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Cartoonival Round 3 Part 1- Tibia Skeleton

“Cy Gind Mets Mlearer”

A steady veil of darkness lay upon the carnival of Cartoonival, like a soft blanket, thin but comforting. Soon the darkness pulled away as the first rays of the sunlight appeared in the distance and the beginning of a new day approached.

As the morning drew on, many of the inhabitants of Cartoonival began to stretch and prepare for another day. Performers checked their now new equipment; Carlos was still having trouble with his animals; Betsy put the finishing repairs on yet another carnival ride; the Ringleader counted his money… again, and Penny opened her shop, giving her customers a big smile to start the day.

All in all, life in Cartoonival seemed to be in full swing… except for a very peculiar walking skeleton. Lent’s body was currently completely straight, yet still tilting to the left like a poorly placed broomstick , making a very clean 50% angle. He was currently not wearing his usual attire; instead he wore black pajamas with twinkling stars on it fuzzy red slippers upon his feet, and a purple sleeping cap with a very large puff pall on its end. The small room he stood in was none other than Sira’s closet, where he had been resting each night in Cartoonival. To him, it was the snuggliest closet a skeleton could ask for.

However, it wasn’t long before Lent’s coziness was compromised as the door to his cozy closet space opened, letting in a very a unwelcome ray of sunlight. Behind the blinding light stood a female figure with one hand on the door and the other on her hip.

???: Lent….

???: Leeeeent…!

Lent: *Still half asleep* Mmmm, five more minutes… I promise I won’t go back to sleep.

Lent shifted into a more comfortable position and pushed his face into a nearby coat in an attempt to escape the sunlight.

???: Lent wake up! You’re going to be late!

Lent: *Eyes(If he had eyes) blasting open* Wha! What year is it!

Sira: Same year as yesterday lazy butt!

Sira was a blue haired, purple eyed girl who had actually been a contestant in Cartoonival, although she gave it her best however, she was defeated.

Lent dazedly looked at Sira and responded with a yawn, placing a hand over his mouth while the other reached out as far as it could in the cramped closet to stretch. He then gave Sira a good morning smile.

Lent: Oh… if that’s the case why are you waking me, I wasn’t dreaming tonight, it was very peaceful.

Sira: *Takes a step back giving Lent an almost disappointed look* Round 3…

Lent: Round 3? But Round 3 doesn’t start until 11:3….

Lent’s thoughts suddenly went into maintenance mode as his gaze fell upon the clock that hung from the wall on the other end of the room…

11:42 A.M.

…
….
…..

Lent: Oh… I seem to be late… hahaha

[2 seconds later]

KABLAMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lent: I SEEM TO BE LATE!!!!!!!!

In a blast of speed and magic, Lent Exploded from the side of the trailer, nearly blasting the door off its hinges as he torpedoed towards the main tent of Cartoonival. He landed on his feet and swiftly ran at full speed. He did not leave empty handed. In his left hand was a glass of Orange Juice, while in the other hand was a piece of buttered toast, both of which he had taken off the table from inside the trailer without even thinking.

Sira: LENT, THAT WAS MY TOAST!

Lent: SORRY!!!! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!

Lent only spared a single look behind himself to see a fuming Sira. He would make amends later, right now he needed to get to the main tent! Or he might be…

---

Ringleader: …DISQUALIFIED!

M-Kitty: *Tilting his head in confusion* uh… What? Am I disqualified?!

Ringleader: Hm? No, I… what I meant to say, is if that Lent guy isn’t here soon, he’s disqualified.

M-Kitty: But… *A little worried* It must be important… I don’t think Mr. Bones is just slacking off. Maybe something important happened.

Ringleader: Hmph, well you see kid… cat… The world doesn’t revolve around him! Plus he’s wasting my time, which in turn means he’s wasting my money. No one messes with my money.

M-kitty, Erin, and the Ringleader had been meandering around for a little while now waiting for Lent. He wasn’t super late, but the other 2 contestants had already been sent on their way while M-kitty was still waiting on his opponent

While the Ringleader was stressed because… he’s been always stressed, Erin showed that she wasn’t in the best place either. She kept her eyes on the tent flaps, silently waiting and hoping that Lent would arrive or else her plans would be ruined.

Another minute went by and with it came a resounding “THUMP” as the Ringleader’s foot came down in an act of slowly increasing anger.

Ringleader: Alright, I’m tired of waiting, looks like this one go’s to y…

Erin: *Jumping out of her seats on the rafters* Wait!

Erin’s sudden outburst was enough to cause M-kitty and the Ringleader to stop what they were doing and look to Erin. Erin, flustered, looked at the Ringleader.

Erin: Uh… I mean… Ringleader! I… uh… Was wondering how you kept your hair so nice!

Erin’s face reddened as she felt increasingly stupid for her statement, mostly because she couldn’t EVEN SEE HIS HAIR! He wore a top hat for crying out loud.

Ringleader: …Erin my child…

Erin: Yes…

Ringleader: I’m… SO HAPPY YOU ASKED!

Suddenly donning a massive smile the Ringleader whipped off his top hat to reveal a perfectly combed and gelled cowlick.

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Ringleader: Gaze at the spectacle before you! The Amazing Hatless Entertainer! You see every morning I wake up about an hour early to….

As the Ringleader yammered on, Erin felt her inner self sigh heavily. She had somehow made this situation work for her. She couldn’t have Lent just get disqualified because he was late. He was quite possibly her last chance to get M-kitty to lose the performance!

Erin felt a heavy weight suddenly grow on her shoulders. She didn’t like it. She hated it and she didn’t much like herself for thinking it. But it had to be done.

The young girl gazed down at M-kitty, who was currently listening to the Ringleader yammer on about the exotic gels he uses in hair to make it look like a dark purple whipped cream on his head. She felt herself frown. She couldn’t lose him to this place.

She wouldn’t let that happ--

Erin’s thoughts where suddenly interrupted as the flaps to the tent threw themselves open, followed immediately by a vibrantly colored blur blasting past her and M-kitty and straight at the Ringleader.

Stopping 5 feet away from the Ringleader was a panting and heaving Lent, still only covered by his jammies, but present.

Lent: I am *Gasp* here!!... Oh jeez, my bones can’t take this abuse…

Ringleader: Ah Mr. Lent… Good to see you, you just missed my speech on proper hair care. However, I did have something to tell you… What was I…

Erin: It was that Round 3 was going to start and to set us on our merry ways so you can go… do stuff…

The Ringleader thought about it for a second before clapping his hands together and smiling.

Ringleader: Exactly, thank you my dear. ‘Ahem’ So congrats for getting to Round 3 Lent and M-kitty. You have worked hard to get here through trials and tribulations blah blah but that doesn’t matter. You 2 have approximately 1 week to find a staff member to work with and train with.

Ringleader: *Striking a dramatic pose* This act will be performed in front of a live audience! So you better make it something worth seeing you here! I have money riding on this. That is all, so good luck to you both!

With that the Ringleader turned around and began to walk out the tent flaps towards some unknown destination.

Lent, who held a very worried look on his face, released a sigh and a chuckle. He looked over at M-kitty, who was nowhere to be seen.

M-kitty: *Appearing on Lent’s shoulder, giving a swipe to the puff ball on his hat so it drooped over Lent’s face* Hey Mr. Bones! Why are you still in your jammies?

Lent: Haha… You see my fine feline friend I… might have slept in.

M-kitty: *Gasping* Mr. Bones! That’s no good, if it wasn’t for Erin you might have been disqu-o-lofiide… whatever that means!

Erin: It means to lose immediately or to be eliminated M-kitty. *Erin said walking up and crossing her arms* That was a close one talking skeleton.

Lent: I suppose it was, wasn’t it? haha, a little too close. It would be, for lack of a better word, incredibly lame if that’s how my run ended.

M-kitty: Yea definitely!

Erin: It would make things more complicated.

Lent: Hm? Complicated ho--

Erin: Sooooo, what’s with the get up?

Lent: Oh, these are just my pajamas. Give me a second.

Lent lifted his arm in the air and snapped his bone fingers. In an immediate puff of white, sparkle filled smoke, Lent was no longer in his night cloths, but rather his usual outfit.

Lent: Ah, much better!

M-kitty: Aw, but the puffball hat…

Lent: Hahaha, maybe I can make one for you later M-kitty.

Erin watched the two laugh and giggle to each other with an exceeding anger. She felt both ignored and silly for being a part of this. She sighed and turned.

Erin: You two have fun alright? I’ve got some stuff to do, I’ll see you later M-kitty.

M-kitty: Okay! See ya later Erin! *Waving her off*

Lent’s smiling expression was replaced with a curious one as he watched Erin go. Something was different about her. He wondered what.

M-kitty: So, Mr. Bones *getting into a seated position on Lent’s shoulder* what are you going to do for the round?

Lent: The round? Well, honestly, I’m not sure. *Scratching his head* I haven’t honestly thought about it much.

M-kitty: Really? Well, me neither. I don’t know how I feel about big audiences. I also don’t know how I feel about going against you.

Lent: Going against me? Oh, stop being silly, I’m more worried about going against you!

M-kitty: *Confused* Really?

Lent: Of course, other than my magic, I’m just a hollowed-out skeleton, aren’t I?

M-kitty: Oh, don’t say that about yourself, Mr. Bones . You’re one of the most interesting people here! Plus, magic is cool.

Lent: Well, magic is cool, but that’s not my point. Everyone will be expecting the magical skeleton to do magic while you can do almost anything you put your heart too! I’m going to have to go outside the box for this one. Which reminds me, I’m going to have to find those two.

M-kitty: Find who?

Lent: The Jesters of course!

M-kitty: *Looking very confused* What? Why those guys? They only cause trouble!

Lent: And it’s exactly for that reason that I’m going to distract them. Plus, they are probably the most exotic of the Cartoonival posse, am I wrong?

M-kitty: I guess that’s true. Just be careful, alright?

Lent: Haha, don’t worry about me, M-kitty. I’ll be fine, but now that we’ve brought it up, who are you going to get as your trainer?

M-kitty: *Looking even more confused* Uh… I haven’t really decided, but I think I’m going to ask Bruce! I want him to teach m--

M-kitty was then silenced as Lent put up a finger to silence him.

Lent: Ububub, no spoilers. I want to be surprised! I bet you’ll do something awesome.

M-kitty: *Beaming* You too, Mr. Bones!

Lent: Yup yup, though I think this is where we’ll part. Till next time, M-kitty.

With that Lent placed the cyborg cat on the ground and they exchanged goodbyes before walking towards their separate destinations.

-------

Erin: And that’s what I need you to do.

Erin finished explaining her end of the story to the Mayhem and Havoc who were looking at her with a mix of interest and slight non-belief. As Erin finished, the two floating entities looked at each other and then back to her.

Mayhem: Wait, so you want us to mess with the cat’s performance?

Havoc: I thought you guys where friends?

Erin: Exactly, it is because we’re friends that I’m doing this. So can you or not?

Once again, the Jester’s looked at each other, growing slightly mischievous smiles as they looked back to Erin and simultaneously nodded their heads.

Mayhem: You’ll owe us one however.

Havoc: Yea, and you can’t say no either.

Erin: *Sighing* Whatever, as long as you promise you can do this for me, alright?

Mayhem: Hey, who do you think you’re dealing with here, hm?

Havoc: Yea, you see we’re something you call “trained professionals”. We even have business cards! Here!

Havoc immediately shoved a small card that he pulled from behind his back in Erin’s face, she leaned back slightly at the thing that was suddenly shoved in her face, but soon reached up and grabbed it, reading it over.

[The Jesters- Professional tricksters, pranksters, and masters of general antics.
Call us at our work number! 1-800-Ringleader
P.S. If some old cranky guy answers the phone, call back later]

Erin: *Facepalming* That’s nice and all, but I need to know you can do this for me.

Mayhem: Oh please, this’ll be easy. Don’t worry, pony-tail! *Putting her arm around Erin’s shoulder*

Havoc: The Jesters on the job! *Also puts his arm around Erin’s shoulder*

Lent: Really? What job?

Glass seemed to break as Erin, Mayhem, and Havoc all froze. Their happy expressions all changing unison to a very terrified “Oh Sh$#t” face. The Jesters immediately let Erin go and flew to face Lent, giving their best smiles.

Mayhem: A job?! What job, Erin was just telling us about her…

Havoc: Job back home! Where she works as a…

Erin: Librarian…

Lent, Havoc, and Mayhem all gave Erin a very puzzled look as she piped in.

Erin: *Shrugging* I like books

Both Mayhem and Havoc looked back at Erin then back to Lent only to offer him larger smiles. They knew Lent was good friends with M-kitty. If he sniffed them out with his non-existent nose, their plan would go up in flames, or they’d end up as potted plants again.

Lent: Well, that’s nice. I enjoy a book or two once a while as well! But that’s a conversation for another time. You, see I need the steal the Jesters.

Erin: Alright, how long do you need them for?

Erin wanted to add ‘they have work to do,’ but that would be unwise given the circumstances.

Lent: The whole week of course!

Mayhem, Havoc, and Erin: …..Wut ?

Lent: Yup, these two little munchkins *Reaching out and pinching both the Havoc’s and Mayhem’s cheeks* Are going to help me with my performance! Sorry for stealing them away, but you can talk with them when they’re not training me!

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Erin: Wait, so your choosing the Jester’s to be your trainers? Really?

Lent: Of course, as it happens to be I have more history with the Jesters than anyone else who works here…

Havoc: *Looking at Mayhem* We work here?

Mayhem: *Jabbing Havoc in the side* SSHHHhhhh!

Lent: Sooooo, I thought it would be interesting!

Havoc: Wait, wait, hold it! Don’t we have a say in this?

Mayhem: I want to see my lawyer!!!

Lent: Haha, you don't have a lawyer! Plus, the Ringleader said I get to choose my trainers, not the other way around! So, I’m sorry to cut into your conversation, Erin, but I need to talk to my trainers in private!

With that Lent pulled out his magic wand from seemingly nowhere and swirled it in his fingers a few times before waving it through the air. It a flash of white puffy smoke, all 3 of them disappeared without a trace. Leaving Erin literally all alone in the middle of the park.

Erin: …I hate this place.

-----------------

(Inside Sira’s and Lent’s Trailer)

Sira was currently holding a cup of coffee as she looked out the window, thinking to herself, she wondered why she stuck around this place. She had many other things to do, places to be, people to see, but something kept her here. Odd.

She took a sip of her coffee before laying it back down on the small table in front of the coach she sat on. Her eyes gazed into Cartoonival, examining its features and details, letting herself get lost in her own thoughts.

This peaceful thinking didn’t last however, as a loud ‘POP’ sound resounded through the entirety of the trailer. With a flash and a puff of smoke, 3 individuals where deposited in various seating arrangements available. Sira almost jumped out of her seat and out the window as suddenly Lent and two very angry Jesters appeared out of literally thin air.

Sira: The hell?

Lent: Hey Sira!

Sira: Lent! Why are they here?

Lent: There my trai--

Havoc: Hostages!

Mayhem: Yea why do we have to help you with your smelly round?

Havoc: We have better things to do then be targets for your magic. I don’t want to be a plant again.

Lent: Oh, calm down. I’m not going to do any of that stuff.

Mayhem: *Pouting* Then what do you want?

Lent: Well… *Look at Sira* Sira do you have any more of that coffee?

Sira: *Throwing a dark look at Lent* Stop stealing my food.

Lent: Haha, alright no coffee then. sorry about that earlier. haha…

Lent seemed to shrink slightly under the evil eye of Sira as she held her coffee close to her body to protect it. Lent released a sad chuckle before looking back to the Jesters.

Lent: To answer your question, Havoc, I want you to train me of course! I wouldn’t have chosen you two if I didn’t desire to see what you had to offer.

Havoc and Mayhem looked at each other confused before looking back at Lent.

Mayhem: So you want us… to train you?

Havoc: And help you get ready for your performance?

Mayhem: Just like that?

Havoc: No strings attached?

Lent: Haha, nope. That’s pretty much it. Unless you want there to be strings attached. So what do you say guys?

It took a moment, a moment of pristine, unfiltered, infinitely long silence. Then, like the sound of bending rubber, massive smiles appeared on both the Jester’s faces as they gave Lent the darkest expressions they could muster.

Lent: …Guys?

(5 hours later)

Upon the steep cliff of a mountain, Lent was seen. He was no longer wearing his regular clothing. Instead, he now donned a bagged t-shirt tucked into a buckled-up pair of camo pants, which in turn where tucked into heavy black boots. His top hat was still present, but was gently tucked into a large bag on his back, replacing it was a purple bandana with a skull and crossbones. The Jesters where there as well, sitting yoda style in Lent’s bag smiling at him. He clung to the side of the cliff-face with a look of desperation on his face. That wasn’t everything however, there was also a rope tied around his waist which was in turn was tied to a very large piano that hung below him.

Lent: …. I’m so boned.

Description
Cartoonival Round 3 Part 1- Tibia Skeleton

“Cy Gind Mets Mlearer”

A steady veil of darkness lay upon the carnival of Cartoonival, like a soft blanket, thin but comforting. Soon the darkness pulled away as the first rays of the sunlight appeared in the distance and the beginning of a new day approached.

As the morning drew on, many of the inhabitants of Cartoonival began to stretch and prepare for another day. Performers checked their now new equipment; Carlos was still having trouble with his animals; Betsy put the finishing repairs on yet another carnival ride; the Ringleader counted his money… again, and Penny opened her shop, giving her customers a big smile to start the day.

All in all, life in Cartoonival seemed to be in full swing… except for a very peculiar walking skeleton. Lent’s body was currently completely straight, yet still tilting to the left like a poorly placed broomstick , making a very clean 50% angle. He was currently not wearing his usual attire; instead he wore black pajamas with twinkling stars on it fuzzy red slippers upon his feet, and a purple sleeping cap with a very large puff pall on its end. The small room he stood in was none other than Sira’s closet, where he had been resting each night in Cartoonival. To him, it was the snuggliest closet a skeleton could ask for.

However, it wasn’t long before Lent’s coziness was compromised as the door to his cozy closet space opened, letting in a very a unwelcome ray of sunlight. Behind the blinding light stood a female figure with one hand on the door and the other on her hip.

???: Lent….

???: Leeeeent…!

Lent: *Still half asleep* Mmmm, five more minutes… I promise I won’t go back to sleep.

Lent shifted into a more comfortable position and pushed his face into a nearby coat in an attempt to escape the sunlight.

???: Lent wake up! You’re going to be late!

Lent: *Eyes(If he had eyes) blasting open* Wha! What year is it!

Sira: Same year as yesterday lazy butt!

Sira was a blue haired, purple eyed girl who had actually been a contestant in Cartoonival, although she gave it her best however, she was defeated.

Lent dazedly looked at Sira and responded with a yawn, placing a hand over his mouth while the other reached out as far as it could in the cramped closet to stretch. He then gave Sira a good morning smile.

Lent: Oh… if that’s the case why are you waking me, I wasn’t dreaming tonight, it was very peaceful.

Sira: *Takes a step back giving Lent an almost disappointed look* Round 3…

Lent: Round 3? But Round 3 doesn’t start until 11:3….

Lent’s thoughts suddenly went into maintenance mode as his gaze fell upon the clock that hung from the wall on the other end of the room…

11:42 A.M.

…
….
…..

Lent: Oh… I seem to be late… hahaha

[2 seconds later]

KABLAMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lent: I SEEM TO BE LATE!!!!!!!!

In a blast of speed and magic, Lent Exploded from the side of the trailer, nearly blasting the door off its hinges as he torpedoed towards the main tent of Cartoonival. He landed on his feet and swiftly ran at full speed. He did not leave empty handed. In his left hand was a glass of Orange Juice, while in the other hand was a piece of buttered toast, both of which he had taken off the table from inside the trailer without even thinking.

Sira: LENT, THAT WAS MY TOAST!

Lent: SORRY!!!! THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!

Lent only spared a single look behind himself to see a fuming Sira. He would make amends later, right now he needed to get to the main tent! Or he might be…

---

Ringleader: …DISQUALIFIED!

M-Kitty: *Tilting his head in confusion* uh… What? Am I disqualified?!

Ringleader: Hm? No, I… what I meant to say, is if that Lent guy isn’t here soon, he’s disqualified.

M-Kitty: But… *A little worried* It must be important… I don’t think Mr. Bones is just slacking off. Maybe something important happened.

Ringleader: Hmph, well you see kid… cat… The world doesn’t revolve around him! Plus he’s wasting my time, which in turn means he’s wasting my money. No one messes with my money.

M-kitty, Erin, and the Ringleader had been meandering around for a little while now waiting for Lent. He wasn’t super late, but the other 2 contestants had already been sent on their way while M-kitty was still waiting on his opponent

While the Ringleader was stressed because… he’s been always stressed, Erin showed that she wasn’t in the best place either. She kept her eyes on the tent flaps, silently waiting and hoping that Lent would arrive or else her plans would be ruined.

Another minute went by and with it came a resounding “THUMP” as the Ringleader’s foot came down in an act of slowly increasing anger.

Ringleader: Alright, I’m tired of waiting, looks like this one go’s to y…

Erin: *Jumping out of her seats on the rafters* Wait!

Erin’s sudden outburst was enough to cause M-kitty and the Ringleader to stop what they were doing and look to Erin. Erin, flustered, looked at the Ringleader.

Erin: Uh… I mean… Ringleader! I… uh… Was wondering how you kept your hair so nice!

Erin’s face reddened as she felt increasingly stupid for her statement, mostly because she couldn’t EVEN SEE HIS HAIR! He wore a top hat for crying out loud.

Ringleader: …Erin my child…

Erin: Yes…

Ringleader: I’m… SO HAPPY YOU ASKED!

Suddenly donning a massive smile the Ringleader whipped off his top hat to reveal a perfectly combed and gelled cowlick.

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Ringleader: Gaze at the spectacle before you! The Amazing Hatless Entertainer! You see every morning I wake up about an hour early to….

As the Ringleader yammered on, Erin felt her inner self sigh heavily. She had somehow made this situation work for her. She couldn’t have Lent just get disqualified because he was late. He was quite possibly her last chance to get M-kitty to lose the performance!

Erin felt a heavy weight suddenly grow on her shoulders. She didn’t like it. She hated it and she didn’t much like herself for thinking it. But it had to be done.

The young girl gazed down at M-kitty, who was currently listening to the Ringleader yammer on about the exotic gels he uses in hair to make it look like a dark purple whipped cream on his head. She felt herself frown. She couldn’t lose him to this place.

She wouldn’t let that happ--

Erin’s thoughts where suddenly interrupted as the flaps to the tent threw themselves open, followed immediately by a vibrantly colored blur blasting past her and M-kitty and straight at the Ringleader.

Stopping 5 feet away from the Ringleader was a panting and heaving Lent, still only covered by his jammies, but present.

Lent: I am *Gasp* here!!... Oh jeez, my bones can’t take this abuse…

Ringleader: Ah Mr. Lent… Good to see you, you just missed my speech on proper hair care. However, I did have something to tell you… What was I…

Erin: It was that Round 3 was going to start and to set us on our merry ways so you can go… do stuff…

The Ringleader thought about it for a second before clapping his hands together and smiling.

Ringleader: Exactly, thank you my dear. ‘Ahem’ So congrats for getting to Round 3 Lent and M-kitty. You have worked hard to get here through trials and tribulations blah blah but that doesn’t matter. You 2 have approximately 1 week to find a staff member to work with and train with.

Ringleader: *Striking a dramatic pose* This act will be performed in front of a live audience! So you better make it something worth seeing you here! I have money riding on this. That is all, so good luck to you both!

With that the Ringleader turned around and began to walk out the tent flaps towards some unknown destination.

Lent, who held a very worried look on his face, released a sigh and a chuckle. He looked over at M-kitty, who was nowhere to be seen.

M-kitty: *Appearing on Lent’s shoulder, giving a swipe to the puff ball on his hat so it drooped over Lent’s face* Hey Mr. Bones! Why are you still in your jammies?

Lent: Haha… You see my fine feline friend I… might have slept in.

M-kitty: *Gasping* Mr. Bones! That’s no good, if it wasn’t for Erin you might have been disqu-o-lofiide… whatever that means!

Erin: It means to lose immediately or to be eliminated M-kitty. *Erin said walking up and crossing her arms* That was a close one talking skeleton.

Lent: I suppose it was, wasn’t it? haha, a little too close. It would be, for lack of a better word, incredibly lame if that’s how my run ended.

M-kitty: Yea definitely!

Erin: It would make things more complicated.

Lent: Hm? Complicated ho--

Erin: Sooooo, what’s with the get up?

Lent: Oh, these are just my pajamas. Give me a second.

Lent lifted his arm in the air and snapped his bone fingers. In an immediate puff of white, sparkle filled smoke, Lent was no longer in his night cloths, but rather his usual outfit.

Lent: Ah, much better!

M-kitty: Aw, but the puffball hat…

Lent: Hahaha, maybe I can make one for you later M-kitty.

Erin watched the two laugh and giggle to each other with an exceeding anger. She felt both ignored and silly for being a part of this. She sighed and turned.

Erin: You two have fun alright? I’ve got some stuff to do, I’ll see you later M-kitty.

M-kitty: Okay! See ya later Erin! *Waving her off*

Lent’s smiling expression was replaced with a curious one as he watched Erin go. Something was different about her. He wondered what.

M-kitty: So, Mr. Bones *getting into a seated position on Lent’s shoulder* what are you going to do for the round?

Lent: The round? Well, honestly, I’m not sure. *Scratching his head* I haven’t honestly thought about it much.

M-kitty: Really? Well, me neither. I don’t know how I feel about big audiences. I also don’t know how I feel about going against you.

Lent: Going against me? Oh, stop being silly, I’m more worried about going against you!

M-kitty: *Confused* Really?

Lent: Of course, other than my magic, I’m just a hollowed-out skeleton, aren’t I?

M-kitty: Oh, don’t say that about yourself, Mr. Bones . You’re one of the most interesting people here! Plus, magic is cool.

Lent: Well, magic is cool, but that’s not my point. Everyone will be expecting the magical skeleton to do magic while you can do almost anything you put your heart too! I’m going to have to go outside the box for this one. Which reminds me, I’m going to have to find those two.

M-kitty: Find who?

Lent: The Jesters of course!

M-kitty: *Looking very confused* What? Why those guys? They only cause trouble!

Lent: And it’s exactly for that reason that I’m going to distract them. Plus, they are probably the most exotic of the Cartoonival posse, am I wrong?

M-kitty: I guess that’s true. Just be careful, alright?

Lent: Haha, don’t worry about me, M-kitty. I’ll be fine, but now that we’ve brought it up, who are you going to get as your trainer?

M-kitty: *Looking even more confused* Uh… I haven’t really decided, but I think I’m going to ask Bruce! I want him to teach m--

M-kitty was then silenced as Lent put up a finger to silence him.

Lent: Ububub, no spoilers. I want to be surprised! I bet you’ll do something awesome.

M-kitty: *Beaming* You too, Mr. Bones!

Lent: Yup yup, though I think this is where we’ll part. Till next time, M-kitty.

With that Lent placed the cyborg cat on the ground and they exchanged goodbyes before walking towards their separate destinations.

-------

Erin: And that’s what I need you to do.

Erin finished explaining her end of the story to the Mayhem and Havoc who were looking at her with a mix of interest and slight non-belief. As Erin finished, the two floating entities looked at each other and then back to her.

Mayhem: Wait, so you want us to mess with the cat’s performance?

Havoc: I thought you guys where friends?

Erin: Exactly, it is because we’re friends that I’m doing this. So can you or not?

Once again, the Jester’s looked at each other, growing slightly mischievous smiles as they looked back to Erin and simultaneously nodded their heads.

Mayhem: You’ll owe us one however.

Havoc: Yea, and you can’t say no either.

Erin: *Sighing* Whatever, as long as you promise you can do this for me, alright?

Mayhem: Hey, who do you think you’re dealing with here, hm?

Havoc: Yea, you see we’re something you call “trained professionals”. We even have business cards! Here!

Havoc immediately shoved a small card that he pulled from behind his back in Erin’s face, she leaned back slightly at the thing that was suddenly shoved in her face, but soon reached up and grabbed it, reading it over.

[The Jesters- Professional tricksters, pranksters, and masters of general antics.
Call us at our work number! 1-800-Ringleader
P.S. If some old cranky guy answers the phone, call back later]

Erin: *Facepalming* That’s nice and all, but I need to know you can do this for me.

Mayhem: Oh please, this’ll be easy. Don’t worry, pony-tail! *Putting her arm around Erin’s shoulder*

Havoc: The Jesters on the job! *Also puts his arm around Erin’s shoulder*

Lent: Really? What job?

Glass seemed to break as Erin, Mayhem, and Havoc all froze. Their happy expressions all changing unison to a very terrified “Oh Sh$#t” face. The Jesters immediately let Erin go and flew to face Lent, giving their best smiles.

Mayhem: A job?! What job, Erin was just telling us about her…

Havoc: Job back home! Where she works as a…

Erin: Librarian…

Lent, Havoc, and Mayhem all gave Erin a very puzzled look as she piped in.

Erin: *Shrugging* I like books

Both Mayhem and Havoc looked back at Erin then back to Lent only to offer him larger smiles. They knew Lent was good friends with M-kitty. If he sniffed them out with his non-existent nose, their plan would go up in flames, or they’d end up as potted plants again.

Lent: Well, that’s nice. I enjoy a book or two once a while as well! But that’s a conversation for another time. You, see I need the steal the Jesters.

Erin: Alright, how long do you need them for?

Erin wanted to add ‘they have work to do,’ but that would be unwise given the circumstances.

Lent: The whole week of course!

Mayhem, Havoc, and Erin: …..Wut ?

Lent: Yup, these two little munchkins *Reaching out and pinching both the Havoc’s and Mayhem’s cheeks* Are going to help me with my performance! Sorry for stealing them away, but you can talk with them when they’re not training me!

68.media.tumblr.com/21ce063879…

Erin: Wait, so your choosing the Jester’s to be your trainers? Really?

Lent: Of course, as it happens to be I have more history with the Jesters than anyone else who works here…

Havoc: *Looking at Mayhem* We work here?

Mayhem: *Jabbing Havoc in the side* SSHHHhhhh!

Lent: Sooooo, I thought it would be interesting!

Havoc: Wait, wait, hold it! Don’t we have a say in this?

Mayhem: I want to see my lawyer!!!

Lent: Haha, you don't have a lawyer! Plus, the Ringleader said I get to choose my trainers, not the other way around! So, I’m sorry to cut into your conversation, Erin, but I need to talk to my trainers in private!

With that Lent pulled out his magic wand from seemingly nowhere and swirled it in his fingers a few times before waving it through the air. It a flash of white puffy smoke, all 3 of them disappeared without a trace. Leaving Erin literally all alone in the middle of the park.

Erin: …I hate this place.

-----------------

(Inside Sira’s and Lent’s Trailer)

Sira was currently holding a cup of coffee as she looked out the window, thinking to herself, she wondered why she stuck around this place. She had many other things to do, places to be, people to see, but something kept her here. Odd.

She took a sip of her coffee before laying it back down on the small table in front of the coach she sat on. Her eyes gazed into Cartoonival, examining its features and details, letting herself get lost in her own thoughts.

This peaceful thinking didn’t last however, as a loud ‘POP’ sound resounded through the entirety of the trailer. With a flash and a puff of smoke, 3 individuals where deposited in various seating arrangements available. Sira almost jumped out of her seat and out the window as suddenly Lent and two very angry Jesters appeared out of literally thin air.

Sira: The hell?

Lent: Hey Sira!

Sira: Lent! Why are they here?

Lent: There my trai--

Havoc: Hostages!

Mayhem: Yea why do we have to help you with your smelly round?

Havoc: We have better things to do then be targets for your magic. I don’t want to be a plant again.

Lent: Oh, calm down. I’m not going to do any of that stuff.

Mayhem: *Pouting* Then what do you want?

Lent: Well… *Look at Sira* Sira do you have any more of that coffee?

Sira: *Throwing a dark look at Lent* Stop stealing my food.

Lent: Haha, alright no coffee then. sorry about that earlier. haha…

Lent seemed to shrink slightly under the evil eye of Sira as she held her coffee close to her body to protect it. Lent released a sad chuckle before looking back to the Jesters.

Lent: To answer your question, Havoc, I want you to train me of course! I wouldn’t have chosen you two if I didn’t desire to see what you had to offer.

Havoc and Mayhem looked at each other confused before looking back at Lent.

Mayhem: So you want us… to train you?

Havoc: And help you get ready for your performance?

Mayhem: Just like that?

Havoc: No strings attached?

Lent: Haha, nope. That’s pretty much it. Unless you want there to be strings attached. So what do you say guys?

It took a moment, a moment of pristine, unfiltered, infinitely long silence. Then, like the sound of bending rubber, massive smiles appeared on both the Jester’s faces as they gave Lent the darkest expressions they could muster.

Lent: …Guys?

(5 hours later)

Upon the steep cliff of a mountain, Lent was seen. He was no longer wearing his regular clothing. Instead, he now donned a bagged t-shirt tucked into a buckled-up pair of camo pants, which in turn where tucked into heavy black boots. His top hat was still present, but was gently tucked into a large bag on his back, replacing it was a purple bandana with a skull and crossbones. The Jesters where there as well, sitting yoda style in Lent’s bag smiling at him. He clung to the side of the cliff-face with a look of desperation on his face. That wasn’t everything however, there was also a rope tied around his waist which was in turn was tied to a very large piano that hung below him.

Lent: …. I’m so boned.