8th Act - Happy Anniversary, Eve's Garden Circus!

[pipers_son]

Who: Come one and all!
Where: Goldenrod
When: The weekend through the 15th to the 18th
Summary: The Eve's Garden Circus is celebrating its first anniversary!
Rating: PG
Log:

You know what's better than a regular birthday? The birthday of a circus.




Throughout the streets of Goldenrod, folks will find all sorts of colorful characters and Pokemon about. Fliers and the like have been regular eve since the Circus started up a year ago, 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.

There's even a Litleo hunt going on today! Catch one, win a prize!

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 weekend!

Comments

Game Stalls!

[pipers_son]

Yep, it's everyone's favorite activity! Throwing balls, winning against the "Test Your Strength" game, trying to nab little Duckletts in that one game... You can find all of these and more in the game stall!

But huh... Does it seem a little bit easier to win things, this weekend? Oh well. Don't think on it too hard.

Game Stalls!

[lieutenantantichrist]

[If you look to the side of one of the Test Your Strength booths, there's Blake, standing and gnawing on some deep fried bacon. You know it's good, honest fair food when you can feel it hit you straight in the arteries.

But what you're more likely to be looking at is in front of the booth, where a little Snubbull is rubbing her biceps as if pushing up sleeves. She hefts the hammer and tests the weight.]

[Blake advises] Choke up on it. Yeah, that's it.

[He gestures with a piece of bacon as she eyes the target.]

Don't just use your arms. You gotta put your back into it.

[soundmind]

[Maka, as is usual for her, is immediately drawn to the test your strength. It takes a moment for the carnie to realize that the girl in braids wearing a deceptively cute frilly tank and capris is the terror that's been practically breaking the machine for the past year. He pales and ducks behind the counter, just pointing at the hammers in a gesture of "please, please just take the hit and get your prize."]

...Um.

[She doesn't get what's got him so spooked, but Maka takes the hammer anyway--she lifts it so easily one would think it was made of feathers rather than being the heaviest hammer. Maka winds up, and...CLANG! The bell's smacked loudly enough to send a slight tremor through the ground.

Maka is very nonchalant about this.] Can I have the Litwick, please?

[dangerousidol]

[Rise wasn't too good at the throwing games. She let Nanako play those as long as her Meowstic promised not to use her psychic powers. Suffice to say that Rise was seriously outmatched by her Pokémon. This doesn't bother her at all. For now...

Nanako looks quite content to be holding a Buneary doll, her prize that she picked out for doing as well as she did. Rise decided that she wanted to try her hand at this game and proceeds to throw a ball.]

Oh no... I missed again! Why is this so hard?

Food Stalls!

[pipers_son]

As usual, the circus' food stalls are in full swing as people fill the areas inbetween. The smell of popcorn, fried foods, and a symphony of other delicious (and probably unhealthy) scents can be picked up even from those just passing by outside the circus grounds.

There are a few items in particular to take note of, as one makes their way through the decadent area. Being the Circus' anniversary, it seems one in particular has taken to serving dishes in pokeball themed bowls that are allowed to be taken home by the customer. There are edible Pokeballs, melon bread in the shape of Squirtles, coffee art.... Tons more besides.

Feel free to eat up and enjoy yourself!

Snack time

[stitchedupbodyguard]

Veronica had always enjoyed the circus to an extent. During her trips around the world, she had seen more then a few of them, including on television. Still, she never had the chance to experience one until she arrived in this world.

Even still, she didn't visit the circus as much as she could, considering how long she had been staying in Locke. But now that Joker had invited her to the party there was no way that she could say no. She still remembered the conversation with Joker, in her dream. Maybe... this was to make up for that.

She leaned back against a cotton candy stall, plucking strings of pink sugar from the puffball on a stick she was holding in one hand. Some of it went into her mouth, the rest was sent floating off on the wind, chased by Kawa the Sylveon with ribbons outstretched to snatch the sugary treat.

It was actually more peaceful here then Veronica assumed it would be. So, she would be hanging out around the stands, trying a few of the treats, one at a time. She would happily open conversation with anyone that came by, possibly surprising a few people with her good mood.

[samsa]

[After taking the time to explore the other stalls, Kaneki eventually makes his way back around to the food stalls. It's around lunch time, after all, and he hadn't realized until just now how hungry he was. It's certainly a novelty here that he can take advantage of that he knows he'll never tire of.

He can be found seated at one of the picnic tables set off to the side for people to sit and eat, currently tucking in to one of the pokeball bowls filled with the ingredients of your standard bento lunch. He's got all of his Pokemon out and around so they can eat too, though Rikki the territorial Zangoose sits on the table near his arm to eat, eyeing people as they pass. At least out here she's allowed to do that, so she will, thank you very much. Otherwise his others are scattered on the grass; there's a Kadabra and a Sneasel violently trying to ignore each other while a Zweilous' two heads jockey for position at a bowl while barely actually getting anything in either mouth. The only Pokemon that seem to be having a decent go of it are a Smeargle, Pidgeotto, and Yanma eating together in a circle from the same, large bowl.

While he eats, Kaneki has a book opened on the table in front of him that he brought along. He's up for conversation though should someone approach him, and he's not terribly engrossed in the book besides. If only for the fact that he has to keep looking up to make sure the Zweilous hasn't...moved anywhere. Or, you know, a fight or something hasn't broken out because honestly he doesn't trust Carrie enough not to try to brain-punch Jabberwock into submission should she tick her off.]

Overdue lunch

[seasaltkey]

[Having rather unceremoniously been picked up by Riku and the others, Roxas has found himself in yet another city he has no idea about. He was excited about being at a circus, though, and had promptly left the others behind to explore. There was just something about the atmosphere that made him happy.

He had gotten enough food to easily feed his three birds, a Swablue, Pidgey, and Hoothoot, and one of those Pokéball bowls for himself. The food was good, he had to admit, and it tasted better with everything going on. A last minute decision to buy snacks was also a good thing. He kept the back full of treats for his little friends beside him.

After his Pokémon had eaten, they decided to do their own things. Sky the Swablu started preening Roxas's hair much to his dismay. Hayner the Pidgey tried to challenge Fuu the Hoothoot to a fly off. She didn't respond until the bumped her, which earned him a swift peck on the head. Roxas frowns at this and tries to separate them with the temptation of more food.]

H-Hey! Don't fight, you two!

[exeggutorhead]

Envy's barely left the main tent, he's been busy with the shows, but he's got a hungry Tyranitar that kept looking longingly out at the food stalls and then plaintively back to him. Eventually, Envy finally caves. In his next spare moment, he heads out, letting Chimera lead the way to the food. He's still in costume, grinning and waving to the circus patrons because...well, it's his job and acting for a job is something he can always do.

Now to figure out just how much melon bread a Tyranitar can eat...

Shop Stalls

[pipers_son]

The little shop stalls that are always around seem to be especially bustling today. Hey, it's the anniversary! So expect there to be plenty of little celebratory items with the Circus' logo emblazoned onto them. Shirts, mugs... All sorts of things. You can find other pokemon themed items, too, of course- the local artisans have their own crafts to sell!

Of course, it does seem like there's an emphasis on certain Pokemon right now... One stall seems to have an overabundance of Mime Jr plushies. Another has giant Furret plushies on display. One little clothing stall has Luxray hoodies for sale, and another has lovely statues of Rapidash. One stall seems absolutely obsessed with Zoroark, having plushies, Pokegear cases, and even clothing. No wonder the Goodra stall next to it is trying to compensate with Goodra plushies the size of people.

Caricatures and Art Supplies

[scratchitti]

Neku isn't a local artisan exactly: but once Jimmy invited him and gave him permission to show his work there, he went all out. After all: he's been in Kanto for weeks, and other then the stuff he's emailed for Soul Honey, he hasn't been able to self promote.

So anyone looking at the stalls may first see something very striking- A Persian in front of a small stall. Not just any Persian though. It seems her normally dark ears, her paws and the curl of her tail are all a strikingly metallic gold that glimmers in the sunlight. And those that know the breed might realize the marking are all where a Meowth's brown tips would be. Her recent exposure on the Gear as 'That cat that explodes people into money' might be a theme here. But she isn't the only one.

Near by is a large tank full of equally shiny Magikarp all swimming around happily. They are a little small, likely because they are all recently hatched. But the allure of so many shinies in once place might be struck down once it's clear it's not their natural coloring. The stall is selling Paintdog Pokemon Coloring and Dye, promoted by a trio of excited Smeargle. If one looks at the sign it is apparently 100% non-toxic and based on natural oils and Smeargle paint. Now you can have all the looks of a Shiny pokemon without all the work breeding!

Though with all these pokemon doing the promoting, one might wonder where the trainer is. Well, actually he's near by on a stool and an easel... and hanging on the stall are various caricatures: the type you see at any local fair. The examples are of famous trainers: mostly Gym Leaders. One might see an especially biting painting of a big headed Whitney crying and yelling from atop a very rotund (even for it's kind) Miltank. Neku is hard at work doing flash art for anyone that wants to pay a few pokedollars- even using his own Smeargle paints to do it. Though even if you're not a shopper, you might be able to get him to take a break...?

Hand-knitted Accessories

[codeforhope]

Chihiro hadn't exactly been expecting to really sell anything at the circus, especially since he was taking a break from breeding projects for the express purpose of being able to enjoy himself here. But after Shiruku came home with yet another bag full of yarn, Chihiro's merry little band of knitting bugs decided that they were going to beg their trainer until he gave them permission to make some things.

They don't have a stall set up; instead, Chihiro's found an empty picnic table to sit at with some melon bread he purchased from one of the food stalls earlier while he watches his Leavanny, Galvantula, and Ariados sit in a circle on the grass, merrily using their claws to knit long threads of yarn together into various little accessories. You're likely to see them doing small things like socks, hand warmers, and tea cozies. While they're not amazing to look at, they're clearly made with a lot of love. If anyone wants to purchase something they're all P500 apiece no matter the item and come in a variety of different colors and simple designs.

Litleo Hunt!

[pipers_son]

So.

For those who don't know, Joker does indeed have 20 Litleo. Yeah.

Throughout the weekend, people will be encouraged to find any one of these little things that have been released throughout the circus grounds. Catch one, get the ribbon off of its neck, return it to the appropriate stall, and you'll net yourself a prize! Every Litleo will get you a prize, although they're all different. There's only three, however, which hold very special Grand Prizes.

Good luck!


[ooc: In order to have your character qualify to win a prize, all you have to do is respond to this level with the appropriate journal by the 23rd!

You can do this either by putting "ooc" in the subject title and just saying that your character is looking, or you can do this ICly!

ICly, you can either make it a normal top level for your character, or we can have it be one-on-one with your character and a NPC'd Litleo! Whenever you want a Litleo to make an appearance, just put in your subject title "RELEASE THE HORDE", and I'll jump in.

Prizes will be RNG'd and released on the 23rd!]

RELEASE THE HORDE

[occultigen]

[As avowed during an earlier conversation with Joker, here's Meridiana, turned out and determined to get her hands on one of those Litleo. Which...may be a little easier vowed than done, given that she's not at all athletic and long skirts aren't exactly conducive to a lot of running, but she's pretty determined to have at it even so, and is wandering the grounds in the hopes of spotting a particularly docile (or slow) one for a chance at a prize.]

RELEASE THE HORDE

[samsa]

[Kaneki has been spending most of his time slowly exploring the grounds. There's so much to look at after all that he's sure it's going to take a while for him to actually see everything. But while he walks around he's got his Smeargle nearby, who has his eyes peeled for Litleo walking around.]

Don't go too far, okay? Just keep your eyes out for them.

[The Smeargle nods with his ears flopping a little, but...honestly, if he actually does spot one of the lions? He's going to immediately try to chase it down.]

RELEASE THE HORDE

[walkersystem]

<sub>[Molly has always liked finding stuff. Even before she realized she could find things just by thinking about them and even after that ability was taken from her, she's enjoyed looking for things and visual puzzles and anything like that - and besides, she already told Joker she'd totally win, and she's gonna do it.]

[So she's got her growlithe Ember with her for the company as she's looking around, taking particular care with places that look like hiding places.]</sub>

RELEASE THE HORDE

[dangerousidol]

[Rise had no idea how Nanako, her Meowstic, had talked her into trying to catch these little guys. She didn't even know what a Litleo was until she checked her Dex. So here she was, wandering around with Nanako at her side, trying to find one.

She looked down as a silver Eevee pocked his head out of her bag.]

Eh? Jin? Do you want to help?

[Jin nods. So he's let out of the bag to help look for a Litleo.]

It should be easy to spot one!

ooc

[codeforhope]

[Chihiro will be looking for Litleo as well!]

Staff Area

[pipers_son]

Beyond this little chain gate is the staff area, where all the performers and backstage workers can take a break inbetween shows if they don't want to explore the rest of the circus grounds.

There's all sorts of energizing snacks and refreshing water on a table for those who need them, and chairs for sitting.

It's really only Staff Only... but if you happen to know staff, well, you can be forgiven if you pop in to say hi.

Joker - ota

[pipers_son]

Looking for Joker? No worries, he's in the staff area resting.

Judging by the fact that at any given time, he's being forcibly being sat on by one of his Pokemon or five? He's being forced to rest.

Before the show

[wing_attack]

Tobias is going to faint. He's going to faint and he's going to fall off and -

He sits down on a chair and tries not to think too hard about it. He's practiced tons of times. He'll be fine. Right? Right.

He still looks a little bit like he's going to throw up though. What was he thinking, joining the circus? He's not a spotlight person.

Snake ota

[silentscales]

Snake is mysteriously missing to all but Joker before his act, but afterwards he can be caught drinking some water and laying comfortably off to the side in a pile of pokèmon.

Jimmy OTA - after the show

[awesmazings]

[Jimmy's act had gone off without a hitch- though he didn't notice until afterwards that one of his sleeves had been singed, but at least nothing important caught on fire. He can be found sitting backwards in a fold-up chair with his Helioptile, Sparky, and his Bunnelby, Digger, draped over either shoulder. They're both nibbling on Oran berries while his Delphox and Typhlosion, Saffi and Fahren, sit on their haunches nearby eating pokepuffs.]

Big Show

[pipers_son]

Well. We all know why you're really here. Everyone goes to the Circus, after all, to see amazing and sometimes death defying acts.

Have your ticket ready? Then head on up and be ushered into the dark big top where you're escorted to your seat.

Audience

[pipers_son]

Feel free to make yourself comfortable, and maybe strike up a conversation with your neighbor! There's still some time to chat as people filter in to fill up the stands.

Anniversary Dinner

[pipers_son]

For those performers and friends who are paying attention, there's something very slightly off on Joker's performance that day... and it's because that's not Joker, but a Zoroark illusion.

The real Joker has been busy at work all day for something else entirely, and the results are seen when night falls and everyone who was invited to the dinner is escorted by one of his many Pokemon to the staff area. There's an enormously long tent that's been set up, the sound of the drizzling rain almost comforting in a strange way. There's enough room for Joker's fire types to laze about, warming up the place, and there are a few benches and other more pleasant sitting places that aren't at the table.

Although it should be noted... It is an unbelievably long table. And there is one hell of a feast on it. Everyone's favorite food has been accounted for, along with more than a few others no one asked for but are mouth watering to look at anyway.

Joker was a butler for a baron once, you know, a job which often included more than just 'butlering'. This is top class effort.

Dig in! Relax! And inevitably, you'll find yourself visited by one of Joker's Pokemon to hand you a gift....

Joker - ota

[pipers_son]

And where's the host of this little gathering?

He is knocked right the goddamn hell out over in a corner. Ruby the Rapidash is laying down, acting as his pillow as he leans against her. The ringleader is in rather plain clothes, his one sleeve sloppily rolled up and threatening to fall down, and his hair is a pulled back in a messy ponytail that's near undone.

All of his main Pokemon are curled by as well, and Invidia the Zoroark may very well shoosh you if you come too near and are too loud.

Ringleader is sleeping.