[23:49] 17 April, in Theora, with Tengo
"It's almost time. I have to go inside now, wish me luck"
"Lord Tengo…" I whispered to her "Assistant. Don't blow our cover!"
"Sorry…Lemon, but you need to know it, once you enter that room, there is no going back, your father knew it"
"I don't have time for this, I'll contact you later" I understand her worries, right after the end of the fight in Shiva, I received an invitation to the Carnival.
I never heard of this event, but Lucy was terrified when I told her about it. Apparently, my dad was an active member and I inherited his place. With the invitation, I received a name, which I had to use as a cover. (but who decided that my name would be Lemon?? I mean, I could have thought of a much cooler name, plus finding a mask matching the name was really hard)
I had my mask on, and I proceeded as explained in the invitation.
…At 00:00 you will enter the room. You won't be late. You will understand where to sit inside the room…
These were some of the instructions inside the invitation, so at the right time, I approached the door, when I encountered another man.
"Greetings, you must be my partner for the Carnival! I heard there is a new entry this year. My name is Tangerine"
The man was wearing an orange sweater with white stripes, on top of that a green crop jacket, brown elegant pants, and black shiny shoes. He also has a purple belt, the buckle goldish, with a "T" at the center.
At first, I thought of revealing that I am the new entry, taking him as my tutor inside the room, but then I realized it was a trick.
The reason we wear masks, we have fake names, and other specific instructions inside the invitation.
Everything was made to keep the anonymity. He knew an inexpert would fall for it, asking for help from the older member. I need to be more cautious.
"Hello. I didn't know there was a new entry, I hope he'll survive the event. My name today is Lemon. Now let's wait to be called" (I read the invitation very well, maybe he thought I would open the door since it's time, like a newbie, but in the rules it's said we need to be called to enter the room)
"Oh, oh, I'm sure he will succeed. He doesn't seem stupid"
After that disturbing phrase, they called us inside, so we walked in.
"…for Tangerine and Lemon!"
I tried to make the more badass entrance, but I didn't know where to sit so I had to wait for the guy to tell me something.
(Joker) "Tangerine, your place is here, and there is for you Lemon. Since everyone arrived, let's do the presentations! Does anyone want to start?" The guy looked me dead in my eyes, but then he said.
(Joker) "AHAH! I was joking. Let's start right away, as always me, the Joker, will act as an intermediary" The room was dark, I could barely make out people's masks, while the commentator was always well-lit.
It was impossible not to notice the writing "Joker" on his weird jacket, his mask was horrifying, I could see his eyes through the mask…I think, but the more I stared at him, the more I felt being observed.
Leaving out bloody masks, and very flashy dresses, the room was very silent, everyone was on the defensive, except for the Joker of course.
(Joker) "For the first theme: Shiva's war!" As the topic was announced everyone tried to grasp some emotions from the other participants. I felt like playing cards.
(Joker) "Very well, as you know, I am an impartial being, however, I saw the violence carried out that night, at shiva. If I noticed something like this, I imagine riots will be expected, or at least a strong sense of revenge, from the population"
(Joker) "As per regulation, I was sent a solution anonymously, by a farsighted man. 16th of May. A tournament held in the capital, this action would distract the population and give us enough time to move on"
(Plum) "With what excuse? If a tournament is suddenly organized, the real purpose will be obvious" Another man took word he seemed much older than the others. His fruit was evident, the plum.
(Papaya) "I want to know if this plan will also include cities outside of Theora's kingdom. If not, how will the "free zone" be managed?" (Pomegranate) "I really need to know who decided the names…" Confusion rose in the room, voices overlapping each other in a back and forth.
(Joker) "Gentlemen! I ask for some help, the situation it's difficult, But we can turn this Euripides' tragedy into one of Aeschylus.
The tournament will have a free entry ticket. We'll call the best showman warriors, for the first round, while for the second round, we'll use some animals. This is a vote"
(Pickle) (Tangerine) (Papaya) (Cherry) "I agree" They said together. (Plum) (Pomegranate) "I disagree" But then I realized I didn't vote yet.
(Joker) "Your vote doesn't count Lemon, but you'll need to vote anyways, there are no abstentions here" What he meant was clear.
I felt like my scene had been stolen, I was on the fringes in that room, a victim of the great sharks. But I decided to ask a question first.
(Lemon) "And who will take care of the safety of the place. If they were to aim to weaken Theora, this would be the perfect time.
The bouncer clan has been destroyed, and there are dangers ahead, I want certainties, not a poorly organized tournament"
(Joker) "Sharp observation, but I will explain this detail soon. Now you have to vote" I was cornered again.
(Lemon) "I agree" The chaos grew up again in the room
(Joker) "Let me finish the event. So you'll be all free to leave.
This Carnival was short, however I missed you, being all alone here…"
(Tangerine) "Joker…are you getting emotional? Here, take my napkin, sorry if it's a bit wet"
(Joker) "Silly Tangerine, you know I'm allergic to Carfentanil. However I'll need you to stay out of this tournament, as Lemon suggested, the place could become a target. That's all"
(Joker) "If there aren't any more questions, I'll provide you with a guard who will accompany you to your hotels. Don't remove your mask until you are safe and out of Theora"
Everyone stood up. We left the room and outside, seven guards were waiting for us. But before leaving, Pickle approached me.
(Pickle) "You had great composure" He came closer and whispered into my ear. "…for a newbie like you…" I walked away, and as I turned to him, he had his mask half up, I could see his toothy smile. While I was quickly leaving the place, one of the guards started following me without saying a word.