Chapter 40:
The next morning our heroes along with all those that would be helping with the carnival were up and ready to get things started. Of course they had brought their costumes with them so they could change into them after they did one more look around to make sure everything was okay.
"Here come the food trucks!", Selece said as some food trucks were pulling into the school parking lot.
"Micheal. Uriah. Drake. Go make sure they park in the right spots.", Angelo said. "Once you do that, set up the signs so people won't park in the wrong spots."
"Gotcha.", Micheal said as he, Drake, and Uriah left to direct the trucks.
"Now we just have to fill the dunk tank and make sure the speakers are set up and ready.", Taranee said.
"Leave the speakers to us.", Matt said as he, Nigel, Eric, and Martin left to go check the speakers.
"We can fill the water tank.", Cassidy said as she and Will left the room.
"Speaking of the tank, where's Irma?", Taranee asked.
"Good question.", Angelo said.
"Before you ask, I don't know where she is.", Caleb said.
"Please don't tell me that she's trying to duck out of doing the dunk tank.", Alchemy said with a sigh.
"Looks like.", Elyon said. "But let's wait and see what happens."
"Okay then.", Angelo said. "Let's check and see if everything else is good to go."
"Don't screw this up, Irma.", Caleb said hoping Irma doesn't pull anything.
Later. Just when the carnival is about to open...
"No Irma, huh?", Angelo questioned.
"Nope.", Cassidy said. "No trace of her."
"Looks like she's not coming.", Alchemy said.
"Oh, she'll be here.", Taranee said. "She's going to want to see who we got to take her place in the dunk tank."
"And that's when we'll catch her.", Will said. "If we put somebody she'd like to dunk, she'll be there to get her chance."
"Is this really that important to catch her?", Caleb questioned.
"YES!.", everyone else said.
"Listen, Caleb. Everyone of us has a job to do here at the carnival.", Elyon said. "Mrs. Knickerbocker is counting on us to do said jobs."
"Had Ima signed up for a job when we told her about the sign up sheet, then she wouldn't be in this mess.", Angelo said. "But she thought that she could just say what she wanted to do and we'd be okay with it. But that's not fair to those who actually signed up for what they wanted to do. And now Irma goes and pulls a no-show thinking that she'll still get credit for helping with the carnival. I don't think so. So now we have to try and catch her. Fine. If that's the game she wants to play then so be it. Now she'll have to do the dunk tank three times today, tomorrow, and Sunday."
"Three times?", Hay Lin questioned. "Isn't that a bit much?"
"Originally, she only had to do it two times for each day of the carnival.", Taranee explained. "A half an hour each time."
"But now that she's pulling this crap, it's three times each day.", Angelo said.
"Oh well.", Uriah said with a smirk. "Sucks to be her."
"Yes it does.", Matt said with a grin. "But who do we use a bait to lure her out?"
"It has to be somebody she would love to dunk in the water.", Drake said.
"I'll do it.", Cornelia offered surprizing everybody.
"Really?!", Alchemy questioned.
"Don't look to surprised.", Cornelia said with a grin as she rolled her eyes. "One, we all know how Irma feels about me. So I'm the right one for the job. "Plus, I get to wear the costume Hay Lin helped me make. One that is just right for the water seeing as it's made from a wetsuit."
"Oh yeah!", Hay Lin said knowing that Cornelia was talking about. "A lot of gamers may like that costume!"
"Then let's get things started.", Angelo said. "It's 9:40. We have twenty minutes until the carnival starts. So let's get into our costumes and welcome the people."
Nodding in agreement, the girls went into one classroom to get changed while the guys went into another one. Sometime later, they all met up at the school gates to greet the people. Will was dressed as Jean Grey with he green dress, Taranee was dressed as Vixen, Hay Lin was dressed as Chun Li, Alchemy was dressed as Misty from Pokemon, Eric was dressed as Ash, Micheal was dressed as Brock, and Selece was dressed as Iris. Matt was dressed as Gray from Fairy Tail, Nigel was dressed as Natsu, Elyon was Lucy, and Cassidy was Erza with the normal armor she wears. Drake was dressed a Thor, Aldarn was dressed as Martin Manhunter, Caleb was dressed as Green Arrow, and Angelo was dressed as Dee Jay from Street Fighter. Martin was dressed as a Sage from Dragon Quest IX only with a different outfit like you can do in the game, while Courtney was a Mage, Uriah was a thief, and Bess a priest. All of them had a different look from the one they had on Halloween.
"Nice armor, Cassidy.", Alchemy said to her friend.
"Thanks.", Cassidy said before turning to Angelo. "I take tis was you had Aldarn's father make for me."
"Pretty much.", Angelo said. "I figured that with your hair, you'd make a great Erza."
"Zero Suit Samus!", Courtney Grumper said as she looked at who Cornelia was dressed as. "Nice costume, Cornelia!"
"Thanks.", Cornelia said. "Hay Lin figured that it would be best to make it from a wet suit."
"And I was right.", Hay Lin said with a proud smile. "It will be prefect for you in the dunk tank."
"And with that, let's great the people.", Taranee said as they stood at the gates where people standing there waiting to be let in.
Angelo then took the megaphone and...
"Welcome everyone to the Annual Sheffield Carnival!", Angelo said to the people who cheered. "As you all know, this year's theme is Cosplay Madness! Where, if you wanted to, can come dresssed as a character from you favorite TV show, cartoon, anime, movie, video game, novel, or comic book. And I see that a lot of you did so and did it without showing a lot of skin. For that we thank you.", he said with a grin getting cheers from the people. "We once you enter, have fun and feel free to get something to eat from the food trucks that are parked out in the school parking lot. We even have space for you to eat as well. So Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, welcome to Cosplay Madness!", he said as Drake and Aldern opened the gate to the school grounds allowing the cheering people in.
Of course among the people was one Irma Lair in a black hooded cloak hoping she could get by without being seen.
'I wonder who they got to take my place.', she thought to herself as a smirk grew on her face. 'Oh! I hope it's somebody I'll have fun dunking!', she thought as she walked among the people.
"So far so good.", Taranee said. "Let's hope the rest of this goes smoothly."
"It will, Taranee.", Nigel said as they went to do what they had to do. "I'm sure of it.", he said before kissing her on the cheek making her smile.
As the carnival started, people were having fun playing the booth games and buying things from the stands of those who came there to sell their swag. And of course, Lala was there signing autographs to her fans.
"Looks like Lala has some fans.", Alchemy said as she watch the woman sign a photo of herself and give it to a fan.
"Yeah!", Selece said. "Who knew you could get so famous from doing cosplay."
"Makes you want to get into it like she does.", Elyon said.
"It would be fun.", Selece said. "I know Hay Lin is thinking of doing it."
"With her talent, she'd be just as famous as Lala.", Elyon said with a grin.
"There you two are.", Eric said as he ran up to them. "There are some people dressed as characters from Pokemon and they need a Misty and Iris for a group picture."
"Cool!", Selece and Alchemy said as they followed Eric.
Watching them leave was Irma who also was watching Lala sign autographs.
"I can't believe she's famous for wearing some dumb costumes.", she said to herself as she rolled her eyes while scoffing. "Good grief! I can do that and be way more famous than her."
"Come one, come all!", came the voice of Andrew Hornby. "Come and dunk the beauty known as Samus Aran! A buck a ball!"
"A buck a ball, huh?", Irma questioned as she headed towards the dunk tank only to find there being a line. "Wow! Talk about your long lines.", she said as she kept her face hidden under the hood of her cloak. "This person better be worth it for me to waste my time here."
Thirty minutes later...
'Oh! This was so worth the wait!', Irma thought to herself with a smirk as she was next in line to dunk Cornelia who was sitting in a swing above the dunk tank. 'This has been a long time coming, Corny!', Irma thought to herself as she gave the man running the dunk tank five dollars.
"Think you can dunk our hero, buddy?", Andrew, who was dressed as Johnny Cage asked as he handed Irma five baseballs.
"You bet I can!", Irma said in a deep voice hoping to fool Cornelia. "Prepared to get wet again, blondie!"
'I knew you'd show up sooner or later, Irma.', Cornelia thought to herself with a small smirk as water ran down her person. 'That fake voice doesn't fool me. You forget that I've heard you use it before. But let's have some fun.', she said as he smirk grew. 'Hey, Al! Guess who just showed up to dunk me?', she called out to her friend telepathiclly.
'No way!', Alchemy said.
'Way!', Cornelia said as Irma threw her first ball and missed the target.
"That all you got, chump?!", Cornelia yelled. "I've seen a seven-year-old do better!"
'I'll show you better!', Irma thought as she glared at Cornelia before throwing her second ball which missed again. 'Crap!'
'Sounds like you're having fun.', Alchemy said with a grin. 'I'll let Angelo know that Irma is there.'
'Tell him to take his time.', Cornelia said as Irma threw her third ball and missed. 'This is to fun!', she laughed as Irma threw and missed her fourth throw.
"Four throws and nothing!", Cornelia gloated. "A ten-year-old took me down in one throw! A man in a wheel chair took me down in two! Maybe you should give up now while your ahead."
"Bite me!", Irma snapped with a deep voice as she threw her final ball which missed.
"And that's the end of that.", Andrew said when Irma gave him three more bucks. "Looks like our friend isn't giving up yet, folks!"
"Dang right I'm not.", Irma said in a deep voice. "You're going down, Blondie!"
"Bring it, Lair!", Cornelia said with a smirk surprising Irma.
"How did you...?"
"Did you really think that fake voice would fool me?", Cornelia questioned with a smirk. "Please! You've got to be kidding me!"
"Fine then!", Irma snapped as removed her cloak revealing her costume which was of her Sailor Jupiter one. "I'm still going to dunk you!", she said losing her temper.
"Bring it on!", Cornelia said as Irma threw one of her balls missing the target. "Strike one!"
"Shut it!", Irma snapped as she threw her second ball missing. "Crap!"
"Strike two!", Cornelia gloated. "Come on now, Irma! I know you can do better than that!", she said with a smug grin.
Watching this from a distance, was Caleb who was ready to help Irma.
"Time for a dunking, Cornelia.", Caleb said to himself as he got ready to help Irma.
As for Irma, she took a deep breath and threw her last ball at the target. Seeing this, Caleb used his telekinesis to make the ball hit the target which sent Cornelia into the water.
"Whoa!", Cornelia yelled as she went into the water.
"YES!", Irma cheered as she jumped up and down in victory.
"Not that was fun.", Caleb said with a snicker.
"I hope it was.", came Will's voice.
Caleb turned to see Cassidy and Will who gave him a look of disappointment.
"That's just sad.", Cassidy said. "Using your powers just to get Cornelia wet."
"No one got hurt.", Caleb said. "I was just having a bit of fun."
"You do know that you'll be doing the dunk tank sometime during the carnival.", Will said. "And I plan on telling Cornelia what you just did."
"Aw, come on!", Caleb said. "Cut me some slack, Will!"
"Sorry. But fair is fair.", Will said as she and Cassidy walked off.
"Aw, man!", Caleb said knowing that he was in for it.
As for Irma, she was still celebrating only to see Angelo looking at her which caused her to stop jumping up and down.
"Aw, crud.", Irma said knowing what was coming.
"You know what happens now, don't you?", Angelo questioned.
"Dunk tank?", Irma questioned in a dull tone.
"Dunk tank.", Angelo said as Will and Cassidy came up to them just as Cornelia got out of the dunk tank. "And now you're doing this three times today, tomorrow, and Sunday."
"Aw, man!", Irma complained. "Why?!"
"For not being here when you were suppose to be.", Cornelia said as she walked up to them.
"And just so you should know, Caleb helped you with that last throw.", Cassidy whispered to Irma.
"What are you- Ooooooooh.", Irma said figuring out what Cassidy meant. "Aw, man! Way to take a victory from somebody."
"Why am I not surprised, he would pull something like that?", Cornelia questioned as Will handed her a towel. "Thanks."
"And now to the dunk tank with you.", Angelo said to Irma.
Three minutes later, Irma was now sitting on the swing of the dunk tank just as a five-year-old girl dressed as Minnie Mouse holding a ball.
"Well at least I won't get wet yet.", Irma said as she looked at the little girl who threw her ball.
And hit the target.
"Aw, crud!", Irma cried as she went into the water. "Whoa!"
"Now that's funny!", Cornelia laughed as she left with the others. "So how are things going with the rest of the carnival?"
"Pretty good so far.", Angelo said. "Now we just have to get ready for the group costume contest."
"This ought to be fun.", Will said. "How many judges will there be again?"
"Three.", Angelo said. "Lala Wong. Mr. Jones, the drama teacher. And a costume shop owner who once worked in Hollywood. I think his name is Jim Robins."
"Well this just got interesting.", Cassidy said. "When will you announce the contest?"
"In a few minutes.", Angelo said. "That way, the contestants will have the time they need to get ready."
"And of our friends entering?", Will asked.
"Yep.", Cornelia said. "And I'm in one of the groups."
"I so got to see what you'll be dressed as.", Cassidy said.
"You shall be amazed.", Cornelia said smiling.
Half an hour later, Irma was done her first shift in the dunk tank and went to find a way to dry off. To bad for her Taranee and Selece were busy with something else while Hay Lin was helping Alchemy, Elyon, Cornelia and Lillian with their costumes for the group costume contest.
"Come on guys!", Irma whined to Hay Lin and Alchemy. "I need to dry off!"
"Then go find a hidden spot to take the water off you.", Alchemy said to Irma so only she could hear her seeing as Lillian was there as well. "I've seen Cassidy do it before.", she said as she put her shoes for her costume on.
"I... don't know how to do it right.", Irma confessed. "Besides. It's only us in here. So you and Hay-Hay can do a quick blow dry on me."
"I'll help.", Hay Lin said to which Irma smiled. "On one condition."
"What is it?", Irma asked to which Hay Lin handed her a costume. "No way! Not going to happen!"
"Then I guess you'll have to walk around wet for a while.", Hay Lin said as she turned from Irma to help Lillian with her costume.
"You might as well say yes.", Cornelia said. "What's the worse that could happen?"
"I don't like wearing fancy-smancy dresses!", Irma snapped.
"And this is why I don't have you come to Meridian when any of the nobles come to the palace.", Elyon said to Irma in a whisper so Lillian wouldn't hear them. "I can't have you wearing something from Earth and have the people talking about you. The other girls don't have any problems with it, so why can't you?"
"I just said why.", Irma said.
"And yet you don't have any problems wearing a dress that show off legs and cleavage.", Alchemy said. "And here I thought you wanted a guy to like you for you and not your body."
"Of course I do.", Irma said. "But showing of what you got sometimes doesn't hurt either."
"Well what harm will it do to wear what Hay Lin worked hard making for you?", Cornelia questioned.
It was then that Irma looked at Hay Lin who was helping Lillian with her costume and realised how dumb she's been. Hay Lin would never ask her to wear something she didn't like unless it was something she knew she would like in the end.
"Aw, man.", Irma said with a sigh seeing how wrong she's been acting about wearing what Hay Lin made for her.
"Feel kind of dumb now don't you?", Elyon asked Irma as she saw the look on her face.
Irma said nothing as she grabbed the dress and went behind a dressing curtain that was set up and began to change into the costume.
"I still need to get dry, you know!", Irma said from behind the curtain getting giggles out of the girls as Hay Lin and Alchemy went to dry Irma off while Cornelia kept Lillian busy.
A few minutes later, Irma came out from the curtain in the costume Hay Lin made for her only she wasn't frowning one bit about it.
"Well look who's happy?", Elyon said with a smirk.
"Okay. I'll admit I was wrong about how I was acting about this costume.", Irma admitted as she turned to Hay Lin with a small smile. "Thanks, Hay-Hay."
"You're welcome.", Hay Lin said with a smile as they shared a hug. "Next time, don't be so stubborn."
"I make no promises.", Irma said with a wink and smile getting a giggle out of Hay Lin.
"I was just wondering about something.", Alchemy said. "When it comes to the guys, do you think Drake will like what he has to wear?"
"Don't worry about that.", Hay Lin said. "I added a little something to his costume that no one will complain about."
"The group costume contest is about to begin.", came Selece's voice through the loud speaker from K-SHIP room. "All contestants must be in the auditorium in thirty-five minutes.", she said.
"And that's our cue.", Cornelia said. "You ready, squirt?"
"Yes.", Lillian said. "And it's Your Majesty.", she said proudly.
"You're not the only one dressed as a princess you know.", Cornelia said as they walked out of the room.
"But I am the cutest.", Lillian said as she batted her eyes.
"Oh brother.", Cornelia said as she rolled her eyes while the other girls giggled just as Matt, Eric, Drake, Aldarn, and Chris came out of the room they were in.
"Well look at you all.", Eric said looking at the girls. "Wow, Hay Lin! You were busy with making all of these costume."
"I'll say.", Matt agreed.
"Well I did have some help from the girls along with Angelo and Micheal.", Hay Lin said. "Plus, Drake and Aldern carved out the wooden weapons that Drake and Chris have with their costumes while Angelo painted them. Also, most of the clothes we were able to buy from the store."
"Cool!", Alchemy said. "That made things go a whole lot easier."
"Sure did.", Hay Lin said. "Now let's get you all to the auditorium!"
Nodding in agreement, they all headed for the auditorium for the contest. Once down there, they saw that there were plenty of other groups there as well. And I mean A LOT of groups! All were excited to compete.
"Geez! How many groups are there?", Eric questioned.
"Enough.", Hay Lin said as she looked over everyone's costumes. "So don't be surprised if either of your groups don't win."
"Well I plan on winning!", Irma said.
"Well good luck.", Martin said as he along with Courtney, Bess, and Uriah came up to them. "Cause we're all going to need it."
"You can say that again.", Bess said. "Look at all these guys!"
"Well they just introduced the judges.", Hay Lin said. "Good luck guys!", she said as she went to find a seat.
It was then that Cassidy came up to everyone and...
"Okay people, listen up! Once your group name is called, you all are to go out on stage, do what you planned on doing like strike a pose or do a short performance and then exit to the other side of the stage.", Cassidy explained. "The judges may ask you a question or two about your costumes. Try to make you answers as short as possible. Once you all have gone on stage, the judges shall vote on who wins what. Got it?"
"Yes!", everyone said.
"Good.", Cassidy said with a smile. "Now let's have some fun, guys!", she shouted getting cheers from everyone.
As she walked by her friends, Cassidy got a good look at Irma and smirked.
"So they actually got you to wear it, huh?", she asked.
"Oh brother.", Irma said while rolling her eyes.
"Don't be shamed, girl. You look great!", Cassidy said as she walked off.
And soon the group contest began. Announcing the groups was Taranee and Nigel. One by one the groups came out, did what they planned to do and exited the stage. Some of the groups were asked questions by the judges and they answered them as best as they could. Let's see one of those groups now shall we.
"Now we have a group from Dragonquest IX.", Taranee announced. "They call themselves the Gigasteel Knights!"
It was then that four men came out dressed from head to toe in Gigasteel gear. They each were wearing Gigasteel Kneecaps, Sabatons, Gauntlets, Armour, and Helmet with a Gigasteel Shield in their left hands. As for what they had in their right hands, the first one had a Gigasteel Broadsword, while the second one had a Gigasteel Spear, the third one had a Gigasteel Bar, and the last one had a Gigasteel Axe. The four of them got cheers from those in the audience as they struck a pose.
"What is your armour and weapons made of?", Lala asked.
"The armour is made of hardened foam.", the one with the sword answered. "As for our weapons, they're all wooden."
"Impressive.", Jim Robins said.
"Nicely done.", Mr. Jones, the drama teacher, said impressed with their work as they walked off the stage.
"Talk about your hard act to follow.", Eric said as he looked up at the next group walked up on stage after being announced.
"I say we give it our all.", Elyon said. "We worked really hard on these with Hay Lin. So let's not let her down."
"Couldn't agree more.", Matt said.
"And now, we have another Super Mario Brothers Group!", Taranee said. "We have Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina!"
"That's you guys!", Selece said to Matt, Eric, Alchemy, Irma, and Elyon. "Go! Go!"
"Here goes nothing.", Alchemy said as they walked out on stage.
Once on stage, the five of them got cheers from the audience. Matt was dressed as Mario with Alchemy as Peach with a wig standing with Matt while holding a Toad plush doll, while Eric was Luigi with Irma as Daisy standing by him holding a female toad plush doll. And finally, we have Elyon dressed as Rosalina with a wig holding a plush Starman doll. The five of them struck a pose before the judges asked any questions they may of had.
"How long did it take to make your costumes?", Mr. Jones asked.
"A few weeks.", Irma said with a smile. "It was some hard work."
"Which went without to many problems thanks to our friend, Hay Lin, who came up with the idea for our group costume.", Alchemy said
'Don't go taking the credit for all of this!', Alchemy said to Irma telepathiclly. 'You know it was Hay Lin who made your costume.'
'Sorry!', Irma said as they walked off stage. 'I got caught up in the cheering.'
'Well remember who did most of the work.', Alchemy said before cutting the link.
"Next we have a Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time Group.", Nigel announced. "Coming on the stage we have Link, Young Link, Zelda, Young Zelda, and Ganondorf
"That's your cue, guys!", Selece said to Drake, Chris, Cornelia, Lillian, and Aldern.
"This should be fun.", Drake said as they walked out on stage.
Once on stage the audience cheered loudly as the five of them stood there. Aldarn was dressed as Ganondorf with a wig and other hair needed and with his green skin, it was easy for him to pull it off. He struck a menacing pose at the others. Which was easy seeing as he was thinking of how Phobos acted. As for Drake, he was Link with the pants from Skyward Sword seeing as he didn't like to were the white tights. And who could blame him. Standing next to him was Chris who was dressed as Young Link with green shorts. Both were standing in a fighting position against Aldarn. And behind them were Cornelia dressed as Zelda and Lillian dressed as Young Zelda. Both girls stood behind Drake and Chris pretending to be scared as Aldarn did a sinister laugh getting more cheers from the audience.
"I like your dresses.", Lala said to Cornelia and Lillian. "How long did it take you to make them?"
"It took me and my friend, Hay Lin, about a week and a half to make them.", Cornelia said. "She's the one who came up with the idea for our costumes."
"I see.", Lala said as she caught a glance at Hay Lin who was sitting with the others in the audience. "She's very talented."
"Yes she is.", Cornelia said before winking at Hay Lin who winked back before they walked off stage.
"Next up is another Dragonquest IX group.", Nigel said. "Only this one has a Thief, a Priest, a Mage, and Sage! Let's hear it for them, people!", he said to which the people cheered.
"Let's do it!", Bess said as they walked out on stage.
Once out on stage, everyone saw them in their costumes they made as best they could. First, there was Uriah as a Thief dressed in Nicker's Knickers, Sneakers, Fingerless Gauntlets, Rouge's Robes, and a Thief's Turban with an Ogre Shield in his left hand and a Soul Breaker in his right hand. Next, was Bess Grumper as a Priest dressed in Transparent Tights, Blessed Boots, Silver Bracelets, Priestess's Pinatore, and a Hermetic Hat, with a Magic Shield in her left hand and a Faierie Staff in her right hand. Then, there was Courtney as a Mage dressed in Sorcerer's Slacks, Wizard Welliesm Silver Bracelets, and a Tricky Turban with a Silver Shield in her left hand and a Brouhaha Boomstick in her right hand. And finally,we have Martin as the Sage dressed in Tantric Trousers, Brahman Boots, Guru's Gloves, Cape of Good Karma, and a Canny Cap with a Goddess Shield in his left hand and a Blustery Bow in his right hand.
"Nice costumes!", Lala said. "How did you come up with the idea for them?"
"Well we play the game together sometimes and decided to dress as our favorite vocation for Halloween.", Bess explained. "Then we heard about what was going to be the theme for the carnival and decided to do the same thing for it as well. And with some help from Hay Lin, we were able to get them done."
"What about your shields and weapons?", Mr. Jones asked.
"Well I carved the weapons out of wood.", Uriah said.
"And I made the shields out of foam.", Martin said.
"Nicely done.", Jim Robins said to which the audience cheered as the group left the stage.
Soon the rest of the groups came and went. Once they all had their time on stage. Taranee announced that the judges would go back stage and vote on who would win what awards.
"So what do you think?", Jim Robins asked. "I, for one, really like the Gigasteel Knights."
"They were good.", Mr. Jones said. "But I liked the One Piece Crew. You can tell that they worked hard on their costumes."
"What about the groups who had help from this Hay Lin girl?", Lala asked. "What can you tell me about her?", she asked Mr. Jones.
"That she is a very good at what she does.", Mr. Jones said. "She's a member of the Drama Club and helps with the costumes. She really has an eye for making costumes. I'm not so surprised that she's had her hand in some of the costumes today. And I wouldn't be to surprised to hear her name in the other contest we'll have throughout the rest of the carnival."
"I see.", Lala said. "I like her work.", she said as they continued to talk about who they liked in the contest.
"Oh! What's taking them so long?", Hay Lin questioned as she sat in the audience waiting for the judges to come out and announce the winners.
"Relax, Hay Lin.", Will said with a grin. "There were a lot of groups. It's going to take some time."
"Well I'd like to know what Irma was thinking trying to take credit for Hay Lin's work.", Angelo said. "That wasn't right."
"I'm sure she didn't mean to do that.", Hay Lin said. "Besides. Alchemy stepped in and made things right."
"And I don't think Irma meant to do that anyway.", Caleb said in her defence. "She probably got caught up in it all."
"Well if she enters any of the other contest, she needs to remember who helped her with her costume.", Will said.
Backstage, Irma was getting a good talking to by the others for what she pulled.
"That was messed up, Irma!", Eric said to the Water Guardian. "You know full well that Hay Lin made your costume. And you go and try to take the credit!"
"That's messed up.", Matt said.
"I'm sorry, okay!", Irma said. "I just got caught up in it all."
"Funny that the rest of us didn't forget.", Eric replied.
"Easy man.", Matt said. "No need to flip out."
"I'm not flipping out.", Eric said. "I'm just tired of how she's been acting."
"And what does that mean?", Irma questioned with her hands on her hips as she glared at Eric.
"First, there's how you and Caleb have been treating Cornelia earlier in the school year.", Eric said. "Then there's how you've been trying to make Matt jealous thinking he would come back to you. And then there's what you just pulled on stage. With the way you've been acting, I sometimes wonder why Hay Lin sees you as a friend!", he said before turning and walking off.
"Whoa!", Alchemy said. "I think Eric has reached his limit with Irma.", she whispered to Elyon.
"Oh yeah.", Elyon said.
"Can you believe how he talked to me?", Irma asked the others. "Wait until Hay Lin hears about this!"
"Oh she'll hear it.", Matt said. "But not from you."
"WHAT?!", Irma questioned.
"You heard me.", Matt said. "You'll try and make yourself look all innocent while making Eric look like the bad guy. Well that's not going to happen!"
"Oh really?", Irma questioned while glaring at Matt.
"Yeah really.", Matt said. "Now if you would excuse me, I'll go get Eric before they announce the winners.", he said as he walked off.
"Forget them!", Irma said. "Once this is over, I'm telling Hay Lin what happened."
'You don't have to.', Alchemy said telepathiclly. 'I just showed it all to her telepathiclly.'
'You what?!', Irma questioned.
'IRMA!', Hay Lin yelled through the link Alchemy had set up between the three of them.
'N-N-Now hold on, Hiy-Hay!', Irma said. 'Eric is the one who snapped at me!'
'And I know why!', Hay Lin said. 'He's been minding his own business for a long time with how you've been acting latelty. What you did on stage was the final straw for him.'
'I just got caught up in the cheering we were getting.', Irma explained.
'The others didn't.', Hay Lin said. 'Why would you even think of taking credit for something you didn't even help with?', she said sounding hurt. 'I thought we were best friends. But what best friend tries to take credit for work she did do?', she said before she cut herself off from the link.
'Hay Lin? Hay Lin?!', Irma called out.
"She doesn't want to talk right now.", Alchemy said. "You really hurt her, Irma."
"But I..."
"No buts, Irma.", Cornelia said. "Hay Lin put a lot of work in helping us with these costumes. And she put a lot of work in making the one you're wearing right now."
"Back of, Corny!", Irma demanded.
"No! I will not back off, Irma Lair!", Cornelia said as she walked up to Irma. "When Hay Lin came up with the idea for our costumes, she said that she wanted to make sure that yours was comfortable for you to wear knowing full well how you felt about wearing fancy dresses, yet knew that you liked using Daisy in the game you two play a lot. And what do you do when you're asked about the costume? You go and talk as if you did all the work! Some friend!"
Irma was about to say something but didn't when she saw how Cornelia and the others were looking at her in disappointment. Even Lillian and Chris looked at her sadly. It was then that Irma saw how bad she's been acting before and during the carnival. She may not be to found of Cornelia, but she had to admit that she was right about what she said. It was then that Matt came back with Eric.
"I know you're mad, dude, but we need you to come out on stage if we win anything.", Matt said. "Do it for Hay Lin."
"Okay.", Eric said before taking a deep breath. "For Hay Lin."
Irma walked up to them and was about to say something but...
"Not in the mood for your crap, Irma.", Eric said as he held up his right hand to her face stopping her from saying anything.
"But I..."
"I don't want to hear it!", Eric snapped surprising Irma. "Let's just get this over with so I can go be with Hay Lin.", he said as he walked past her.
"Great.", Irma said knowing that she messed up.
Soon the judges were back on the stage ready to announce who won what.
"Okay everyone, let's start off with the Judge's Picks.", Mr. Jones said. "My pick is for the One Piece Straw Hat Crew.", he said getting cheers from the audience as said group came out on stage.
Mr. Jones gave them their trophy and had them stay on stage.
"My pick is for the Gigasteel Knights!", Jim Robins said getting cheers from the audience as said group came out of stage and were give their trophy and stood with the other group.
"And my pick is for the Super Mario Brothers Group of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina!", Lala said getting cheers from the audience.
"Sweet!", Alchemy said as they headed out on stage.
But not before Irma turned to Cornelia and stuck her tounge out at her.
"Wow. Really?", Cornelia questioned as Irma went out on stage. "Unbelievable."
"Do let her get to you.", Aldarn said. "Her immaturity will get the best of her in the end."
"Very true.", Drake said.
As for Irma and the others, once they got their trophy, they stood with the other groups. As for Hay Lin, she was on Cloud 9 happy that one of the groups she helped work on was picked as a favorite by Lala. Next, other awards were handed out for the best in other categories like best costumes for Cartoon, Anime, Video game, TV, Movie, Comic Book and so on. But soon came the top three over all winners and there were plenty of those left to win.
"Okay, folks! Here we go! The top three over all winners!", Mr. Jones said getting cheers from everyone. "Third place will get $700, while second place will get $1000. And first place will $1500."
"In thrid place, we have, the Dragon Quest IX group of the Thief, Priest, Mage, and Sage!", Jim Robins said.
Surprised by this, Martin, Courtney, Uriah, and Bess walked out on stage for their award while everyone cheered for them.
"Can you believe that they got third place?", Elyon questioned happy for them.
"I can't.", Irma said not believing it.
"Can't you be happy for them?", Matt questioned.
"Seriously.", Eric said. "Grow up, would you."
"Let it go, Eric.", Elyon said. "Now isn't the time for a fight."
"In second place we have the Fairy Tail group of Mirajane, Elfman, and Lisanna!", Mr. Jones said getting cheers from the audience as the group accepted their award.
"And finally we have our first place winner.", Lala said with a smile. "In first place we have the Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time Group of Link, Young Link, Zelda, Young Zelda, and Ganondorf.", she said as the audience cheered.
"WHAT?!", Irma questioned in shock as Cornelia, Lillian, Drake, Chris, and Aldarn walked out on stage. "They got first place?!"
"Yes, Irma, they did.", Alchemy said. "After all they, unlike you, worked hard on their costumes."
Once on stage, Cornelia went down to Hay Lin and brought her up on stage to accept the award and the money.
"But I..."
"You deserve this more than anything, Hay Lin.", Cornelia said to which Lillian, Chris, Drake and Aldarn nodded in agreement while smiling at her.
"They're right, you know.", Lala said to Hay Lin. "You have a real talent for this."
"Thank you!", Hay Lin said with a beaming smile. "But I still want to split the cash with you guys.", she said to Cornelia, Lillian, Drake, Chris, and Aldarn. "After all, you helped with the costumes."
"If that's what you want.", Drake said.
"It is.", Hay Lin said. "It's only fair."
As the audience cheered for Hay Lin and the other groups that won a an award, Irma, though happy for Hay Lin, wanted to win the first place cash money. But then a smile grew on her face as she remembered that there were two other costume contest in which there were cash awards. Awards that she could enter and win by herself and hopefully talk Hay Lin into letting her keep the money for herself.
'This is far from over.', she thought to herself as Angelo wanted on stage.
"Glad you all liked the first of the three costume contest!", Angelo said through the microphone. "Tomorrow will be the solo competition and Sunday will be the Original Concept contest. But right now, go and have some fun shopping for swag, playing the booth games, and enjoying the good food at the food trucks. For in two hours, we'll be having our music contest in which those competing will sing their favorite songs from their favorite TV Show, Movies, Cartoons, Anime, and Video Game. And it will be your votes will decide the top five winners!", he explained getting cheers from the audience. "And helping with some of the music will be bands from right here in Heatherfield! Including Sheffield's own Wreck 55!", he said as the teens in the audience cheered some more. "So be sure to stick around the carnival to hear the great music that's coming up. Cause even though you may not be able to make it in here, you can still hear the music throughout the carnival grounds and cast your votes in the ballet boxes that will be around the carnival grounds. So go and have fun. For the music will be coming soon!"
As everyone cleared out from the auditorium, the bands began to set up their equipment for the music competition. Including Wreck 55 who were more that ready for it all.
"Congrats on winning the Judge's Pick.", Hay Lin said to Eric and Matt as they along with Nigel, Selece and Micheal were setting up their equipment.
"Thanks.", Eric said with a smile. "To bad Irma isn't to happy about Cornelia and the others winning first place."
"Don't worry about her.", Hay Lin said. "I'll have a nice little talk with her later. Right now, I just want to wish you all luck in the music contest.", she said with a smile before kissing Eric on the cheek.
"Thanks.", Eric said with a smile that Hay Lin returned.
Two hours later, there were people in the auditorium ready to listen to some good music. On one side of the stage was Wreck 55 with their instruments while on the other side was a set of instruments for any other group to use. Once everyone was ready, Angelo walked out on stage with a microphone and.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Welcome to our music contest of the carnival!", he said getting cheers from everyone. "Here's the deal for those of you who didn't hear them already. Those who have singed up for this will come up on stage and sing one song that comes from their favorite TV Show, Movies, Cartoons, Anime, and Video Game. And it will be your votes will decide the top five winners!", he explained getting cheers from the audience. "And helping with some of the music will be bands from right here in Heatherfield! Including Sheffield's own Wreck 55!", he said as the teens in the audience cheered some more. "After everyone has sung once, they can come back and sing another song and then some. Afterwards, it will be up to you all who decide who wins!", he announced getting more cheers. "Now let's get this little concert started!"
A/N: Time to rock n' roll! Who's going to win the music contest? Who knows. But there will be some great songs played. As for Irma, looks like she plans on winning the solo costume contest. Good luck! There will be plenty of people entering. And what will Hollens do when he sees Cassidy face to face? Things are just getting started. Who knows how they'll end.
Please review.