Opens: August 30th, 10am EST Closes: September 11th, 12pm EST
Oh no! It looks like these twins got lost during the celebration! Luckily, they're together, but they can't find their caretakers amongst the crowd of Nightmares celebrating! What do they do? How do they get back? How do they feel during the excitement? Well, it's your job to let us know!
Rules:
This is a partner contest! You and another owner need to work on an entry together. Should your entry win you two will receive the twins! You cannot enter without having a partner, sorry! This contest is completely free. If you edit your post, please label in red at the top of your post that you've edited something, and the date when. Anyone can enter, whether they are a newbie or not! Whining, guilt-tripping, or generally misbehaving over the contest will result in you being disqualified. Make sure you've read the World of Below forum in its entirety! You may not proxy for another person. You may not gift or trade prizes from this event.
Form:
[size=11][b]Username 1:[/b] [b]Which Twin:[/b] [Purple hair or red hair] [b]Name:[/b]
[b]Username 2:[/b] [b]Which Twin:[/b] [Purple hair or red hair] [b]Name:[/b]
[b]Prompt Response:[/b] [The twins are lost during the celebrations! How do they feel? How do they get back to their caretaker? Please RP in-character!] [/size]
Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2015 6:37 pm
Note: We are adding paragraphs as we go~ Its almost done x3 Edited to fix parents into caretakers (twice because I missed a couple, oops)
Username 2: Strawberristardust Which Twin: Red hair x3 Name: Carson
Prompt Response: [The twins are lost during the celebrations! How do they feel? How do they get back to their caretaker? Please RP in-character!]
Key: Viva Viola and Strawberrystardust
Prompt Response
Carlieh was so excited! This festival meant that she could nab some sweets! She practically started drooling at the thought of some sweet rolls, or sweet corn! or even kettle corn! The possibilities for yumminess were endless! The little freshing clapped excitedly, her plushie wriggling around as she did so. When she spotted a booth that had a big neon bright sign with the word sweets on it, she just couldn't resist! “Car Car! We should go over there! Candy’s to be had!” She looked at her brother with the biggest, saddest wide-eyed fennekit eyes she could muster. One way or another they were going to that booth, even if she had to drag her brother with her.
While his sister was interested in the candy and sweets, Carson wanted to play the games and see how he could win. He turned back to her when she called his name. Well, his nickname. Carson rolled his eyes as his twin gave him that sad face. He knew that she’d drag him over there if he didn’t consent. So he gave in. “Okay, Lieh Lieh, but only if we can go play games later. Promise?” He’d do just about anything for his sister; she was the only sister he had. Besides, their caretakers were always telling him to watch out for Carlieh.
Games?! He wanted to play games?! Well…Carson IS going to get candy with her so...Carlieh nodded and grabbed his hand, skipping over to the booth. Their caretakers told them not to stray far, but the candy! THE CANDY! She needed it! Once they got to the booth, Carlieh pouted and reached into the back of her plushie, pulling out some lint and a couple of copper stars and silver crescents complete with a big wide grin. “Candy please! Lots of it!~”
[With a glance back at their caretakers, Carson tightened his grip on her hand. Their caretakers would probably get mad if he were to lose sight of Carlieh. Once they got to the candy counter, he couldn’t resist buying something small for himself. He was a freshling after all, and candy was candy. A kind of hard candy, he popped it in his mouth and let it melt. “Yum~” he said with a smile. “Now where, Lieh Lieh?”
Carlieh’s eyes went wide as saucers when the big bag of candy was given to her. CANDY FOR DAYS! She quickly stuffed the bag into her plushie, hopping the huge bulge would make her caretakers none the wiser. She looked to her brother and smiled. “Games duh! Where do you want to go?” She waited patiently for his answer, their caretakers still in view, well sort of but they can still see them right?! Oh! that plushie over there looked really cool! All rainbowey and stuff~ Perhaps they could go there first? Carlieh started wriggling in place, a clear sign of her patience and attention span rapidly failing.
He grinned. “Cmon, I’ll win you a plushie or two!” he promised excitedly. Grabbing her hand again, he started to pull her toward the games. Until he noticed her fidgeting. “Lieh Lieh? Did you want to do something else first?” He supposed it was only fair to let her pick again since playing games would take so much longer than just buying candy. Their caretakers were still close by, but busy talking to friends. They probably wouldn’t move for a while so the twins had plenty of time to explore without parental interference.
“Hummm? Oh! Can we try to get that plushie over there? The rainbow one?” Said plushie was waaaaaay over on the opposite side, going there would mean that they wouldn't be able to see their caretakers anymore. But since she really wanted that rainbow plushie, Carlieh decided that sacrifices must be made. They could always go get their caretakers but why interrupt an adult conversation? Plus there’s the added effect of their caretakers taking them home. She wanted that plushie dang it!
Carson looked over at the booth she pointed to, then back at their caretakers. They had plenty of time. “Sure, let’s go see about getting that one.” He smiled and changed direction, heading toward the plushie booth. “And after this we can play games, right?” he asked.
“Yes! Im sorry about not playing games after candy...But I really wanted to get the plushie especially since it looked exactly like Starshine! Im sure she will love it when we take it home~” Then after the plushie, they would come back here to play games! It was a win win situation no matter how they looked at it.
Too bad they didn't count on their caretakers leaving with their friends as soon as the twins went towards the booth with the plushie, their caretakers assuming the twins were behind them since they told them not to wander too far.
He smiled at his sister. “It’s okay,” he promised. “I bet she’ll love it, too.” Weaving between the legs of older kids and adult Nightmares, the twins made their way to the plushie booth to ask how much for the rainbow plushie Carlieh wanted so much. “Do you have enough for it?” he asked her. If she didn’t, he supposed he would let her borrow some of his money. But he really wanted to keep most of it for the games. Besides, if he won the games he’d give Carlieh the plushies unless he really really liked them. They wouldn’t be the rainbow one she wanted to show Starshine, but she’d still get a new plushie.
“I think so!” Carlieh quickly fished through her plushie, pulling out another set of copper stars and silver crescents, happily taking the plushie when it was given to her. “Thank you Car!~ She’s so pretty! Starshine is going to be so happy.” Now that the plushie was obtained, Carlieh grabbed Carson’s hand, leading them through the forest of teens and other adult nightmares to the games area. Perhaps they could play five games and go to their caretakers? Carlieh couldn't see them anymore but she decided not to tell her older brother. She didn't want him to panic since once their caretakers found out that they didn't follow instructions, they were going to be in so much trouble!
“Anytime, Lieh,” he said. He kept a grip on her hand as they headed for the games. Finally. He was patient with Carlieh for the most part, but he could be a brat, too. He looked around for their caretakers, but didn’t see them. He chewed his lower lip as he watched Carlieh, but decided not to tell her. There was no point in worrying her, right? They could find them after he played a couple games. Right? “See any games you’d like to play? Or maybe prizes you want me to win for you?” he grinned.
“Nope! We could do whatever you want!” Provided they did it in a timely manner. She was starting to worry since she hasn't seen their father’s head of purple hair OR their mothers bright pink hair. She looked towards the games and grabbed her brother’s hand, leading him to the nearest game. “Wanna shoot a balloon?” she hopped this would distract him since she could feel the nervousness just coming off in droves.
“The balloon game sounds good!” he said with a smile. His eyes kept glancing around for their caretakers, though. He handed over a couple copper stars and took position with his small handful of darts. He was usually pretty good at this game, but his worry about their caretakers made him miss his first two shots. He grumbled and made a face at his darts sticking out of the board, dangerously close to balloons and yet...not having popped any. With a sigh, he glanced around them and then back at his sister. He would get this last dart. He would! Biting his lip in concentration, Carson pulled his arm back and threw the dart. “Whoo! I got it that time, Lieh Lieh!” he said proudly and smiled broadly.
Carlieh frowned when she noticed her brother missing some balloons. He hardly EVER misses with these types of games! Her train of though it took a turn for the positive once she saw that he popped a balloon! “Yay! Good job Car! What are you going to pick for a prize?” Her eyes shifted towards the spot of where their caretakers were before quickly shifting back to her brother. They needed to leave soon.
Carson turned back to the prizes he could choose from and picked up a small vesper cat plushie that he thought was cute. With still no sign of their caretakers, he grabbed Carlieh’s hand. “I think that’s enough games for now, let’s go back before they miss us,” he said. His voice was mostly steady, but there was a note of nervousness in it that he hoped his sister missed. He really didn’t want her to worry, and if they were in trouble he would take responsibility. He was the big brother, after all.
She couldn't agree more! She did miss the nervousness in her brother’s voice, nodding with a swallow. She looked at all the adult and teen nightmares, her eyes widening at the sea of legs they were currently swimming in. How on all of below are they going to find their caretakers?! “Car! I'm scared…” she gripped his hand tighter as the swam through all these legs, even crawling on some parts. This was not the kind of adventure she wanted to have with her brother. She hopped they would find they're caretakers soon!
Username 2: Katsura Zanshin Which Twin: purple Name: Kieran
Prompt Response: It was amazing how many caretakers didn’t know that you always had to keep your eye on a freshling at all times, especially when going to a festival and surrounded by a bunch of attractions, crowds of people, and generally shiny things. This was even truer for Pherein and Kieran, after all they were known for being mischievous little trouble makers. Some of the caretakers swore that there was geist blood somewhere in their genealogy. Which is why the twins were currently hiding behind one of the attractions and giggling softly as their caretaker tried to find them, it wasn’t their fault she was sooo utterly boring.
They had been trying to behave seriously, but then the caretaker wasn’t going fast enough, she wasn’t trying to engage them, and acted like this was a chore instead of trying to have fun with them. That was her first mistake. The second mistake was that she turned to talk to someone. The twins saw their opportunity and it was bye-bye caretaker and into the crowd they went snickering and giggling. “Hah, losing her was easier than I thought it would be.” Kieran giggled uncontrollably, spinning around in a circle with a big grin. “Stuuupid should have realized we weren’t going to stick around to be bored all day with someone who doesn’t like us.” The demon stopped spinning and lashed their tail, tugging on Pherein’s sleeve. “C’mon, let's go explore for ourselves and play some games. Maybe we can win some familiars...or all the familiars.” After all, why not be the best at all the games.
“Well of course it was, it was a wonderful plan. Besides we’ve driven so many of them crazy I think they just give us all the new people…” Pherein rolled her eyes one last time at the care taker and followed her twin. You would have thought by now the Academy would have paid better attention especially when the two were together. Kieran was the one that came up with all the crazy fun ideas and Pherein plotted/carried them out. “We definitely need to get some plushies too, our old ones are getting lonely.”
Pherein was right, they really couldn’t just forget the plushies. The twins had a good pile going, but more were always needed to add to the ‘nest’ that they slept in. But having a familiar (or fourteen) would also be pretty cuddly. Kieran pulled their twin to one of the first stands they found. “You go first. Win a prize and we’ll go find one that has plushies.”
Pherein quietly allowed herself to be dragged along. She really didn’t mind and it was fun to see where Kieran decided that they wanted to go. “Okay I’ll get them”. She pushed her hair behind her ears and pushed her sleeves up and walked up to the booth. Of course it was just a bit higher than she wanted and her nose rested on the top of the table. Luckily there seemed to be a stepping thing for freshlings which Pherein dragged over to try again. All she had to do was throw the ring on the bottle right. Of course first toss ended up with the ring totally sailing over the bottle hit some metal thing and shot back at them causing everyone to duck. Second one didn’t even make to the bottles and fell short and the last one hit the tip of the bottle looked like it was going to fall in and fell disappointingly to the ground. “I… failed”, and she kind of wanted that glowy necklace too…
Well, failure definitely wasn’t an option. “Try again.” Kieran hopped up on the stool next to their twin. “We just have to work harder to get the prize.” And no one was going to stop them. Pherein could do it, she just had to keep trying. Honestly, the two of them picked stuff up pretty quickly...if Phe could get over the ‘failure’. “You can do it. There’s no line right now, so you’ve got some time to practice before someone comes.”
Pherien turned back to her twin and rolled up her sleeves further. Kieran believed in her and she was going to get that prize. She looked around to make sure that no one else was coming and stared down the bottles. She could do this she could win them both plushies. The plushies at home where counting on her. Of course 12 times later and no ring around the bottle neck and Pherein’s lower lip was quivering. No… no pouting she was gonna do it. Luckily as the ring flew through the air it finally rang true and settled around the neck of the bottle. “I did it Kie… I did it” “Hah! Good going, Phe!” They cheered, hugging their twin and laughing. Kieran always tried to give as much praise as possible when Pherein accomplished something. “You want to go again or try at a different shop?” they asked as their twin got her prize. Kie wanted to try a booth too, but it wasn’t like the party was ending anytime soon, so they could be patient and wait for Phe to have her fun.
Pherien laughed and hugged her twin back. Kieran was always super supportive and Pherein thought she had the best twin ever. When Kieran mention what they should do next Pherein looked around the hall to make sure that no adult was trying to look for them yet before looking down at her plushie. They still had time, but she wasn't sure how much time they had. Pherein had taken up a lot of time trying that game. “Let’s go try another shop, but you have to play this time Kie” she replied hopping down from the bench and held out her hand. “You pick the booth.”
Kieran looked around and saw a booth where you could throw balls into water bowls; the higher your score, the better the prize you got to choose. “Let’s do that one, it looks like fun.” The two of them ran over and Kieran began trying for the high score. The game was harder than it looked. Most of the balls Kieran threw pinged off the rims of the bowls. The little demon was getting frustrated. “Are you sure you don’t want to try, Phe? You were good at the other one.”
“Okay yeah, that one looks really fun.” Pherein agreed and followed her twin over, making sure to cheer them on just like Kieran had done for her. Unfortunately Kieran had a bit less patience than Pherein, or maybe Pherein just couldn’t cheer as well was Kieran. “Well I can if you’re sure. I just want you to win something Kie and who knows when our caretaker is finally going to throw in the towel and call in all the people… mm maybe I can try and then you pick out the prize and you can keep it but I get to name it?” Pherein stepped up to the booth, making sure to roll up her sleeves. After all you always needed to size yourself up for these kinds of games right? Unfortunately Pherein only got six out of ten balls in the bowls. However it was enough for a plushie.
“I’m sorry Kie, I wanted to win you that familiar, but hopefully this plushie is good enough?” Kieran never did get to answer as it was about then that Pherein spotted the caretaker. She was over by some other adults and seemed to be in tears making frantic gestures with her hands. Whelp, Pherein wasn’t a complete hellion and she knew it was time to go back when the caretakers got so worried they started crying. She never did like to make people cry.
“...And… and they were right here!” It was then that the twins grabbed a hand on opposite sides of the caretaker while looking up at all the adults and smiling innocently.
“Here we are~”…Oh did they get the longest lecture ever; of course they tuned most of it out, having heard similar speeches in the past. In fact they could probably recite a few. It was then that Pherein looked up with a mischievous smile. They came back right? It had to have gotten them some points. “No worries you won’t get in trouble, because we won’t tell anyone you lost us…. But we can’t leave the party yet. Kie still needs a familiar. The fact we came back has to count for something right?” Pherein pointed out. She was going to get Kie a familiar even if they had to sneak away again and risk all of the trouble. Yes, not a complete hellion, but at least a hellion with a conscious? Besides it was the caretakers fault; you should always keep your eye on freshlings after all, you never knew when they were going to get ‘lost’ in the crowd.
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2015 8:30 pm
Username 1: Geyser Eelborn Which Twin: Red hair Name: Sardonyx Personality: Sardonyx comes across as a mischievous soul, but unlike their sister, they prefer to think things all the way through. They seem like a troublemaker, but in reality, their major task every day is to prevent Tanzi from making even more trouble.
Username 2: Ice_Dragon_Demon Which Twin: Purple hair Name: Tanzanite Personality: Rash and fun-loving Tanzanite does not often think about the consequences of her actions. In spite of this, she’s actually pretty clever; Sar relies on her for solutions to the problems they encounter. She’s been Sar’s constant companion since they were awoken and always stands by their side.
Prompt Response:
Tanzi peeked around the corner. "I think we lost our caretaker," she giggled. She paused for a moment, getting her bearings. Nothing in this part of the festival looked familiar. The two had seen so many new races and there was lots to do. They would be fine without a caretaker, right?
"Saaaarrr," she called for her nearby androgynous sibling. "So what do we do now?"
Sar looked up from where they were watching a pack of juniors walk by, stuffed animals swinging from their hands and clustered in their arms. Those animals looked awfully fluffy...their fingers itched with jealousy, but their sister was calling. Sar looked at their sister and grinned. "Good, good. Everything is going to plan!" They walked over to their sister and grabbed her hand. "Now that she's not fussing over us, we can explore this place to our hearts' content! They danced around her, spinning on the tips of their toes. "Come on, Tanzi! Adventure awaits!"
The purple-haired twin laughed. "We are kids, Sar," she teased back. Tanzi hugged her stuffy tightly and nodded. The four of them had been together for as long as she could remember. It had only dawned on her as Sar spoke that maybe their friends could have gotten lonely. She had seen many freshlings with toys. There had been a few that she'd been eyeing. Letting her twin lead her along, Tanzi kept up no problem, weaving in unison with her twin. Tanzi's eyes brightened as a mischievous grin spread across her face. "So, what's the plan."
Sar thought about it. They could beg toys off of the older kids, but...no. Sar made a face. That would just not do. It was just as bad as stealing. "I guess we ask the other kids how they got them. Then we can score some!" Satisfied with this detailed, in-depth plan, Sar tapped a passing student on the knee. "Excuse me!" they said. "Could you tell us where you got that adorable green goat?"
The student blinked at them. "Um, it's in the main hall, there's a bunch of games set up." Then the student frowned. "Hey, shouldn't you two be with your caretaker?" Oh no. Please, don't-- "Awwww." Drat. "Are you two lost?" the student asked, in their cuddliest, cutest voice.
UGH. Sar stuck their lower lip out and opened their eyes wide. "Please don't tell our caretaker!" they simpered. "We just wanted to have fun..."
Tanzi came up beside her sibling quickly and looked up at the student "She's over there," Tanzi smiled and waved at another caretaker that wasn't their own who looked quite busy with their own charges. "We aren't far." she promised eyes wide like her siblings. "We just wanted to find friends for our friends," she said, raising her own plush right above her mouth and nose leaving her wide eyes visible.
"Awwwww," the older student said again. "Well, it's just down the hall and to the right. Lots of people, can't miss it. Don't get stepped on," the junior added.
Sar saluted, which earned them a laugh. "We won't!" Sar chirped. "We will be super-duper careful!" They pulled their sister away from the other student in the direction indicated. "Nice dodge!" they said. "Tanzi, I don't know what I'd do without you." They wrapped their arm around her shoulders and bonked their head against hers. "Let's chase our dreams together, shall we?"
"We promise!" Tanzi added, chirping along with her sibling in unison. Tanzi again followed Sar until they were out of earshot of the other student. "It's what I do." Tanzi answered grinning and laughing. "Keeping you out of trouble."
With their head-bonk Tanzi simply smiled "Yes, let’s." she paused. "We need a plan," she added mischievously as she began thinking. They always thought best together. Now, what would be best? The way that was the most fun, obviously.
"What about switching everyone’s winning ‘til we get what we want?" she suggested. It could cause some hilarious confusion if suddenly what they had magically became something else.
"How would we do that? It's not like we have much to switch with. And it would be just a little...mean." They shrugged. Pranks were all well and good, but being mean was just plain...bad. "I don't think I could live with either one of us if we cheated. I was thinking more we play the games as much as possible until we win. That way, no one gets hurt, and we get lots and lots of prizes! What do you think, Tanzi?"
"We could always just start with a rock or somethin’." She shrugged—she hadn't really thought it all the way through, just finding the concluding confusion very amusing. "I don't know," she admitted. "I just thought it might be fun to watch." Tanzi thought for a moment as her sibling suggested something else. That would be fun too! Tanzi smiled and nodded. "Let's do it," she said grabbing her sibling’s arm and dragging them to the first game, her tiger stuffy clutched to her chest.
Sar narrowed their eyes, considering the possibility. Switching out a prize with a rock was an act of daring do, of the kind that a movie character would do... But no, they would do this the proper way. The not-mean way. "I dunno if it would be that fun to watch, Tanzi. When people get upset, it's awful. I mean, just watchin' them is awful. Anyway, we're smart and we're good, we can get whatever we want the regular way." They tucked their plushie into the collar of their sweater so as not to lose it and pulled their sister along.
The crowds were getting thicker, but so were the prizes. Just ahead of them, the doorway into the hall was beckoning them with avaricious siren song. Sar broke into a grin and began to drag their twin along behind them. "Hurry up, Tanzi!"
Tanzi paused for a moment then gave her sibling a firm nod. "I guess not especially if everyone was upset." She hadn't thought about others being upset by it. Wouldn't they just laugh at it like she would? Sar was probably right.
The little demon happily followed her twin up to the game of their choice. Tanzi was about to hop on one of the seats to play until she noticed some other kids from their class. "Sar," she warned her sibling. "Up here, quick!"
The game was enticing, and so engrossed was Sar that they didn't notice their sister's words at first. There was something off about her tone of voice--something that they didn't like. Sar climbed up onto the seat next to her, from where they could see over the counter and into the game booth. "What's wrong, Tanzi? This looks fun--"
Too late, the sound of laughter met their ears and they gave a heavy sigh. The laughter wasn't as familiar as Tanzi's worry, but it was familiar enough. "Oh, no. C'mon, Tanzi." Sar grabbed her hand and tried to pull her down from the chair. "Let's go before they ruin everything."
A small fear welled up inside the young child, and she began to feel smaller than she had just moments before. Sar didn't see them yet. They always seemed to bully her--one of the things being the fact they always had their twin stuffies. But what was wrong with that? The two had been friends forever!
Tanzi let herself be slid from the chair by Sar, though it came a bit too late. Tanzi felt a deep sinking feeling as unpleasantly familiar voices cut through the noise of the crowd.
"Hey, it's the baby twins!" the other students teased "Where'd your caretaker go? Babies always need watching, right!" A myriad of laughter emanated from the group.
They had a problem with the fact that they brought their toys around. Well, why not? The twins liked to travel with the twins, it was only natural. Besides, they were away from home. Shouldn't they have something to remind them of home? Really, those jerks were awfully unreasonable. Sar knew they could take it, but Tanzi? "Just ignore them, Tanzi," Sar murmured under their breath. They dragged Tanzi along behind them as quickly as they could. "Just ignore them."
But the bullies were a little older than them--and with age came height, and with height came speed. Before Sar knew what was happening, the bullies were all around them, a ring of jeers and laughter. Sar pulled Tanzi close and squeezed her hand. "What do we do, Tanzi?" Sar whispered. The laughter was getting louder and louder. It was crowding the thoughts out of Sar's head. Tanzi was the smart one. She'd know what to do. Right? Tanzi's job was to think stuff up, and Sar's job was to filter her ideas...it worked...it always had... "Tanzi...!"
Tanzi stayed closer to her sibling ever more so. Tanzi squeezed Sar tightly in return, trying to comfort the both of them. Tanslzi gave Sar a cautious nod. The closer they were the safer she felt. Well not anymore--they were surrounded. A few of the other kids made swipes for her stuffy.
Tanzi had to think of something, anything--she had to get Sar to safety. No one seemed to be looking their way, either. If they did.... They glanced away quickly as though they didn't want to get involved. "I... I can't think," she whispered quietly. She couldn't think of a way out... but maybe…wait. "Sar, I want you to scream and cry as loud as you can with me..." she whispered. There had to be someone looking for them. If not…Well, Tanzi didn't want to think about that.
"Awww, what's wrong, little babies gonna cry?"
They didn't want to reinforce the bullies' expectations, but... Sar gave their sister a tiny nod, squeezed her hand, and screamed at the top of their lungs.
The sound was loud and shrill, and just like that, everyone in the room went dead silent. And there were an awful lot of people in the room... The bullies staggered back, hands clapped against their ears to block out the eardrum-shatteringly loud noise. Sar squeezed their twin's hand again and let out another scream, their throat cracking with the effort. The sound echoed around the room like a confused banshee, joined by only one other sound in the entire hall:
"Excuse me--'scuse me--excuse me, could you just?--Excuse me, thank you--There you are!" Their caretaker appeared from the crowd like a ship in the night, pushing the bullies aside like tendrils of seafog. "Where have you been?! I told you two to stay close! Why did you run off like that?!"
Sar didn't answer--their throat was too sore. Instead, they grabbed their caretaker's hand with their free one and meekly followed her out of the room, Tanzi in tow. They turned back to look at their twin as the grown-up continued her lecture. They gave the other freshling a little smile and pulled Tanzi in close. "Thanks, Tanzi," they whispered. "You saved our bacon back there!"
Things weren't going to get better. Crying for their caretaker? No, the bullying would get worse. But as they turned to look back and saw a pair of angry juniors yelling at the bullies, well...
...Maybe things would get better, after all. The twins would just have to face the future--together.
Username 1: Panda Moor Which Twin: Red Hair Name: Jansen
Username 2: Koiasi Which Twin: Purple Hair Name: Janelle
Our responses are broken up so you can see who did what. heart
Prompt Response:
The light from the lanterns were floating overhead. Janelle squealed in full delight at seeing all the different booths and varying colors swirling through the air. She tugged on her brother's shirt, trying to urge him forward. She didn't want to miss anything! Even if it took all night she was going to experience every last thing that the celebration had to offer. "Move! If you don't, I swear a monster is going to eat you! You know how they like to lurk in the dark.." She made a face, the kind of face that she always used whenever she felt Jansen was trailing behind. Perhaps it was just a bit mean to try to convince her brother that there were things lurking in the dark ready to snatch them.. but what did she know? Maybe there was and she wouldn't put it passed them to want to grab her brother and gobble him up. And of course, she had to be the one to inform him of it, she didn't want one of them to get him when he wasn't looking...
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Jansen made an exasperated sound, his tiny fist reaching out for his sister, but he drew back at the last second to chew on his knuckle briefly. "None of these monsters will eat me!" he pouted, looking to the Academy students around them. He wasn't that dumb. They all went to school here! He glanced over his shoulder, curly hair bouncing. "Where did our caretaker go, 'Elle?" he asked, thoughts of the rules prancing through his head. The lights weren't as interesting when he knew they were breaking the rules - they were supposed to stay in sight at all times! "What if someone finds us?" He asked again, quickening his small strides to catch up with his sister. Jansen looked from side to side, eyeing the taller students briefly. He didn't think he was that tasty, and none seemed to have sharp teeth.
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Hearing her brother's statement, she turned for a moment, still tugging at him. "Are you sure? They all look mighty hungry... There might be some lurking around the booths... just waiting to pounce..." She got an almost devilish grin on her face while she was talking but when she stopped she looked innocent again, "But you're probably right! I'm sure there couldn't be any reason why our caretaker suddenly ended up disappearing. I'm sure they couldn't have been eaten..." She twirled a lock of her hair around her finger, her eyes darting around. "So you better stay close to me or I can't protect you!" She almost giggled. "Silly, remember... as long as your next to me my magical power repels any sort of monster that would want to get us! Promise! I'm really powerful and they'll be sorry!" She glanced around at the booths, wondering which one would be the best to cause some mischief at.
---
Jansen could only pout heavily. Why did his sister always know these things? Why couldn't there have been a giant poster, or a class during playtime? He thought he remembered one about stranger danger. Did that apply here? He chewed at his lower lip, turning it into a weary scowl at the ground. "She didn't get eaten," he mumbled. "Why would someone eat our caretaker, 'Elle." As reluctant as he was to accept the fact any of the older Nightmares were hostile (and hungry), he took a step closer to his twin. It was so nice she had her magic powers yet - he thought they couldn't do it until they were Seniors! If the Caretaker knew, his sister would be a prodigy. A hero just like the books! Running his hand over the nearest tablecloth, he practically jumped as he knocked shoes with a tall Chimera. Scrambling, he grabbed Janelle's hand, sighing loudly as he squeezed. "Can we please find them? I don't want to know what happens when we get in trouble."
---
"How can you be sure she didn't? You don't see her anywhere, do you?" At the last bit of the question, she turned pointedly toward him, her eyes raised like they were in complete shock. "For all you know they dragged her to where no one could see and devoured her..." When her brother jumped, she turned on her heels, glaring up at the Chimera. She blew air into her cheeks to try to seem bigger than she was, "Hey you! Don't go around scaring my brother like that! It's not nice, you know! And if you don't walk away now I'm going to kick your butt! You don't want to mess with my powers!" The Chimera eyed her and shook his head, probably believing it was better to walk away from her than cause a scene and possibly get kicked out, not that Janelle was old enough to understand that. All she knew was that her 'magical power' had protected her brother. "There, see. We don't need our caretaker.. we can have lots of fun without them here! Just stick close to me."
---
Jansen puffed his cheeks slightly, watching the older boy go. "Thanks," he mumbled under his breath, pushing his red hair out of his face. The boy didn't really mind taking the back seat, more than proud enough of his sister and her perceived abilities. He relaxed only the slightest but gripped her hand even tighter, letting his shoulders go slack. Jansen watched as some of the older ones continued to mill about, approaching the booths and... walking away with toys? He paused, bringing up a knuckle to chew on again. Toys did sound good. And this was supposed to be a party, right? "Why would demon-eaters want toys?" he asked Janelle, sighing again. Everything was so complicated out here by themselves!
---
"Huh? What kind of question is that?" She tilted her head, blinking at him. "Who wouldn't want toys? Everyone wants toys! They're the best! And you know, they're secretly magical themselves.. they're always doing things when you're not looking." She found a booth that held some cute little stuffed tigers. She grinned. "See those? I bet they're full of magic! We should get one!" She moved up toward the counter, and glanced up at the attendant. She gave him the biggest puppy eyes she could manage, "Hey mister... could we have one of the tigers?"
When the guy answered back with a no, Janelle continued to pout and began to cry. The guy mused but still didn't budge. However, an older kid saw them both and pulled out a couple of coins, tossing them to Janelle, "You don't need to cry, I'm sure you can win one with this."
"Realllyyy...?" She sniffled a little more and rubbed at her eyes, pulling the full child-like act. "Thank youuu..." She took the coins and placed them in front of the attendant.
"All you need to do is get the ball in that basket there," the teenager pointed, carefully guiding Janelle.
"Ohhhh.... like that..." She tossed the ball, completely missing. The girl smiled and nodded, and gave up a few more coins until Janelle was able to win the tiger.
"What about you, do you want to try?" The teen turned to look at Jansen.
---
Jansen frowned as his sister began to cry, hands moving from her to clench at his chest and then back, lightly grabbing her sleeve. He was sort of upset too - it was rather cute, and well, he wanted to see what this magic was all about. He didn't join in though, amber eyes wide with confusion as another tall teenager approached. He put on his best glare, but suddenly there was a coin for Janelle. The red-head opened his mouth to speak but instead watched with a slack jaw, tilting his head the slightest but not letting the older Nightmare out of his sight. Who knows what they might pull. As Janelle won her toy, he smiled a little, hugging her around the shoulders, squeezing the toy between them. "Me?" he asked, blinking, but was soon offered a coin too. Stepping back, he looked to the game with a quizzical eye before tossing the ball. It didn't quite make it, but it fell into the large basket beneath. Suddenly a glowing necklace was held out to him.
"Nice try kid," the booth keeper offered, glancing up to the long line that had formed behind them.
Pleased that he had won something, Jansen wasn't even ruffled he didn't get a stuffed toy. He beamed, holding it up for Janelle to see before closing the gap between them, nearly nose to nose. "It glows. That's magic too! Maybe..." he paused, staring at it. "If I keep it, I can get a bit of magic too." Jansen clenched the necklace tight in his hand before reaching for Janelle again with his other. He felt so safe holding her hand - and it wasn't just because she could protect him. The line having grown impatient behind them, for they had been holding it up, he quickly followed his sister's lead out of the tangle of legs and tails. He swung his arm slightly, looking to her. "What y' naming your tiger?" he asked of the striped stuffed animal, tilting his head. Jansen smiled, lifting his hand to show off his prize again, proud of it. However, suddenly his necklace wasn't intact - the lid had broken off, the small cap attached to the chord all that was left. He jumped up onto his toes, releasing Janelle's hand as he spun around. "Oh, no! My magic!"
---
"Of course you will, Silly! Like I said, toys have great magical power! The best power ever, really!" Her smile grew and for the first time she actually seemed truly happy that night. She was proud of her brother for winning his necklace, not that she'd say that. She had to keep up the façade of being the big protector, after all. "Maybe we can go find our caretaker now." Since she had finally got what she wanted, a little bit of fun that was just the two of them. She squeezed his hand and moved away from the line that was starting to get awfully crowded. "Ummmm... I think I'll name him.. Happy." She kept her eyes moving forward, trying to make sure they didn't get trampled on from the crowd. When they finally broke free, she turned, but her smile quickly vanished when she noticed that Jansen's necklace was broke. Musing, she pushed her tiger forward into his arms. "Here. You need the magic more than I do. I've got my own." She then turned her head away so that he couldn't see that she was slightly saddened about giving away her tiger. She just wanted him to be happy.
---
Before the tears could even swell up in his eyes, his sister was shoving her stuffed toy into his hands. "Really?" he asked, looking to Happy's stitched face. The little demon nodded, cuddling it up close to his face. Of course he would take it, he rarely said no to her. "Okay Janelle," he agreed, smiling a little. It made sense - she had made that Chimera boy go away! "Thank you."
"You two," a voice came from above, a female hand extending towards Jansen. The demon boy blinked, a new wider smile breaking his face. It was their caretaker - whole, and alive! He reached out, grabbing her hand with his free one, shaking the tiger in the other.
"Look what 'Elle gave me," he beamed. "She won it." Jansen admired it, holding it higher for their caretaker to see. It pretty much made him feel entirely better about losing his glowing necklace.
---
"Oh really? That was really nice of her! Where is hers?"
At the question, Janelle just blew air in her cheeks again, refusing to give their caretaker an answer. Though the woman was nice, Janelle couldn't help but dislike her. Maybe she was too nice.. in either case, Janelle had done pretty much every thing she could to make the woman mad, and running away tonight wasn't any different than usual for her.
"Not going to answer, hm?" The woman squeezed Jansen's hand before letting go and leaning down to look Janelle in the eyes. "Well... I think I have someone who would like to talk to you." She moved, pulling a stuffed tiger from her back that looked very similar to the one Janelle had just given Jansen. "This guy followed me home when I was looking for the two of you... What do you say about giving him a home?"
Tears almost welled up in Janelle's eyes as she looked at the tiger. "F-for me...?" She knew she hadn't deserved it after how she had treated their caretaker.
"Yep! I think he'll make a great addition to your brother's tiger, so what do you say?"
"I... yes!" She nearly pounced on the tiger, pulling it into her arms. She would have hugged the life out of it had it been a real animal. And then she said the last thing that she ever thought she'd say to her caretaker. "T-Thank you.." Maybe.. just maybe not all adults were as terrible as she thought. She grabbed Jansen's hand and for the second time that night, truly smiled.
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 1:47 pm
We are sorry for the delay, but we have finally selected our winners:
