victory_road | Day at the races!

Entry tags:

Day at the races!

Who: Everyone!
Where: Moo Moo Farms
When: Saturday, March 20th
Summary:

The day is as lovely as you can expect any early spring day to be. You'll need a coat, yes, and there is a bit of a breeze, but the sun shines happily onto the wooden buildings that make up the Moo Moo Farms where we have all gathered today.

The various farm workers have worked hard to make their farm presentable to the public. Cheerful banners hang between the various sheds, stables and barns, which all have been given a bit of a cleaning (and perhaps a new coat of paint here and there). Of course, it is still a farm, so perhaps don't wear your very best shoes, but as far as farms go, it's been made as neat as can be.

And while the main draws of the day may be releasing the Miltank herd out onto the pasture again after a long winter inside -- whimsically called 'Cow Ballet' on the info sign -- and the Great Tauros Race, Moo Moo Farms has set up various little events and booths to entertain their guests, and perhaps teach them a thing or two about farm life.

A large information sign stands at the gate to the farm, letting visitors know what sort of events are taking place, as well as where and when these are happening. The two big ones -- the Miltank Ballet and the Tauros Race -- are spaced in such a way that people can easily attend both, and most of the other little events are available throughout the entire day.

The Miltank Ballet will be taking place at 1PM over by the big barn. There is little you can do to participate in this (unless you are a cow?), but if you want to watch some ecstatic Miltank dance through the mud and grass after a long winter inside, you should definitely come check this out.

The Tauros Race will start at 4PM (sign ups close at 3PM) and anyone who wants to help give the Tauros a good round of exercise is encouraged and welcome to sign up. There is, according to the sign, a small mystery prize to be won, but surely we are all here because we want to help some cooped up Tauros, right?

In addition to those two big events, two paddocks have been made ready where visitors can test themselves against a Bucking Bronco -- that's his name, Bronco the Bouffalant -- to see how long they can last in the saddle. Due to safety concerns, participants for this event will need to be 16+. For the children, there is a separate rodeo in which they can ride Vaquero the Dubwool, who, for all his seemingly wild behaviour, is actually a very well trained Dubwool who'll make sure no harm comes to the kids.

Of course, while people are free to bring their own food, the Moo Moo Farms have also set up a wide variety of booths where people can buy anything from fresh Moo Moo Milk and milkshakes to freshly made cheese and bread, and oh, is that apple pie? That most certainly is apple pie, as well as various other homey pastries. And as the day goes on, and people might start craving something a little less sweet and more filling, a booth opens up selling various curries. Don't worry, there won't be any Snorlax you need to share with this time!

And for anyone who has found themselves wanting and craving a bovine of their own after all these cute sights, you are in luck! Amidst the various booths, there is also one run by two cheery farm girls, advertising a sale on eggs! All the eggs that are normally available from the Moo Moo Farms can be bought at a whopping 50% discount. Mind that this is only on the purchase price of the egg itself. The price for any additional egg-moves remains the same.

There are also some other, smaller things set up, such a station where you can learn about milking a Miltank and a barrel where you can bob for apples, and even a horseshoe toss game. Most of these are definitely aimed towards teaching and entertaining little kids, but nobody will stop you if you decide to muscle past a row of Youngsters to claim the apple bobbing barrel.

Threaded | Flat

If you are participating in the race, this is where to comment. A list of race obstacles will be posted soon. For each obstacle (seven in total), your character has the option of detouring around the obstacle (A) or somehow overcoming/crossing it (B).

If you choose to detour around it, you need only say that. If, however, your character chooses to take the obstacle on, we'd like a little explanation of how they will go for it. Be creative! Maybe your Tauros has a certain ability that helps you get by this hurdle in the road. Perhaps you have thought up a good plan in advance. Or perhaps your earlier scouting of the track gave you some insight information that will help you deal with this little problem.

For example.

00. While racing along, you notice the race track is barred by a small group of women. Their short, identical haircuts seem to bristle with anger, their phones glint in the sunlight. It's a cabal of Karens, and they would all like to speak to your manager right now over organising this race. What do you do?

If your character would detour around this obstacle, all you need to fill out is

00. Detour.

If your character is meeting this obstacle head-on, simply explain how they handle it.

00. Bovine are known for their methane production AKA fart stink cloud to chase away the Karens.

The way this will be judged is that we will look at your provided strategy, as well as your Tauros' full profile (which will be revealed to you when we start judging!) to see how successful your attempts were. Detours, naturally, will add to your time, but on the other hand, a very unsuccessful strategy might take just as long.

ICly, the race will take place on the 20th, but we won't judge the entries until Friday the 26th, so players have until then to comment. Should all participants have submitted their race strategies before Friday, we'll get to judging earlier!

Edited 2021-03-22 01:19 (UTC)

[Leonardo and his Smeargle, il Maestro, are wandering around the fair all day, sketching (or getting his paint-covered tail on) just about everything. They'll be around the Miltank Ballet, the food stalls, the Bucking Bronco, and of course before and after the Tauros Races. Leonardo's particularly focusing on the pokemon, the way they interact with their trainers, and especially the elegant dance of the Miltanks.

There's a few things any interlopers will note about Leonardo's drawings:

Firstly, his lines are clear and crisp. You can tell what time of day it is based on where the shadows are coming from and the length and thickness of the pencil strokes. The pokemon appear fully formed and rounded on the page.

And secondly, he's left-handed, and whenever he stops to make a note, it appears that he's writing backwards.

He's glad to chat while he works as long as you don't stand in his light, which is where you come in.]

Claudia's here for the snacks. Well and to have a fun day out and support all her friends who'll be racing. She's dressed really cutely, if she does say so herself, with a long baggy shirt with an abstract Tauros pattern, a fringed brown faux suede vest, leggings, cowboy boots, and her very own handmade jewelry, featuring chunky beads painted to look like various kinds of pokeballs. Her long black hair hangs straight down her back.

Claudia's also brought her sketchbook, because any day is a good day to draw, and sometimes she ends up wandering over to perch on haybales and just sketch away. Her drawings are fluid, with a nice sense of movement, and much better than you'd expect from someone of her apparent age. (Which is fourteen-and-a-half by now, but she can usually pass for fifteen, maybe even sixteen, despite not being especially tall.)

She's actually really proud of the study she does on the Miltank Ballet.

Otherwise she's over by the food, nibbling on homemade pastries and later snacking on a mild curry--basically the pokeworld equivalent of Vermont Curry. She does end up trying the horseshoe toss and doesn't do too bad, for all that she's bigger than most of the kids in line. But when it comes to Bronco and Vaquero she's much happier to just watch everyone else get thrown off.

When it comes time for the race, that's when Claudia busts out the glittery hand-drawn sign she's made especially for this, with spelling and translation help from Shinobu. It reads GO KIRISHIMA!!! on top and がんばってきりしま！！！ on bottom.

(She may have given Kirishima one of her paper-mache pokeball beads, strung on a piece of ribbon long enough to be tied around his wrist, as a favor for the race.)

Edited 2021-03-20 20:14 (UTC)

A - Fun and Games

Dimitri has most certainly not come here by himself. Not only does he have his friends and some of the traveling party with him, but he's also carefully selected the team that will be with him for this little excursion.

All of them are excited to be here, of course, and all of them definitely have their own ideas on how to have fun. Fortunately, along with being for children, it seems like some games are definitely made for both children and Pokemon in mind, or even just Pokemon. Fun!

Most of the time, Dimitri keeps Desta the Budew close to himself. She is just a tiny little creature, and cannot change this. However, one can find both of them at the Cake Walk - a simple little game where small children (and small Pokemon) walk in a circle of numbered squares that have been placed on the ground. When some music filtering out from a radio stops, they too have to stop, and the farmer running this particular stand calls out a couple random numbers. Those on the right numbers get prizes!

There to have a Pokemon participate as well? Or participate yourself? Strike up conversation with Dimitri or his shy little Budew either way.

Some of his Pokemon are a bit more active, and Gwin the Swablu is a good example of this as he plays a nice game of Milk Bottle Knockdown. Perched on the counter, small enough Pokemon with ranged attacks are encouraged to give it their best shot. Knock down all the bottles, get a prize! Gwin does his best with moderated Ice Beam attack.... and, when he does not succeed, flaps his way over to angrily Peck at the bottles.

Or he tries, anyway. The stall operator and their Miltank are used to this sort of silliness, and the Miltank raises up a net on a stick to catch him before his attack can land. Dimitri gets his bird back as he does a lot of apologies.

Finally, Gremlin the Rattata is excited to be here, and especially excited to try a ring toss! Much like Gwin, he has to stand on the booth counter for this, because, well... Rattata limbs and size are not meant for ring tossing. This has not stopped Gremlin whatsoever. What he does is that he takes a ring into his mouth and spins around wildly before letting go.

Sometimes, this works!

Sometimes, he lets go prematurely and the ring goes flying at someone else instead.

Whoops.

B - Miltank Ballet

The primary reason Dimitri has attended this little event, however, would be because of his darling - Gabby the Miltank, with a little blue bow at the end of her tail. Of course the two of them go to see how the farm Miltank are doing.

Gabby's experience with other Miltank has been primarily when she had just been hatched, and got to watch Dimitri's match against Whitney. So to see other Miltank just happily romping around, and rolling in the grass... As the two of them watch on the other side of the fence, she gently tugs at Dimitri's leg and makes a small, gentle moo.

Dimitri doesn't need to think twice before he's leaning down, hefting up the young Miltank up into his arms. "Excuse me," he says to anyone else against the fence. He just... needs to get up there real quick, so that he can set his baby girl down in the pasture to meet other cows.

C - is for Cows

See, this is what Dimitri had really been interested in, ever since he heard that MooMoo Farms would be holding this kind of event. The second he hears that there's an area where people can learn how to milk Miltank properly, well - he had to go over. Of course.

And he brings Gabby along. Of course.

As people start gathering, he looks to whoever is nearest. "Do you have any experience with milking a Miltank? Or anything similar?"

D - Food

Dimitri doesn't only have Desta, Gremlin, Gabby, and Gwin with him. He has two other Pokemon as well... Which means quite a big lunch to get for all of them.

People who've made their way to a small picnic area near all the food stalls will find Dimitri having spread out an enormous picnic blanket - the pattern of which includes various frog-like Pokemon as the Froakie, Poliwag, and Croagunk lines in samurai gear.

Dimitri's Pokemon are all settled there, happily munching on all sorts of things. The remaining two Pokemon, Fraldariend the Galarian Ponyta and Donna the Mudbray, seem to have split a honey carrot pie, and are eating it together... the former doing his best to be dainty about it. Meanwhile, Gabby is doing her best to make some fresh jam sandwiches, and is feeding them to Gwin. Bless her heart, she's trying... but Gwin seems absolutely delighted to smear jam all over his beak and face in the process of eating. He looks pretty happy about it.

And then... There is the strangely vast amount of cheeses that have been gathered in a small basket. That has been set in front of Dimitri himself, sitting cross legged with Desta in his lap. Gremlin is digging through the basket, pulling out a large slice of cheese or small wheel and breaking off a piece to excitedly offer to owner and Budew alike.

There are other things, of course - another pie, bottles of fresh milk for everyone, sandwiches made of things that aren't jam - but everyone is preoccupied with what they got.

If Dimitri sees anyone wandering around, he'll smile over. "Are you looking for somewhere to sit? You are free to sit with us, if you do not mind."

E - Wildcard

[i'm not picky, if you got an idea, follow your dreams]

Unlike his friend and classmate, Midoriya, Kirishima is eager to sign up for the races and thus finds himself standing in line. He has the brilliant idea to let some of his own farm-relevant Pokemon out for the occasion - Bulgogi the Tauros, Mochi the Miltank, and Ant the Mudbray - and set them apart as his by marking their hind-quarters with a red handprint stain made of Cheri berry juice. As the trainer of a particularly affectionate Ampharos, he always keeps a couple at hand and he figures this is a impermanent, safe way to dye his Pokemon's fur.

He does not think ahead to the part where other Pokemon might be attracted to the juice. Fortunately, his Machop is doing a fine job of keeping an eye on the tiny herd as they race back and forth outside the fences when the Miltank Ballet begins. Unfortunately he's not likely to intervene if something wants to dare try sampling the mark on Bulgogi, who gives a warning buck or snort of flames. No, Machop is just there to make sure the herd doesn't run too far and assure their safety. It'll be Kirishima running out of line to put a stop to things only to have to trudge right to the back afterwards. At least Mochi is friendly and having a fantastic time making friends with Moo Moo's collection and Ant is content to eat all this fresh mud respectively.

Kirishima, who seems to have never met a stranger, is prone to striking up some idle conversation with whoever is in line with him to pass the time and, of course, is eager to greet anyone he already knows.

Once he finally manages to get his name down on the sign-ups, it's time to check out the food on offer. Naturally, this means partaking in all the free samples he can manage to get short of breaking the 'take one' rule. Very few things can tug Kirishima's attention away from slaking his hunger, but fortunately for his Tauros-to-be, the temptation to partake in a curry before the race is demolished by--

Puppies! Kirishima almost sets off a small stampede with his own farm Pokemon when he beelines it for what seems to be a small petting zoo that showcases the various animals at Moo Moo Farms ( minus the bovines, who get their own little ceremonies ), including Growlithe and Yamper. It's probably more meant for little kids who already took the tour or are too bored by it, but Kirishima doesn't hold any predilections about climbing in and getting his pets on. Of course the Wooloo can only make him think of the sweet Mareep he'd had once upon a time - he was still sweet, he was just a good deal less wooly as an Ampharos now. And if the ground weren't so muddy today, he'd probably be rolling around on it with the puppy Pokemon. Naturally, he's soon counting his funds and chewing his lip at the egg booth, thinking about how to ask Bakugou about the budget when he sees the sign that says only one per customer.

"NO WAY!! HOW DO YOU EVEN CHOOSE?" He barks out incredulously, only to apologize to those who are also sharing the line with him. At that point he ends up trudging back to the pen and leaning against the railing, frowning in thought as he watches the Pokemon move about. Normally he might be able to justify one over the other if there was a type he was missing from his team but... he has both an Electric and a Fire type already. Ugh. This might have to wait until after the Tauros race is done.

Which, when it comes around to it, Kirishima will be riding in nothing but a pair of well-worn khaki cargo shorts, cowboy boots with a bucking Tauros he got from god only knows where, and a ribbon bracelet with a dangling paper-mache pokeball. Listen, at any given moment, Kirishima Eijiro is ready to pop his shirt off and spring has sprung!

Edited 2021-03-21 01:04 (UTC)

[As much as Izuku is glad for a chance at a real sort of respite with Katsuki and Kirishima along with him, he still can't quite shake the unpleasant feelings of needing to be elsewhere. Back home, specifically. Kirishima in particular seemed to be really excited about this event though, and honestly? Maybe he's right. He needs to just take today to not think about what he could or should be doing. He can't help it that he's here, and now he has a responsibility to take care of more than just himself.

Namely, Mighty the Eevee, Mirko the Buneary, and Thirteen the Duskull...who, upon hatching the morning before, has yet to let his trainer's neck go. This is the perfect place for the three youngsters to get out and play, and hopefully get used to other people and Pokemon too.

The Tauros Race is an immediate minor setback, namely because Izuku never intended to actually sign up. One conversation with an enthusiastic booth attendant later and suddenly he's on the list for the race, and well he can't very well back out now, can he? Someone standing nearby seeing him walk away from the booth might hear him mutter "What am I going to do now?" as he goes, mainly in reference to the ghost he can't convince to let him go. Trying to pry a fussy baby off is one issue, but racing on a Tauros with him?

The Miltank Ballet is at least a lot less stressful, namely because Izuku can stand behind the fence and watch with the others. Mirko and Mighty get to be held one in each arm so they can see over the fence, but especially because Izuku doesn't trust Mighty not to just run out in with the Miltank if left to his own devices...which already happened once, you might have been standing nearby when that occurred.

Later on before the race Izuku and his team head over to the food stalls for some lunch, namely to try the different varieties of curry up for sale. Apple curry is the kind he gets for himself and his three, carefully doling out smaller portions for each of them. Thirteen still seems like he's going to be difficult though, turning his face away when Izuku tries to offer him a bit of apple. He'll get hungry eventually he hopes...meanwhile the other two seem to have no trouble tucking in, Mighty's cheek fur already stained red. Mirko is at least a little less...aggressively excited about her food and isn't getting a drop on anything.

At some point while Izuku is handling Thirteen, he takes his eye off Mighty for one second and the little Eevee sprints...somewhere! That somewhere being one of the barrels where kids are bobbing for apples. Surely it's for little Pokemon to play too, right? He sure seems to think so, given the way he's trying to hop up onto the edge of the barrel. Eventually he'll manage to make it up onto the lip, but that's only half the battle...maybe you can rescue him before he plunges headfirst into the apple-filled water?]

[ You might stumble upon Jinx at any given part of the day, looking somewhat lost but excited. Given the lingering chill she's wearing a black sweater- it details a ribcage with flowers growing out and between the bones, because what is subtlety?- and one of her longer skirts and a pair of boots. Her hair is folded over itself with a black clip, bright pink as always, and a pink zubat backpack completes it.

The night before she had talked to all of her pokemon intently on possible crowding and size restrictions, and who really wanted to come. Ultimately, her Galarian rapidash opts to stay in the pokeball when it's particularly cramped, but her dusclops, appletun, and miltank are staying close but obviously curious, while an espurr and a meowth choose to stay in her arms or dangle off her shoulder.

Given her adoration for food, you may catch her at various food stalls, eagerly trying whatever there is to offer- it looks like she's fond everything so far. Maybe she's got some good recommendations! Or you can give her some yourself.

Or maybe you'll catch her and Berry the Miltank at the fences of the Miltank Ballet, where Berry moos out encouragement and joy to her fellow pink cows! Jinx is far more subdued but smiling fondly, petting Berry's head. Eventually she may go talk to one of the farmers about how to properly take care of the miltank... but if you've got any advice, she'll take it too.

At various points she'll also be sitting down in various places with a sketchbook, drawing the scenery or people- or just their outfits as they walk. If she's at a table she might even have a watercolor paint pallet out. She might be checking on a silver-haired boy her age, or one of the medieval knights as well... but mostly she's doing her art thing.

And when it comes to the Tauros Race, she's watching for sure- and laughing, because everyone is goddamn ridiculous. After, though, if she recognizes any of the contestants she'll wave... but. Might not approach immediately? ]

Finally! A chance to go all out. It's a farm, and it's definitely not a place for fashion's finest, but since when does that ever stop Shadowmaru? Never, that's when. His hair is freshly dyed and styled. His outfit is also striking - glittering and purple. With grey cowboy boots. He definitely stands out.

He'll start off by watching the Miltank Ballet, leaning against the fence and cheering. Waving a flag he got from somewhere. There's a Sensu Oricorio on his shoulder, preening.

He will be in a similar position for the Bucking Bronco. Also cheering. Though, this time, his Frogadier will be watching too, waving two flags in support of the contestants.

As the day wears on, you can probably find him browsing the various Foods available. Maybe you have a suggestion? Or doing the same for the Games set up. All this time, his Growlithe will be out and bounding around his feet, sniffing excitedly about.

Bump into him anywhere! He's hard to miss.

Edited 2021-03-22 04:29 (UTC)

[People who know what Doppio's real job is may be wondering if he is here in any Official Capacity (tm). The answer isn't exactly straightforward. Is he here on Rocket business? Not officially. Is he here because the Boss thought he should gather intel? Yes. Did Doppio come here because he just thinks it sounds neat? Also yes.

So, you know, a little bit of business, a little bit of pleasure. And it does mean he has some time before he gets wrapped up in the Race...]

Miltank Ballet

[Is Miltank rare? He's not sure. But there could be a couple of rare Miltank here, and besides, he's sure Whitney has one of those, so he should try to learn as much as he can. Yup, very productive reasons for him to be here watching some pink cows frolic!]

Look at them all carefree... Must be nice to come out and play after so long.

Bucking Bronco

[Several hours later, Doppio's snooping has gotten him into a bit of a Situation. Namely, you know, the Tauros Race.

He's done just about all he can to prepare, he thinks - he's mapped out as much of the track as he could in a half hour or so, and Moocifer is... uh... cryptic? It hasn't hurt him yet, but that doesn't mean Doppio managed to get much of anything out of it. Maybe he's just not cut out for interacting with bulls. ... Or maybe it overheard him asking the Boss "Can you see this? Does he look kind of naked to you too?" and got offended. Look, he's just hoping they didn't give him a sick Tauros or anything. That'd be just his luck.

But the point is, there is something he's not quite sure he can do yet, and he's not about to find out for the first time at 4 PM sharp. So, in the last few minutes he has before the race, he's come here for a test run that he hopes to be sufficiently accurate as to what he can expect from a Tauros.

At least at first. Within five seconds or so of getting on the saddle, he is very much hoping for the opposite. Have you ever wanted to see a man turned into a ragdoll? Because Doppio's lanky limbs are FLYING.

And after a minute or two of holding on valiantly, he goes flying as well.]

Food?!

[Also, throughout the day, a certain Morpeko will periodically sneak away from Doppio and steal snacks from various booths. He does try to keep an eye on Cristina, but when he's busy with other activities, such as race preparation or the race itself... All bets are off. Someone should probably do something about that.]

[ Admittedly, Lysithea might feel a little out of place at times. However, she's ultimately here for a good time and by God she will not be stopped. Her milcery- still unfortunately unnamed- floats around her shoulders and points to different attractions and games, while Chiffon the indeedee stays at her trainer's side loyally. At times you might see a ledian, aron, skorupi and litwick out playing beside her as well.

One may find her recording the Miltank Ballet on her gear while the ledian flutters around cheering on the joyous cows. Go, be free! Enjoy that mud and grass, ladies!

Or perhaps you'll see her at the food stalls staring in awe at the different sweets available. It looks like she's having trouble deciding which to try first. Got any recommendations?

You may also catch the young woman at the egg vendors analyzing the petting zoo showing all the different pokemon one may purchase. Only one per customer, hm? What a tough choice. Though, given that she's struggling to name her current pokemon, perhaps trying to care for an egg at this time would be a bad idea too? She's managing other than the names ~~and her immense discomfort with the litwick who won't leave her alone but she's working on that~~ but... Decisions, decisions.

When it comes time for the Tauros Race, you can for sure hear Lysithea cheering on Claude and Dimitri for sure! Some of her pokemon are also cheering as well, but they're at least trying to not get in anyone's way. If they do, Chiffon will happily lead them back to Lysithea however! Afterwards, however, Lysithea is going to have herself a seat and just people watch. ]

[You know what happens when you decide, oh, I'll just stick around to help some friends for a few days, and then they tell you there's something going on soon, and then you're going to meet them anyway at the end of the month for a thing, so you figure, hey, might as well stick around?

That's Jane right now. But she's not complaining - there's something nostalgic about being back at MooMoo Farms at the start of spring, and this time there's shops and little fun things to do, so she figures it'll be relaxing. Besides, some friends are entering the race! That'll be fun to watch!

You're likely to find Jane shopping at the various stalls, eager to bring back some fresh milk and cheese and bread. Hey, you can't get better ingredients than at the source, right? She's got Dinah out with her, the Audino inspecting each of Jane's picks with an attempt at seriousness, but she doesn't know what to really look for, so it's just kind of cute instead. Jane's also definitely inquiring about a Miltank Egg for herself. Baby cows, fam!

If she's not shopping, you'll see Jane over near where the Tauros Race will take place, chilling out and watching the Tauros get warmed up for their big event.]

Hm...I think I needed this.

[Needed what, exactly? Hm.]

Greg's not going to be racing this year either. Sure, mounts have been provided this time, but the last time he encountered a bull didn't go very well and he doesn't really want to relive the whole chase. But that's fine! He's got some friends in the race. He can cheer for them instead.

There's plenty of other things here anyway. Like the food. The food is great and Greg's long since given up on worrying too hard about his waistline. He ends up getting one of everything and bringing it back to share with Rose and their pokemon.

The cow ballet is pretty fun too and after watching it for a while, Greg ends up turning his guitar around so that he can start playing a simple melody to go with the cows' dancing.

He'll play it again when he's busking later, his four Oricorios (one of each color) dancing in accompaniment. "Ruby Rider" too and then whatever else he can think of. He's a musician and there's a crowd. Busking is almost second nature.

[OOC: Warning for some S5 Steven Universe spoilers in the clip.]

Akane hadn't been sure if she'd still be here for the Tauros Race, but Cassandra and Scorpia still at least one more gym left to do each and she really did want to go down Victory Road with both of them. They were her friends, after all, and they'd been helping her a lot since Connie had vanished.

It was so strange to think that she'd almost been here a year now.

The cow ballet is oddly pretty and she ends up leaning against the fence, watching it. Afterward, well, there's race sign-ups--given Akane's competitive nature, there was no way she wouldn't sign up--and getting something to eat, though it takes her a while to decide between the cheese curry and the decorative curry at the food stalls.

And then, since there's still going to be a while before they announce the bull assignments, Akane attempts to ride that Bronco--she figures she needs all the practice she can get with staying on a the back of an excited pokemon. Surprisingly enough, she manages to keep her grip on the Bouffalant long enough to not get thrown.

After the race is over, you can find her at the egg stand, visibly struggling with herself in her effort not to buy any eggs. After all, they'll be leaving for Victory Road before the end of the month. This isn't the time to get a new baby.

(That said, baby pokemon are always pretty cute and Akane is unfortunately Tempted.)

Food!

Of course the first stop at an event like this is the food. Excited as Steve is to meet the cows and enter the race, it's important to fuel up first. He's wearing his much loved Miltank hoodie for the day, adorned with badges proclaiming "BIRTHDAY MACHAMP" and "18 TODAY!" in bright, bold lettering.

Last year he learned a few tricks about playing birthday to his advantage, and it seems to be paying off today. He has a pile of snacks on a picnic table that is definitely far too much for one person. It's a good job he has his Tauros here to help!

Other Bessie is currently lapping up the very same Moomoo Milkshake that Steve's drinking out of with a straw. Neither one of them seem bothered to be sharing, but also... yeah. Gross.

Bucking Bronco

Maybe this wasn't the best choice of activities after a large helping of snacks? Although he managed to cling tight for an impressively long time given the fearfulness of his screams, it's probably for the best he was thrown off when he was. Steve looks decidedly green around the gills by the time he staggers back over to his own irritated looking Bouffalant.

Afro Bessie shoots a glare at Bronco as her trainer grabs her ruff for support, snorting angrily in his direction.

"S'okay, Bessie..." he assures he weakly. "Palchuk... never... dies..."

Although he sure does look like he's about to. If it weren't for his sturdy Pokémon he probably wouldn't be standing.

Miltank Ballet

This activity is a little easier on him, if not the Miltank he's brought along with him. Not that you'd know she wasn't just another one from the farm. She's taken to "dancing" among them as though she's always been one of the herd.

The only clue there might be something special about this one is the Gastrodon by his side who never seems to take his eyes off her. He doesn't seem interested in joining the dance himself, but his head follows every movement of one particular cow. It's a wonder he's not getting dizzy.

"You sure you don't want to join in? It is cow ballet."

And this pink blob is very clearly a cow.

Petting Zoo

Today he might be a man, but you're never too old for a petting zoo! Steve's in the middle of one pen, waist deep in excited Yampers. Sparks are flying here quite literally as the pups push and shove each other to get in for pettings, their fur rubbing up against each other.

Steve himself is looking a little staticky at the moment, laughing as he ruffles the fur of two very happy looking Yampers at once.

"You guys are pretty cute, huh?"

A - Bucking Bronco

[The races are here again! Or races, at least. It's an excuse to dress up and get out, that's the important thing.]

[But currently, Lust is eyeing the bouffalant set up for endurance testing. She imagines she'd do rather well, considering her years of gymnastics and dance. Not that she's dressed for it, in her wide white sunhat heaped with purple flowers and feathers, or her neat white brocade jacket and matching ankle length skirt. Of course that's half the fun. More than, if she can use it to her advantage...]

I'll bet you a milkshake I can last on Bronco longer than you.

[The wager is offered to whoever happens to be standing next to her outside the paddock.]

B - Miltank Ballet

[It's the strangest ballet Lust has ever seen. She watches, head cocked, captivated by the frolicking cow Pokemon - at a safe distance, that's quite a bit of mud. They're certainly enjoying themselves...]

There isn't even any dancing music. They ought to play proper music for them.

C - Other

[Lust can also be found checking out the various food stalls, perusing the games, contemplating egg purchases, and just generally checking out everything the day has to offer.]

A. So Much Food

"Uuuugh..." A young woman with a Mimikyu sitting on top of her head stumbles around looking vaguely unwell. She looks over to whoever happens to be closeby with a sickly sort of smile. "The food here is so good...but I think I ate too much." She winces, pressing a hand lightly to her stomach. "No, I definitely ate too much. But how could I resist? If I die, at least I'll die satisfied..."

B. Bucking Bronco

Morgan is eager to get up on the back of the Bouffalant, and she hangs on pretty tight, laughing with delight as she rides!...until the Pokemon bucks particularly hard, at which point she very obviously lets go on purpose and goes flying, her head thumping against the paddock fence. "Oof! Wow, I feel pretty woozy, haha!"

...she just lies there for a minute. Is she...okay? Why did she do that??

C. Milc-shake

After Morgan and Shake's prank worked so well on Leonardo, they decide to try it again! On whatever poor unsuspecting (or sharp and skeptical) person they happen to run into that they think might fall for it.

Morgan trots up to them with a full milkshake in hand. "Hey, I don't suppose you'd want this milkshake? I bought it for a friend but they didn't like it, and I'm too full for another one, but I don't want it to go to waste!"

...but only half of this cup is filled with actual milkshake. The rest is filled with a Milcery, who will burst up out of the straw as soon as the victim leans in to take a sip in an attempt to jump-scare them!

As is usually the case when attending events with his ever-growing travel group, Grant’s first priority is making sure his kid is alright. Throughout the day, he’ll by staying close by Chip, always keeping them in sight.

Fortunately, that’s not much of an obstacle to both of them engaging with whatever interests them here, which is… a lot of things. It’s cows and fair food and cows, of course they’re both gonna be super into it.

Grant stands a ways back from the fence to watch the Miltank Ballet, making sure that he’s not blocking the view for anyone shorter than him, which will… probably be most people. In fact, he still has his attention divided between the cows and his surroundings to make sure to move aside as necessary if he’s still blocking anyone’s view - but he can still pretty much see, so it all works out.

When it comes time to make sure that he and his kid actually, you know, eat something (other than the funnel cake Chip is bound to stuff their face with), he can be found wandering among the food stalls for a while as he considers his options. He’s used to being frugal, including at events like this - which is leading to a lot of pacing from one stall to another as he considers what’s available and tries to make a decision. It’s not that money is even that tight for him here, but, listen. That doesn’t mean he can just make a choice with any kind of efficiency.

And then there’s the Tauros Race. Grant isn’t participating, himself, but he’s got to be there to cheer for Claude and Dimitri. And also, apparently, to just generally bear witness to… whatever it is that Dimitri is doing out there? Why did he put mud in his pockets. Where did his shirt go. None of these mysteries can dampen Grant’s enthusiasm, but they do mix some bemusement in there, and those nearby may hear him quietly say to himself: “What is he doing?”

Millennial Tree Cookie has observed plenty of fairs and festivals in his time, aware as he was of an entire continent’s worth of daily goings-on, but he’s never really had the cause or opportunity to attend one - making this a New Experience and therefore VERY exciting.

Earth Colt, it seems, could sense that excitement and was… a little concerned about it, given the apparent level of his Trainer’s judgement skills (near-nonexistent). So, wherever Millennial Tree Cookie goes around the farm, there’s an entire Mudsdale close behind him. That’s probably fine, and totally not getting in anyone’s way.

At least the two of them aren’t generally in the thick of things, as Millennial Tree Cookie is mostly interested in standing by and observing the proceedings with an oddly detached sort of amusement. It doesn’t stick out too much when he’s standing by the field to watch the Miltank Ballet, but he’s kind of bringing the exact same energy to observing the smaller activities and even the Tauros Race. He shows no interest in participating, and doesn’t seem exceptionally invested in things like the competitive aspect of the race, but he’s definitely interested in watching people participate. It just so happens to be in close to the exact same way that he’s interested in watching some cows roll around in a field.

And then there’s the rodeo. That gets some… just some gentle confusion mixed into his amusement as he stands by, one hand resting on Earth Colt (who has carefully placed his giant horse body between his trainer and the rodeo itself, just… just in case someone goes flying? Or Millennial Tree Cookie gets any ideas about getting involved). He speaks up softly, whether to himself or Earth Colt: “Short-lived beings seem to find such joy in taking risks… or at least the illusion of risk.” He supposes nobody is likely to be seriously hurt by the Pokemon, at least.

Miltank Parade

Listen, Gabby may be Dimitri's baby Miltank, but Claude is basically her second dad. As a result, when she comes toddling back after her excursion within the fence to meet the other Miltanks, Claude is the one who retrieves her - in the full confidence that Gabby will be just as happy with him as with Dimitri, and that Dimitri will be completely comfortable with Claude looking after her for a bit.

"Hey there, little lady," he says, scooping her up with a smile. "Did you have fun?" Gabby moos contentedly in response.

Claude and Gabby will be easy to find as they continue to spectate the Miltanks from the sidelines - Claude seated with Gabby on his lap, like a toddler watching a baseball game with her dad. She is absolutely the most precious little Miltank and you should definitely compliment the cute little blue ribbon on her tail.

Oh, yeah, and Claude is also there.

Bucking Bronco

In wild contrast to the peacefulness of earlier, Claude has sought out this wild Bouffalant with a gleam in his eye. He doesn't look like too much of a serious competitor when he steps up, either; Claude's not especially tall, certainly not especially broad, and looks like he could be quite easily tossed.

And then he proceeds to hang on until Bronco actually exhausts himself and has to stop for a breather. Then he slips off and out of the ring, grinning.

...look, when you not only ride wyverns (and now, in this world, pokémon) high in the sky, and sometimes make a habit of leaping off them only to land back on them again in midair, you develop thighs of absolute steel.

And to think Felix doubted that Claude's theatrics have practical skill-building purpose.

After The Race

Herbert Hoover, Claude's Tauros, is currently and eagerly devouring several of the most deluxe poffins Claude could afford, as per a promise (bribe) Claude made to get him to leave the picnicking girls at the end of the course alone. This is after Claude's given him a nice rub-down to deal with that pollen he made Herbert run through. But, while Herbert eats, Claude is actually paying attention to a completely different pokémon.

Cradled in Claude's hands, barely visible, is a Joltik who is preening for all he's worth, waving his little legs happily as Claude tells him what a good boy he did and how much help he was. Skittles here was one of Claude's forward scouts for the course; a tiny insect like Skittles couldn't really do much or get far at all into scoping out the terrain, but he'd wanted to help when Claude was speculating about scouting out the track and Claude didn't have the heart to turn him down. And, even though Skittles never made it any further than the very first obstacle(before Claude was obliged to have Wyvern go and carry him back, just so he'd arrive back before summer solstice), he'd still managed to bring back valuable intel and communicate it! It just goes to show, never underestimate the little guy. Both in general, and this specific little guy in particular.

If you're wondering who or what Claude is talking to in the cup of his hands, you're free to approach. You may be just in time to see Claude present perhaps the tiniest poffin you've ever seen to Skittles, all for his very own.

(It really only makes sense that poffins would come in scales suitable for a wide size variety of pokémon, when you think about it. Even in some modern-day worlds, people will go extremely out of their way to make tiny, intricate food for animals not nearly as intelligent as pokémon are.)

Wild Card

It's easy enough to find Claude all around the farm, really. Do you want to approach him while he's letting his team (currently consisting of Gambit the Galarian Ponyta, Wyvern the regular Ponyta, Remis the Arcanine, Sicily the Sawsbuck in his new spring coat, Blitz the Noivern, and a nearly invisible Skittles the Joltik snuggled on Claude's shoulder) romp in the fields? Find him sampling all the curries? ~~He can and will try them all.~~ Really, the only place you won't find him is at the egg stall; he just recently bought Wyvern the Ponyta here at the farm, so he's not even sure he's allowed to double-dip and he's not really looking to try.

Ryner doesn't always make it to the big festivals. He's got a job to do, and travel is a lot, and he only has so much energy. But Moo Moo Farms is close enough to Ecruteak to only be a reasonable amount of travel, and besides, certain people have been trying to get him to socialize more, so why not, right?

So he's there, mostly just wandering about and observing the sights. He doesn't really have anything in particular in mind, though he will make sure to get himself and his Pokemon a good snack. By which I mean, splitting an apple pie. There might be some left to share.

(At one point, you might catch him being dragged over to the egg stand by his Clefairy, while he's grumbling, "Really, Rose, do we really need another partner?" Rose seems to very much think so.)

Of course, Rose did successfully harass him into signing up for the Tauros Race, so he'll be taking part in that. During that, you'll find his Clefairy, Absol, and Joltik all together, cheering him on from the sidelines. ...Or, well, Rose and Glen are cheering, at least. Jehra is mostly just watching.

...Or you can always catch Ryner after the Tauros Race, shaking his shirt out in an attempt to get enough mud, pollen, and possibly other grime off of it to make it at least somewhat wearable. He might be trying to convince Rose to help him out here. She might be making a big show about deciding whether to oblige or not.

Cassandra is here largely because Akane is here; she doesn't really get the point of anything that's going on. She's not sure if this sort of thing is normal for humans or if it's just another thing that makes this world so strange; she doesn't really have the experience to judge.

She watches the ballet for a bit (it's lost on her), then watches people attempt to ride the Bouffalant that doesn't want to be ridden (also lost on her), then makes her way over to the site of the race (also lost on her, but Akane's competing and she wants to be supportive). At some point, she might drift over to the egg stand, but she thinks that might not be a good idea: she might end up with an egg that way.

As usual, she's accompanied by Blade the Silvally and (now) Lythie the Murkrow, the former brightly sparkling in the sunlight while the latter perches on Blade's head (and Cassandra is not sure where Lythie got those sunglasses and isn't sure she wants to know). Blade seems at least as nonplussed as Cassandra about this whole thing, while Lythie is... possibly looking for trouble to get into. Cassandra's not sure, and she's honestly kind of worried.

Edited 2021-03-28 12:26 (UTC)

Jean finished the race at an admirable place in the stampede. Even if he didn't rank in the top three, he was pretty satisfied with the results. He gave Cownt Dracula some treats, returned the Tauros to the Moo Moo Farms, and attended the awards ceremony.

It was there that he realized Armin wasn't among the crowd of participants. Once the medals had been handed out, he approached the people who coordinated the race to ask if they'd seen one of the riders cross the finish line: short blonde hair, blue eyes, about yay-high...

Yeah, they didn't. After giving the organizers a piece of his mind about the shoddy safety protocols in place here, he decided to double back.

Jean had two possible scenarios in mind. Either Armin got bucked, or trampled, or his Tauros got away from him, and he was now stranded somewhere on the course where no-one would think to look, or...

The Sawsbuck. Of course it was the damn Sawsbuck.

"Armin," Jean called from a slight distance away as he rode up on his Rapidash, his exasperation evident. "You do understand what the goal of a race is, right?"

Edited 2021-03-31 02:43 (UTC)

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TAUROS RACE

(frozen comment) RACE OBSTACLES

Leonardo da Vinci - OTA