Twisted Wonderland 2

A Look Around

You walk through the streets until you come to a clearing. Tables have been set everywhere, all facing an empty area where people are dancing. Pink and purple streamers have been strung above the clearing. Tents and booths are lined by the tables.

"Is this where we're supposed to meet up?" Grim glances around. "Everybody better be here."

You laugh, shaking your head. "Just be patient, Grim."

"Ah, there you are."

Turning around, you see Malleus approaching. Behind him are the rest of the boys.

"Did all of us actually arrive on time?" Azul asks. "Now that's a rare occurrence."

Idia groans. "Took you guys long enough. The crowds have been totally overwhelming..."

"Well, this IS the central square for the festival." Trein states. "There are bound to be crowds. Aren't the decorations impressive? The main event will be held on that stage. Now this festival is a particularly important ritual in Shaftlands history, said to date back to before the advent of magic."

Ruggie rolls his eyes. "Here we go, another interminable lecture."

Grim hops to your shoulder for a better look around. "Is that tent over there the stage? The biggest one? There are a buncha smaller tents around, too."

"The smaller ones had little performances and merch and stuff." Idia says.

"Saaay, Professor Trein?" Ruggie grins. "Since we're doing fieldwork and all, could we take a look around the square?"

"Well," Trein shrugs. "I don't see why not. We have a bit of time before the show starts. All right, everyone can go observe the festivities."

"Nice!" Deuce grins as he looks to you. "Hey, Y/N, are there any tents you wanna check out?"

You glance around. "I'm not sure. There's so much to see."

Malleus smiles. "If you look to the right, there's a most fascinating sight."

Glancing over, a man on really tall stilts walks over you and continues down the street.

Grim's eyes widen and he hides under your hair. "Ack, monster alert! And it's got super long legs!"

You laugh, taking Grim off your shoulders and holding him under the arms. "There's nothing to be scared of."

Malleus chuckles. "Those are stilts. That is almost assuredly an ordinary human in costume. The human climbs on top of the poles and then walks on them to make themselves look exceedingly tall."

"Huh." Grim throws a smirk to Malleus. "So if I used those things, I'd be taller than you, Hornton!"

Deuce shakes his head. "Why are you trying to compete with Malleus...?"

Malleus only smirks. "Care to try me? Were I to give it a proper effort, I doubt someone of your stature could tower over me even with the aid of stilts."

"Whaddaya mean, a proper effort?" Grim tilts his head. "Can you make yourself grow taller or somethin'?"

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"What's with that smirk?" Grim swipes the air at Malleus. "You're gettin' real cheeky, Hornton. In that case, I'll make Y/N get on the stilts, and I'll ride on top!"

You laugh, holding Grim close to your chest. "Would that even give you a chance?"

Malleus chuckles. "I suspect an extra person or two wouldn't really improve your chances."