⇨ THE ATHENAEUM

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone!
When: Day 47 - Day 58 ish
Where: The Athenaeum
What: The carnival arrives at book world. First week, they'll be performing for magical manifestations of book characters. Second week, it's time to hunt (for books, in the library.) Around Day 58 some stuff will occur.
Warnings: Reading is mandatory.

FAERIE TALES↴ Though the carnival will be performing for its guests in the first week, they are welcome to search the Athenaeum while they are off duty during that time. The manifestations of story characters will be out in full force during performance week, with animals, people, objects, and even locations growing out from various tales. Most are distracting at worst, and will be curious to check out the carnival. Some, however, can be as dangerous as they were in their stories of origin. You know what to do. ► IT'S TIME TO ROLEPLAY: The best way to deal with book ghosts is to follow their narrative to its logical conclusion - turn the tables, work the story so it ends in your favour! Naturalistic and narratively satisfying plotting will have the manifestations following your lead. However, push too hard and introduce too many plot holes, inconsistencies, or illogical plot twists, and they will reject your reality utterly, becoming quite aggressive in the process. You can also use your natural abilities and powers to fight them in a traditional sense, but in the Ringmaster's experience, it's best to fight reality benders by bending reality right back at them. If you aren't careful, it's possible to be dragged fully into a story's reality, and then things get really messed up. ► IT'S ALSO TIME TO READ: The carnival came here for a purpose, and that purpose is to research. Specifically, the Ringmaster is looking for information on the Queen's Miracles - the set of ancient fae artifacts that the Blue Rose is one of. The carnival needs these artifacts to defend itself, but nobody knows where they've been for thousands of years. That's what the books are for. However, nothing is stopping you from pursuing knowledge for personal reasons. The halls are open to your perusal, and only your heart can guide you to the book you truly seek. Check the plot post to see what's allowed, and sign up to find plot info or other important game information below.

Comments

[fortuneglass]

Ooof, they're in here some- AH-!!

[They scatter on the floor, and it is then that she notices. Looking around as they appear in some combination of modern business and ancient temple, her eyes taking it in.]

H-Hehhh..what on earth...

[bananaspeedrider]

Eh...?

[Yugo blinks at the unfamiliar floor and then the surroundings the instant after the dragon and Carly ntoices.]

... You know what I'm not sure I like all these books and stuff anymore.

[insidescoop]

HhhaaHAhahhahaaaaaa- Oh...

[And cue the One-Eyed serpent, the man with hair covering part of his face. And now that he looks real? Carly is actually pulling Yuugo behind her.]

Divine-! [She hisses, briefly letting flames off of her form.] Nh...that can't...

[bananaspeedrider]

[Perhaps Yugo might have insisted that there's no way they couldn't take down this book ghost together, but the Ringmaster did say something about not directly fighting them didn't she...?]

I'm sure it's just a guy that looks like whoever you're thinking of Carly...!

[Because this seems like a bad time to ask who that name is.]

[insidescoop]

[That's what Yuugo says, but Carly's ears don't hear that. They hear 'Divine'. Divine, walking near, carving the story for them both.] Snooping in my temple...my dear, that is such a terrible crime...

[She wants to shout, it isn't snooping- that it's nothing like that. But she knows her role in the story, in her heart, and instead what she says is-]

Snooping or not, you can't hide what I found forever..! This city will KNOW!

[She chokes- holding her throat briefly, and trying to focus.] ...Yuugo..?

...Yuugo, I think you need to stay at the side... [This is...far too familiar too her.]

[bananaspeedrider]

[Funnily enough, thanks to the fact that Yugo has no interest in hiding behind Carly like a helpless child, he listens to Carly somewhat in that regard. Just not much else- stubbornly remaining next to her.]

I'm not sitting on the sidelines to let you handle this creep alone...! [And turning to the "One-Eyed Serpent" book ghost in case it gets him noticed by the story-]

You hear that? Now... [Uh.] ... move out of our way, because it's you that doesn't know who you're really messing with!

[Clear Wing growls and would roll their eyes if they could, but only because of how generic the threat is perhaps.]

[fortuneglass]

Yuugo, I really don't think that's a good idea-

Now now Maiden- I have mercy...

As if! [She snaps back to 'Divine', looking back to Yuugo.] Yuugo, the only way to win is to play their game...if this is what I think it is, then it's going to be just me and him..!

...I have mercy enough to give you time to yourself, don't I? [He apparently doesn't actually see Yuugo, given that comment.]

[bananaspeedrider]

[The expression Yugo makes towards that makes it more than clear that he still doesn't like the implications of the story one bit. But since there's no other way for him to influence it, Yugo finds his only option is in fact to step back and trust in Carly's abilities.

.... This sucks.]

[insidescoop]

[It super sucks. Especially when the 'one eyed serpent' brings forward a bladed staff, and not some sort of duel disk. Carly pales-if that was even possible- and her colours grow somewhat dull as she stands.]

Quite ready now? ['Divine' chuckles.] Good...I will give you one strike to end my existence. One, and then if you win, you can go.

[One is tempting. It implies that this finishes with killing the book spirit but...well go figure Carly is. Confused.

She glances to Yuugo.] Ah.. ...Th...This was a one turn duel last time...

[She's. Sort of afraid to try attacking.]

[bananaspeedrider]

You said it yourself, that this was meant to be between you and him. What can you expect me to do about it?

[Since the story clearly doesn't want any outside influences. Irritation laces Yugo's words, but it's not aimed at Carly.]

[insidescoop]

W-Well, you might have an idea I don't know..! I still have to do something right?!

[bananaspeedrider]

[Except Yugo doesn't seem to have any bright ideas while staring at the book ghost. Taking whatever ambiguous amount of time Carly has to try and think of something.]

Did you... er...

[If that was supposed to be her depicted in the card... oh hell...]

[insidescoop]

[Did she? Well, she grimaces.] Did I what?

[She begins, only to jerk her head to the side as Divine speaks.]

Time's up- you try my patience, [He sighs, flipping his hair a bit.] MY turn...

[He charges with the staff, and Carly scowls, summoning a replica of her bow to block.]

MNH-! We'll find out, won't we..!

[bananaspeedrider]

What did it take to win, last time?

[Is what Yugo hesitantly answers with. But he's assuming it had something to do with Aslla Piscu. Even god-like demons wouldn't turn down what must have been a prime opportunity for a deal.]

[fortuneglass]

NGH-!

[She doesn't give an answer- instead abstaining from setting her bow on fire as she finds herself forced to use it more as a shield and staff, than a bow and arrow.]

Such dedication! [The figment laughs,] Such determination..! But it is all for naught!

[Carly hisses at the statement, launching the other back.] NHH... It's not about that time, it's about this time, isn't it?! [She protests, charging forward and firing an arrow at the figment.]

[bananaspeedrider]

[Normally Yugo might've been reassured, but remaining relegated to simply watching the fight makes him more wary and anxious about the situation than usual. He hates being... helpless!]

If you're not playing right into this thing's plot!

[insidescoop]

I...

[For all her 'talk', she grunts as she dodges a blow from the spirit, the woman's jaw tight.]

This is the end, feathered maiden..! [He shouts, launching her back until she's up and against the window as in one of the artistic cards. It is too familiar a scene, and Carly curses as she's pinned, breathing tight.] Presuming I was limited to the same tactics I started with...was a mistake..!

[Ooof..! Carly grinds her teeth, and looks toward Yuugo.] ....Yuugo..!

....I'm probably going to torch this guy in a few moments..! [C A R L Y]

[bananaspeedrider]

[Not if Yugo tries it first. The teen comes forward, his eyes blazing as he positions within the middle of the conflict and lets loose with his plasma breath.]

*PWING-FOOOSH!!!

[Here's hoping he doesn't set any books on fire.]

[fortuneglass]

Hmhmhmhmmhh...nice try, [The spirit replies, and with the wave of his wand, Yuugo's attack is made quite ineffective- it splits through the plasma with ease, turns the remaining glow into nothing but dust, and-]

NHHH-! [The glass behind Carly cracks, and she's launched back and 'below', without even a scream.

'Divine' seems a bit confused by that bit in particular.] Oh...? That wasn't as thrilling as expected...

[bananaspeedrider]

[He snarls in frustration, but turns when the gigantic window shatters. Aw hell- what exactly is down there, was this really part of some plan?! What if something else tries to get her while she's...]

C-carly...?!

[fortuneglass]

[Don't worry, Yuugo. Carly is fine. In fact, Carly is more than fine, rising back up with beating wings and in the form of a much Larger than typical humming bird.

She looks Mad.] YUUGO, [She booms, screeching,] DUCK.

Wh...what on earth is this... [Divine seems quite fearful, backing away as he looks toward the massive hummingbird. His single visible eye is wide with shock and terror, yet somehow even then, it seems...scripted.] Since when did the Maiden have such power..!

[...Definitely scripted.]

[bananaspeedrider]

[Considering that he's not fireproof at all where it counts, Yugo has to contend with being absolutely stunned at this display as well. Is that just the story lending Carly a dramatic twist or-

Wait he still needs to get his butt out of the way. Right. Doing that, doing that now.]

[fortuneglass]

A...a god...no, a demon..! [The book spirit of the 'Serpent' mutters, backing away even further. While the real Carly is at the glass window however, with flames licking her beak, she abruptly clamps it shut- and Yuugo will see why.

He's not too far from the other cards, but one in particular may shed some light on the woman now blocking Divine's path- slowly walking in until he realizes what he's doing, and turns, frozen.]

You...You've returned from the dead!?

HEH!? I've got the God's role here!? [Carly herself sputters, ignored by the spirits. The woman meanwhile stands- a strange copy of Carly in a sense, garbed in ceremonial robes, with blackened eyes.]

That's right, Serpent- you cast me down, and now I have returned..! And with the might of the Spear-Wielding Crow, we shall cast you back to where you send me, and then further..!

[Urp. Carly herself is...looking to Yuugo now, hissing despite her size somehow.]

I-I didn't expect a double of me to come out of this..!! I don't think I can torch him either now..!

[AWKWARD]

[bananaspeedrider]

[As weird as it is to being seeing double with someone that's not his own face or Rin's face... the book spirits can do whatever they want for the moment, including banter.]

And they get a room to do all that, while we find another book.

[Not that he won't flip through new card art when his hand finds what's lying around besides stone.]

[fortuneglass]

They get a room, while I'm stuck here..! [Carly protests, watching the bookspirits continue to go at it-]

'But...But-'

'No 'buts', Serpent...but I am merciful too,' [The spirit-Carly chuckles, and if the real one was not a bird, she'd be pursing her lips.] 'I will give you One Chance to strike me down...'

Oooooffff...Yuugo, we'll just fly our way out- I think I can find my way back from here... [She mutters, though her eyes keep moving back to the spirits.]