Halloween 2023

[indigo_league]

The last few hours before dusk sees you all arriving at a large, stately home just outside of Lavender Town.

Unlike previous years, where Halloween had you visiting dilapidated castles, this manor home is in perfect condition. Age hasn't crumbled the walls or worn away the dark roof, but rather it sits on the manor like a heavy, proud crown, a testament to the many long years it has stood here while everything around it changed but it stayed forever the same. Candlelight flickers in its many windows, while it casts a dark shadow against the slowly setting sun. The gravel crunches under your feet as you make it up the long drive and a cold wind chills you to your very bones, even through the layers of whatever costume you've chosen to wear.

Then the manor's large double doors fling up. Two long shadows stretch down across the driveway towards you, light spilling around two silhouettes standing in the opened door, beckoning, inviting. Soy doffs his hat, while Riegfried bows deep, his hare ears nearly brushing the ground.

"Welcome to our Halloween Feast."




Inside the Manor

Not all of the Manor is available for you to explore. In fact, it's really just the ground floor that has been decorated and made available for your use. And even then, what rooms are available to you depends on the time of evening.

Contest portion

Early in the evening, several large rooms on the left of the Manor are open to your character.

The largest of these rooms has a stage and chairs set up, clearly where the contest will be held. Soy can be found in this room, in case you need to discuss some things with him ahead of your performance like lighting cues or other things you might need.

In addition to this, a dressing and prop room have also been made available. Need some last-minute adjustments on your costume? Desperate to find one final prop to really make your performance shine? Why not peruse the items Riegfried and Soy have brought with them for you to use? This is also a good place to have a chat with some others -- perhaps you like to scope out the competition before the performances start, or you are a newbie looking for some advice. Either way, this is the best place to find it!


Haunted Ball

Once the contest has concluded, and night has well and truly fallen, characters will be able to enter the large room on the right of the Manor.

The Ball Room has been decked out in enough black lace and dark velvet to make any classical vampire quite jealous. The ceiling has been decorated with spider silk that sways ever so slightly, casting flicking shadows on the walls in the candlelight. And while there are some seats and benches along the edges of the room, most of it is left free for people to dance and mingle. On a small podium in the corner of the room, a band of ghouls and zombies (costumes, we hope!) plays the kind of spooky tunes that are still, somehow, upbeat enough to dance to.

As folks dance and make merry and the evening carries on, one might note a spectral shape gliding around the dance floor, observing, before finally nudging its ghostly nose against a hand here and there and suddenly the ballroom floor is a lot more crowded.

More details about this part of the event can be found here

Outside the Manor


If you run out of interesting things to do inside (or you need some fresh air), why not visit the sprawling yard behind the Manor? It too has been decorated for the occasion -- carved pumpkins sit everywhere, candles burning merrily inside and on top of them. As night falls, a trained flock of zubat swoop low over the garden, adding that extra hint of spookiness to the air. Don't worry, they've been trained not to get caught in anyone's hair!

Food

The garden is clearly where Riegfried and Soy have put the less formal Halloween Activities, starting with a fair few food stalls. There is a stand where you can get drinks, offering things like tea and coffee, hot chocolate for the kids (or the young at heart) and mulled cider for the adults. No one shall go parched tonight!

Food is also available in various flavours, from various sorts of candy (cotton and otherwise) to more hearty snacks. No need to worry if your character isn't into all of this sweet stuff! There is piping hot soup and other common festival foods available as well for those seeking a break from all the sugar.

One stand in particular draws attention though, not for the food on offer --though those Candied Apples do look mighty tasty!-- but rather for the unusual pokemon that sits both proudly on the booth itself as well as the sign above the stand. Rumour has it that if you feed one of these Syrupy Apples to your Applin, you might just see something amazing!


Maze

A large corn maze has been grown towards the back of the sprawling yard. Riegfried and Soy have made sure to make it a little more exciting than your average maze though.

A small warp pad will transport you to the middle of the maze, from where you'll have to find your way out, guided only by lantern light (please remember to pick one of the lanterns before warping in!). And as if that isn't spooky enough, the maze has been stocked full of Pokemon ready to give you a little fright. Try not to run towards that dead end now!

The pokemon in the maze are available for capture. In fact, Riegfried and Soy encourage you to make a new friend or two in their haunted maze.

Available Pokemon: Zubat, Gastly, Murkrow, Misdreavus, Shuppet, Duskull, Drifloon, Yamask, Galarian Yamask, Litwick, Phantump, Pumpkaboo, Sinistea, Impidimp, Greavard, Gimmighoul

Bonfire

Set a bit away from the food stalls, and very safely away from the maze, is a large bonfire. October nights, after all, can get quite cold, and it will be nice to warm yourself up next to the fire. And maybe put all manner of things on a stick and roast them above the fire.

At the bonfire, you'll also find Riegfried. You've only ever seen him in his role as a contest or prom host, but today he's here to show you he's got one more hidden talent. Yes, by the light of the bonfire, Riegfried will be telling ghost stories. Why not sit for a spell, drink some hot choco and listen to the frightening tale of man door hand hook car door.

(Of course, Riegfried cannot be there the whole night. He still has contest duties to attend to too, so whenever he is absent, why not try your hand at telling a spooky story yourself? Tell people what goes bump in the night back in your home world)

Contest submissions | Shiny draw | Witches' judgement | Greavard event info

Comments

Contest Submissions

[indigo_league]

Submit your entries here. What we are looking for is information on what your character is doing, and how their Pokémon are carrying out this performance. To help you along, we've created a small form to fill out. Should you run into any questions, please use the previous OOC info post to ask them!

Please remember that for this contest, you must somehow include this piece of music. Any pokemon you choose to use must use at least one move.

The deadline for these submissions is November 7th at 11:59 PM EST! Best of luck to everyone!


<B>Character name</b>: <B>Pokemon</b>: <B>Move used</b>: <b>The performance</b>:

[phoenixwiz]

Character name: Harry Potter
Pokemon: Violet the Espeon
Move used: Swift, Dazzling Gleam, Shadow Ball, Morning Sun

The performance: As the curtains pull back, Violet walks onto the stage to dance and wow the crowds, dressed as a little fairy (complete with sheer glittery wings and a fancy gem set circlet). Harry is by her side, telling her to impress the crowds to her best ability. So she begins to dance when the music starts, using Swift to her advantage. Stars come out as she twists and turns around gracefully before she uses Dazzling Gleam to enhance the stars’ light, bedazzling anyone who would be curious to see.

This allows him to walk around in awe of the light, to hopefully evade the darkness that surrounds the two of them. As he walks towards the falling stars, his eyes glued to them, Violet proceeds to use Shadow Ball to blast them away, enhancing the feeling of dreaded sorrow that would have crinkled his face.

At the climax she will leap high and use Swift and Morning Sun to bring the drama factor as she does a flip turn in the air, raining down shining stars over the stage and the heads of the crowd before safely landing on her feet. As the music ends, she happily runs up to Harry’s arms and snuggle him on the face, letting him know that she did give it all she got.

[bloodysnarky]

Character name: Astarion
Pokemon: Phantasm the Shuppet and Yula the Litten
Move used: Imprison, Will-O-Wisp, Ember, Night Shade, and Sunny Day

The performance:

Astarion would get on his knees on the stage floor, hands griping his shoulders and with a pained expression. These rich folk and regular trainers/breeders wanted a show? The Pale Elf was willing to oblige. Phantasm created a makeshift Imprison cage as the somber music began, surrounding Astarion. Astarion's expression was visibly nearly in tears, when then the tempo so slightly picked up. The cage would disappear and Astarion would strut, lunging with his whole legs out into the open of the stage, his body contouring with the Night Shade creating the darkness behind him, nearly shrouding him again. It was like a whole dance it itself, his pale complexion absolutely now showing he was into the moment. He would dance like this for a while Then it was like as if he wasn't there anymore, opening his eyes to the sun. He had to remember where he was, in himself fully.

With a flicker of Sunny Day, the light would be bright and Astarion would kneel again on the ground, blue and red flame surrounding him (Will-o-Wisp and Ember)...but he smiles. He looked to the "Sun in the Sky" and made a peaceful smile, even with the flame around him, because the sun was beautiful. Even if it haunting in its seeming to punish him. It was beautiful freedom from the dark, cruel still in the end.

[outofsynth]

Character name: Ryan Akagi + Min-Gi Park
Pokemon: Boo the Froslass + Rodeo the Alolan Marowak
Move used: Boo: Icy Wind, Powder Snow, Will-o-Wisp & Draining Kiss | Rodeo: Fire Spin, Flame Wheel & Focus Energy

The performance:

At the start, the stage is empty. The music has quietly begun, but the lights are dimming with each note. A chill passes over the audience as Icy Wind is cast, followed quickly by Powder Snow. The icy landscape makes it difficult to see much of anything, but a lone figure can just about be made out, slowly trudging through the falling snow in time with the music. Pausing momentarily, the figure comes to a stop. Slowly he starts to pirouette, surrounding himself in a blue-green flame from a Fire Spin.

As the flames disperse from around him the figure is revealed to be an Alolan Marowak, lit now by the flames from his bone club. In the background, Min and Ryan are just barely illuminated by the eerie light, only occasionally coming into view as they play their instruments along to the song. Min-Gi is clad in an Alolan Marowak costume of his own, and Ryan's Froslass costume may give a hint to the other Pokémon yet to be seen in this performance.

Rodeo traverses back and forth across the stage with Flame Wheel, pausing after each pass to look around, still lost within the snow.

Alas, Rodeo is not alone. In time with the music, flames from Will-o-Wisp begin to appear, attempting to lure Rodeo across the stage. Soon, the maiden herself appears - a Froslass, moving delicately and deliberately with her attack to try and beckon him closer. A purposeful traditional dance. Come here, dear traveler - she will keep you warm in this dark and dangerous storm.

Rodeo resists as much as he can, using Focus Energy to try and prevent himself from being tempted. But she seals the deal by blowing him a Draining Kiss in the middle of her dance, and that’s all it takes for him to give in, dancing in time with her as she lures him across the stage.

All of a sudden, the music track halts. The instruments once pleasantly accompanying the track hit purposefully sharp, dissonant notes, a noise meant to be a scream in the night. All goes quiet.

Then, slowly, the music returns and so does Boo - softly dancing across the floor with her remaining Will-o-Wisps around her as the snow fades away, ending the performance.

[crystalmaster]

Character name: Radley
Pokemon: Evie the Eevee and Cosmo the Kirlia
Move used: Double Team, Psybeam, Swift

The performance: Evie, upon learning of the piece of music required and what it's about, decides she must make a happy story for the wandering fairy! She also somehow convinced shy Cosmo the Kirlia to actually join her.

The stage opens with Cosmo twirling around through a dark forest at night, looking lonely and sad. She casts Double Team to try to convince herself she isn't alone.

Evie frolics onto the stage and sees her. She skips over and goes on two legs, trying to talk with her. Cosmo doesn't want to interact, bitter and saddened after long years of exile.

Evie doesn't give up and dances with her on all fours. Slowly Cosmo starts to soften. They dance and twirl across the stage, eventually coming on an omimous dark shadow (really the lights on one half of the stage going out) that heads for Evie. Cosmo protects her with Psybeam and the shadow falls away.

Evie beams, casting Swift as brilliant stars across the night sky as they dance off the stage and into Radley's arms.

Re: Contest Submissions

[questioneverything]

Character name: Allura Kogane and Romelle
Pokemon: Oriande the Gardevoir and Bandor the Bewear
Move used: Oriande: Misty Terrain, Will-o-Wisp, Telekinesis, Teleport; Bandor: Strength

The performance: There's a soft noise as Oriande the Gardevoir uses Misty Terrain to cloak the stage in fog. As the lights come up, it's visibly a spooky graveyard. The music starts softly as Allura, masked, and Romelle, also masked, each enter from opposite sides of the stage in their ghostly costumes. They approach one another, then lift their left hands and press their palms together. They circle once, then part ways to reveal that Oriande has used Will-O-Wisp to create a tiny flame in the fog behind them.

"Long ago, a young maiden died before she could be married," Romelle started. "But her love for her fiancé blocked her spirit from crossing over."

"Each night, she searched for her partner, or someone like her partner," Allura continued. "Centuries passed, and, while her fiancé was gone, she still lured in those she felt his energy from."

The Gardevoir does this several times to create a trail of wispy flames, luring in her dance partner... Bandor the Bewear sporting a bow tie. He follows the wisps, slowly seeming to get more and more lost among the mist.

"One day, a young man became entranced by her spells," Romelle said. "Drawn in by her wisps, he soon found himself lost in the fog until he found her grave."

Bandor stops at the last wisp, leaning down to give a close look at the headstone. Oriande rises up from behind it, a veil covering her face. She holds out an arm, and Bandor reaches up as if in a trance and takes the offered arm. Together, the two begin a Viennese Waltz... slow and flowing, twisting and turning together, around and around. Gradually, Oriande uses Telekinesis to lift them both from the floor, continuing their ghostly dance.

"Once she had him, the maiden tried to take him with her to the other side," Allura explained. "But the living cannot travel with the dead. His living spirit was still held firmly, and the maiden, as they danced, began to realize that her time with the living was over."

The dance becomes slower, somber, and the two dancers share a longing look. Using Strength, Bandor lifted Oriande over his head in an elaborate spin, tossing her just high enough. In a flash of blue light Oriande Teleports and vanishes at the height of her toss. Bandor looks around frantically for a moment.

"The maiden knew she could not take the young man with her, no matter how much she wanted to, and, in a show of mercy, she released her hold on him," Romelle said. Slowly, Bandor starts to act like he doesn't remember why he was there, the Misty Terrain beginning to fade from the stage. Now, a clear path out of the graveyard scene was visible.

In the lingering fog upstage, the form of Oriande could be seen peering from behind some prop headstones.

"As the fog lifted, so did her spell," Allura said. "The young man didn't remember why he was in the graveyard that night, but he never forgot the feeling of love he had received for those few moments. Free to go, he left the graveyard and lived a happy life."

Bandor makes his way off the stage again. Oriande steps forward for another moment, then, with another softly rolling Misty Terrain and a blue flash of Teleport, she disappeared from the stage.

"Satisfied with her final dance, the maiden crossed over, never to be seen again."

Contest outcome

[indigo_league]

As Halloween night's festivities creep closer and closer to an end, Riegfried and Soy stand in the center of the ballroom. The room darkens, save for a spotlight that bathes the hosts in an eerie lavender light. Murmurs of surprise gradually die down, and once all eyes are on them, the two make their announcement: The contest winners have been decided.




We invited you to be inspired by our spooky music of choice, and the results were simply delightful! We truly saw the cream of the contest crop here tonight! Thank you, one and all who participated. In fact, each of the runner-up participants will receive but a small token of our gratitude for the show you put on! Ah, but more on that in a moment, because of course... Even among greatness, there are those who stand out most.



★★★



In third place is the contest newcomer who moved us to tears, Astarion!

For a truly haunting performance, he will receive a bronze ribbon, as well as a red flute! With a color as boldly striking as Astarion's unique storytelling choices, this instrument can be played to snap a pokemon out of infatuation.


★★★



In second place, we have the lovely duo of Allura and Romelle!

For presenting not only a tragic tale, but some stunning fashion, both young ladies will receive silver ribbons and yellow flutes! The clear note these instruments play will free a pokemon from confusion!



★★★



And last, but far from least, first place goes to Ryan Akagi and Min-Gi Park!

For their beautiful and, please forgive our pun, but downright chilling performance, our top-winning contestants will both be awarded a gold ribbon. Each also may make their choice¹ between a black flute that will reduce the likelihood of encountering wild pokemon, or a white flute that will increase that chance! But on Halloween, there are tricks as well as treats... Misters Akagi and Park should know that the black flute's music means any pokemon you do encounter will be stronger than usual, while the pokemon drawn by the white flute's music will be weaker than average.


---


As promised, all other contestants will receive a consolation prize! Yes, we have air balloons for the rest, but these aren't the usual same old drab things. My, no! Each one of these single-use battle items were custom-ordered to have all the visual flair of the jack-o-lanterns that are emblematic of this holiday!

We thank you, dear contestants, for your participation, and we thank you all for attending our celebration of the most wonderfully creative day of the year!




¹ While Ryan and Min-Gi must each choose only one flute to take, Riegfried and Soy have two each of the black flute and the white flute, so making the same pick is an option!

Special Draw - Shiny

[indigo_league]

Rich and generous as they are, Riegfried and Soy have set up a special little surprise for you all. Right before the start of this party, they released a very special Pokemon onto the grounds of the mansion -- a shiny Pokemon! And it goes to whoever can catch it. No, they are not telling you what Pokemon they released. Where would the fun be in that? Instead, why not keep an eye out and see if you can lay your hands on this special little prize?




---

This special shiny draw is available for all characters, regardless of whether they are trainers, breeders or even rockets. The way it works is that if your character is catching a Pokemon during this event, you can submit them here. After the deadline passes, we will put all the submitted names into a big hat and draw out someone at random who will find that the Pokemon they caught was actually a shiny all along.

If your character is catching multiple Pokemon during this event, feel free to note all of them down here. It will not increase your odds of getting a shiny, and should you get chosen, we'll pick a Pokemon from your list at random.

If you play multiple characters, feel free to submit each of them for this draw.

This draw is a special event extra from us to you, so it will not count against your character's regular shiny draw if they are a trainer.


The deadline for submitting your characters is Tuesday November 7th, 11:59 pm EST.

---

<B>Character:</b> Self explanatory! <b>Pokemon:</b> List all the Pokemon they are catching during this event.

[prayreturn]

Character: Minfilia
Pokemon: good boi Greavard

Witches' Judgment

[indigo_league]

All throughout the party, you may find yourself accosted by a trio of witches -- a Mimikyuu, a Leavanny and a Bannette¹. From underneath the wide brims of their hats, their eyes peer at your costumes intensely, their head nestled close together as they exchange whispers.

Do you dare to subject yourself and your costume to their judgment? Impress them and you might find yourself rewarded. However, it's not only rewards they are handing out...

¹ If asked, Riegfried and Soy will react with some confusion and do not seem to be responsible for this trio of Pokemon. However, they will mention there are some stories of a trio of ghosts that inhabit this manor, who once belonged to the old lady of the house. Strange.


---

If you'd like to get your costume judged, post it here, and we'll let you know if you'll receive a trick or a treat.

[prayreturn]

Minfilia, at first, was not going to go in too complex an outfit. But then her Mimikyu insisted and you cannot resist those puppy-dog eyes...

Thus, she is presenting herself for being judged in a quite elegant outfit. Well, at least the dress is elegant, in blacks and silvers. Two eye-like marks on the belt show the true intention of the outfit, though...

It's themed to her shiny Mimikyu - thus, under her dress is a black skirt, that seems to fade into the ground, which cannot be seen past. And a ribbon that looks like a Pikachu tail, tied around her waist. She has also used makeup on her shoulders and neck to look like patchwork, like a Mimikyu having constructed it and sewn it in their own fashion.

All Hallow's Eve - event info

[indigo_league]

Halloween is a time of pumpkins and candy and costumes, of fun tricks and treats. But Halloween is also the advent of a different time -- the time of spirits and the dead, of those who have passed on and can only exist in memory.

But tonight, one little ghost (an actual ghost, the ghost of a ghost pokemon, if you will) is going to help you remember.

As this little Greavard goes around the dance floor, touching his snout to hands here and there, your characters will suddenly find themselves joined by the spirits of those that have passed on. For just tonight, this loyal little hound has herded them back here to you, to participate in this celebration. Unfortunately, he is only one little (ghost) dog, so there are limits to what he can do, but he's doing his very best to let you enjoy this night with a loved one, however long they've been gone.

---

Welcome to the final part of our Halloween event. This part of the event is fully optional, so whether or not your characters interact with this part is fully up to you.

In short what is happening is that our little ghost Greavard is going around, bringing back a lost soul for your character. There are a few rules associated with this which we will lay out here. However, if anything remains unclear, please respond to this comment and we'll answer your question as soon as possible!

★ If you choose to participate in this part of the event, Greavard will bring back the soul of one deceased loved one for your character to interact with. We understand that some of you might have oodles and oodles of dead relatives, but please, for the sake of our little Grimmy, one dead person per character. So pick carefully!

★ The brought back souls, in true spooky fashion, will be slightly see-through, incorporeal, and incapable of speech. So, unfortunately, your character will not be able to hug or talk with their deceased friend and or relative. That doesn't mean you cannot communicate with them at all! The spirits can hear you and can respond through facial expressions and the like. The saying is as silent as the grave for a reason.

★ Other people can see and interact with the spirits brought back. Want to introduce your dead dad to some new friends? You can do that. Again, limited by the whole 'unable to speak' thing, but interactions are possible.

★ Grimmy the Greavard is trying his very hardest to make this a good experience for all. So the ghosts he is bringing back for the character should overall be a good experience. Obviously, we understand that it might be difficult for your character to see their lost loved one, or might have some more complicated feelings for them, but the point is just that Grimmy isn't doing this as a punishment! So he won't be bringing back a dead enemy to torment you or a dead family member you are glad to be rid of. He's on the lookout for friendly spirits!

★ No, Riegfried and Soy aren't actually responsible for this part of the event. They are as baffled as you are! They knew the Manor was a little haunted before they rented it out for the night, but they thought that just meant a bit of a Haunter infestation in the attic. Not this.

★ If you'd like to interact with Grimmy, feel free to NPC him for your threads. He's just a friendly ghost pooch trying to help out.

Minfilia Warde | Final Fantasy XIV

[prayreturn]

A)

[ Minfilia Warde had been quiet for the last while. Unless your character watched TV, that is - they would have seen her battles and victory against the Elite Four, and then. Silence. (Honestly? She was exhausted.) So as she bowed her head at the hosts, she was looking for her friends to celebrate with. Or perhaps new friends! Her league team had come with her - minus Tigers' Eye, who would rather mess around back home. Instead, her shiny Mimikyu trailed, chirping in Mimikyu about how cool Minfilias' outfit was. Gonna jump her and surprise her? Celebrate her victory with her, or ask why she's been so quiet about it? ]

B)

[ While Minfilia was not taking part in the contest, she had watched quite intensely. And when there was time, she rested in the Haunted Ball - not on the dance floor, but having a drink. Offering one to you. ]

I wonder how long it took for them to decorate this?

C)

[ Now, Minfilia had gotten used to mazes. After all, if the rumours were correct, she had kept some of the Orthworm tunnels near her home and had been preparing them for... something. And yet, she was lost.

Holding her lantern tightly, Minfilia took a step forward. Another. And then heard a sound, turning around--

Oh dear. I hope she didn't just swing her lantern at you. ]

D)

[ Perhaps the first time she had seen ghosts, it had shaken her. Back when she was new, and the two talked at her.

But now, there was just one, and she was silent. And yet, Minfilia smiled warmly. After all, she knew how to speak to quiet people. So, during the quiet hours, Minfilia and her masked friend, Yda, simply sat and rested. Minfilia bragging a little, and telling her she was right last time. Wondering if this is common...

Though if you come close - well, Minfilia gave a wave. ]

Pray, is aught amiss? It looks like you've seen a ghost.

[ Said with a smirk. ]

E)

[ Feel free to DM me here or on Plurk for other stuff! ]

b

[livlaughlove]

[Maybe Livio had been a little nervous upon being approached, but that's more related to the possibility that somebody would have the terrible judgment to ask to dance. At, you know, a dance. As it is, the big guy relaxes significantly when he realizes the lady is just offering a drink, and he accepts it with a smile.]

Thank ya kindly. I been wonderin' the same thing myself. It's, uh... extravagant.

[Kind of like her outfit, which he is just now taking in... and maybe he's feeling extremely silly for being next to her in a bear onesie.]

Oh! You're a Mimikyu! It's awful pretty.

Bo-Katan Kryze | The Mandalorian

[mywayistheway]

Haunted Ball

Those who actually know Bo-Katan might be surprised when she actually shows up in a costume. And not just a costume, but an actual dress. Do you even recognize her? For not only is she wearing a dress but she also has a small pair of matching Lunala wings. Instead of her usual headband she’s also wearing a crescent shaped headdress that resembles the top of Lunala’s head.

Bo-Katan walks around the floor, a spectator as the contest goes on. Though whether she may dance or not might depend on if anyone is brave enough to ask her.

Ghosts of the Past

While enjoying the ball, Bo-Katan is startled when she feels a cold wet nose press against the palm of her hand. Quickly she turns, looking to see who it was that had touched her. Only to see a very familiar ghostly face. Bo’s own face turns pale, her green eyes widening as she looks upon the specter of her sister.

“Satine?” Bo-Katan breathing the name of her sister in complete shock. The spirit merely smiles and tilts her head as she looks Bo over, clearly pleased with her sister’s choice of fashion. Though none of that mattered to the red headed Mandalorian at the moment as tears began to roll down her cheeks. The words she was wanted to tell Satine for many years finally coming out.

“I… I’m so sorry,” she whispers. “For everything.” The spirit’s face softens and she silently reaches out a hand, wanting to touch Bo’s face and wipe away her tears. But of course she can’t.

Outside

Once the ghost of her sister is gone, Bo-Katan retreats outside. She wanders off away from the crowd, needing a moment of privacy as she tries to compose herself. Do you see her and follow or stumble across her?

Food

Mandalorians love a good feast, and of course after that emotional onslaught she decides to partake in some of the festival cuisine. Getting herself a hot bowl of soup to start out with, which does well to sooth her soul and fill her stomach.

She even lets out one of her Pokémon who she knows will love this. A Snorlax now taking up a lot of space next to her and rumbling in a pleased manner as it stuffs its face with cotton candy.

However, the big round Pokemon won’t stay still for long as something catches her eye. Stomping towards the stall with the candied apples and unceremoniously helping herself. Shoveling a bunch of the syrupy treats into her mouth.

“Epar! No!” Bo-Katan shouts as she comes running, trying to shove the Snorlax away but to no avail as she doesn’t budge. So instead she quickly recalls the gluttonous Pokémon into her ball. An apologetic look given to the Pokemon attending the stand. “Sorry.”

Bonfire

Finally, with a mug of mulled cider and a calmer Pokémon at her side, Bo-Katan decides to sit by the fire and listen to the stories being shared. Her Cubone sits beside her, looking around and taking everything in.

The Mandalorian snorts softly to herself as she takes a sip of her cider. Not all that impressed with the story they had been given. “There’s far more frightening things in my galaxy,” she mutters to whoever might be sitting on her other side.

Food

[phoenixwiz]

This was a moment that he was not expecting to witness. Harry was just there to get some Syrupy Apples with Violet, Ron and Minerva tagging along. It seems to be a nice calm night when they all witness Epar endlessly snacking on the Syrupy Apples much to Bo-Katan’s horror and the group’s surprise.

His mouth drop in shock and he is unable to get over how hungry a Snorlax can get: he has known some things about their pre evolution form Munchlax from Luisa but this is the first time that he sees a Snorlax’s hunger in full display.

Once Epar gets recalled into her ball, Harry is understandably concerned as he goes in to check with her.

“Hey. I just saw your Snorlax trying to finish all of the Syrupy Apples. I didn’t expect a Snorlax to have an appetite this big until now.”

Harry Potter | Harry Potter

[phoenixwiz]

Haunted Ball
(Since this is his second time going to the Halloween party, Harry decides to get even more adventurous in his costume choice because why not? Plus he has been working on his Halloween related trauma of losing his parents on that day so there is a lot of effort being made. This year, he is going to be dressed as the main character of the hit action adventure TV show, Tennessee Smith himself.

Decked out in clothes fit for a globe trotting archeologist, Harry will be just at the sidelines, watching the dancers wistfully while Violet, Ron and Minerva chatter among themselves on who has the best dance skills among the partygoers.)

A Ghostly Reunion
(Just as when he thought that nothing crazy was going to happen to him, Harry then feels a wet nose booping his hand, and no, it is from Godric popping out of his Pokéball out of boredom. He turns around to find not only a cute ghost dog with a candle but also another thing that doesn’t resemble a dog, the second specter being a smiling young red haired lady in her early 20’s. The young man has his jaws dropped in shock upon seeing who it could be.)

Mum?

(Tears begin to soak his eyes as he tries to find the words to say to his own mother, bittersweet emotions being on an all time high while the Greavard is doing his best to make this reunion less heartbreaking for him. Lily Potter (née Evans) begins to walk slowly him, doing whatever she can to get closer to her only son and comfort him while she is still on this world.)

Food
(After that emotional encounter with his late mother, Harry decides to go outside to cool off and relax. Checking out at what the booths offer this year, he happens to stop by the fairy floss (British speak for cotton candy) booth and is waiting in line to get some for the team and himself. Want to say hi to him perhaps?)

Maze Madness
I’m starting to realize that this might be a bad idea.

(Harry could have sworn that mazes might as well be cursed for him. No matter if it is the Triwizard Tournament or racing on a Cyclizar or trying to walk out of danger in here, mazes seem to have a way to unnerve him greatly.

With only the lantern and Ron’s glowing yellow marks as the only sources of light, he tries to take careful steps as he tries to find his and his team’s way out of the maze. Soon enough Violet’s red gem then glows, signaling that they might be not be alone in here. Wondering where the noises are from, he turns around to find whoever is also at the maze around the same time as him. Thank Merlin that he hasn’t found a Misdreavus that is not Minerva right now or he will have to deal with two Minervas for one night.)

Post Contest Results

[phoenixwiz]

(Placeholder, will add in prompt once the results come out)

Isabela Madrigal | Encanto

[senorita_perfecta]

Balls and Ghosts (spoilers for Encanto)
(This is Isabela’s very first Halloween party and she is very much looking forward to take part of the spooky festivities. In her thrifted witch outfit, Isabela is having a blast and the time of her life with Carmen and Amarantha by her side. As she is dancing the night away though, something wet begins to touch her skirt. That can’t be Matcha up with their tricks again.

But as she tries to find whose wet hand or nose is from, she is greeted by a youthful man in white holding a candle on one hand, waving at her while being accompanied by a little ghost dog with a candle on his head. A lot of emotions are rushing in her head right now and she is totally speechless to boot. She could be able to open her mouth but not a single word is uttered for she is currently a emotional wreck.)

Food
(Colombians know a big party when they see one, especially when it involves food. While there is not a single arepa to be found, Isabela is more than happy yo check out the food booths. Amarantha seems to be very interested in the popcorn and tries to be sneaky in getting one, only for Carmen to berate her greatly.

Isabela could only sigh in dismay, wishing that Amarantha didn’t need to resort such tactics to get whatever food she wants. She is going to pay for the food and drinks anyway so seeing one of her Pokémon trying to commit food theft is a bit embarrassing to say the least.)

Balls and Ghosts

[bloodysnarky]

[Ah, there was the lovely lady he met on the network. Surely meeting her acquaintance in person would guarantee safe information to survive well in this land. She was dancing the night away and Astarion was prepping to offer a dance with the lady, until she froze in her tracks at...a ghost. of course, an apparition. Of course, there can't ever be a normal party anymore. He frowned, already too deep into this maneuver of his to back down.]

Young lady?

[It's not like he cared, nah, a pretty lady was motionless in complete emotional shock. It didn't hurt him inside at the tiniest speck of his soul. No way.]

Ryou Bakura | Yu-Gi-Oh! | OTA

[rolltoavoidpossession]

1. Haunted Ball

[Ryou is, once again, wallflowering the ball. Not that he doesn't like parties, it's just that he's always been a bit shy in situations like this.

However, things take a sudden turn when something cold presses into his hand. Ryou startles, whipping around to see-

-a ghostly young girl, no more than seven, with wide green eyes and pale blue hair. Ryou freezes, slowly tearing up as he stares at the sister he hasn't seen in a decade, had never expected to see again after she died.]

"A-Amane..." [Give him a moment. This is a lot to take in.]

2. Breather Break

[After the surprise visit from his sister, Ryou wanders out to get some fresh air and a cup of cocoa from one of the food stands. Air Sprite the Chimecho accompanies him, making sure he's doing alright, but otherwise gives him space to calm down as he wanders the grounds.

Do you talk to him if you stumble across him? Surprise reunions with the dead are a lot, after all, especially for a guy who still dearly misses his sister ten years after her death.]

3. Maze

[Eventually, he feels better enough to try the maze, more than a little curious about it. It turns out to be fun, even if Ryou has both hands occupied (one with the lantern, one with his costume staff) as he navigates it.

This turns out to be a minor problem as his left hand, scarred as it is, has a slightly weaker grip than it should and he ends up dropping the lantern after a Zubat scare. The lantern goes out on impact, and Ryou is left in a dark maze with only his Pokémon to help him out.]

"Oh no..." [This might be a problem.]

3.

[crystalmaster]

[Soon there comes the cheery call of "Eevee!" and Evie appears, happily holding a lantern in her mouth. Radley and other Pokemon follow close behind her.]

Hi. Is everything okay here?

[A Greavard is trotting along behind them. Radley had not intended on catching one, concerned about his energy being accidentally drained, but this one seems to be taking a shine to him and the cute Eevees anyway.]

Astarion Ancunin | Baldur’s Gate 3 | ota

[bloodysnarky]

Before the Contest

[Astarion was preparing for the contest in all of the ways he knew how. He was sewing any loose threads on his clothes, taking very noticeably careful precision doing so. He was also making his Pokémon’s outfits perfect. Every wrinkle, crease, bow, he was making everything meticulous.

It always still shocked him to see his face in the mirror, still wide eyed and flinching every time he saw his reflection. But he tried to cover it up by reapplying makeup or fixing an offset curl.

If you have a hole in your clothes, and are nice, maybe…maybe he’ll help.]

The Perfect Night For a Dance

[Astarion didn’t have any relatives dead, that he knew. Or anyone dead that he missed. So he was here with the two major missions in mind:

Make alliances, and have fun.

So he was in his gothic elegant vampire uniform (because he wasn’t a REAL vampire, get that straight hahahaha), looking at all of the people in the ballroom. Who to mingle with? Who can he curry favor with in high society? Might as well see. His Shuppet and Litten were all around him too, enjoying the party. He was about to add new friends to his roster tonight, but for now, just these two.

Maybe he would offer a hand to you in the open, offering a charming smile to welcome and even giving a bow.]

May I have this dance?

Food?

[The smell of sugar reached his nostrils and honestly? The sight was even too much for his freed senses. So much pure sugar, and his tongue did want…something else.

Then he saw it, the shiny red apple. It tempted him, pure red and just…aching to be bitten. Astarion grabbed one of the candy apples and went in for a big bite, teeth piercing the shell, the crunch audible, the sweetness hitting his tongue.

On the grande scheme of things, this wasn’t some delicacy for the ages. But oh was this so satisfying. The Dipplin standing right next to him, he didn’t notice.

Don’t worry, he didn’t bite one of them. But boy, was he enjoying this apple. Every loud crunch he made with his teeth could possibly be heard a bit away. Honestly, it was a good sales pitch for the apples.]

Bonfire

[Needless to say, he was here for the show now. Mulled cider in hand, listening to absurd story after story. After a bit, he finally piped up.]

All this droll tonight is amusing but honestly someone excite me with something, this is supposed to be a night of sheer horrors!

Dancing

[shiro2hero]

[Shiro's costume is so far from fancy, it's silly. There's even a little plastic sword. He's parked in a slight corner, being captain wallflower. Honestly, he looks surprised to see anyone look his way.]

[Oh, hey, a familiar face.]

You look great. [Just going to uh. Gloss over the dancing part. For now.] Having fun out there?

Ember Lumen | Elemental

[hottemper]

[Haunted Ball]

[Ember wasn't familiar with the concept of Halloween, but she did like the idea of it. She's wearing just a simple witch outfit - which she's not really sure what a witch is, but she likes the hat. And she's moving around the ball, awkwardly trying to mingle.

Except, everyone seems... distracted by something?]

Hey... are you okay?

[Maze]

[Ember was... admittedly a little spooked by the maze. Maybe it's the noises. Maybe it's the darkness. Was that a shadow moving over there?]

Hey, did you see that?

[Bonfire]

[Ember was not used to the feeling of cold, so sitting by the fire was just the warm up she desperately needed. Plus, she was enjoying the company... everyone was having so much fun. When she was listening to the scary stories being told, she offers a (fake) yawn.]

Is this is the best you've got? Why don't you tell me something that'll really scare the ash out of me!

Maze

[senorita_perfecta]

(The shadow and noises certainly got Isabela’s attention for sure as all of it manages to give her such a fright. Carmen and Amarantha are looking at each other, confused looks aplenty as they wonder where noises are from too.)

I think that I might have seen that something as well. Must be a shadow lurking around here.

livio // trigun maximum // ota

[livlaughlove]

GARDEN - the apple of my eye. listen i couldn't think of anything clever for this one
[Standing around, munching on snacks and sipping on cider feels like a much more appropriate thing for a man in a half-shredded Ursaring onesie to do than try to perform or dance or any of the fancy things inside, really. Maybe he goes a little overboard with the cider, considering his body has given up its inability to sustain damage since his arrival. But hell, being slightly tipsy means he actually lets himself relax a bit. He has a pleasant smile, even, as he samples various foods with some of his smaller Pokemon; Azurill on one shoulder and Applin on the other.

That is, until he shares one of those candy apples, and Honeycrisp starts to... glow. Blindingly.]

The hell – ?!


MAZE / BONFIRE - grizzly bear or scaredy cat? you decide
[Perhaps you're listening to (or telling!) a frightful tale around the bonfire, and the incredibly silly jumpscare gets pulled out.

Or maybe you turned a corner in the hedge maze only to come face to face with a giant.

Either way, if you think you're scared... Livio is more so. He jumps and screams oddly reminiscent of a teenager in a horror flick, and he is only a little bit embarrassed by it.]


BALLROOM - no dogs allowed. one (1) Wolf allowed. [trigun spoilers]
[There are a lot of extravagant decorations and technologies around here, so the first few semi-transparent figures don't really strike Livio as odd. Surely they're some sort of special effects. The dog that tries to come bounding up to him, however... That makes him stop dead in his tracks.

For a moment, at least.

Before the Ghost Pokemon can reach him, he quickly turns on his heel and tries to power walk in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, it's crowded, and he's too polite to shove people out of the way, even when he's trying very hard to not panic... so it's inevitable that he feels the brush of fur against his leg.

He can't help his visceral reaction, to whirl on it, heart pounding, chest heaving. He isn't even sure what he plans to do – maybe that's what scares him the most.

But then, it doesn't matter, ultimately. Greavard has vanished, moving on to the next "victim," and the only one that Livio turns on is a familiar specter of his own. The sudden uptick in "guests" clicks into place as he recognizes dark, shaggy hair, a lazily buttoned suit, and sunglasses, of all things. As if he wasn't already alarmed enough, all he can do for the span of a few seconds is stare with incredulity at the ghost.

Then Wolfwood smiles from behind his shades, pulls out a pack, and somehow manages to light up a cigarette that doesn't actually burn or smoke. The absurdity of it brings Livio back, and he gives a short, choked laugh even as tears start to fall.]

What on God's sandy earth?

Ballroom

[oleaeuropaea]

[Vash had only left Livio alone for a few minutes! He'd gone to find some snacks and let him try to acclimate on his own. He doesn't always have to cling to the big guy, after all, even if they've been traveling partners for some time now. Better to let him grow his own wings and —

Well... Vash can't think much beyond that, once the apparations start showing up. His eyes narrow at the sight of all the ethereal creatures, a distinct chill running up his spine. He hurries to back to familiar territory, hoping that with Livio at his back, he'll feel a little less unnerved.

And that's when he sees him.

He's taller and broader than Vash remembers. And there's a certain amount of confidence and a faintly lackadaisical nature that doesn't quite add up to what he recalls. But between the dark hair, the shades in a damn dark room, and the cigarette that all spell out one thing...]

Wolfwood?

[Vash doesn't have time to process it. He turns to Livio and sees the tears there — a gesture that all but confirms Vash's worst suspicions. He lays a hand on Livio's arm, even as he feels his own heart rise to his throat. His own Nicholas D. Wolfwood was alive and well, but that doesn't make this any easier to grapple with. Not when he knew what fate might have awaited him back home...]

What's going on?

Shadowmaru | OTA

[sassymaru]

IN THE MAZE
[Who's that? What is that. Is that a pokemon teleporting into the maze on the warp pad? A Greninja? It - oh. Wait. No. That's just Shadowmaru dressed as a Greninja. Clutching a lantern, and, as usual, flanked by his Growlithe. Though... this time, there's an extra friend. A Whirlipede, glowering at anyone nearby.]

Well! They should have better warnings. Some of us aren't fond of being dropped into the dirt! [As he primly brushes himself off. Looking up at whomever he's here with, he's even added dramatic costume makeup to the look.] Now then. Shall we venture forth?

HAUNTED BALL
[Of course he's dancing. Whether alone or with someone else, Shadowmaru is going to cut a rug. His costume and makeup are perfect! Truly, this is a fun night. Nothing could possibly go wrong.]

[At least until a translucent hand reaches to Shadowmaru's shoulder, during a pause in the dancing. He doesn't seem to notice, not at first - since there's no actual physical contact. Not until the movement registers. He turns, stepping away from his dance partner and... goes pale.]

[There's a ghost watching. It's definitely a robot, but man-sized now. Otherwise it wouldn't have fit in the room. Shadowmaru slowly, hesitantly, reaches out to try and grasp the hand held out to him...]

Kage... [Only to have it pass right through.] Kagerou... You - you've come for me again?


THE BONFIRE
[It's later on. After the ball, after things have dispersed somewhat, and even the bonfire is quiet. Leaving Shadowmaru to sit with his pokemon, brooding, having found a blanket somewhere to combat the midriff-baring costume. It's hard not to be solemn, given the events at the ball.]

[Should he be approached, his Whirlipede will attempt to square up, to puff up and look bigger, even if this is someone Shadowmaru knows. He has to snap out of his brooding, reach out and put a hand on his bug to calm it down.]

Apologies. He's quite riled up tonight...

Bonfire

[senorita_perfecta]

(Isabela arrives at the bonfire, carrying with a mug of mulled apple cider and looking for a place to sit down. Carmen and Amarantha are following after as well. They could sure use some place to relax and get away from the crowds at the ball.

As they approach the bonfire, she does get a little spooked by the Whirlipede puffing up at before Shadowmaru steps in to calm it down.)

Ah okay. That is understandable. Is it okay if I can join you by the bonfire tonight then? I just want to get away from the crowds after being at the ball for hours.

Shiro | OTA

[shiro2hero]

THE BALL
[Shiro, frankly, had not wanted to come. Just another big party, just another chance for too much socializing and too many people. Potentially asking questions. Or pushing him somewhere... Nah. He thought he'd pass.]

[Yet, here he is. In what has to be the cheapest knight costume this world has to offer. Hey, he tried. And he's here. Lurking on the edges of the ballroom, just keeping an eye on things. He's perfectly willing to talk to people, but it might take a little more work to get him actually out onto the floor.]

I'm good, really. I'll watch.


THE MAZE
Okay... I think it was... this way?

[Shiro, you're an explorer. You're a fearless leader of people. You've gone where no man has gone before. How are you lost in a corn maze? The Gallade with him seems to have the same question, looking at his trainer, and then around at their surroundings as if to question what he's seeing.]

[Said trainer just shoots him a look.] Hey, navigating is hard when you don't know where the exit is, Blue. Don't make that face.

[Hopefully you didn't come in here with him...]


THE BONFIRE
[Coffee has been procured - pumpkin spice, because of course it is. Not that Shiro's a picky man. He's seated at the bonfire, leaning against his Aggron, and just absently listening to the stories. Occasionally, cracking a grin at the sillier sorts of stories.]

That's a pretty good one. Know any more?

[If you ask Shiro for a story, you'll either get some Space Horror, or the corniest little tale known to man. Outside of Car Hand Hook Door anyway.]

Maze

[outofsynth]

[A dark maze where Pokémon keep jumping out to try and scare you isn't Min-Gi's idea of a good time, honestly. It reminds him a little too much of the maze on the train where he and Ryan had been chased down by those denizens who'd had it out for Kez.

The Pancham on his shoulder, however, seems to be enjoying it enough for both of them. He makes his scariest face as they get close enough to see Shiro in the light of their lantern, but Min looks relieved to see a familiar face.]

The exit can't be that far, right? It feels like I've been walking around here forever...

Fluttershy | My Little Pony: Equestria Girls

[shiningkindness]

Haunted Ball

[ Fluttershy wonders if maybe she should have reused her costume from last year. Even if it doesn't quite match the decorations of the ballroom, it at least matches the colors better. As it is, even as she stands off to the side to make room for people dancing, trying to remain as much in the background as possible, her shiny Hattrem outfit makes her a bright noticeable spot amongst the darker colors of the room. ]

Maze

[ Heading into the maze on her own is probably the last thing most people would expect Fluttershy to do. Except she does just that, picking up one of the lanterns before taking the warp to the center of the maze.

Unsurprisingly, anyone who happens across Fluttershy in the maze will find her chatting with some of the Pokemon. Because of course she is. Despite ghosts not really being her thing, she still seems to enjoy some of their company. ]

Bonfire

[ Of course, it's Halloween, so she should have figured that there was going to be something scary happening tonight. But when Fluttershy notices people gathered around the bonfire, she doesn't entirely realize what people are doing out here.

Until she finds out, and then she gets pretty nervous. ]

O-Oh...I, um...probably shouldn't be here then.

Wildcard

(( Feel free to do something else with her! ))

Bonfire

[nellacerniera]

[Well, it doesn't take a genius to realize why Fluttershy's nervous.

With a soft, muttered "excuse me" to those he's sitting beside immediately, he clears his throat to get her attention.]

You know, I was about to get up to go stretch my legs a bit. Would you care to accompany me?

Luisa Madrigal | Encanto

[neverbreaks]

Haunted Ball

[ Luisa had considered participating in the contest this time, but she hadn't been able to come up with too many ideas to go along with the music. So she decided that this time she would just be a spectator again, dressed as a warrior princess costume that she'd been lucky to find.

And the evening was fun for the most part; she enjoyed listening to the band and dancing along to the music. But at some point she feels something cold touch her hand, and when she turns there's a painfully familiar figure standing so nearby. ]

...Hi, Abuelo.

[ The funny thing is, this isn't the first time she's actually gotten to see him in this world. But the sight of him standing there, smiling like he did in the picture back home, still makes her chest ache a little. ]

Food

[ Since coming to this place, Luisa finds that she really enjoys trying out new and different foods. It's a nice way to learn about a place, as well as comparing how things are similar and different to the food she's used to back home. She enjoys trying all sorts of the food available, sweet and savory alike.

One thing she isn't touching, though, is the coffee. She'll just stick to the hot chocolate, thanks. ]

Bonfire

[ To be honest, Luisa isn't really all that fond of ghost stories. She doesn't like the idea of being scared or scaring others, even if it is just for fun. Besides, you never know what spirits might still be around and listening.

Yet she finds herself sitting around the bonfire anyway, listening in to the stories that people are sharing. When attention is directed at her, though, she holds up a hand. ]

Oh, uh...no, sorry. I don't really know many ghost stories.

Wildcard

(( Feel free to do something else with her! ))

Haunted Ball

[bloodysnarky]

[For the second time tonight, he found himself here. Seeing one of the beautiful ladies he met on the network then coming over for a dance. Mingle, get the info.

Man, wasn't his run in with Isa very heartfelt? He felt like he intruded on something he wasn't actually welcome in, but he was accepted in all the same. Just for being present and kind (in his way, outwardly), he curried favor with the long passed grandfather. It felt too important for him to take with anything less than...considering it all. What a freaking twist of events.

Should that happen again? Hopefully not, that made him feel weird.

Oh no, it happened again.]

-Oh, Sir Abuelo? We meet again. Just as I was to ask for another dance.

[shit shit shit shit shit]

You have more than one lovely granddaughter I had the pleasure of meeting then.

Min-Gi Park | Infinity Train

[outofsynth]

HAUNTED BALL

[For the most part, Min is preoccupied with preparation until the contest is over. He still wears the same Alolan Marowak costume he'd used during the performance, though it's much easier to see it in full now than it had been on stage where much of the time Min and Ryan had been obscured.

He'd been intending to wallflower more than get involved with the dancing, but a tug on his sleeve from Rodeo draws his attention to the fleeting image of something shifting across the dancefloor.

For a few minutes things seem to be normal, but then he briefly spots it again. Rodeo tensing beside him confirms Min-Gi didn't just imagine it, and he bends slightly so he can reassuringly touch the top of the Marowak's skull. Once Rodeo's relaxed slightly, Min turns to whoever happens to be nearby.]

Did you see that?

[Definitely casual. He's not nervous or anything...]

BONFIRE

[It's really for the best that Riegfriend is absent at this point. Min-Gi's taking advantage of the fire to roast some Poké friendly marshmallows for his team, but while the Glimmora floats patients, the Pancham, and especially the Noivern are heckling noisily for their treats.

Even with three sticks on the go, he doesn't seem to be going quick enough for their liking.]

Just wait! You can't rush a good thing. You'll see.

[The Noivern chatters petulantly, edging as close to the flames as he can without singing himself. Min's lips purse, and he gives him a firm look, distracted from the marshmallows by the Pokémon's misbehaviour.]

Echoes...

WILDCARD

[ooc: If you have another prompt idea, or wish to use the event to claim one of these remaining eggs, PM me here or thlayli on plurk.]

Closed to Ryan

[outofsynth]

[With the contest over and their Pokémon either safe in their balls or sent off to enjoy themselves, it's just Min and Ryan in the ballroom now.

Or Min and Ryan and everyone else who came to this event. That's the part that worries him. Logically Min knows that none of them are paying any attention to them, especially not while they're off to the side at this, but that doesn't stop him nervously staring out towards the crowd as he feels for Ryan's hand, like someone's going to say something about it.

For once he doesn't let it stop him though. His palm is sweaty, but he squeezes Ryan's hand tightly once he finds it, chancing a sidelong glance to gauge his reaction.]

Riz Gukgak

[nightyorb]

[nightyorb]

Ghosts - closed to Boober, Mando, Bo, Shadowmaru

Once Riz had adjusted to Pok's appearance, he was faced with a bit of a dilemma.

Part of him wanted to just sit there and talk to his dad. Pok might not be able to answer back in words, but there was plenty Riz could tell from his expression and gestures. And there was certainly plenty to tell. It had been so long since he had last caught a glimpse of him. And sure, Riz might've whispered those stories as they happened to Pok's photo, but it wasn't the same, not really. The photo couldn't heard him, after all.

But there was another part of him that wanted to take this opportunity and introduce Pok to his friends. That was something he hadn't even be able to do back home. Sure, he had been able to tell Pok about the other Bad Kids (and he had done so, plentifully), but they had been in Hell while Pok and Riz had been in Heaven. There had been no opportunity to introduce them face to face. And while the Bad Kids might not be in this world, there were other people here Riz had grown to care about, people who might not be part of his party but who were part of his family.

In the end, Riz's generous nature wins out, and with Pok in tow he goes looking for those he holds closest here. Boober will be first, of course, for obvious reasons, but once they have been introduced (and Riz has told Pok about the breakthroughs he has made in the case of his own sexuality) there are a few others on his list too.

[tempredmental]

DANCE

[Keith was taking it easy tonight. He'd never been one for dancing and parties all that much anyway, but he was here to support his friends who'd entered the contest, and he knew Allura loved balls and dancing. He'd tolerate it for his wife's sake. He wanted her to be happy, after all.

But, hey... if someone wanted to chat, he could do that.]

=====

MAZE

I know we went that way already, but we must have made the wrong turn earlier.

Rrr... [His shiny Lycanroc didn't sound convinced that repeating the previous choice from earlier was a good idea. But Keith was pretty insistent that there was another option down that way, so there they went!]

=====

BONFIRE

[After finally escaping the maze, Keith and his Pokemon could be found relaxing near the bonfire to warm up. He had a couple of marshmallows on a stick, holding them near the flames.

Yes, he liked them burnt on the outside. Don't mind him as he lets them start to burn and then blows them out before eating.]

=====

FOOD

[Keith was pretty open about trying new things, so he was wandering the food options, checking them all out.

Care to make a suggestion to him?]

Maze

[outofsynth]

[Down there lies another dead end, but this one isn't empty...

Out of the shadows comes a winged, humanoid figure, clicking ominously. As they draw nearer the clicking becomes almost threatening, before the wings break away from the figure altogether to reveal it's its own creature.

It dives forward with an inhuman screech, revealing itself to be a wild eyed Noivern. Behind him comes a perhaps familiar voice as the other figure rushes to catch up.]

Echoes, wait! They won't hurt you!