Get Ready For the Show

[pipers_son]

Who: All the performers, plus any visitors
What: Time to get back into the swing of things! Nothing says "I've recovered from trauma" like learning how to plaster a smile onto your face for the crowds.
When: D1 - D5
Where: The Main Tent
Warnings: None.... Probably

As the saying goes, "All play and no work makes Jack forget how to do his job". On the bright side...

Over the radio, Joker makes a cheerful announcement for all performers to start getting back into the practice schedule with new arrivals to show up on the first day back from the moon. On the first day, he'll be lenient. No one has to be on time, but he does want them to at least make an appearance and token attempt at practice. After that, well... Show up, or you'll have an aggravatingly cheerful stage manager paying a personal visit. He bothers because he cares.

To those who have become familiar with it, the tent is outfitted with all off the usual practice equipment, and new faces will be in for a treat. There are the usual acrobatics equipment: silk ropes, the high wire, trapeze swings. Daredevils will find all sorts of things to threaten their lives with, although they'll soon find that there are magical safety precautions in place which stop the Big Tent from, say, getting set on fire. And the magician stuff? Well.... Don't hurt yourself there.

Out of the love of his heart, Joker will make sure there are bottles of water nearby, so don't be afraid to work up a sweat.

Comments

Joker (ota)

[pipers_son]

A - Training

As the stage manager, Joker doesn't technically need to practice. His role is meant to be more of a behind-the-scenes sort, supporting his performers and reining the more troublesome ones in line. If he wanted to, he could very well just sit in the stands and heckle yell encouraging things at his performers.

But that sort of thing is probably what made the last stage manager decide to go join an interstellar war with space vikings.

So Joker can be found practicing one of two things at any given time! Don't mind the oversized shirt he's wearing over his shorts today.

While it might seem like cheating, or difficult, he can be found over at the silk ropes practicing his aerial acrobatics. One would think it's a tricky job, considering both Joker's wing and antlers, but he manages quite nicely. Part of the trick is simple experience after working in the carnival for this long. Most of it is thanks to his unnatural level of flexibility (also a product of working in the carnival). Depending on personal preference, the way he twists through and around the aerial silks can be either disconcerting or impressive.

Alternatively, when he's back on ground level, it's easy to find him with some throwing knives. Well, presumably they're throwing knives, since he's definitely throwing them at a large circular target. Occasionally, however, he juggles one in his only good hand. He doesn't seem worried at the idea of potentially hurting himself.

Even as he practices, however, feel free to chat! He's always good for it.

B - Pokemon Training

...But of course, the most fun can be found with Feathers, his Dartrix. In his own little section of the tent, Joker can be found trying to help his Pokemon practice. Right now, that means getting his flying patterns just right in a spiral up to the top and...

"Alright, leaves now!" That's a Razor Leaf attack, which Joker damn well knows, but he's not bothering with titles right now. Instead, he watches carefully as a small flurry of leaves follows Feathers and taps his chin.

"Ah... Not entirely right, I think..."

C - Joker's Wild

[Joker will be in the big tent constantly, along with constantly making sure people are working as well. Feel free to make up any other sort of prompt you might want!]

Pokemon Training

[soft_focus]

Reira's at least half way familiar with odd animals that are doing things animals don't typically do. Part of the familiarity, perhaps, is entirely based in the fact that she doesn't realize it's not typical at all. As Yuuya himself discovered, Duel Monsters might as well have been as real as sparrows to her, which made working in the menagerie rather easy for her to adjust to.

She's not come in with another animal today though-unless one counts the eagle that insists on following her around like a stubborn mother hen-but rather making sure it's actually clear enough for her to do some more acclimatizing for the animals she Would bring in.

Obviously it's not, but once she does actually enter the ring, she's not too far from where Feathers is being trained with...and that does sort of catch her eye.

Considering this is the first time she's seen a pokemon move before-menagerie animals... ...well.

They don't throw leaves. "Ah..."

[pipers_son]

A good showman (and paranoid men and birds alike) always know when they have an audience watching. Joker's ears twitch at the faint sound, his earrings jangling against one another, and Feathers stops his twirling to fondly coo from high up in the air. A couple flaps of his wings has him gliding back down.

In the meanwhile, as Feathers gets back to his shoulder (that he's really getting too big for, honestly), Joker glances over his shoulder to grin brightly at their young audience.

"Hello there! Come ta watch everyone practice?"

[soft_focus]

At least one of those three things is probably an unfortunate matter, but it's hardly one that Reira could really know about, so the most response she has to Joker's question is to jump just slightly when she's spotted. Almost too quickly, she shakes her head, though she does at least calm down from the alarm enough to actually answer.

"...I'm just making sure it's empty before I bring Tektite here," she explains, nodding. "...They're not used to people yet..."

A

[hippocarnival]

Yuya would be back to training even without Joker's direction, but he's down at the time indicated to get back into routine. Or at least, he'll get to that, but he takes pause at first to watch Joker's tricks with the silk ropes, siting back on one of the balancing balls. Yuya can appreciate watching a show as much as giving one, and there's something he can especially enjoy watching Joker. He's experienced, or he wouldn't be their stage manager, and it's something Yuya admires and wants to learn from. In some ways, it's like when he used to watch his dad.

Granted, he's not likely to be able to mimic the inhuman flexibility anytime soon. But he can appreciate watching it. If Joker makes eye contact with him, Yuya gives him a grin and a thumb's up from below.

[pipers_son]

As it turns out, Joker makes eye contact around the time he's hanging upside down, feet tangled carefully in the silks. It's a lot of work to manage, when he only has one arm, but that's alright- he has two wings to make up for it with the pair of them almost split evenly as they extend outwards. It's partially for balance as much as anything else. Realizing he has Yuya's eyes on him, he grins and winks.

"How's my form then, do ya think?" His voice carries easily through the big top.

[hippocarnival]

Yuya cups his hands around his mouth, projecting his voice whether it's necessary or not. "It looks great!"

Yuya would probably say that even if it wasn't great, but at least in this instance Joker really does seem to be pulling it off.

A

[prazerbutterfly]

He believes he's practiced enough when his shirt is wet enough to become a little heavy and choosing a place outside he'll let the water flop off of him with ease with the use of his power. It's only after does he head back inside with a small dampness to his body and he'll make his way over towards Joker who seems hard at work practicing with a good set of knives. He does remember that conversation a couple of weeks ago.

Tyki, being far too mischievous, waits for Joker to throw a knife before his body moves in between him and the target. He leans back and settles himself right there in the middle of it before just casually expecting him to keep practicing. He shouldn't be grinning but he is. "So it is true. You don't just manage in the background~"

[pipers_son]

Holy-

Joker jolts, somehow a more startled and scared look flashing over his face than the time Tyki actually stuck a hand through his chest. After that split second, however, his brain processes the rest of the situation.... just not before he's jerked forward with his wings flared out.

Then everything sinks in and he nearly collapses right on his face. "I swear ta God," he breathes out, hand digging into the front of his shirt over his heart. "Tyki, ya should be lucky I don't come over there ta manage my fingers around yer neck." They both know that he's bullshitting. Joker would cut off one of his remaining limbs before harming any of his own performers, even before taking the Ringmaster into consideration.

B.

[crimsonfallenangel]

[A certain Luzon-bleeding heart dove (just over three feet tall), is at this practice for the first time. He's also never seen Pokemon before. Unfortunately, he got a little too close to the leaves when he approached to get a closer look at the creature.]

Gyaaah!

[Anghel leaps backwards brandishing a pen. He wasn't injured, but is alarmed.]

[pipers_son]

Oh, hell-

[Trainer and pokemon react at around the same time, with Feathers immediately flapping in alarm to dispel the various leaves still in effect and Joker's wings flaring out.]

Oi, are ya alright up there?

OTA | ANIMAL TIME

[soft_focus]

One part of animal care is making sure that animals Care. Obviously Reira isn't here to train the animals into any tricks or things that beast tamers and the like need-that's THEIR job. But the fact is, an animal unfamiliar or unsuited to the Tent is one that will not train well, and today?

Is field trip day. Reira isn't bringing anything Massive into the tent, since she's not exactly trusted with that sort of thing. Not because she'd be bad at it, but because no one wants to worry about what'll happen when a massive chain chomp decides to go for its own run.

But Reira has with her a few smaller-sized creatures-the first one being a small, bowling ball sized chain chomp, whose chain gets latched onto a much longer length of metal before getting pegged right in the middle of the dirt floor. She stomps on it as hard as she can with both feet at once, and 'Bow-Wow' is good as set to adjust themselves-the small thing currently yipping and yapping at everything in sight.

"It's okay Bow-wow; this is where you get to do big things, one day-like your Big friend," Reira explains, already at work to calm the thing down. Animal emotions are easier to pin point after all-and Bow-wow is....well. Just a little spooked. Feeling better with a treat or two though.

Bow-Wow isn't the only one she brings in though. Each day she'll bring one or another in for a little while, and other than the small chain chomp there's also...

A fancy chicken of some kind, bobbing it's head and clucking aimlessly as Reira let's it roam around.

A small group of literal air-swimming and breathing 'flying fish', somewhat tied to a leash so they don't stray too far.

And even what looks like a cow....if, you know, a cow was beet red and covered in fungus.

The last creature she can be spotted with is more unique. It hisses angrily at anything or anyone else who comes near, and even seems half inclined to steer clear of Reira herself. For most of the animals, they just need to be reintroduced to the tent. Remember that the place exists, as do the acts.

But for the Tektite? This is...his first time.

With all of the others at least, she'll be just as busy at work for them, as she is with the Tektite though. ....Even if it often looks like she's just playing around with them. This is work, guys.

It's work.

[dontpokethat]

As much as Ginko enjoys his work with the animals, he also very much appreciates being able to divide that work among a few people. And not just. You know. Himself.

Of course, there's no rule saying that he can't stop by to check in (and potentially help) when Reira is taking the animals out, right? And while he's at it, it's a good chance to get his own new companion used to the layout of the carnival.

He looks over at the Tektite with some concern, keeping a hand on Antlers' back in case he decides to go investigate. He doubts the poor thing would appreciate a dog-deer nosing at it right now, no matter how gentle he might be. "How's it going?"

[soft_focus]

Help is always a nice thing...though with coworkers like his, a check-in never hurts. Reira looks up from Tektite to shake her head, sadly. "Mnhh... ...he's not so angry anymore, but he's not really curious, or happy, either... ...mostly he's just scared again, except if I sit just far enough away. ....If I get too far or close, he gets scared again..."

She's sadly both the most familiar, but also among the most threatening things Tektite knows. So.

Tyki Mikk | OTA

[prazerbutterfly]

The Water Tank

It's been a while since he's visited his water tank. Once the cure had been administered he had spent most of his time up on the lunar pocket moon actually exploring what it had to offer. He had already transferred some of his clothes there and had no reason to come back down. Plus, he was no long hiding in that tank.

The sticky notes were still plastered over the front of it and he took care to remove them gently. After placing them in his coat pocket for later he hangs it neatly to the side on the rack provided to him. He's left his performance clothing at home and while in light casual he's letting his small yet flightless manticore wings stretch out to get use to them. With water filled and determination to get back to work a positive high he's ascending the side with his power and sitting on one of the corners to position himself.

Most of the time he'll be in the tank, counting the seconds down of the average length a human can hold their breath before relaxing in it all together. He's not drowning thankfully with how he can cheat for a considerable while but there are moments where he is actually letting the water touch him with how every detail is taken into accountability.

There are times when one might find him near the tank binding his own legs, wrists and arms in various positions. The nature of the trick is to be able to escape in the appropriate amount of time without compromising the reality and fear of drowning that the crowd experiences. It's why there is always a timer present to lure the audience into that state the closer it gets to zero.

And then the inevitability will happen when he'll sit at the bottom of his tank and allow his new tentacles to emerge from his body. They'll slide over the tank walls exploring. He's not sure if he'll allow them to be apart of his act but they should get use to the comfort of the water should they ever emerge on their own during a performance. That must look terrifying from the outside.

Wildcard

Got another prompt in mind? Feel free to plot with me and use this as a general catch all. Tyki is nosy and might wander after a while.

[eclipsingblade]

Ichigo's lurking.

Partly because he hasn't even seen this act before, or most of them for that matter. Being a guard of important places when people are about means he simply doesn't get to see a show being performed, and that was fine, but he wanted to know, he wasn't currently on duty and he was promised a sawing someone in half show sooner or later.

This isn't it. This is Tyki in a tank timing his breaths and practicing, and Ichigo isn't about to interrupt, he just fluffs up his new fur a little for added warmth and watches. It's ... interesting, and things he certainly didn't think he could pull off.

If he's a little further away every time there's even one tentacle, he can probably be forgiven. But it was nice to be able to watch his roommate work on his act, as it really demonstrated the lack of the same pain that remained locked in Ichigo's memory, that initial meeting so soon after the disaster of the Manor. But eventually as time ticks by..

"I brought some cookies if you're hungry."

GUESS WHAT KIND.

[prazerbutterfly]

It's an act that draws in a good crowd and leaves him with lots of attention afterwards. He even pulls ever punch, every detail, and every second to make it seem like a reality. As a magician he has other magics such as his 'sky walk' down to the stage when he starts.

But don't worry, Ichigo. That sawing in half will happen sooner than later given how Joker has volunteered. He'll at least see him playing with the idea later.

When he emerges from the tank after dismissing his tentacles, after prolong soothing, calming, and getting them to go away without Strange's help, he'll sit there on top of the tank looking more wet than anything else. A cheerful grin plasters on his face at Ichigo's presence and the cookies, "How thoughtful. Don't mind if I do."

[dontpokethat]

Ginko is mostly working on getting his new deer-dog-thing used to the layout of the carnival, so there's no need for him to be here specifically. But you know what? This is part of the carnival, so why not.

He doesn't actually interfere with any of the performers, of course, and keeps Antlers close by him - to his relief, the Ruvian has proven pretty docile and cooperative, though he doesn't seem to totally understand some basic commands yet. They can work on that.

Anyway, though he doesn't want to get too close, he does slow down and watch some of the practices going on - including Tyki's. He just stands a few feet away, one hand resting on Antlers's back.

If Tyki looks toward him, he raises his other hand in a small, friendly wave.

[prazerbutterfly]

Oh, he was wondering how bought that. He had seen it when it had appeared and while it looked interested Tyki didn't have an interest in upbringing a dog right now. Perhaps down the line but at the moment it wasn't any of his concern.

Plus it is nice to see Ginko not working even as he waves to him from outside of the tank. He's kind of bound at the moment but that doesn't stop him from breathing shallow, forcing the locks free and making his way back up through the top. It's only when he manages to drag himself out of the wet water and plop onto the ground will he wave back, "You know, if you wanted a closer look, you could just ask~"

[hippocarnival]

[Closed to Strange]

[The balancing beams and high rises are great practice the first day, since they don't rely on his arms and, thus, his shoulder. It's much better than before, but he should still try and take things slowly.

Which he's doing on one of the high-rise beams, arms stretched out as he carefully makes his way across the beam until a... dove? Is it a dove? Yuya can't tell his birds apart, but one lands just a couple feet in front of him. He slows down, stops, and stares.]

... Uh. Shoo, move! [He waves his arm, realizing quickly that's a bad idea as his balance falters and he stiffly rights himself before he topples off.]

[Wildcard]

[Hit me up and I can set something up, or Tag At Will. o9]

[kingsroads]

[ The problem with magic animals is that they're stupid. Strange had been working on some variation of 'make magical birds out of feathers' ever since he arrived at the carnival. The spell defaulted to chickens for at least a few months (not exactly his proudest moment) but Strange had now managed to turn the feathers into doves. It's as he's turning them back into feathers that Strange realizes wait, he had five birds but now he only has four feathers...that's not good. ]

Yuya, [ he asks, knowing that the kid's in here practicing as well. ] Have you seen—ah. There it is.

[ And Strange turns around to spot that dove just blinking at the two of them with a stupid bird expression on it's face. Strange sighs as he walks towards the high-rise beam. ]

I suppose I should be lucky that they're more magical constructs than actual birds. Otherwise, it might have tried to nest in your hair by now! [ Strange is laughing and joking but that bird...really isn't moving. It's just sitting on the high-rise beam like it's perfectly comfy and doesn't want to move. ]

[hippocarnival]

Ha ha. [Yuya looks down at Strange with a dull expression. It's less funny only because Yuya's new pet has already decided his hair is something to nest in anytime it's out of its tank. He's not sure what it says about his hairstyle but he doesn't like it.

Yuya creeps a little closer, watching the bird as it refuses to move even when he's right next to it.]

Is that why it won't move? [Even if he touches it? He's going to try touching it, carefully pushing its round side with his foot.]

OTA

[puddingemote]

A: Acrobatics

Tamaki is up in the silks most of the time, practicing as usual. He doesn't mind practicing now after all this break time; in fact he's felt restless, in some ways, and this is always a good way to blow off pent up energy.

He's pretty focused while he's up in the air, but if someone gets his attention, he'll drop in. Literally. By letting go and falling down.

There's enough magic safeguards that he's perfectly fine, floating the last little bit to the ground.

B: Dancing

When he's not up in the silks, Tamaki can be found off by himself to the side of the big top - well, not entirely by himself. Riori, his Pompom Oricorio, is with him, looking excited to be out of her ball and moving around.

Tamaki himself has pompoms as well, yellow to match Riori. He waves the pompoms in time with his counting off, showing Riori the dance moves to match him.

"One, two, three, four..." He's not the best at keeping time with his voice, but his movements are on beat. He's getting really into it, moving to the song with his head while Riori trills at him.

Yes, he is teaching this Pokemon idol dance moves.

B

[hippocarnival]

"Are you starting a dance routine...?" Yuya stops while rolling one of the balance balls out of his way. Well, no reason they can't spread their acts around, right? He's curious how well his Pokemon can pick up on it.

[puddingemote]

Tamaki pauses, looking over at Yuya. As long as he's stopped, he lifts the hem of his shirt to wipe sweat off his face.

"Yeah." He lowers the shirt again. "Riori likes dancing."