After the show, Flor motioned Morgan to follow.

"Oh wait, shouldn't you ask your mom?" Flor asked.

"I'll just text her. Should be fine," said Morgan. The girls left the tent and headed for the back end of the circus grounds.

The back end of the lot was where the performers kept their trailers. Each a different size and unique coat of paint that reflected however lived inside them. Performers in various kinds of costumes walked in and out of said trailers, occasionally passing the girls by. To Morgan, it was almost like Wonderland.

Flor led her to a trailer that was painted with classic red and gold. She went up to the door and knocked. A second later Rico flung the door open.

"Hey, it's my favorite sister!" he said in a humorous tone.

"I'm your only sister," said Flor rolling her eyes.

Rico turned to Morgan. "And who is this? A fan? A friend?"

“This is Morgan, she really liked your show,” Flor explained.

Morgan waved awkwardly. "Uh, hi."

“A fan huh? Then, by all means, come inside,” said Rico stepping aside. 

Morgan hesitated before stepping into the trailer. Flor went in afterward, only to freeze. She clutched her stomach, trying to shake off an uneasy feeling.

“You okay?” Rico asked her.

“Yeah, I’m just not feeling well,” said Flor.

“You can grab some water or Sprite if you want some,” said Rico pointing to a mini fridge in the back of the trailer. Flor nodded quietly and made her way to the back. 

“Morgan right? Nice to meet you!” he said holding out a hand.

Instead of shaking it, Morgan stuffed her hands into her pockets. Rico coughed.

“Did you want to ask me something, or would you like an autograph?” he said.

“Actually… I wanted to know more about your show,” said Morgan.

“Ask away.”

Morgan shifted around uncomfortably, trying to think of how to best ask her question. 

“Your tricks, do you practice them a lot or do they… come more naturally to you?” she asked.

“I’d like to think I have a lot of natural talent, but you know what they say, practice makes perfect,” said Rico. Morgan nodded, although she didn’t seem satisfied by his answer.

“How do you come up with your tricks?” she asked.

“They just come to me” Rico answered, “I take some inspiration from my mentor Mago, but mostly I ask myself, ‘What will wow the audience?’”

“Right…”

Rico rubbed the back of his neck. Did he say something wrong?

They stood in their respective spots quietly until Morgan spoke again. “Do you think you can show me how to do some?”

“My tricks? I’d like that, but as the saying goes, a magician never reveals their secret,” said Rico with a weak chuckle.

Morgan got a disappointed look on her face.

"Besides, it wouldn't be fun if you knew how they're done," Rico went on.

"I get it," sighed Morgan.

"But if you want, I can teach you a cool card trick for parties."

"It's fine. I should go look for my mom anyway," said Morgan. She turned to leave, feeling stupid. Suddenly, Rico shoved her hard, causing her to fall.

"What the hell?!" shouted Morgan. Her green eyes widened as she saw a blur crash into Rico. A dark colored creature pinned him to the floor and bared its sharp teeth, its blood red eyes glowing.

Flor whipped around in time to see her brother be knocked over by the creature. A sinister smile spread on its face.

"My, my, weak in magic aren't you?" it said, "No matter, you'll do for a snack."

A red glow enveloped both Rico and the creature. Rico cried out in pain,  struggling all his might to wriggle out of the demon's grasp. Morgan watched in horror as Flor's mind raced to think of something. She gripped her soda in her hand and ran over. She raised it and slammed the bottle of the creature's head. 

It slowly turned and glared.

"S-sorry?" said Flor. The creature growled and made a swipe at her. Flor squeaked and shrank down, disappearing within her clothes. 

The creature angrily picked up her blouse, shaking it until out fell a tiny mouse. It bounced on the floor and landed right in front of Morgan. She and the creature stared at the mouse and then at each other.    

Without giving it a second thought, Morgan snatched up the mouse and ran out of the trailer. The creature took a step forward to follow. Several flashes of lights to appear before its eyes, blinding it.

"Not so fast!" said Rico, holding out his wand. Fed up, the creature picked Rico up by his shirt and launched him clear across the trailer. Rico grunted as he slammed into some furniture. 

"Won't get away that easily," the creature growled before running out after them.