances with her antics, throwing tantrums, refusing to follow the rules, and of course, getting pied in the face repeatedly. The older clowns had all worked with Shizuka years ago, and they couldn't help but see the resemblance. But Suzie was different-- more determined to make her mark, more focused on proving she could outshine her aunt's old act.

As the rehearsal began, Suzie wasted no time getting into character. She waddled into the center of the ring, pacifier in mouth, and immediately began causing trouble. She kicked over props, knocked a juggling clown's pins out of his hands, and stomped her feet in mock outrage when the others tried to stop her.

"Me no listen to you!" she shrieked in a high-pitched, exaggerated baby voice, shaking her fist in the air. The clowns responded with feigned exasperation, playing up their roles as the frustrated caretakers. It was all part of the act, but Suzie was committed to her bratty persona, putting everything she had into each tantrum.

Then came the pies.

As part of the routine, Suzie had to get hit with several cream pies in quick succession, each one timed to land right in the middle of her face. She had practiced this part over and over, but now, in full costume, it felt different-- more real, more humiliating. Yet she knew that was the point. If she was going to sell this character, she had to embrace the ridiculousness of it.

The first pie hit her square in the face with a loud splat, and Suzie froze for a moment, letting the cream drip down her painted cheeks. The crowd, small as it was, giggled at the sight, but Suzie didn't react right away. She paused, just as she'd been taught, letting the tension build, before finally letting out an exaggerated wail.

"Waaaaah! Not fair!" she cried, stomping her foot and flailing her arms. The tantrum was perfect-- over-the-top, absurd, and completely in character.

Another pie followed, and another, each one met with Suzie's increasingly exaggerated reactions. She flopped onto the ground, kicking her legs and waving her arms like a baby throwing a fit, while the other clowns pretended to scold her, playing their parts to perfection.

Mizuki watched from the sidelines, a mixture of pride and amusement bubbling up inside her. She hadn't expected Suzie to throw herself into this so fully, but here she was, acting like a natural-born performer.

Mr. Lector clapped his hands together in approval as the routine came to a close. "Bravo, Suzie! Bravo! You really are a little performer."

Suzie, panting from the exertion of her tantrum, wiped the cream from her face and glared at her father. "I'm not like Aunt Shizuka," she insisted, though the conviction in her voice wavered. "I'm gonna be better."

Mizuki chuckled, stepping forward to give her daughter a towel. "Well, you're off to a good start, Suzie. But I'll tell you this-- you've definitely got that same spark. The same drive to go all in. And that, whether you like it or not, is a lot like your aunt."

Suzie took the towel, wiping her face clean as she considered her mom's words. She didn't want to be like Aunt Shizuka. But as she stood there, covered in cream and dressed in her ridiculous baby clown costume, she couldn't help but feel a small flicker of pride. She was making her mark in her own way, and that was something worth celebrating.

Even if it meant being the biggest brat of them all.

----

The circus tent was packed with excited faces, the air electric with anticipation. Suzie stood backstage, peeking through a gap in the heavy curtains. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched the clowns go through their opening routines-- juggling, slapstick gags, pratfalls. All leading up to her act. The one everyone was waiting for. She could hear the whispers in the crowd, the murmurs of curiosity about the "bratty baby clown." Tonight was her chance, her moment to prove that she could do more than just follow in Aunt Shizuka's footsteps. She was going to surpass her.

Her oversized baby clown costume was as ridiculous as ever. The frilled onesie, the giant cloth diaper pinned around her waist, the pacifier dangling from her neck. Suzie had leaned into the absurdity, knowing that if she didn't, the audience would eat her alive. It was all part of the act-- the tantrums, the pies, the bratty attitude. But unlike the dress rehearsal the climax awaited-- the giant pie.

The thought of the inflatable kiddie pool filled with foam made her stomach churn. It wasn't just the physical act of "falling" into it that made her nervous-- it was the legacy tied to it. Aunt Shizuka had done the same thing ten years ago, in front of an even larger crowd, when she was the bratty baby clown. It had been the highlight of her performance, and everyone remembered it. Now, it was Suzie's turn to take the plunge.

But Suzie wasn't just doing this to mimic her aunt. No, she had grander ambitions. She wanted to be more than a baby clown-- more than a performer, even. She wanted to be the star of the circus, to eclipse her parents' magic act. Her mind buzzed with excitement. If she sold the finale just right, she could steal the show. She could become the act that everyone came to see.

"All right, Suzie, you're up," one of the clowns whispered, giving her a gentle nudge.

Suzie took a deep breath, nodding. She forced a bratty scowl onto her face, but beneath it, she was steeling herself for what was about to come. She waddled out into the ring, the spotlight blinding her for a moment as the audience erupted in laughter and applause at the sight of her ridiculous getup. The clowns around her played their parts perfectly, setting her up as the disruptive, spoiled baby who refused to listen to anyone.

"Me no wanna listen to you!" Suzie shrieked, stomping her foot and throwing her arms in the air as one of the clowns tried to lead her in a simple routine. The audience roared with laughter, some of the kids in the front row mimicking her tantrum. She swatted at a prop, knocking it over with an exaggerated pout.

The routine went as it did in rehearsal. It was all building up to the climax-- the fall into the giant pie.

Suzie felt the adrenaline surge as the clowns began setting up the inflatable kiddie pool in the center of the ring. It looked absurd, filled with thick, foamy pie filling that shimmered under the lights. The crowd grew louder as they realized what was coming next. Suzie took her mark, teetering on the edge of the pool, her face covered in pie to give the impression that she could not tell where she was going.

With a dramatic huff, Suzie stomped her foot one last time-- and then "accidentally" tripped, her arms flailing wildly. She let herself fall forward, her body tumbling headfirst into the giant pie with a loud splorch.

The audience exploded with laughter, the sound nearly deafening. Suzie could feel the foam clinging to her as she lay in the kiddie pool, completely covered. The pie filling coated her face, her hair, her costume-- she couldn't see, couldn't even move for a moment. It was humiliating, ridiculous... and yet, as she lay there, something clicked in her mind.

Is this what Aunt Shizuka had felt? Suzie wondered. When she fell into the pie all those years ago, had she felt the same mixture of dread and exhilaration? The same sense of absurdity and triumph?

Suzie paused, soaking it all in-- both literally and figuratively. There was no sting of humiliation, no shame in being covered head to toe in foam. Instead, she felt something else, something far more satisfying. A sense of accomplishment. She had done it. She had gone all in, given the audience everything they wanted and more.

And they loved it.

Slowly, Suzie pulled herself up from the pool, wiping the foam from her eyes and face. The crowd was still laughing, still cheering, and she could see some of them wiping away tears from laughing so hard. Suzie raised her arms in triumph, striking a bratty pose as if to say, "Yeah, I did that." The crowd's applause swelled, and for a moment, Suzie forgot about Aunt Shizuka, about her parents, about everything except this-- the applause, the cheers, the spotlight.

She was the star, at least for tonight. And it felt incredible.

As the clowns helped her out of the pool, Suzie knew deep down that she didn't want to be a clown forever. There were bigger things waiting for her, though she wasn't sure what they were just yet. But for now, this was her stage, her moment to shine. She had proven to herself-- and to everyone else-- that she could pull off the act. That she could surpass Aunt Shizuka in her own way, even if just a little.

Her parents, standing in the wings, clapped along with the audience. Mr. Lector beamed with pride, while Mizuki's face held a mixture of amusement and approval.

Suzie glanced at them and then back at the cheering crowd. She smiled, wiping the remaining foam from her face. The bratty baby clown act might not have been her dream, but it was a stepping stone. And who knew? Maybe one day, she really would surpass her parents' magic act. Maybe she'd become the biggest star this circus had ever seen.

But for now, Suzie relished the moment, soaking in the applause and feeling-- for the first time-- that she had truly earned it.

----

## The Day After

Suzie walked through the school gates the next morning with her head held high, even as the whispers started immediately. She could feel eyes on her, hear the snickers and giggles from the cliques clustered around the courtyard. Someone had clearly spread the word about her clown act.

As she made her way to her homeroom, a few classmates stepped into her path. "Hey, Suzie! Or should we call you Shizuka?" one of them sneered, holding up their phone with a knowing smirk. On the screen was a frozen frame of Suzie's performance from last night-- her dressed as the bratty baby clown, moments before she fell into the giant pie.

"Looks like we've got a real performer on our hands!" another classmate chimed in, laughing. "Gonna follow in Aunt Shizuka's footsteps, huh? Guess being a clown runs in the family!"

The snickers grew louder as more students gathered around, some whispering, others openly laughing. The video link was circulating fast, and now it seemed like everyone had seen it. Suzie felt her cheeks burn for a moment, but she quickly forced herself to shake it off. The bratty baby clown was an act, just like her parents' magic performances. It didn't define her.

"Yeah, so what?" Suzie snapped, surprising the group. "At least I'm doing something worthwhile. I perform in front of crowds, and people pay to see me. What do you do? Take selfies in the bathroom and worry about who's popular?"

The crowd went quiet for a second, unsure how to respond. Suzie could tell they hadn't expected her to fire back so confidently. She had learned from her time in the ring not to let anyone get the upper hand.

"Look, maybe you think being a clown is something to laugh at," Suzie continued, her voice growing stronger. "But here's the thing: I'm making money. I've got a job. I'm performing, and people are cheering for me. And it's not like my parents are some loser salarymen. My mom's a magician's assistant, and my dad's one of the best stage magicians out there. What do your parents do?"

The group exchanged awkward glances. Suzie could see that her words were sinking in, but she wasn't finished.

"And you want to laugh at the diaper? Sure, go ahead. But while you're worried about looking cool, I'm building a career. I'm the one up on stage, under the spotlight, and all of you are just sitting in the audience. That makes me the star-- and you? You're just spectators."

The weight of her words seemed to settle over the crowd, and a few students drifted away, clearly unsure how to keep teasing her now that she'd flipped the script.

One of the girls who'd been holding up her phone, previously eager to mock Suzie, now seemed less certain. "But... don't you feel embarrassed?" she asked hesitantly. "I mean, the whole baby clown thing... doesn't it feel weird?"

Suzie shrugged. "Not really. It's an act. And you know what? People love it. Maybe it's ridiculous, but that's what makes it fun. Everyone's laughing with me, not at me. And the diaper? Who cares? It's a costume. I'm playing a role. You think actors care about what they wear when they're playing a part?"

The girl bit her lip, unsure how to argue back. Suzie had made her point loud and clear.

Suzie resumed walking to class, feeling something she hadn't expected-- a sense of pride. Sure, the act was silly, and maybe she hadn't loved the idea of being a baby clown at first. But now? Now she owned it. She had performed in front of a crowd, had them cheering for her, and had walked away with the satisfaction that she was doing something real-- something her classmates could only dream of. Something where she wasn't simply another cog in the machine going through the motions.

They could talk about popularity and image all they wanted, but Suzie had something bigger than that. She had experience, she had confidence, and she had a plan. So what if she was dressing up in ridiculous costumes and playing the brat? It was part of the bigger picture-- one that involved her becoming the star of the circus, surpassing her parents, and afterward, beyond the circus, maybe even surpass Aunt Shizuka one day.

By the time Suzie reached her homeroom, the whispers had died down. Sure, they would still talk about the video and her clown act. But Suzie didn't care. They could laugh all they wanted. What mattered was that she was moving forward, while they were stuck worrying about schoolyard nonsense.

Suzie took her seat, a small smirk playing on her lips. She was a rising star, and nothing they said could bring her down.

----

Mizuki paced around the kitchen, phone in hand, waiting for her sister Shizuka to pick up. The circus had been abuzz with talk of Suzie's debut the night before, and now that it was over, Mizuki needed to share the news with someone who would truly understand. Shizuka, being the professional performer she was, seemed like the perfect person to talk to.

"Hey, Mizuki!" Shizuka's voice finally came through the speaker, cheerful but a bit groggy. "What's up?"

"Shizuka, you won't believe it," Mizuki began, a smile creeping onto her face. "Suzie made her debut at the circus last night as a clown."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Shizuka spoke again, clearly surprised. "Wait, Suzie? Performing? As a clown?"

"Yup. She even picked out her own costume," Mizuki said, scrolling through her phone and selecting a picture of Suzie in her full bratty baby clown getup-- comical diaper, oversized shoes, puffy shirt, and all. She sent the image over to Shizuka.

The pause on the other end was followed by a burst of laughter. "Oh my... you've got to be kidding me!" Shizuka's laughter rang out. "Suzie picked that costume herself?"

"She did," Mizuki confirmed, still smiling. "She insisted on it. The bratty baby clown act, diaper and all."

"That's... wow. I don't know whether to be impressed or worried!" Shizuka said, still chuckling. "She's got guts, though. I'll give her that. Putting herself out there like that, especially in a costume like this-- it takes confidence."

"Exactly," Mizuki said, leaning against the counter. "It kind of reminds me of you when you were younger. Just like how you weren't afraid to step into those wild roles-- only Suzie might be a bit more... committed to the baby bit."

Shizuka snorted at that. "Okay, I'll give her credit for going all in, but I never wore a diaper during my act. I had my limits, Mizuki."

"I know, I know," Mizuki laughed, "but Suzie's whole goal is to surpass you. She even said so herself."

There was a pause, and then Shizuka spoke with a tone of playful challenge in her voice. "She wants to surpass me, huh? Well, she's got her work cut out for her. If she's really serious about this, and it's not just a one-time thing, she's only going to get better."

"That's what I think too," Mizuki agreed. "She's got a knack for performing, and the circus is just a start. The way she's learning to channel her emotions into her act, to really express herself-- that's something special. But, like you said, Suzie's not going to be a clown forever. It's just the beginning."

"I agree," Shizuka said, her tone more thoughtful now. "Performing is a great way to learn how to manage your emotions, how to project what you're feeling onto an audience. If Suzie's got that talent, then she's got a good foundation for whatever comes next. But, let's be real-- she's got a long way to go before she's anywhere near where I am."

Mizuki laughed softly. "Of course. But I think she's going to surprise you. You're kind of the blueprint for her-- whether you like it or not."

There was a pause, and Mizuki could practically hear Shizuka processing that idea. "I'm not sure how I feel about being someone's blueprint," Shizuka said with a half-laugh, half-groan. "But hey, if Suzie's going to follow in my footsteps, I'll be keeping an eye on her. It'll be fun to see what the next generation can do."

"I'm sure she'll appreciate the challenge," Mizuki said. "We might need to make room for a new star in the family."

Shizuka scoffed, but there was warmth in her voice. "We'll see about that. But in the meantime, tell Suzie that her aunt is looking forward to seeing her next act. Just make sure she doesn't take the 'baby' thing too far, alright?"

"I'll try," Mizuki said, laughing. "But you know Suzie. Once she gets an idea in her head, she doesn't let it go easily."

"Yeah," Shizuka agreed with a sigh, though her smile was audible. "Just like someone else I know."

The conversation ended with both sisters sharing a laugh, and Mizuki couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for Suzie's future.

----

## The Paths to the Future

In the quiet of a remote forest clearing, sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the moss-covered ground. The only sounds were the soft rustling of leaves and the rhythmic swoosh of Mizuki's portal magic rippling through the air. A massive, otherworldly scorpion loomed beside her, its sleek, armored body shimmering with a faint, magical glow. It was Mizuki's summoned companion, a creature bound to her through years of practice and dedication.

Nearby, Suzie stood in a less imposing position, her brow furrowed in concentration as she worked on her own portals. No creatures or monsters appeared on her side-- Suzie was practicing the basics of opening stable portals, manipulating the flow of energy between realms. A faint ripple formed in the air before her, a small tear in reality, but it quickly flickered and disappeared. Suzie sighed, brushing her hair out of her face, before noticing her mother watching her.

Mizuki, glancing back at her with a calm yet curious look, dismissed her scorpion companion with a wave of her hand. The enormous creature shimmered and vanished into the air as if it had never been there. Mizuki approached her daughter, her eyes soft but full of expectation. 

"So," Mizuki began, folding her arms as she looked at Suzie with interest, "what did you think about your time as a clown at the circus?"

Suzie hesitated, glancing away from her portals to meet her mother's gaze. For a moment, her expression was hard to read, but then she gave a small shrug. "It was fun," Suzie admitted, "but I don't think I want to be a clown forever. I enjoyed it... the performance, the attention, but it's not something I see myself doing for the rest of my life."

Mizuki nodded thoughtfully, watching Suzie's face for any deeper emotions. "I figured as much," she said, though her voice was neutral. "So, what *do* you want to do? You're exploring your options now, but it's important to know which path calls to you."

Suzie shifted her weight from one foot to the other, rubbing the back of her neck as she thought about it. "I want to see what else I can do," she said slowly, almost testing out the words as she spoke them. "Being a clown was just... a start. I don't want to give up performing, but I don't think it's enough for me. There's more out there, right?"

Mizuki's face grew serious as she studied her daughter. "Does that mean you're thinking about entering the entertainment world full-time?" Her voice took on a slightly sharper tone. "Rather than becoming a demon hunter?"

The question hung in the air, and Suzie felt the weight of it immediately. She looked down at the ground, biting her lip. She had been training with her mother for years now-- practicing her magic, her swordsmanship, learning how to navigate the dangerous world that existed just beneath the surface of the one most people saw. Suzie wasn't ready for real demon hunting, but the thought of leaving behind what she had been raised to do... it felt like abandoning something important.

"I don't know yet," Suzie said quietly, meeting her mother's eyes again. "I've been training with you, and I want to keep getting stronger. But if I go into entertainment, I can't use magic or swordsmanship. Not where people can see, anyway. That's the whole point, right?"

Mizuki nodded, her expression softening a little. "The world is blissfully ignorant of the dangers that lurk in the shadows. It has to stay that way, for their own good." She sighed, stepping closer to Suzie and resting a hand on her shoulder. "But I understand that it's too early for you to make that kind of decision. You don't have to choose right now, but you *will* need to keep your options open. That means continuing your training, no matter what."

Suzie nodded in understanding, feeling the familiar sense of responsibility weighing down on her shoulders. "So, I can still perform, but I have to keep practicing my magic and swordsmanship?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes," Mizuki confirmed, her eyes serious. "You can't neglect your training. Mastering your magic is a requirement-- especially if you want to defend yourself without drawing too much attention. Your swordsmanship will keep you sharp, and your magic... well, you're just scratching the surface. And one day, you might find a way to use your talents in ways you haven't even imagined yet."

Suzie let out a small breath of relief. She hadn't expected her mother to be so understanding. She had half-expected Mizuki to push her into focusing entirely on demon hunting, but this... this was reasonable. Suzie smiled, feeling a sense of balance between her two worlds.

"Thanks, Mom," Suzie said sincerely. "I'll keep training. I want to be strong enough to make my own choice when the time comes."

"Good," Mizuki said, her tone gentle again. She gave Suzie a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder, then stepped back, glancing at the half-formed portal Suzie had been working on earlier. "You're doing well with your portals. Keep practicing those, too."

Suzie nodded eagerly, then suddenly stopped, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes. "So... when can I get an agent?"

Mizuki blinked in surprise, then burst out laughing. "An agent? Oh, Suzie... that can wait until you're older." She shook her head with amusement. "Let's focus on perfecting your magic and swordsmanship first, shall we?"

"Fine," Suzie grinned, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation. "But don't think I've forgotten!"

With that, they returned to their practice, the quiet of the forest surrounding them once more. Suzie's future was still uncertain, but for now, she was content. She had time to explore, time to train, and most importantly, time to discover exactly who she wanted to be-- whether it was a demon hunter, a performer, or something else entirely.





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This story is written with heavy AI assistance.

Having this whole story start out prompted by Moonlight Prism was basically a way to set up the situation from the beginning to come back again, and also show that the group is also successful enough to be touring. Otherwise, this story is basically Suzie following her parents' and aunt's footsteps into becoming a performer, although she's not destined to stay in the circus forever (with her drive she wouldn't be satisfied with just being a circus clown). Whether that leads her to go into teen acting is another story.



~ Razorclaw X