9th Act - Boys and girls of every age

[pipers_son]

Who: Come one, come all!
Where: Goldenrod, the Eve's Garden Circus
When: The 3rd - rest of the month
Summary: Just like always, the Circus is busy as usual... But with a bit of a spooky twist added on thanks to their current partnership with a certain Haunted House.
Rating: PG
Log:



The Circus is always bustling with activity, even on the days when the shows in the Big Top aren't on. There's plenty of stalls to enjoy besides those, after all! Games, and food, and stalls with all sorts of interesting things for sale. For those living in Goldenrod or passing through, it's no doubt quickly settled itself as a regular scene.

On the 11th, however... Just as always when the shows are promised to happen, the Circus is more bustling than usual and today there's a twist. On the 3rd, those walking past the Circus' gates will find themselves in QUITE the different atmosphere. Genuine spider webs are strung across the stalls, skulls strung up in them that seem to clack their teeth at passerby. Legions of pumpkins are sprawled throughout the area. At night, their eerie glow lights up twisting paths throughout the circus grounds. Even quite a few of the workers seem to have gotten into the spirit (possibly at their boss' badgering), and wear outfits from the simple masks to the more complex things. Those who were here for last year probably won't be surprised.

Beyond the change in atmosphere, however, there are still the things that are usually about! Food, games, and stalls selling various knickknacks can all be found relatively easy although they're joined by a few other themed goods. There's also, of course, the show that will be playing three times a day in the big tent proper! It also seems like the Litleo hoard has been released onto the grounds once again, with little bags of delicious candy tied around their necks.

One notable addition is what appears to be a small station of sorts with a rather ominous carriage that stops at it every now and then pulled by what appear to be a pair of Rapidash... only colored darkly with bones painted across their heads and what might be actual skulls acting as face covers. Well then! Perhaps you might be interested in letting it take you to the haunted house?

It's a relaxed and fun little adventure... at least, it is until things start getting strange with those weird fusioned Pokemon... The circus grounds are still open, regardless if people are changed or not, but you'll be disappointed if you're expecting any shows from underneath the big top itself. Joker has no interest in putting his performers in danger like that, you see. But then, that just might mean you'll see him wandering around for once and not run so ragged.

Comments

Haunted House

[awesmazings]

[Since it's not on the Circus grounds proper, folks are more than welcome to have simply ended up here by just walking instead of taking the carriage from the circus to the haunted house.]

Safety and Specs

[awesmazings]

Within the house, any great number of things can befall the guests! Once upon a time, the house was a normal mansion. There are three floors plus the basement and attic to explore and the walls have been arranged into a maze with branching paths. The halls are strewn with cobwebs, bones (where did they come from???) questionable splatters and splashes of colorful clownish paint.

- hidden alcohol stashes left behind by Rangiku from years ago that Jack and his predecessors STILL hasn't found
- rotating wall panels to split up groups
- fake drop-away floors that reveal illusions of pits, fire, enormous snapping mouths and the like
- floors that turn into slides
- hall of mirrors
- hidden passages revealed by the turn of a candle stick or pressed key on a piano etc..

Those whose who need a less rattling path for any reason only need to tell those upfront and they will inform the house to be sure to guide them on the correct walk-through. Gentle as it is, it still has all the TLC put into it that one would expect from the new owners who want to do their Pumpkin King proud.

Anyone who wants to leave the house or maze early for any reason need only call out "ROTTEN PUMPKINS" and Avari the Zoroark will appear to escort them out.

Your creepy cast of the month is filled with a variety of Pokemon and human scare actors! Find some volunteers here.

Thread till your heart's content! Human cast members may drop in on threads at random to deliver a scare. If you would not like threadjacking just say so in your subjectline!

Haunted House

[awesmazings]

It towers over the street with all its crooked windows lit in ghoulish green. The siding has all been painted black. Pumpkins and Pumpkaboo overflow from every available ledge and smile grimly out at passers by. Walk by the wrong one and you're in for a scare! What seems to be a localized thunderstorm (rain dance + thunderbolt) boils overhead but has not yet released its downpour. Carnival music wails from somewhere. Noibat swoop down at the guests waiting in line.

Guests are herded in as groups as small as one and as large as six and are spaced out fifteen minutes apart so that one can always hear the others' terror.

The house takes a good twenty to thirty minutes to go through at a brisk walk and that's if you don't get lost or distracted with the mirrors and puzzles. The tail-end of the maze will land guests in the foyer where they began with the entire ghoulish cast of Pokemon hot on their heels, seeing them all the way to the exit. Any guests wanting to go through a second time will find a completely different experience. The walls seem to have...to have moved!

Price of admission is 1500P.

FOR HENRY

[exeggutorhead]

[It's a few days before the house actually opens to the public, and all the costumes are finished save for the final few touches. Which means that Envy finally has time to show his best friend how to do his new job in a properly terrifying way.]

[Luckily, since Henry's room is right near the exit, they can go in the back instead of having to go all through the spooky house with all of its ghostly residents.]

Your costume's in there already, so you can try on the whole thing instead of just the pieces. [He tosses a smirk over his shoulder.]

You'll scare everyone.

York, North, and Carolina, open to scarers!

[ratherbelocky]

[So maybe a grown-ass thirty-something-year-old space soldier shouldn't look so gleeful about a haunted house, but he can't remember the last time he did something strictly for fun; and he definitely can't remember the last time he got to drag his friends into it, either.]

Okay, so, my money's on at least one scary clown. Maybe a scary zombie clown.

[They're barely one room into the attraction, and already Empress--York left Delta Two and Massena both to babysit the eggs, this time--is pressing her side against York's ankle, watching the shadows nervously. Turns out she talks a tougher game than she plays.

York bends briefly to pet her, grinning to himself, but keeps walking.]

Maybe a scary zombie alien clown.

Outside, Jimmy

[scratchitti]

[It hadn't taken long to get back to Golderod. And of course he was going to take up that dare Jimmy have challenged him with.

This was... rather more elaborate then he had expected though.]

...where the hell is he?

[Of course Jimmy had to be here SOMEWHERE, but with the costumes it was hard to tell]

Open to scarers and possibly anyone else who stumbles upon him

[doesntdomuch]

[True to his word, Perry comes to the haunted mansion to prove how cool and not scared he is at anything.

He even comes in without a group to prove how tough he is.

Right now he's just crossing his arms and wandering through the mansion with an amused look on his face. Let's see if it lasts.]

Haunted Maze

[awesmazings]

This year the attraction has grown! Behind the house sprawls a hedge maze filled with fog and spooks. The maze is complex, draped in spiderwebs, lined with pumpkins, and has an enormous foggy fountain in the center. Anyone who reaches this fountain will retrieve a voucher for a free Rare Candy from Jimmy and Joker. It wouldn't be Halloween without candy! The hedges move thanks to some ambitious grass types. Cast members from the house may also be found in the maze.

Anyone who tries to cheat by climbing the hedges or using a flying Pokemon will find themselves scolded by some rather upset Noibat circling above.

The maze is not part of the house walk-through and is a separate attraction. Price of admission is 800P.

[codeforhope]

[While the Haunted House seems like a pretty hopping area right now, Chihiro isn't sure that he really wants to go in. At least, not by himself. Last year he had a rowdy Lucario and Tyrogue both trying to drag him through the mansion; this year they are in his company in the form of a Lucario and a Hitmontop, comparatively less rowdy and a lot more mindful of their trainer's wishes. So after some exploring of the circus grounds, Chihiro finds himself standing near the entrance to the maze after having already paid the admission fee. ...though now he seems to be grappling with second thoughts.]

Hm...I'm sure if someone got lost in there, they would have someone go after them...right?

[He asks the two fighting types, both of them nodding quickly while the Lucario places a gentle paw on Chihiro's shoulder. They'd be with him the entire time, so even if they got lost one of them could go for help.]

Games

[pipers_son]

One of the first stops, of course, would be all the carnival games set up! There are the usual stalls, of course- test your strength and Ducklett Pond along with all sorts of others. Needless to say, there are also Halloween inspired games such as Pumpkin Bowling, and the classic bobbing for apples. A game harder than it looks... But you'll win a treat and a prize if you manage to snag one.

[samsa]

[With a few of his Pokemon having volunteered themselves for scare actoring, Kaneki has more than enough excuses to come visit the Circus grounds. There's no real reason for him not to, though, especially since this is the first Halloween he's spent in Johto. The good people of the Circus haven't disappointed in getting things decorated up all festive, that's for sure. Who knows- he might be convinced to help out a little too as it gets closer to Halloween.

Right now he's browsing through the different game stalls set up with Rikki the guard Zangoose ever present perched upon his shoulders. While he's slightly bent over looking at the Ducklett Pond, something looms behind him, extending a large claw to drop heavily onto his free shoulder.]

Haah!

[Kaneki jerks upright, spinning around to get a face full of a Gliscor's leery grin as he pulls back after earning himself a low warning growl from Rikki, hovering there with a raspy "kekeke~"]

Louis! Don't sneak up on people like that! ...what is it?

[He asks as the large bat points eagerly at a different stall with his tail, gesturing for Kaneki to come follow. And what's the game he wants to play?]

Bobbing for apples?

[Of course Louis would want to see his trainer get his head and shoulders soaked just minutes after they got here...]

IC introduction to worst Zoroark is a go

[soundmind]

You should try it!

[And who should appear from seemingly nowhere but Maka right beside Kaneki. Even though she brought her Pumpkaboo this time, Ghost Light doesn't seem to be with her, she is also missing the bag that she brought as well. Otherwise, she's watching Kaneki with a smile as if nothing unusual is going on.]

What's the harm? The worst that can happen is you'll get wet and we'll have to go back to get a change of clothes. ...Or Lee can blow dry you, I guess.

Food

[pipers_son]

After maybe seeing a show, wandering about, and playing games, there can't be any doubt that you're hungry! The presence of so many stalls and so many delicious smells can no doubt draw you into the food area of the circus.

Funnel cakes, cotton candy, fried pickles... Those kind of easy to carry treats can be found easily. There are also more filling things, like fish and chips or grilled squid! Just to rub your face more into the fact that it's October, there are numerous Halloween treats as well. What better season to eat caramel apples, after all? Noibat pancakes are served piping hot no matter the time of day, or maybe you want to skip straight to dessert with a sundae. The theme is definitely candy... Frankly, the healthiest thing you'll find are these fruit parfaits.

And for those that can show they're legal adults... You are covered.

You'll probably die eating most of these things, but look on the bright side! You'll die happy. (And Joker can use your ghost as a circus attraction.)

[styxiedust]

[Oh yes, and brave folks will find very large fruit parfaits available on request as well as a special Chandelure parfait with booberry ice cream.

What else has Botan got? Pumpkins and candy corn treats! Pumpkin donuts, pumpkin crumble, pumpkin pie, pumpkin snap cookies, candy corn fudge, candy corn parfait, candy corn cookies--that's a lot of pumpkin and candy corn. But don't worry, that's not all she has up her sleeve, her Litwick shortcakes are making an official appearance with the modification of a painted chocolate piece to serve as the flame up top. Noibat and Pumpkaboo shaped cookies are laid out on a plate as well, expertly made and almost lifelike.

Botan herself has for the most part ditched the costume given to her when she arrived, except for the shawl around her shoulders she's only wearing a Mismagius-inspired witch's hat and kimono. She looks well pleased to be participating in something like this.]

[crouching_sin]

[Naoya stands nearby, both taking inventory and doing what he can to beckon over some more customers. Poppet floats around, her favorite pillowcase clutched closely to her as always. For his part, Naoya's wearing a Murkrow hat along with a darker cloak than his usual haori.]

They've done a good job with the decorations here... was it like this last year?

Shops, Facepainting, and Pumpkin Carving

[pipers_son]

The shops are in full swing today! They over all the usual fun things, from handmade soaps to jewelry. Some new items are being shown off this weekend, of course, and anyone who's looked over the current state of the Circus probably isn't surprised at all the spooky skeletons and shades of orange.

A few stalls are a bit more hands on- facepainting stalls so that you can blend in with the scenery and even one where you can pick your own pumpkin to carve! Take it with you or add it to Eve's Garden's already impressive jack-o-lantern patch, it's up to you. Just have fun with it.

Other stores are more material in their ware. There are plenty of people who have pre-made Halloween costumes for Pokemon, or are even willing to take commissions for it! Adorable toys, clothing, and little knick knacks.

And there are masks. Of course there are.

[faintwaves]

[Nobody should leave Xion alone in a place where items can be bought. This little Replica loves shopping and she's going positively bonkers at all of these different cute items, unsure of where to look first as she makes her way through the whole thing.

--What--what's that. She stops and skitters over to a booth, picking up an orange plush very carefully to take a closer look of it. Is it...could it be...?]

It's a Pika-pumpkin...!

[That's so cute, she might die from how cute that is--and look! There's a Pikachu dressed like a Gengar! And a witch! And oh my goodness, look at all these adorable things.

The Pyroar accompanying her just sits down and waits for her to move on. Oh boy. Riku's going to love all this spending.]

[dressofheaven]

Find anything you like?

[The well-dressed lady with the extremely pale makeup suddenly showing up at her elbow might be shocking for Xion, but at least it's someone she knows.]

Trust you to treat a circus like a market, Xion.

The Lion Horde Candy Chase

[pipers_son]

Just like during the Circus' anniversary, the great Litleo Horde has been released once more. However, there's no great event this time around. It's pretty simple: catch a Litleo, and you've earned yourself a candy bag of deliciousness that's tied around their necks.

Considering there's twenty of them, and they're constantly having their candy checked, everyone is guaranteed to have a chance at winning.


[ooc: Feel free to NPC the Litleo however you like with your characters chasing them.]

The Big Show

[pipers_son]

It's that time you've all been been waiting for... Or at least one of them. Have you got your ticket? If so, show it to the one at the tent's entrance and you'll be ushered into the pitch darkness inside. Don't worry about tripping, you're being guided by... are those claws? Oh my. Soon enough, you're seated and left to listen as everyone else is brought inside.
When the tent is full, or at least full enough, there's a moment of silence before Joker's loud voice suddenly booms out. In the utter blackness of the big top, it's even louder than normal.

"LADIES, GENTLEMEN, TRAINERS FROM ALL OVER JOHTO AND KANTO! WELCOME... TO THE EVE'S GARDEN CIRCUS!"

As the lights blare out onto the ring, a whirlwind of Noibats burst out as the sound of their flapping leathery wings fill the tent. Like magic, they disappear into the darkness behind the ring's light. Standing there in the middle, proud and macabre in his skeletal makeup with his bat bow tie perfectly arranged, is Joker with a leering grin. His ringleader's cane is twirled about deftly in his fingers. His voice booms out grandly, just like always.

"Don't be afraid of that icy chill snakin' down yer backs, everyone, because our darin', life defyin', heart stoppin' show has only just begun! Here, in this devil's ring, you'll see a strongman whose giant's hands could grind anyone's bones here ta dust! Our trapeze artists might as well have struck a deal with the devil himself with how they fly through the air, and don't get charmed away by our siren's deviously tempting singing voice! All that and more, folks, as we give our fair tribute ta the grand ol' Pumpkin King! So sit tight, and let us give ya the show of a lifetime!"

Siren/Banshee

[dressofheaven]

Last time, Ilya had gone for a sort of animal charmer vibe in her act, guiding her Aerodactyl around the big top in a sort of flying dance with the sound of her voice.

This time around, in honor of the spooky holiday, she's shifted to a more haunting, dark theme. Stepping out onto the stage in her banshee costume, she launches into a dirge, spine-tingling and heartrending from the get-go. As she slowly builds into a full on howling of pain and rage, if in a language few in the audience are going to understand, her Dusknoir fades into existence behind her little by little.

The apex of her performance comes when she stops gesturing and goes still, the lights shifting to the ghost, who levitates high over the stage. It's still Ilya's voice that's singing, but the effect of making it look like the ghost is groaning out its torment in a surprisingly beautiful way is something she's been practicing for some time now.

Thankfully, Orpheus isn't actually doing any singing of his own. He really doesn't have the voice for it.

Finally, it all comes to a grand finale as Ilya's final note rings in the air and Orpheus launches small ghostly flames into the air, bathing them for a moment in unearthly purple light. It lasts only a moment, then fades out as they both bow and make way for the next act.

Staff Area

[pipers_son]

Don't wander too far around the back of the big tent, folks- there's a chain draped across an entrance way with the sign that loudly proclaims STAFF ONLY. Of course, if you're staff or someone who's been helping out, then you're more than welcome to just waltz right in.

In the staff area are a few seating areas for you hardworking folks to flop down and rest your feet. There's also plenty of food and drinks on a nearby table for those of you feeling positively famished. There's the usual water and sandwiches for those who want to keep it simple, but it seems like quite a few things have been offered from the various food stalls! Have a candy apple, you deserve it.

[dressofheaven]

She will indeed have a candy apple, thank you! Ilya's eating daintily for more reasons than just ladylike manners though... it wouldn't do at all for her makeup to smudge.

She's very pleased with herself over her current act, and her additions to the haunted house as well. Humming to herself as she nibbles, she watches out of the corner of her eye as her Dusknoir floats at the chain, glaring balefully at anyone who walks by. The security probably isn't necessary, but Orpheus likes being scary.

[a_sin_for_him]

Lust had her healthy food earlier, she goes right for the holiday sweets before sinking down gratefully. She's still in her performance outfit, a green and bronze scaled bodysuit with only one strap, mimicking a toga. Her makeup is snakelike, and the fake snakes are still in her wild mass of hair.

All in all, she thinks it was one hell of a performance. There's always something thrilling about it, flipping through the air like that.

She'll have to wander the stalls and attractions, but for now, she's going to rest her feet and eat chocolate.

Event tag

[pipers_son]

At first, Joker thinks it's just a joke. An illusion. A costume. It's the Halloween month, after all.

Because Zoroark don't look like that. Joker would know. He has two, after all.

Can he help it if he decides to give a capture a try when it doesn't respond to his calls to ask where its trainer is?

He never thought he'd end up like... this.

Anyone wandering about the staff area will see a mass of fur curled up behind the snack table, but the muffled British swearing isn't anything that Invidia might say.

> Investigate?