5th Act - The GRAND Opening!

[pipers_son]

Who: Come one and all!
Where: Goldenrod
When: Throughout April 30th - May 3rd
Summary: The Eve's Garden Circus is officially open for business! When it comes to a circus, what better group to put the 'grand' in 'Grand Opening'?
Rating: PG
Log:

It's that time everyone's been waiting for! Time to put that nasty train robbery behind everyone. After all, haven't you heard?




Throughout the streets of Goldenrod, folks will find all sorts of colorful characters and Pokemon about. Fliers and the like have been regular this last month or so, but the advertising is in full force today just to make it EXTRA apparent that today is the day. Another hint is all the air traffic in the skies- various Flying-type Pokemon that make up the Circus' transportation service. Who knows? Maybe you're one of those using it today!

And of course, who can miss the colorful spectacle that is the circus itself? Past the entrance gate (which will let you onto the circus grounds for a miniscule fee) are dozens and dozens of stalls and little tents. Looming over them is the main tent itself, a monstrosity of bright welcoming colors. There are all sorts of things amongst their ranks, but it's generally fairly easy to find what you're looking for as Pidgey of a feather flock together and all that... From games of all sorts like the usual carnival games to more of a retro arcade, to a set of shops with local crafts and maybe something from the foreign trainers.... Of course, there's also all sorts of food stalls and even shacks for more filling stuff.

With all that alone, you could probably keep busy for most of the day! But surely you aren't forgetting the Big Act?

Yep, the big acts in the Big Top. Times are posted both at the front gate, on fliers you can pick up here and there, and by the entrance to the large tent. For each day, there will be three shows! Better hope you can snag a ticket before they get sold out... Although maybe you'll get lucky for the next show. Or the next day....

Either way, it promises to be a fun few days!

Comments

Games

[pipers_son]

One of the first things to grew customers to the circus would be the wide array of games! Bright colors, the sound of clinking and ringing and positively shameless encouragement to give it a shot... It's certainly a noisy atmosphere, that's for sure!

There are your classics, of course. Maybe test your strength? There's a ring toss to play too! Maybe you can try your luck with Ducklett Pond, where you win a prize if you pick up a Ducklett with a lucky number! Of course, you can't always go wrong with throwing darts at balloons... Or balls into baskets, although the balls always seem to roll out, don't they...? If you win, you could get all sorts of neat prizes, like a giant stuffed Zebstrika plushie! Or maybe the stall owner will feel bad for you and give you a cheap plastic keychain... Better than nothing, right?

Of course, if those sort of games don't catch your interest, don't worry! There's a little retro arcade area, although the selection isn't really anything to scream about. (What do you think this is, the Game Corner?) You can win little prizes if you spend some time here, too! There are also things like trampoline areas to bounce on, and a funhouse to get confused in.

[usedwrench]

[ Leave it to a girl, who has been throwing her wrench at a certain alchemist's head from the age of 11-ish to win the grand prizes from any game, where she can toss or throw something at anything. Who knows, maybe she decided to start a collection for giant plushies.

...Well, except those balls really seem to always roll out from their baskets and she got a keychain from the duck game. Maybe her luck just isn't very good (today).

Where is she going to put all those plushies anyway? Winry can think of that later, right now she's side-eyeing at the line to the test of strength and wondering if she should try that too. The Audino next to her is looking pretty sugar-high, while she's still eating a cotton candy. The healing pokemon has been eating all the sugary stuff ever since they got here today. ]

I swear, that's your last cotton candy or any other sweet here for a while, or --

[ or...? Or she might be running after the Audino all night, if Didi decides that it's time to get social. Didi just gives her an innocent look. You're supposed to have fun and not stress about Audinos or work (she is one of the workers here, but currently enjoying some freetime!) or anything else, girl! ]

Don't give me that look, it's not like I'm not trying. [She's still not letting the Audino do whatever she wants, or there will be chaos. It's free to do most things, just not all the things.]

[exeggutorhead]

Not trying what?

[Envy came to look at the games to see if there was anything worth trying to win, or that would at least be fun to play. He was with France, but it's easy to get separated in this sort of crowd, and he hasn't been able to find him again yet.]

[But hey, he's found somebody else he knows! So of course he's going to just butt in on the conversation she's having with her Pokemon, what are manners and can you eat them?]

[envy_the_sinners]

[So much for keeping a low profile.

The cities in Johto are a far cry from Amestrian cities. Filled with life and light and now, of course, a carnival. It isn't quite like anything Scar has seen before, and taking it all in is a bit of a sensory overload.

His Teddiursa is at least having fun. She's spent most of the day on Scar's shoulder, taking in the sights and loading up on sweets. The two are making their way away from the Test of Strength just as the little bear Pokémon hops off Scar's shoulder, eager to show off her newly-won Aron plushie to whomever is willing to look.

That "whomever" turns out to be Winry and Didi.

Meet Yaminah the Teddiursa, guys. She's a typically mild-mannered one, but at the moment, she just can't wait to show off the prize her trainer has just won her. The stuffy is about as big as she is, but she holds it up all the same, hopping up and down and babbling to grab their attention. Scar himself is shortly in tow-]

Yaminah, come, you're bothering them.

[He shows no outward sign of knowing who Winry is.]

Test your strength!!! OTA because why not

[soundmind]

[After the train robbery, since they were in the area, Maka figured "why not, let's go to the circus." Joker said that it wouldn't be a hellish abyss that tries to steal souls, after all.

...Or something like that.

Anyway, she would have felt bad about leaving Kirikou behind so she invited him along. Naturally since they're friends, they walk together checking out the scenery.

...But then one of the carnies calls out to Kirikou and says the dreaded words.

"Hey buddy! Why don'tcha test your strength, you might win something for your girlfriend!"

Maka breathes in to calm herself--ew, girlfriend? He thinks I'm his girlfriend?--then turns to approach the hammer, rolling her wrists and shoulders to loosen them.]

Here, Mister, I'll try.

[The carny gives up the hammer with a "uh...okay..." and an unsure glance to Kirikou. Maka twirls the hammer in her hands for a moment as if testing its weight. Then gives a mighty swing that only four years of wielding a blade on a stick could accomplish and whacks the target. CLANG! That poor bell sounds like it needs a doctor but Maka is satisfied, hell yeah she's still got it.]

I'll take the Zebstrika doll, please.

[Well the carny looks like he shit himself, but Maka now has an armful of plush, yeehaw.]

[fourwayconnection]

[Cue the impressed whistle!]

Nice! It would've sucked if you'd gotten rusty while you've been on vacation. [Because yeah that's what he's classifying this whole crazy ass situation as.]

[...]

We're not dating- [Said to both the carny and Maka herself.] -but does that mean you won the doll for me or do I have to win one for myself?

[justkeptswimming]

[So Asahina just has top timing. She had been on her way to play a little ring toss but it hadn't been hard to spot Maka by the strength test. She pauses long enough to shove another chunk of blue cotton candy into her mouth before approaching but stops short when she sees her twirl that hammer and all but bust the bell.

Hot dang.]

Maka-chan, that was amazing!

[Asahina and her strong girl magnetism strike again.]

Ducklett Pond OTA!

[red_roses]

[This is the most excited and energetic Ib's ever been seen! Well, in Jhoto of course. Carnivals and circuses tend to do that to all kids, don't they? She's practically bouncing every step she takes when she spies-]

[GASP] Garry! Garry, look! A duckie pond!

[artificialrose]

[With all those threats from those criminals, Garry is happy that there's something much more fun and lighthearted to go to. Anything to see Ib smile, after all. He's kept Izzy and Red Eyes in their balls for now, so it's just Haze the Eevee who's out with him for now. Garry smiles when she spots the little pond.]

Would you like to play, Ib?

EYYYY

[konpeitoqueen]

[Well, hasn't Saionji seen this girl before...? Before the whole 'MY HAIR IS GONE!!!' scenario of the tragic Circusgate 2014, Saionji is actually very happily waltzing around the place. And she recognizes Ib from the network.]

Try not to fall it, I heard they poison the water to deter people from reaching in to grab too many... just in case cheaters come, you know? [GODDAMMIT SAIONJI NO] Anyway, it's good to see you're still okay. I met your friend Garry, too.

Ring toss, OTA

[lieutenantantichrist]

[It starts off as a whim. Soon, it turns to determination, and determination darkens to obsession. P2000 and ten minutes later, when the last ring clangs off the lip of the jug, it all turns to rage.]

What the FUCK!

[Blake vaults right over the splintery wooden counter and grabs the carny by the front of his ugly goddamn striped carny shirt.]

This is rigged bullshit!

Shops

[pipers_son]

Being the kind of city it is, you can already find plenty of things in Goldenrod. That's just how it is! However, in the stalls of the Eve's Garden Circus, you'll find the sort of things that often get glossed over in this big city atmosphere. These are all things from small businesses or that are handmade.

Homemade soap? There's a stall for that. Looking for jewelry? We got stalls for that. Cute little dolls? You know what's going to be said. There are even totally fashionable hats about! You can find all sorts of things.

Of course, there's not just goods being sold! There's services, too. You have your typical facepainting stalls scattered here and there, and maybe even a SHSL Fortuneteller who might lend out his services...

It's definitely the kind of place that's easy to lose your money at if you're not too careful.

DOLLS DOLLS DOLLS | OTA!

[konpeitoqueen]

[GUESS WHO LIKES DOOOOLLS

And guess who's been missing apart from that tragically hilarious network post a few weeks ago? That's right. After prom, she seemed to have disappeared off the planet... for reasons yet undisclosed. She does seem pretty happy now, though.]

Awwww, they're adorable! Knit with such a cute, pastel color and done delicately stitch by stitch... it's an art in itself.

[She's standing in front of the cute little doll stall, Skitty at her legs.] It's too bad I don't have the money to afford them.

[She says that a bit loudly. WINK WINK. HINT HINT. NUDGE NUDGE.]

Food

[pipers_son]

Of course, you can't forget the food. Walking around so much, spending time and money alike on games and shops and just plain having fun, it's only natural that you're going to get hungry. You don't have to worry, there's more than plenty of places scattered about the circus grounds and also gathered in one area in particular if you want to drive yourself crazy with the smell of so much good food.

You got your usual snack food stalls that are all around, for one thing. Cotton candy is a must have for any self respecting circus, as are fried pickles and chocolate dipped bananas. Funnel cake and delicious ice cream can also be spotted!

If you're looking for something a bit more filling, that's fine too. Go to the main food area, and you'll find things like kebabs, hamburgers, fried or barbeque chicken, pizza... Considering it's Johto and their neighboring town is Ecruteak, you can also find yakitori, takoyaki, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and grilled squid.

As is only fitting, there are also large eating areas. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned wooden tables and benches!

[codeforhope]

[After figuring out who all might have wanted to come with him, Chihiro arrived to the Circus grounds with a moderate group of mostly his classmates, along with Nanami of course. Most of the time he can be found following Nanami, Asahina, Naegi, or someone to at least avoid getting himself horribly lost in the crowds. Leave it to Isamu to eventually drag him to where the scent of different foods of all kinds were wafting about, away from the group that Chihiro had been making it a point to stick with.

There seems to be no reigning him back, either, especially since Isamu seems to have undergone some changes recently.]

A-ah! S-slow down, Isamu!

[The Linoone wastes no time charging for the various stalls around, though he eventually slows since he doesn't seem to know exactly where to head first. If one thing's for certain, it's that evolving hasn't killed his appetite. An Eevee trots along obediently at Chihiro's heels, while a Porygon and an Abra float a foot or two behind him.

Isamu rears back on his haunches, sniffing the air with his long tail sweeping the dirt eagerly. SO MUCH FOOD WHERE DOES HE EVEN START.]

[envy_the_sinners]

Scar wasn't here for the festivities, really. He had already been in Goldenrod for several days, and he should have been moving on. But he still wanted to see about visiting the Breeding Center, so he had stuck around.

He wasn't interested in the shows, and his participation in the games was limited to winning a stuffed Aron for his Teddiursa, Yaminah. The little Pokémon was currently sitting across from him at a picnic table and digging into her dinner. The stuffy hadn't left her side all evening, and she was starting to get quite the sugar rush from all the cotton candy. His own dinner was simple, some fried chicken and a cup of water. Hell, even having ice in his drink was luxurious in his eyes!

Scar kept a close eye on Yaminah as she was occasionally distracted from her Pokéfood to wander up to a random stranger and show off her plushy. Why she was so proud of it, Scar couldn't exactly place. But that hardly mattered. It was... sweet.

[red_roses]

[Oh, dear lord food. Ib is rushing from vendor to vendor.] Oh my gosh! It all looks so delicious! Mother never lets me eat things like this!

Food

[crackpotcrocker]

[The handyman is just going to be sitting at a table by himself and he seems to have one of everything because why not? Besides it doesn't come out of the pay checks - oh snap. He can't put his finger on it but he really enjoy this atmosphere. Don't mind the clipboard on the table it's just an insane long check list.]

The Big Show!

[pipers_son]

Have you bought your ticket? Have you remembered the time? Hope you have, because a line sure is forming!

Pre-Show

[pipers_son]

Once inside the large tent, a tiny little Mime Jr. comes trotting up to happily lead the current paying customers further inside. This is important- it's nearly completely dark inside although the air is heavy with a sweet floral scent. The Mime Jr. is a guide, of course, leading whatever group is with her to somewhere in the stands. Once she's certain that the customers are happy, she bounds away back to the entrance.

Hope you all used the bathroom! It seems like there's quite a few people to be seated... Take the time to relax in the dimness and maybe even talk with some of the people you're seated near.

Or start raising a fuss, if you want. You can do that too.

Showtime!

[pipers_son]

And suddenly, a spotlight flashes down onto the center of the ring. For those who were expecting a certain redheaded ringleader, it's someone else entirely with a much more 'refined' British accent. It's a Weavile, standing as tall as he can make himself. With a grand sounding voice, he welcomes the audience to the Eve's Garden Circus and makes what some might recognize as what are almost the usual Circus claims: this is the greatest show in Johto and Kanto!

That's when another and rougher British voice calls out- "Let us show ya all why that is!"

The lights suddenly blaze on. After people have blinked away their tears and adjusted, it'll become apparent why the air smells so flowery. Petals of all sorts are floating through the air, and various flowers and vines are weaved around the support beams of the tent along with the ladders that lead up to some of the higher acts. While an Aerodactyl and Charizard make an aerial sweep around the perimeter of the ring, it's much more obvious to see that various Grass-types have dominated the ring. A Meganium is up by the tightrope, actually acting as the tightrope with a Vine Whip creatively stretched out to meet another's. Twirling about in the air is the Jumpluff responsible for helping spread out the flower petals. Down in the stands, a quiet Bulbasaur will be distributing various and much more whole flowers (although he certainly seems a tad more cautious than some of the other Pokemon).

What's really stealing the show, however, would be the dancing troupe of feminine looking Pokemon lead by none other than a positively radiant Lilligant whose flower is in full bloom. The Vileplume that's one of those dancing with her seems to be keeping up rather well too, however.

Standing in the middle of it all? Joker, wearing a positively beaming smile that's half that of a showman and half that of someone who's having the time of his life.

Once that bright opening is done with, the ringleader and his Weavile assistant get right into things. After such an exciting start like that, it's only proper the Princess of the Circus, the tightrope walker, gets to show off her stuff! With seemingly no safety net and at a dizzying height above the ground, will she be alright? Hold your breath and keep your eyes glued tight to her death defying act!

While people are catching their breath again from that, the next act seamlessly slides onto the scene. Did you think the Pokemon from before were beautiful dancers? Because the graceful and fluid snakecharmer and his team may give you a run for your money. His movements are nearly inhuman, or maybe its just the group of snakes that are twisting along with him that make it seem so...

After two beautiful acts like that, the next one is certainly a bit more manly! Even with all the unbelievable and flashy things going on, it's impossible to miss the entrance or figure of the strongman. It doesn't look like many of the Pokemon are much of a match for him... Or even a bench filled with people, some of the audience possibly getting roped in as 'volunteers'! At some point, even a Venasaur gets lifted up! It's quite a sight.

There's a variety of other acts as well, including some local acrobats, plate spinning, and more! All shown from a set of screens set up high in case anyone is having trouble seeing the action. Hopefully worth more than what's been paid.

Soon, all good things come to an end. As the last act ends, the circus crew comes out for one last bow.

Give as much applause as you can, thank you.

Post-Show

[pipers_son]

With the show having come to an end, you're free to stick around a little longer as folks filter out. Or, alternatively, you can leave as quick as you'd like. Chat amongst yourselves!

Whatever you do, you'll get a pamphlet as you're exiting the tent. It lists some of the Pokemon that performed in the acts, and takes extra care to mention that they're adoptable! Maybe something to keep in mind?

Staff Only

[pipers_son]

Hey, you see the sign. Staff only, thanks! That is to say, only direct workers of the circus (mainly performers) are allowed past this roped off area with the sign.

It's mainly a place for them to all catch their breath, with some tented areas of their own with chairs and refreshments and such. Don't be lazing about too long- there is a circus to run, after all!

Of course, even people not working under the circus can get lost... Or maybe are visiting someone they know who works there? Well, either way, here you are.

[pipers_son]

[Joker is usually too busy to be caught resting- somehow he seems to have tapped into some hidden reserves of energy and is thus SUPER energetic today. Moreso than usual. Good luck catching this guy!]

[Despite that, a few times a day he can be found in the staff area. Him and Angel are sprawled out side by side as mirror images of one another, heaving sighs of relief and drinking from bottles of water.]

What a day! But, I think it's goin' pretty well, yeah?

[dressofheaven]

[Of course, singing as much as Ilya's been today puts a pretty heavy strain on the throat, so she has to tap out to take a few drinks now and then.

She's also got a couple people she was hoping to meet, and so whenever she's taking one of her breaks she can be found sitting close to the entrance of the staff area, eyes wide open for a friend or two.

She is, of course, more than happy to talk to anyone else as well.]