⇨ GAME START INTRO LOG!

[ringleaders]

Who: EVERYONE!
When: NOW!
Where: Around the carnival grounds, and in the Cookhouse.
What: Carnival worker orientation, Ringmaster style.
Warnings: Alcohol consumption, maybe drugs. Other things?

BRAVE NEW WORLD↴ ► THE NEW: It doesn't matter when you entered the tent to discuss your new contract with the Ringmaster, you exit it beneath a blanket of stars. Pointedly alien stars at that - currently the carnival grounds are being treated to a show of shooting stars, and what appear to be unnaturally large and living green moons hanging just a bit too close. The carnival was bustling when you entered, but now it's in the latter stages of being shut down for the night. If you manage to find a clock, it states that it's around 8PM. Workers from during the day will be passing through the grounds, attending to various pieces of business. None of them will seem very surprised or concerned by the goings on, though some may be sympathetic enough to pause and answer your questions. If you put some effort into finding out how it became nighttime, you may discover that it's been anywhere from a few hours to 7 days since you originally signed your contract. Someone may explain to you that it was probably some kind of time bubble, meant to keep you out of the way until the Ringmaster had time to deal with you. Every few minutes another new person will pop out of the tent, looking just as confused and under the impression that they had only just finished discussing things with the Ringmaster. Weird. She passed you a note before you left. Opening it up, you'll see you've been assigned a trailer number, and been given the instructions to drop off any excess belongings and do what you can to get settled in. You have until exactly 9:36PM to do so, because that's when you'll be expected to attend what is listed only as "WORKER'S ORIENTATION". This is, perhaps, more abrupt than you were expecting - but what can you do? You're here for the long haul. ► THE OLD: If you've ever seen a mass recruitment before, then this is no surprise. People enter the tent when they're recruited, and then sometimes how up again days later when the Ringmaster is ready for them. She isn't a big fan of wasting her time on individual orientations when she's expecting a crowd. Maybe you're too jaded to all of this to care much, but you'll see the newbies wandering around, probably confused and maybe a bit lost. Maybe you're the kind whose is sympathetic enough to pause your role in clean up and give them some directions, and maybe a word of confidence. Maybe you'll just jeer at them, because you're some kind of asshole. Either way, you expect you'll have the chance to see them later tonight. Whether by world of mouth, radio, or written note, supervisors will be passing out the following message: all workers are to report to the Cookhouse at 9:36PM sharp for "orientation." If you are at all familiar with how things go around here, you probably have a good idea of what this implies. Mandatory Karaoke Night. MANDATORY KARAOKE NIGHT!!!↴ At 9:36PM, the main dining hall of the Cookhouse will be found heavily decorator with various coloured lights and at least one disco ball made of what is ostensibly high karat gems. There are a bunch of cushions and additional seating set up along with the usual tables, and at the head of the call there is a state set up - a karaoke stage. For veteran workers, this is no surprise. Karaoke nights are fairly frequent as activities go, even if they are not usually mandatory. Some of you probably have signature songs already prepared. The karaoke machine is set up with mostly karaoke tracks that would be popular in the 90's and 00's on the average modern earth, with a few that are more recent. It also has some other random stuff from other worlds that people rarely sing because they are confusing and in languages no one understands. Here is a big karaoke list for your inspiration! The more stereotypically karaoke the better. Beyond that, there is plenty of food and snacks that were prepared by the cooks earlier, as well as a bar set up for alcohol and other vices. The selection is, as most things in the carnival, eclectic. Music will be played in between if nobody is singing, and otherwise veterans are encouraged to bring along their own fun and show the newbies a good time. The Ringmaster does ask that vets attempt to be courteous to their new coworkers. It's just being a good host.

Comments

Bonnie | Newbie | OTA

[pokepochette]

Pre Orientation

<sub>[It's all fun and games, or rather it had been, that is, until Bonnie realized she wouldn't be going home anytime soon. At first she'd thought it was a joke, but no matter how much of a tantrum she threw or how many tears she cried the answer was the same. The job she'd been assigned didn't seem so terrible, but that wasn't what was so upsetting.

It's hard for her to decide on what the worst part of being indebted is, but after an hour or so of sitting in her trailer in tears it's not hard to come to a decision. A year seems like eons to someone her age. As far as she's concerned, she'd been told she'd never see Clemont again forever. It's terrifying to think of, knowing she'd be without him or anyone she really knows. Who would help her with her laundry? Who would keep her company at night when she was scared? Who would cook her favourite dishes? Who could she depend on now, for anything?

It's with Dedenne that Bonnie finds herself outside her new home, the little mouse Pokemon at her feet, unsure of what to do to cheer his trainer up. Knees hugged tight to her chest, Dedenne squeaks his name up at her, distraught as she sniffles, eyes wet and puffy. Maybe things wouldn't be so terrible after all...but right now? Her life might as well be over.]</sub>

KARAOKE

<sub>[Under any other circumstance, Bonnie would've been the first to jump at the opportunity to do karaoke. Right now, however, singing is the last thing she wants to partake in.

It's a blessing and a curse, in a way, that Dedenne is as fixated on tasty treats as he is. Hunting for the gluttonous Pokemon has become a distraction of sorts from her woes as she makes her way crawling under tables and sneaking around to look for him. Whether you spot Dedenne snatching a bite or piece of whatever it is you've decided to snack on or see Bonnie looking for him first crawling under your table, it's hard to miss either of the two.]</sub>

Karaoke

[dorkypantsuit]

[It's the mouse he recognizes first, but of course he sees Bonnie soon after crawling after the little guy. He laughs, just a little, but stiffles it before using his psionics to pull Dedenne back towards his caretaker.]

Bonnie?

[pokepochette]

_{[It's her name being called that has her poking her head up from the floor in Psi's direction, only to find Dedenne being floated back her way.]}

Psi! You found Dedenne!

_{[Reaching out she snags the little Pokemon out of the air, squeezing him to her chest. The look of distress and panic she'd been wearing a moment earlier has faded for the most part as she chides him for escaping.]}

Dedenne you can't run off like that! What if I lose you too?

[dorkypantsuit]

[He smiles as she holds the creature tight. It was clear she cared quite a bit for the mouse. She was a sweet girl.]

Loose him too? Who else did you loose?

Pre Orientation

[meanlook]

[It is Crobat that alerts his trainer to the sound of someone crying nearby. Silver at first keeps walking - intending to get back to his trailer quickly to fetch something before he was forced to have 'fun' by his superior- but the Pokemon is incredibly insistent on heading in the direction of the sound. With a put upon sigh Silver finally relents and follows the bat.

When Bonnie comes into view, the redhead stops in his tracks, the sounds of her sobs piercing even through his thick wall of indifference. His expression twists uncomfortably in the shadow of his sweatshirt hood. This was not his comfort zone, at all. He looks up to Crobat, wordlessly hoping the Pokemon will let him escape the upcoming awkward situation only to find it's already flapping towards her. Gently, it will call out to her once it gets close enough, not wanting to startle her or the electric mouse.

Silver mutters under his breath before following, hands shoved in his pockets and head lowered.]

[pokepochette]

_{[The sight of another Pokemon, especially a familiar one, puts a pause to her tears and has her scrambling to her feet, Dedenne climbing his way up her leg and to her shoulder to perch. It's arrival is enough of a distraction that she forgets her sorrow for a moment.]}

What are you doing here, Crobat?

[meanlook]

[Crobat chirps in reply, turning itself slightly to gesture towards the approaching teen.

Silver pulls his hood down so as not to scare Bonnie, shaking his head to get stray hair out of his eyes.]

Hey. Don't bawl your brains out, you may need 'em someday.

Karaoke

[pipers_son]

[While Dedenne is searching for his next meal, his big ears might ear the sound of a clicking tongue. Somewhere nearby, crouched down, is Joker with his hand outstretched and some crackers offered out on it.]

[He really hopes that's what some random big rodent lies, at any rate, but you always take a risk with whatever animals come into the carnival.]

[pokepochette]

_{[There's no way Dedenne's going to turn down an offer of crackers. Nose twitching he squeaks excitedly before scurrying over. There's no time wasted in snatching the cracker from his hand, sharp front teeth nibbling away at the treat quickly. It doesn't take long for it to be finished as he readies himself to take another one. Don't judge his appetite, okay Joker? ]}

[pipers_son]

[Well, it's not throwing the crackers up, so Joker is going to take that as a good sign. He tries to give a few more clicks of his tongue, trying to coax the little- mouse? It reminds him of a mouse- onto his knee while he looks around.]

[With the exception of Sans, he's pretty sure most people tend to get concerned when a pet is running off on its own.]

pre!

[kashuu]

( he's trying to have a good time and this entire place is going somewhat according to his plans he makes every step of the way. able to gain a bottle of red nailpolish and make a few clients has brought him to cheers. not only that, his roommate doesn't seem so bad either but walking past the trailers he finds himself stumbling upon a small child and a mouse like creature. in the back of his mind, he's screaming but he makes sure to keep his distance as he tries to speak to her. )

Uhm, hey? ( there, that's step one but he does wonder what's making her cry so pocketing the bottle of red polish, he walks to the other side of the female so that he doesn't have to be so close to her small friend. crouching down so that he can be face to face with her ( his heels down't help much in this situation either ), he clears his throat. ) What's the tears for? Is your roommate not here yet, like, if you're scared of being alone or something, I can stand here and wait for whoever you're waiting for.

( she's small and adorable is what kashuu thinks, but when the tantous would cry back home, he felt as if he needed to help in order to cheer them up. so immediately a thought comes to his mind. ) Lemme see your hands. ( holding out his hands to her, he wonders if she'd be willing to comply. )

[pokepochette]

I miss my brother...

_{[The tears are for a pretty valid reason, she thinks. Not being able to see Clemont and being stuck here to work off a debt is pretty tear-worthy. Her hands are currently occupied with rubbing her eyes when he asks for them, confused. Still, she offers them without protest, curious as to why he wants them.]}

Why?

[kashuu]

You miss your brother? Well, like, don't worry. We'll be going home soon, I'm sure. Just gotta pay off whatever it is you did. ( taking her hands gently, he looks at her nails to inspect them before using his free hand to dig into his pocket. )

I hope you like red but, everyone here probably misses someone from home so you're not alone. I know how you feel.. ( give or take a few moments as he starts to unscrew the bottle. ) You miss him a lot but I know he misses you too so be like, strong for him.

Pre Orientation POOR BABY ;A;

[trustme]

[ Doctor had been greeting newcomers as they exited the tent just after hearing their contracts but he might have missed a few of them. Now that the Ringmaster was done making arrangements he was dragging a folding chair and his final fliers and blankets back to his own trailer. That's when he hears the unmistakable sound of shaky sniffling.

The chair can wait. He drops it aside and turns down the row of trailers. As he approaches his angler lure and aura light the way, and a moment later he can see the shape of of a little girl hunched over. ]

Hello. Are you alright?

[ He doesn't recognize her. Oh come on Ringmaster, why can't children play for free? Fine their parents instead or something! ]

Did you get locked out of your trailer? Silly doors get stuck on some of them.

life is hard doctor

[pokepochette]

No...

_{[No she is not alright, but thank you for asking. There's a sniff as she looks up at him, taking a moment to process the subsequent questions due to being distracted by his appearance. Wow. He had a glowy angler like a lanturn or a chinchou! It's somewhat mesmerizing and Bonnie gawks in the way only a kid can. She can only stare for so long though - he'd asked her a question. Better answer it.]}

I want to go home!

[trustme]

[ Doctor forces an encouraging smile but his eyes are unmistakably sad. ]

You'll be free to go home eventually, right to the moment you left. I'm sorry you've been caught up in this. Sorry you have to wait.

You look a little cold. Here. Take one of the spare blankets. [ He had carried blankets with him to greet the newcomers for this exact sort of reason. He shakes one open and throws it over her shoulders. ]

What's your name?

Karaoke - Apologies.

[fastestdraw]

[Hard to miss for someone who's not a combination of a bit taller and therefore further from the ground than your average person and sidetracked by being at a party!

With an audible "huh!" Easel does spot a stray critter up on a table bearing some unattended food, and it does catch his interest enough that he meanders in position to get a better look at it - he's wondering if it, or, 'scuse me, they might be a newcomer as much as he's wondering if it's a lost pet or other world-unique animal, since hey, you never know here - and in the process rounds a table, head tilted and an index finger crooked under his chin.

Possibly obstructing the girl's course under it with a shuffle of sparking, short-burning hoofsteps.]

[pokepochette]

_{[The obstruction has her rearing back beneath the table, shuffling in reverse to pop up on the other side. Whoever those legs and hooves belong to she's soon realizing, Dedenne forgotten for a moment as she stares. That's...a skeleton mixed with...a horse? Okay, that's something you don't see every day. More importantly though there's her Pokemon, being a fatty.]}

Dedenne! Come here!

[fastestdraw]

[Aaaaaand, whoop! Much harder to miss someone hiding under a table once they've... well, already popped out from under it.

Easel's attention stays on the little creature up until the girl calls out toward it, at which he double-takes between the two and... puts two-and-two together, calls a "hold upthere!" to the former (not necessarily expecting a response, mind you!) to the former and starts cantering up to the table Dedenne's perched on, making to lightly grab by the scruff of the neck (assuming this particular unfamiliar creature has that sort of thing)!

Responses on both ends?]

Karaoke

[dragonsattendant]

[ While Bonnie's looking under the tables, Dedenne's gone and snatched the carrot right out of Medli's hands. ]

H-hey! That was mine! Give it back, you little... mouse thing!

[pokepochette]

Ne-ne!

<sub>[That's the indigent squeaking Medli's going to be greeted with as the carrot is made no more. He had only one intention and that was to eat said carrot, not give it back. Oops.

Luckily for Dedenne though, Medli's loud enough that Bonnie overhears and pops up from beneath a table not too far away, clearly flustered.]</sub>

Dedenne get back here!

KARAOKE

[dontpokethat]

Wh-- hey! [Oh come on can't he just sit by himself and eat without his food being stolen, ONCE AGAIN, by a little orange... mouse-looking...

Wait.

He catches a glimpse of something moving and leans down to look under the table.] ...Bonnie?

[pokepochette]

Ginko!

_{[Great. Dedenne's decided to steal from him again. She can hear him squeaking above her - there's no mistaking that sound for something else. Popping up from under the table she snags the little Pokemon away from his food to stuff him back into her side bag.]}

I'm sorry Dedenne ran off again...

pre orientation

[faking]

Well would you look at that, [Alois says softly, but his voice doesn't come from above Bonnie, although she's tiny and tucked close to the ground. He's crouching near her, chin resting on his knees, fingers peeking past his thighs.

She wasn't hard to miss because even now, years later, Alois still has the sense to keep an eye out for someone small and sad. An upset child makes Alois homesick for bad times, and angry for the sake of purity. And he knows what her posturing says, even before he speaks to her: she is very upset.

The Macken brothers always knew how to take care of each other, because "each other" was all they had. Jim Macken was never able to offer much to his brother Luca, but...

This isn't Jim Macken. This is Alois Trancy.]

You know what I see? I see someone who needs a sweetie.

[And Alois Trancy has more than anger and dirty hands to give away.]

[pokepochette]

Huh?

_{[The voice that comes from in front of her has her looking up from her feet, vision blurry as she spots the older boy before her. He seems to be around Clemont's age, if not a little younger. The blue eyes, blond hair (although neatly combed and not a mess like Clemont's) and friendly smile all remind her of him which makes her heart ache even more.]}

A sweetie?