Local Tonight

Part 1

- By Gwydion R.

As the title faded, the camera panned over to the host, smiling warmly from behind her desk. "Good evening, everyone! Welcome to Local Tonight! I'm your host, Prisha Patel, and today we're starting things with a special guest. Please give a warm welcome to the incredible magician, Doyle!"

The large man walked out onto the set, waving to the crowd with a bit of a sheepish smile. Prisha rose from her seat as he reached to take her hand in his massive paw, then she crossed the stage and joined him on the sofa, to make him feel more comfortable.

"It's great to have you here, Doyle," she smiled, looking half towards him, half towards the camera. Doyle leaned back a bit.

"Thanks, Prisha. It's uh, really nice to be here. You know, um, I'm used to performing in front of crowds, but this- this is different!" He smiled, looking around the studio.

"I can imagine! You're more accustomed to the stage and the sawdust. What was it like for you as a carnival barker?"

Doyle looked up in thought for a moment. "Oh, it was wild- I'd be out there calling out for everyone to come see the human pretzel and the pickled pu- err, sorry, the various attractions. But it was tough, you know? Really had to hustle to get people in anymore."

"Sounds like quite the adventure! I have to ask- was it all fun and games, or did you, um, see some darker sides to that world?"

Doyle paused for a second before continuing, "Oh, you know, just the usual carnival shenanigans. Lots of, um, characters with colorful pasts. But I prefer to focus on my show now. It's quite different being the main entertainment as well as the ringmaster. Performing magic is much more, uh, fulfilling."

There was a murmur from the audience, and Prisha looked up as a stunning blonde in a skimpy outfit pushed a prop onto the stage. She stopped, stood, and waved to the audience.

Prisha continued, "And speaking of magic, we have Avery here, Doyle's talented assistant! Welcome, Avery!"

The blonde beamed, "Thanks, Prisha! So excited to be here!"

"Avery, what's it like working with someone as, uh, imposing as Doyle? I bet he keeps you on your toes!"

Avery chuckled a bit, "Oh, absolutely! But he's a big softie at heart. Working with him is a blast, and the shows are always a surprise!"

"That's wonderful to hear!" Prisha turned back to the magician as Avery moved the prop into place. "So, Doyle, tell us more about your upcoming show. What can the audience expect?"

Doyle smiled, shifting a bit into his barker mode. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, you can expect the unexpected! The illusions will leave you on the edge of your seat! We'll show you wonders that defy logic and physics! Danger, suspense, and, uh, Avery here in an even skimpier outfit than what she's wearing now! Uh, can I say that here?"

Prisha laughed, "You just did, Doyle! I can't wait to see your show- and I hear you have a special trick prepared for us tonight?"

"Yeah, I do! But, uh, I need a volunteer for this one. Prisha, how about you? Um, if you're up for it?"

"Me? Volunteer? I don't know, Doyle- what are you going to make me do?"

"Don't worry, it'll be pretty safe. Just a levitation- or a suspension I guess is the technical term. It'll be something you won't forget!"

Prisha nodded, "Alright, you've convinced me! Let's do this!"

Doyle turned to address the audience. "All right, everyone, prepare yourselves for an illusion that will make you question gravity! Prisha, if you could, um, step this way..."