Chapter 1: The Fantasy Fest
(We flash forward to the real world, specifically, Hollywood Arts High. We then see Tori prepare her locker while Cat approaches her, apparently trying to ask for some help. It was Friday.)
Cat: Umm, Tori, can I ask you something? It is very important.
Tori: Yeah, sure, what is it you may ask? (She closes her locker.)
Cat: Are you invited to the annual Hollywood Arts Fantasy Fest 2015? I know everyone is expected to come.
Tori: Why, yes of course. That big fest where they have this…costume party where we all dress up as random fantasy characters, dance to some rhythm, and act like seven-year olds on Halloween?
Cat: Yeah, Tori, I was wondering, what are you dressing up as?
Tori: I think…wait…let me ask you something. Did you watch that cool movie Frozen? That movie where they have this sort of, ice queen that goes all crazy and it's her sister's job to save her before she goes out of hand?
Cat: Yes. I remember a time I watched that movie with Robbie, and let me guess. You are going to dress up as Queen Elsa, eh?
Tori: Yeah, that is right. She looks so cool that she would work out for my costume. That blonde hair of hers is really working out. How about you, Cat?
Cat: Actually, I originally decided to go for Anna, but however, she is too overrated, so I have decided to go for Ariel of the Little Mermaid. A lot of Hollywood Arts students here often dress what is trending right now… I just can't believe that finding a simple costume for the showcase is really hard! And also, I had an idea that we should not wear what most of the people are wearing. We need to look original.
Tori: And you want us to look quite original? Well, it may be some cool idea but it kind of sets us apart from the rest of the party celebrators. But imagine that there are a lot of people dressed up in nearly the same costumes and we may not find ourselves amidst the crowd!
Cat: Actually, I remember some party wherein my brother was a vampire amongst most people wearing Hello Kitty costumes. I was wearing a Cinderella costume and we literally found each other so easily that we were literally set apart from the other people wearing Hello Kitty costumes.
(Jade enters)
Jade: Hey, what is up? I heard you were talking about that cool costume party. I am planning up as that thing from that movie again, and by now, you already know what it is. If you don't answer, I doubt you wouldn't.
Tori: Let me guess, THE SCISSORING.
Jade: Yep, that is the one. You honestly know a lot about me.
Cat: But, the event manager said you are only allowed to dress up as fantasy charters and not horror characters like that girl. He said he wanted a light tone for this one. Apparently he banned any character from any known horror movie. That is right, you are forbidden to dress up as Dracula, Frankenstein, or anything from any known horror movie. And that includes your Scissoring.
Jade: (shocked) What? But this is so far, my best costume! I wouldn't have my mean face on inside the Fantasy Fest without my intimidating Scissoring Gown!
Tori: But you are ALWAYS mean inside out. I remember that time we went to Mr. Sikowitz' house, where we had to act as different characters. I got the role of the policewoman while you got that…
Jade: ALRIGHT I GET IT! But however, everyone will literally know me the moment I get to wear that costume and …
(The bell rings)
Tori: Whoops, I have to go to class right now. See ya!
Jade: (curious) Heh. I wonder what Mr. Sikowitz will say about that Fantasy Fest. I hope he will allow my Scissoring gown… if not, (shifts to a terrified tone) then how will I ever find a costume for the celebration? I am so pressured right now!
Cat: Well then, Jade, you are absolutely going to have an EXTREMELY hard time trying to find a new costume?
(The scene shifts to the classroom. Mr. Sikowitz is giving out announcements about the Fantasy Fest 2015. Jade is not looking impressed.)
Jade: So this means I really cannot wear my Scissoring gown at the Fantasy Fest? Arrgghh!
Mr. Sikowitz: Nope, scary costumes are a big NO-NO and are strictly on the Fantasy Fest's Costume Banlist for 2015. Your gown is NOT applicable, because it is BANNED.
Jade: NO! This is literally impossible. That gown was from the movie itself! You can't just say that horror outfits are banned because of some reason! I bought that gown myself, and you are telling me that I should go get myself a new costume?
Cat: See, I told you that you are going to have a hard time finding a new costume.
Robbie: Considering the costs of a regular costume, you actually have to save yourself lots of money, go to some tailoring shop, get your measurements, pay for the materials needed, and I doubt if your costume will ever be finished when the Fantasy Fest hits.
Rex: And don't forget about those additional accessories you have to put in, such as diamonds, beads, and the like.
Beck: Yeah. Robbie's right. You have to start everything from scratch. That is the only possible choice you can do.
Andre: And to think that it is just one week before Fantasy Fest that means you would've had enough time if there were no classes next week. Well, there are, so technically, you are going to save up a LOT of money to get the new costume.
Jade: So technically I am going to make myself a NEW costume! Oh, come on!
Tori: And worse, you haven't had any plans to make a new costume!
Mr. Sikowitz: Technically, why haven't you started pre-ordering that costume weeks before? The Fantasy Fest was announced at the beginning of the month. Tori and the others had their costumes prepared the moment it was announced. While you, you were feeling to overconfident. You thought that your Scissoring gown would be perfect for the fest, but since you were actually the LAST person to see the banlist, you are going to have to go make yourself a new costume. That is my final order. Make yourself a new costume. (He shifts his attention) Anyway, class, what costumes are you going to wear and what is the progress on them?
Tori: I got my Ice Queen costume pre-ordered two weeks ago, and I am going to get it by Sunday.
Mr. Sikowitz: Very good, Tori. Next!
Cat: I am going to be Ariel from the Little Mermaid!
Mr. Sikowitz: Wow. Are you going for the classical shell bra or the formal princess outfit?
Cat: I am going for the formal princess outfit. In fact, I saw that…
Mr. Sikowitz: I know, I know. The two-piece costume is on the banlist.
Jade: Hey, why did you know about the banlist while I am stuck here in this awful situation?
Cat: Actually, the banlist is posted on The Slap. Why didn't you even get the chance to get a look at it?
Jade: It was posted on The Slap? How come I only know of this right now?
Mr. Sikowitz: Hold on, let us not talk about Jade's issue for the meantime, and for now, let us focus on the next one, shall we?
Beck: I am going for Prince Charming of Cinderella.
Tori: Boy, I just can't believe that your costume fits you the best. You know there you have a lot of appeal for women and honestly the costume will fit you perfectly.
Beck: Thank you, Tori.
Mr. Sikowitz: Well, good luck when the girls start storming at you due to your extremely handsome looks. I doubt it will ever happen.
Jade: And I would just whack those girls who ever try to get in my boyfriend's way using my scissors while wearing my…
Mr. Sikowitz: Can we just move one from your talk about your costume as well as your movie The Scissoring? Next!
Robbie: I will be going for Beast.
Mr. Sikowitz: What Beast? Is it that charming guys from Beauty and the Beast or that one member of the X-Men?
Robbie: I chose the former. Honestly superhero costumes are banned in the Fantasy Fest.
Tori: So honestly this looks like Hollywood Arts' second Prom due to a lot of people wearing formal attires and the like…
Robbie: I originally tried to convince Cat to dress up as Belle…
Mr. Sikowitz: (excited) Oh, I see the sparks trying to build up from here!
Robbie: But actually… (Sentence is cut by Cat)
Cat: I insisted the idea since I like the ones where I don't have to recolor my hair because I feel really comfortable in this.
Robbie: Yeah.
Rex: Aww, she insisted. Well, I am going for the same costume as Robbie and…
Robbie: No Rex, you are going to stay.
Rex: (depressed) Awww.
Mr. Sikowitz: Well, actually, puppets are banned in the Fantasy Fest, so…Next!
Andre: I am going for the Prince.
Mr. Sikowitz: What prince exactly? Is it the royal title, the singer or…
Andre: I will be going for the Prince of Rapunzel.
Mr. Sikowitz: Aww, how nice of you. Well then…
(The bell rings)
Mr. Sikowitz: Well then, it's time again. Good luck on your costumes!
All students: Thank you. (They all get their bags and leave the room.)
(The scene shifts to the cafeteria, wherein Tori and the gang are seated.)
Jade: Arrggh! I cannot believe I put all my money at risk just to buy some stupid costume for some Fantasy Fest that is going to happen next Saturday! If only they allowed horror characters, I would go right in for my Scissoring Gown and sliced the life out of everybody for nearly banning my favorite costume!
Tori: Well, it's your fault and all because of your overconfidence that led you to this situation!
Jade: But, honestly, I want to experience the Fantasy Fest!
Andre: (curious) Why are you so desperate about that costume, and what would happen if you are caught wearing a banned costume for the Fantasy Fest?
Tori: Because if you were caught wearing a banned costume during the Fantasy Fest, you will be banished from the Fest and also, you will come home humiliated, because when they caught you wearing that, you will be forced to stand on stage, the manager will douse you with extreme hot sauce, which is really humiliating by the way, and you will be sent home.
(Everyone gasps)
Robbie: What? They are going to douse me with hot sauce if I don't follow the banlist banter?
Andre: Oh my! Getting yourself wet with water is one thing, while HOT SAUCE? I don't think anyone can stand the heat and spiciness of that!
Cat: Thank God that my hair is dyed red, but seriously, getting yourself in a bucket of hot sauce is way worse than what happened in Brain Squeezers…
Jade: (determined) Alright, that is it. I am going to nab every single spare time right now just to get my costume arranged. Cat, you join me as I get to the tailor and have my costume arranged.
Cat: But Jade, you haven't even had your character yet!
Jade: What character nonsense are you talking about? Is it really necessary to have your costume modeled after a character? Is it even necessary?
Tori: It is not only necessary, it is mandatory that your costume must be based on a popular fantasy character that everyone knows. You should have planned who your character should be. Also, just like they said…
Robbie: No horror characters or superheroes allowed.
Jade: Great. It's just great. I don't have a costume to wear for the Fantasy Fest, and I also don't have a character to base it on. I just hate it!
Beck: Don't be scared there, Jade. We are all ready to help you. Besides, we all have our costumes now, and so, we have nothing to worry about, well, except for you.
(Trina approaches the gang)
Trina: Hey there, guys! What is up? I just got my costume for the Fantasy Fest and it is smoking hot! (She then takes a seat with the gang.)
Jade: By now it would have been so hot it could've burned up!
Trina: Anyway, I've heard that you, Jade, have absolutely no costume to wear! How embarrassing for such a mean girl like you. Well, you're in for a LOT of hot sauce, and everyone is going to literally laugh at the mean girl turned costumed serial killer who was banished from the biggest Pop Festival Hollywood Arts had so far.
Jade: Will…you…shut…up? (She tries to punch Trina, but Beck holds her down)
Beck: Hold it there, hold it there. There is no reason to be extremely mad about something as horrible as that; besides, it was your fault that you didn't see the banlist at . You should have strictly viewed everything in the banlist before choosing your costume.
Jade: Besides, who is invited to this stupid Fantasy Fest anyway?
Tori: Well, it is this brand-new celebration here in Hollywood Arts wherein everyone supports their favorite fictional princes and princesses and it is technically like our school's Prom, except with princes and princesses. So technically you can only wear anything based on princesses.
Trina: Oh! I forgot something about the Fantasy Fest, but I think a lot of you won't like it.
Tori: What is it, big sis?
Trina: This is actually a general rule in every single Fantasy Fest ever held. For every princess/prince, there can only be a maximum of 40 people dressing up as the same character.
Cat: Wait a minute, I don't get it.
Trina: Let me explain. Suppose you are going to dress up as Queen Elsa from Frozen…
Tori: Yes, I am going to dress up as her, so, what is the ruckus?
Trina: There can only be a maximum of 40 people who can dress up as Queen Elsa.
Tori: So, what happens when there are more than 40 people dressed up as her? Will there be any consequences?
Trina: Those who go past the 40-person limit will get the same treatment as those people who didn't follow the banlist. Yep, you guessed it.
Jade: You all get doused with a lot of hot sauce and…
Andre: You get banished from the fest.
Trina: Yep. That is what I am talking about. But, there is a way you can get yourselves saved. If you check , there is a complete list of registries of the 40 people who dressed up as the same character.
Tori: (checks her phone) Hope I am one of them…
Trina: Did you even register?
Tori: Yes. I did register after I went to the tailor to make my costume for the fest. But honestly, was that registration mandatory? If it is, thank God I was registered to that stuff, because I don't want to suffer 100 liters of hot sauce?
Jade: (shocked) You said that they were going to dump 100 liters of hot sauce? Now that is making me really terrified!
Trina: Yes. They are going to douse you with exactly 100 liters of hot sauce, and for an added bonus, the hot sauce is made using fresh hot ingredients from Mexico, and you know what that means…
Rex: Now I am really begging to stay home!
Tori: And here we go. (checks The Slap, opens up the costume registration page, finds the page for people dressed up as Elsa, and reads the table) So where is my name? (She reads a couple of names silently, before finding her name on the list) Oh good Lord. My name is on the list. Now I am so not getting doused with hot sauce. (checks the rest of the characters and finds their names) And good news for everyone, because we, except Jade, are not getting doused in hot sauce!
(Everyone cheers in joy, except for Jade.)
Trina: Yahoo! We are not getting hot sauced! We are not getting hot sauced!
Cat: Alright! No hot sauce and banishment for me!
Robbie: All right! We are cleared!
Tori: But sadly, those characters are already a complete 40, so to anyone here who wishes to imitate us, prepare for a lot of banishment, humiliation, and…
Jade: Yes, we get it. They have to prepare for it.
Andre: By the way, who originally thought of hot sauce? Why not spaghetti sauce? Or why not tomato sauce?
Robbie: Or even better, barbeque sauce?
Tori: Stop talking about what kind of sauce should they get doused in! It has absolutely nothing to do with our situation here! Anyway… (She goes back to reading the Web page.) Hmm, according to the Fantasy Fest official archives, when they held the first Fantasy Fest in 2000, everything was very different than when it used to be.
Cat: Really? I wanted to know more about the Fantasy Fest history.
Tori: Well, it says here… (opens up Wikipedia and searches for Fantasy Fest) ah, the history of Fantasy Fest.
Andre: Go ahead, tell it.
Tori: According to , the Fantasy Fest was first founded in 1995, By then, the Disney Renaissance was in full swing. The first festival was held…here…in Hollywood Arts High School…
Robbie: Wow! The first one of these things was held here in our school? This so cool!
Trina: So this means they are holding the Fantasy Fest for nearly 20 years by now. This is going to be so cool. I hope they make this one special.
Tori: Back then, there were no limits on how many people can wear the same costume. Everything was literally free back then. Probably there weren't so many fantasy films to begin with, so technically, the first one was literally free to do anything it wants.
Cat: Wow. You can do anything you want? So cool! I remember a time when I played card games with my brother during a party for grandparents…
Tori: They started holding the Fantasy Fest every single year, but however, during those years, they were held in different high schools across the state. During the anniversaries that end in five, they always have the festival here at Hollywood Arts. Its 2015 now, and I think they are going to have it here. This is why… (She turns her focus to certain people doing construction work near the cafeteria) they have been preparing for it to become one of the best Fantasy Fests ever.
Andre: But what about the banlists on costumes?
Cat: And what about the hot sauce?
Tori: It says here that during Fantasy Fest 2000, there are so many fantasy films made, so in order to increase the diversity, they introduced the banlists, the 40-person limit, and the hot sauce. So this was made to increase diversity in the costumes. So that not everyone wears the same costume, they did this.
Jade: One more thing, Tori, what time is it right now?
Tori: By now, it is 5:00 PM. We have just been dismissed 4:00 PM.
Jade: So we have been spending 1 hour just talking about the Fantasy Fest and how the hell should I suppose to get my new costume? Well, then, we better get going. I don't want to waste extremely precious time.
Tori: So what are we waiting for? Let us go to the tailor and get your new costume!
Jade: One final question please.
Tori: This better be a significant one.
Jade: What time does the tailor close?
Tori: Umm… the nearest one closes at 8:00 PM, and the last order should be made by about 7:30 PM.
Cat: Well let's go!
(The gang leaves the table.)
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND FAV THIS STORY!
