A phantasy script.

A Phantasy Script Part 34: The Staring Contest

Berd: Alright, we've got plenty of time. Why don't we look around and see what fun stuffs they have?

The rest of the group nod towards Berd in agreement as they leave the hustle and bustle of the big top and walk towards a Gnome wearing a red coned hat, a silvery white beard, rosy red cheeks and a smoking pipe with bubbles coming out of it standing on the stall to a ride of sorts.

Gnome: Hello, welcome! Are you here to test your staring ability?

Fylec: Like, we have to see how long we can last?

Gnome: Gnome, Gnome, Gnome! Not only how long you can last, but you will have to last longer than a Minotore!

Deep grunting is heard, then a bellowing moo, as the group sees the creature chained to the ground with a metal collar on its neck and arms. Its eyes, green and black, dart to and fro through each member of the Hunter's Guild as it snorts and strains against its bonds.

Berd: Why do you have it chained up like that? Isn't that some kind of animal cruelty?

Gnome: We take great care of all of the creatures, no matter the size, here in Prismire. This one was caught destroying trees and disturbing the Jiqkering Ploof's nesting sight.

General: I'm sure I could do this! How much to have a go?

The Gnome looks quizzically at him as it strokes its beard.

Gnome: For future reference, all rides, drinks and stalls are free to be used.

Fylec: And how does this city make any currency?

Straightening its hat, then shifting its tiny clothes left and right the Gnome becomes uncomfortable with this question visibly.

Gnome: Questions are no fun, if the answer has no weight on the amount of fun had! Please, Sir...cinnamon. If you wish to begin, I will unlatch the gate.

Raising a few eyebrows, the Hunter's Guild all ponder why the Gnome wouldn't answer the easy question. Shrugging, General Mood nods towards the Gnome who, with a wave of its left hand, raises the latch to the fenced off area where the Minotore is.

Gnome: Your time will begin, as soon as you lock eyes with the beast!

Closing his eyes before looking at the head of it, General Mood breathes slowly and unclenches his fists. Then opening his eyes suddenly, the Gnome produces a sand timer as General Mood and the creature are staring down at one another. Its hot breath creating steam as its eyes focus upon his, General Mood feels the steam and begins to produce his own as he angers; wanting to create a decent time for his friends to beat.

Gnome: Thirty seconds have already passed!

The Minotore grunts and growls under its breath as it stares into his soul, General Mood staring back beginning to shake slightly as he feels a dark presence trying to bring his eyelids down.

Gnome: One minute! A good time so far, my cinnamon friend!

General Mood smirks as he hears this, though his eyes are now forcibly being pushed down by something until he closes them. A sharp klaxon goes off as the Minotore bellows a deep moo, General Mood rubs his eyes and walks out of the fenced off area.

Gnome: Oh, so close to our current record of two minutes five seconds! Very good show though, one minute twenty five! Anyone else feel like they can do better than our toffee skinned friend?

Berd: Eh, why not. I'll give it a go!

The Gnome once again unlatches the fence as Berd walks in, facing the ground as he had learnt it from General Mood. Lifting up his face suddenly, Berd pulls his cheeks while poking out his tongue as he looks at the Minotore. If huffs as it stares at him, while staring at the face that had been pulled. Berd immediately feels the heat from the beasts nostrils, a weight pulls his eyelids down and he is done as the klaxon goes off once more.

Gnome: Oh, I'm so sorry my Ogre-Butterfly. Your time was only forty-five seconds, the beast is winning thus far it would seem!

Fylec: Well, I could go. I presume we cannot just try and scare the creature, like my Ogre friend did here?

Gnome: All methods are allowed, though once your eyes lock on to one another you cannot stop. You must ALWAYS remain within eyesight and killing it will not be allowed.

Stepping up to the fence, Fylec pauses before charging the spell Dispell Magic ready for the staring contest. The Gnome nods, they see the magic gathered at the end of his staff as they unlatch the fence and Fylec walks on through. Fylec immediately stares at the creature as it stares back and a deep-heated breathe plumes out of its nostrils, Fylec sees the steam and casts his Dispell Magic while staring and smirking at the Minotore. The staring goes on for a while, with the Gnome counting up.

Gnome: Good golly, one minute fifty! You are so close!

Fylec suddenly blinks and a klaxon sharply rings out. Looking stunned then walking out, Fylec shakes his head.

Fylec: That was actually tougher than expected!

Berd: I saw your magic, you had that thing almost beat!

General: Did you guys feel the pushing down of your eyelids?

The Gnome suddenly opens the fence as Jokesum walks on through.

Berd: Oh wow, he's in there!

Fylec: I guess he didn't have much to say, ha!

General: Oh you little, okay I'll give you that one Fylec.

As Jokesum lifts his head, the dark seeping power protrudes down his cheeks. The Minotore, seeing the power unleashed, frowns and snorts at him as it grunts steam is released once more. Kireek speaks to Jokesum's mind.

Kireek: This beast, Hairacule, they are my servant. Should you wish it, command him to blink!

Jokesum hears the voice and angrily smiles while staring, the Minotore, Hairacule, huffs more as more and more steam bellows from his nostrils.

Gnome: We have a resounding stalemate, it would seem! The time is one minute thirty seconds, both starers are unwilling to back down.

Jokesum now huffs at Hairacule, his nostrils produce steam, as they both grimace towards their opponent.

Gnome: Oh my good graceful gods! A new record! Can our hot pink friend here, keep this going?

Suddenly, Jokesum hears a different voice within his mind.

Hairacule: You are indeed a worthy staring foe, congratulations on winning. Now blink damn you!

A slight chuckle is heard from the Minotore as Jokesum continues to stare and then replies within the mind call.

Jokesum: Are you unable to lose, dear Hairacule? THIS will be your downfall!

Erupting with the dark smoke once more, though red eyes are seen within, Jokesum surrounds himself and becomes the mirror image of Hairacule though unrestrained by anything.

Gnome: Ooh! A shape-shifting pink tiefling! How fascinating! Come one and all, this competition just got interesting!

A crowd of fifty onlookers appear and see the two Minotores staring at one another, Jokesum's versions only difference being unshackled and red-eyed.

Hairacule: What is the meaning of your trans-morphing into myself?

Jokesum: To show you the meaning of winning, friend!

The two speak in their minds to one another as a tear rolls down Hairacules right cheek, he blinks and closes his eyes and the klaxon rings loudly and abruptly.

Gnome: We have a winner and he has defeated the beast, our hot-pink tiefling champion!

A loud uproarious cheer is heard as Jokesum returns to his original state, he approaches Hairacule and nods towards him. The Minotore grunts and huffs then looks away from him as he leaves the fenced off area. The Hunter's Guild members clap their hands and pat Jokesum's back as he smiles and bows towards the crowd.

Gnome: Your talent and use of your ability has stumped the great creature, congratulations challenger. Here, a token to be used in our casino!

Handing a silver, hexagonal token towards Jokesum, he then takes it and nods towards the contest runner.

Berd: Well I'll be an Ogre's son! Nice, oh where do we go to use it please?

The Gnome chuckles and points in a Northerly direction.

Gnome: The area you are looking for is over yonder, you cannot miss it. Children are not allowed though, so my tiefling friend you will have to prove that you are older enough to enter.

Fylec: He has a Fae curse that stops him from making any mouth noises, how could he prove it?

Gnome: Oh, let me help you with that!

Taking their hat off, the Gnome then takes out a small bunny rabbit that sniffs the air then *shtook* explodes in a hot-pink firework in the Gnomes hand.

Gnome: There, all cleared up. You may now speak.

The party look towards Jokesum who then opens his mouth.

Jokesum: Oh my goodness, thank you so much!

Gnome: We Wickan are not that hard to find, my friend. You are most welcome.

Berd: Good to have you back, dude! Man, you rocked that Minotore!

Jokesum: It's getting me to shut up, that's the trick!