View source for 4476/Digging for Talent

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/08/28
|Location=Avatar World <AW>
|Synopsis=Ziggy Grover runs a talent show to help Toph find metalbending students.
It goes about as well as a Ziggy-run event does.
|Cast of Characters=535, 20, 799, 549, 1023, 136, 301, 930
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>To help Toph find her metalbending academy, Ziggy had a simple suggestion. A really nice and simple suggestion, especially since it would -help- Toph find her metalbending students. A bending demonstration!<br><br>However, it -was- bound to get monotonous, seeing nothing but bending, and what the hell, why not just make it a talent show? <br><br>He'd even line up -judges-. <br><br>Standing there, on the earth-bent stage at Toph's academy, wearing a simple colorful vest with a green t-shirt underneath it and black jeans, Ziggy Grover beams, holding up a sheet full of entrants. <br><br>Nevermind skeptical voices (Dillon: "I don't know, Ziggy. I remember what happened to the -last- talent show" followed by a "Don't worry, it's not like there're going to be villains lurking among the entrants -again-..."). <br><br>It was -showtime-. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Part of her doesn't know /why/ she agreed to let Ziggy host a talent show of all things here at the Beifong Metalbending Academy. Part of the opening celebrations, he said. But fine, if he did the actual work then why not. She could bend a little stage and stuff, make sure there were some refreshments and so on... besides, her students were only happy to have a break from a rough week of Toph's tutoring.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blind girl is kinda skeptical of finding a new metalbending student among the entrants, however. Seriously, aren't they going to be doing just random crud? But whatever. Toph had decided to go along with it, does she really need a reason?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blind teenager is seated at the middle of the judge's table, leaning back in her chair with her arms across her chest as she waits for all the entrants to line up. Word has gotten out, and it seems that many people from Yu Dao itself has come to join the talent show, young and old.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Surely Hisoka was joking, right? He shows up, face painted like a clown, attired in clothes more suitable to a jester or performer than anyone actually looking to impress people. He seemed jovial enough, social and not actively homicidal. But ... when he offered to be a judge of talent, it was a bit of an unusual offer. "I'd be happy to kill whoever isn't sufficiently talented or entertaining to make the grade." he says with a smile. It SOUNDS like a joke, but then he also bears a certain eagerness, a malicious gleam in his eyes, that makes it seem like he might have been serious.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hopefully someone tells the Jester that killing isn't required. Or outright forbids him to kill any contestant, or spectator, or even judge. He might look disappointed if so, but it'd probably be for the best. Really.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Ranger Operator Series Black -- aka Dillon -- is every bit as sullen as it's possible to be. When the Jester guy suggests killing the entrants who fail, he squints and says, as if he were thinking out loud, "If we're going to kill the ones who fail, we have to have the judges perform first. You want to go first, guy?"<br><br>He looks over at Toph, and asks, "What does 'metal bending' look like?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>Steven works franticly in the dressing room (or, you know, any sufficiently private room near the area designated as a stage), painting makeup carefully on so it looks just perfect. He's been looking forward to this all day, and Connie is in the audience, and maybe some of the Gems will be there if they're not out on missions...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>' I remember what happened to the -last- talent show. '<br><br>A similar thought crossed Rarity's mind when her sister and her two friends insisted on going and performing. Sure, last time they did win, but they won for Comedy because of the disaster they caused instead of the dramatic rock ballad they had been going for. But Sweetie Belle insisted that they just wanted to help Toph get all the interest for her school that she could, and not for themselves this time, so Rarity finally relented.<br><br>And then got roped into being the chaperone for the day since Applejack is busy getting ready for harvest season and Rainbow Dash had gone to Cloudsdale for a Wonderbolt rally. Me and my big mouth and bigger heart when it comes to my little sister.<br><br>"You three are really sure you want to do this?" the unicorn asked for the umpteenth time.<br><br>"Mmhmm" the trio replied with syncronized nods.<br>"<span style="color:yellow">Doncha worry none Rarity,</span>" Applebloom added. "<span style="color:yellow">This time we made sure to do thin's raght.</span>"<br>"<span style="color:orange">Yeah! This time we let Sweetie Belle come up with the words.</span>" Scootaloo's wings buzzed with enough excitement to briefly hover off the ground.<br>Sweetie Belle turned her head a bit to hide the fluster of her cheeks. "<span style="color:pink">Don't give me all the credit, you girls thought of something other than just dancing.</span>"<br><br>"Oh, yes, this is going to be... something else, in the very least." Rarity just shook her head a bit as she went to find a seat.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Tony Stark shows up nearly late, as is his wont, having left Cuddles at home this time and driven one of his sports cars, but parked it a good half mile away to avoid freaking out any natives or risking any metalbending being done to it. He pans his gaze over the commotion, looking for a sign of Toph in the throng of people. All he knows is that he's supposed to be here, not whether he's going to be expected to compete or judge or just watch. He is, of course, prepared in any event, by virtue of being totally awesome.<br><br>Stark touches a finger to his ear briefly, a habit though unneeded to access his codec an ping Toph's radio.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:930|Alden (930)}} has posed:'''<br> Talent show!. Alden was curious when he heard about the contest happening at Toph's new school and decided to see if Katze wanted to join him to check it out. After a long discussion in which he tried to convince Katze that he was not going to participate, and if he did, he is certainly not going to do the part of 'dog performing tricks for the audience.', especially not if Katze was doing the part of the trainer. He managed to get on time, for the most part, carrying a somewhat sullen Katze atop his head, "I wanted to do that act.". "I'm not your puppy." comes a reply, before he walks towards the stage, waving to the familiar faces, like Tony Stark!, and Toph! (and rarity, if she was visible)<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>Shuffling papers, Ziggy adjusts his vest, before tapping on the mic. "Testing 1... 2... 3... Okay, I'd like to welcome you all to the Beifong Metalbending Academy. I just want to take a moment to thank everyone here for coming, especially our esteemed judges. Introducing our host, proprietor, and the reason we're all here today. Toph Beifong. She's one of the judge. Next to her is Dillon, from Corinth. Don't mind him, he always looks like that, and he will take judging as seriously as he looks. And uh..." Ziggy checks the sheet again. "The third judge is... Hisoka. He's very versed in... ah, jestering and jokes, and I'm -sure- his offer to kill anyone who isn't sufficiently talented was a joke too." Smilesmilesmile. "So, without further ado, let me introduce our -first- contestant!" <br><br>Another check of the paper. "Steven Universe. He'll be demonstrating the ukulele. Put your hands together for Mr. Universe!" Clapclapclap! And Ziggy will just make way. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven walks onto the stage in his usual jean shorts and red shirt emblazoned with a yellow star, but his face is carefully made up with a pattern of stars that glowreally well under the stage lights. He takes a hold of the microphone with a little cough. "Hi! I'm Steven Universe! But, umm, it's just Steven, Mr. Universe is my dad. Anyway, my act is is dedicated to this lady I met at a thrash metal concert. She seemed so sad, and had all these mean black drippy heads that attacked people, and I thought maybe she could use a song to cheer her up, so maybe she could stop trying to hurt people. Anyway, it seemed like a good song to share with everybody else too. It's called Funky Groove!" So saying, he starts playing his ukelele, a bubbly happy tune that just demands dancing.<br><br>"I love the limelight, I love the stage<br>I love to sing and dance and I'm all the rage<br>Because I know if I can make you move, make you dance along<br>I can take all your worries and pains away with my song<br><br>So let it all go<br>Let your body move<br>Get yourself into time<br>With my funky groove<br><br>So if you're feeling really bad and life has got you down<br>Just listen to this song, let the rhythm move you around<br>Don't think, don't worry, just feel the good vibes through<br>And your feet will tell your heart and soul just what you should do<br><br>So let it all go<br>Let your body move<br>Get yourself into time<br>With my funky groove"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Everybody present should notice that Toph has an immediate reaction when the homicidal jester enters the hall, mostly by how she frowns, but also by the fact that she tenses up. "This is MY academy, and killing is strictly forbidden here, Fruity," she states firmly with authority in her young voice. As for Dillon, she does remember meeting him right after she learned how to metalbend. Not that her metalbending was impressive at the time, at least not to what it is now. She is grateful Dillon speaks up against Hisoka too, though she doesn't show it. Instead she responds to his question. "Metalbending looks like metal being reshaped. I think I showed you and Zigmeister once since Doctor K asked about it... I've mastered metalbending since then though, that's nearly 3 years ago."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Luckily there are more friendly people here though, as her feet pick up the familiar shapes of three little ponies and their chaperone, a young half-gem backstage, and not to mention the familiar shape of her adoptive father. When Tony uses his radio Toph does respond, whispering something under her breath to not distract from Ziggy's opening speech. Alden too earns a nod, and Toph waits for Ziggy to kick it off with the first contestant.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let's 'see' what Steven can do.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's too bad that the makeup and stage lights are lost on Toph. But luckily her ears are sharper than most as Steven begins his song, and she closes her eyes as she listens. As the song goes on she does tap her foot a bit, nodding her head slightly along to the beat.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven finishes with a flourish, then makes hiw way off the stage to let the next act take it up. He doesn't seem worried about winning, just excited to have chared his song with everybody!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Oooh, it's the young boy with the gemstone navel. Rarity remembers him visiting with Rose Quartz that one time. She applauds politely with her hooves, but can't help but keep glancing offstage where the Cutie Mark Crusaders are getting ready....<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hisoka beams broadly as he is announced as a judge. Sitting to the side of Dillon, he looks almost as happy go lucky as, say, Steven. His grin is slightly too broad though, too toothy, to be entirely friendly or comfortable.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He'd mostly ignored Dillon's offer at the time, though as things get started he leans over. "I'd put my life on the line over my talents." he says in a polite whisper. Toph can hear them too, no doubt. He only spoke up now though, so that his comment isn't taken as an actual offer to perform first. If that means he doesn't have the right to kill anyone... well, he didn't really expect agreement to that anyways. He's just making sure no one thinks he was afraid to stake his life. And yes it COULD just be bravado... but he doesn't sound like it. He sounds quite sincere in fact. Much more sincere than he does when he claims to be 'just joking'.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's more impressed by Dillon's sullen seriousness though than by Steven's happy song. Happy isn't really such a thing for the Magician. He looks bored throughout the happy song despite Steven's competence. It's a good thing he's only one of three judges, isn't it?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the performance ends, he looks over towards Toph. "Are you sure I shouldn't kill him? It might encourage future performers." he says, grinning playfully once again. Surely that was just a sick joke, right? Right?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Right. Dillon considers the performance. No metal is bent, unless you consider ukelele strings, and that's something nearly anyone, even Ziggy, can do. The performance, pretty good. The lyrics don't really make much sense to the pragmatic cyborg, but the way it was performed, it could make an excellent counter-virus to send to the Venjix generals. So he stores it for that purpose.<br><br>For those not privy to the thoughts of the half-scowling cyborg, he simply watches the performance and writes down a number on a piece of paper.<br><br>"No, that wasn't metalbending, but it was a solid performance. If it had been Zig singing, then I might have said yes."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:930|Alden (930)}} has posed:'''<br> Alden remains with the audience, content to simply enjoy the show, and of course, as begins his act, he focuses on the music, giving the half gem a grin, "Great song!" he cheers,. Katze meanwhile, decides to just check around, if she can't drag Alden to join her in an act, and begins to roam around, moving towards the judges. Hisoka catches her attention, perhaps due to the outfit and makeup, and she effortlessly jumps on the table near him, "Hi!, are you going to participate?" she asks. Seems she did not pay attention when he got introduced as a judge. She does hear the 'joke', and assumes it was indeed a joke, giggling a bit.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Tony Stark looks thoughtful at Toph's radio response, and clicking his tongue softly to himself he meanders backstage. He happens to be passing the steps as Steven comes down from his performance, and he reaches out to ruffle the kid's hair. "Not bad. You write that yourself?" He glances around for a beat and then seems to come to a decision. "Hey. Can I interest you in playing some backup for me?" he puts to young master Universe.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"NO."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blind girl seems pretty adamant, clearly not the type to think that Hisoka is indeed joking. Might be because she's witnessed what he can and is willing to do to get a rise out of people. Rather than give him more attention she speaks up when Steven is done. "It's a nice song, cute and all that for those who are into happy songs like that." Heck, she can appreciate it even though rock is her favourite genre. It's not like he was singing out of key, the ukulele was tuned, so it was really not bad. Especially not bad enough to warrant killing!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stupid Hisoka.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then it strikes her that Ziggy never really told them criteria for winning, now did he...? Did he get prizes or something for the winner?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven looks up and up at Mister Stark, "Yep! I make up songs all the time. And I'd be happy to play for you if you want!" He does in fact look thrilled at the offer, perhaps because he just loves an excuse to play for an audience, or at all.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wait, you mean now? Because I can, but I don't know what kinda music to play..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Tony tilts his head to indicate the two of them move off to a quieter corner backstage to discuss. "No problem. I got an idea, need some strings." He grins to himself. "Actually I think a uke will be perfect for making it even... better." The mischievous look on his face would seem to indicate that 'better' isn't exactly the same adjective others might use. But he'll explain it all to Steven. Muttermuttermutter.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>Returning to the stage, with a completely funky 'dance' that speaks much, much more of an extremely uncoordinated wannabe trying to show off his 'moves', Ziggy claps his hands together. "Let's give it up for Steven Universe and his rendition of 'Funky Groove'!" Motioning his hands in a slight circle, Ziggy looks towards the judges. "So, what does our judges say? I see Dillon over there looking like his usual self, which -likely- means he liked it, but doesn't want to admit it. And Hisoka over there wants to kill him, so I assume that's -good-! And Toph is demonstrating her bobblehead talents, so I guess we're good. Thank you for participating, Mr. Universe!" <br><br>Glancing at his paper, Ziggy rubs his hands together. "And our next contestant is going to demonstrate his -rhythmatic gymnastics skills!" <br><br>What follows appears to be a ribbon-show that flies out everywhere. Some very graceful moves, with streamers flying everywhere. It would be a very impressive move, for the most part... if he didn't have an unfortunate tendency to get said streamerrs tangled up in various objects along the way. It all comes to an end when -one- streamer catches on fire, while another streamer gets tangled up in the electronic fans and yanks said performer off-stage. <br><br>Glancing up at the ceiling, Ziggy shades his eyes. "Well, that, uh, was one way to make an exit. Can, uh, can someone stop the fan?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity just rolls her eyes up a bit as a flaming streamer is stuck in a fan.... Boy is she glad she told Sweetie Belle dance ribbons would probably be a bad idea. And she was just worried about somepony tripping!<br><br>She can't stop the fan, but she does magic out her scissors and cut the ribbon off before the guy is pulled into the fan as well. Yay?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hisoka doesn't deny that him wanting to kill Steven is good. He seems relatively peaceful however, and so things seem okay. His points assignments, probably, aren't going to be very influential in this contest.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He actually smirks at the next participant. "I don't NEED to kill this one. He'll kill himself." Hisoka comments. He's not impressed by the talent, but at least he seems amused! This is better and better... right?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>In fact, Dillon has a vote on the streamer guy; the ribbon that came close to the stage and tried to entangle his head was cut off and deflected by a sword that the Black Ranger pulled from some fairly competent hiding place. There may have been small, unnecessary explosions involved in the deflect that -might- have been the source of the fire. Certainly nothing provable.<br><br>"He probably will."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, why did Ziggy think she would find more metalbending students this way...?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The next contestant doesn't seem to earn much of a response from Toph where she sits, her feet resting on the floor so she can 'see' what's going on. It's hard to see ribbons though, so Toph only witnesses the man's movements. And how something is yanking on the fans that Ziggy had installed for the event. Just how did the guy set that thing on fire anyway? Maybe the guy is a firebender or something, considering Yu Dao /is/ a Fire Nation colony...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least Hisoka isn't threatening to kill this guy, luckily.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It was kinda impressive how he managed to set it on fire though," she agrees with her fellow judges and pulls out a bag of snacks as she begins munching, offering the bag towards Dillon.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>You never -knew- what sort of unexpected talents would emerge from these talent shows, that's what, Toph. How else to explain the cult thing that was William Hung? <br><br>Ziggy manages to keep clapping his hands, before reaching to check the paper again. "Okay, next up, we have the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They'll be doing an extra special performance for you all today!" <br><br>And then while the ponies are moving onto stage, Ziggy will just hurriedly go over to the previosu performer, grabbing a pitcher of water on the way and dumping it on him, while trying to stamp out the remaining fire fragments. STOMPSTOMPSTOMPSTOMPSTOMP!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Tony Stark can't help but offer his unique form of encouragement to the departing, soaked performer. "Amazing," he declares. "Hottest thing I've seen in... at least a week. You're on fire, kid, you're definitely going somewhere."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>As their name is called Rarity helpfully magics a curtain stand onto the stage so they can get their stuff up there without being seen.<br>Then after a moment Applebloom sticks out her head. <span style="color:yellow">"Lately I've been, I've been losing sleep"</span><br>Followed by Sweetie Belle. <span style="color:pink">"Dreaming what our special talents be"</span><br>And finally Scootaloo. <span style="color:orange">"But one day if we keep working hard"</span><br>Then the three lean in together. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders~... will get their Cutie Marks!"<br><br>Then duck back behind the curtains, and after a bit of shuffling Rarity magically whisks the fabric away again. To reveal Sweetie Belle with a tamborine, Scootaloo with one of those guitar-shaped keyboards, and in the back Applebloom on a set of drums made out of an old cider barrel for the bass drum and a bunch of Granny Smith's pots and pans. Applebloom rattles out a quick drum riff that sounds a little odd on metal and wood, and the trio breaks into song in earnest.<br><br>o/~ We ride this life, like a zipping line; Right into those rising pines<br>Covered in tree sap again; Seems like we just can't win<br>Hurts, but we must stay bo-old<br>If we want our flanks to beho-old<br>The special marks that we've been told<br>Help find our way in the world<br><br>We-ee-ee-ee fail sometimes so hard trying the wrong thing<br>Bu-u-u-u-ut that is why we are here with this singing<br>Not gonna cry, gonna cry, gonna cry<br>Everything that stops us... makes us want to go!<br><br>Lately I've been, I've been losing sleep<br>Dreaming what our special talents be<br>But one day if we keep working hard<br>The Cutie Mark Crusaders... will get their Cutie Marks<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Some of the drums are starting to wobble and tilt crookedly as Applebloom is hitting them so hard. Sweetie Belle tries to use what little magic she has to hold one up, but it's awkward trying to point her horn back while keeping up. Scootaloo makes a face as some of the keys on the keytaur start to stick, and does her best to wiggle them loose while playing them. Not an easy task with hooves.<br><br>o/~We feel despair and feel desire; When bullies try to douse our fire<br>Hope is our four-letter word; Three together in what we learn<br>Hurts, but we must stay bo-old<br>If we want our flanks to beho-old<br>The special marks that we've been told<br>Help find our way in the world<br><br>We-ee-ee-ee fail sometimes so hard trying the wrong thing<br>Not gonna cry, gonna cry, gonna cry<br>Everything that grounds us... makes us want to fly!<br><br>Lately I've been, I've been losing sleep<br>Dreaming what our special talents be<br>But one day if we keep working hard<br>The Cutie Mark Crusaders... will get their Cutie Marks<br><br>Leave the haters, they're just burned<br>We're friends forever in lessons learned<br>Leave the haters, they're just burned<br>We're friends forever in lessons learned<br>Leave the haters, they're just burned<br>We're friends forever in lessons learned<br>Anyone that taunts us... Just makes us want to try!<br><br>Lately I've been, I've been losing sleep<br>Dreaming what our special talents be<br>But one day if we keep working hard--<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>And that's when Scootaloo gets frustrated with the sticky keys, and tries to do a guitar smash with the keytaur. Except it's too durable and bounces back to hit her in the face. She stumbles, and Sweetie Belle tries to catch her. Only for both ponies to fall backwards onto the drums, causing it to collapse into a heap on top of Applebloom.<br><br>A lone pot rolls away from the pile and off the edge of the stage.<br><br>But then the trio does manage to partially poke back out of the pile. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders... will get their Cutie Marks...o/~<br><br>Then proptly collapse as one.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>No metal bent intentionally, but Dillon has more fodder for the viral meme infection engine. Venjix is not going to know what hit him, the Grinders are going to be dancing fools. Hopefully. Because no way is the Black Ranger going to consider singing that himself. Doctor K might like it. Scratch that, she'd love it, all the big eyed ponies. Maybe she's watching.<br><br>"And not kill-worthy," he says, to cut off the mad clown.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, it's bound to be interesting whenever the three little Cutie Mark Crusaders show up, that much Toph knows after having witnessed their antics now and then. When they do start however, it seems to startle the teenager a bit as her unseeing eyes /widen/. Well, they are certainly... enthusiastic. And as the song goes on and on, the metalbending master actually looks... pained? Gassy? Who knows what that expression means anyway. Either way she looks uncomfortable, clenching her teeth together.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they do finish however, Toph nods. "Thanks girls, that was... nice. And loud." /Really/ loud. "And no, not kill-worthy," she hisses to Hisoka under her breath. Don't you dare even threaten to kill the little ponies, you maniac.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Well that turned into less of a disaster than Rarity was expecting, that much is for certain. Helpfully she walks up onto stage, pulls the three young ponies out of pile... and just magics the rest of it off the back of the stage before walking off again. Hey, it's mostly metal pots and stuff, maybe the benders can use it for practice or something.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hisoka turns a wounded look on Toph. "I wasn't even going to suggest it." he claims, seeming not entirely sincere. He did look bored though. Poor CMC... they're just not into the same sort of things Hisoka is... which is possibly why he's not interested in killing them! So perhaps they're not so poorly off at that!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Mr. Stark claps for the young ponies as they tumble off the stage, and it seems genuine this time, the way he's grinning. Or maybe he just really enjoyed the mayhem. He even holds out a hand for them to high-hoof as they pass by him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>Yes, Dillon, Dr. K was watching. And making notes to visit the Ponies. Particularly after Ziggy's last visit there. And yes, she was recording this. Including the crazy clown, which was on -her- list as 'first thing to exterminate', ahead of Venjix. Because clowns were scarier than computer viruses hellbent on destroying the world. <br><br>Picking up the one pot that wasn't on stage and bringing it along, pausing long enough to place it on Rarity's head, Ziggy applauds as he returns to stage, dusting off his vest and furtively ignoring the bit of streamer ashes settled in his hair. <br><br>"Let's give a hand for the Cutie Marks Crusaders! It was... heavy metal, wasn't it?!" Ahem. And where was his list now... oh right, he kinda used it to whap at the last bit of flames. Aheh. And then dunked it in another pitcher. <br><br>Ahem. <br><br>Ah, right... he was pretty sure who was next. Glancing back at the stage, Ziggy points. "Okay, next up, the Great... Ventrini!" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>The Great Ventrini is a fellow who could be anywhere from 30 to 102. It's difficult to tell because he's pickled. And by pickled, he's so inebriated that he is likely to burst into flames if something like a candle comes too near him. Good thing Ziggy stomped out the fires.<br><br>He's dressed in the remains of a tuxedo, now soiled by travel and by many bad meals in small inns. His dapper hairdo is not so dapper as it was two months ago; his shaving job is not terribly complete, as though his razor has missing sections, and the trunk he's hauling to the front where the performances take place ... has only one wheel that moves. It appears to weigh more than the man himself.<br><br>"I am Ventrini! And this!" He fumbles to open the trunk, taking an agonizing minute longer than he expected because the key doesn't work all that well now, and he hauls out a slightly smudged, fairly ugly doll with fat sausage-like curls (except for two that have come undone and look like a cat has chewed on them) and then he shoves his left hand under her dress.<br><br>"ACK! COLD" she says, in a little-girl-like voice that cracks at the end.<br><br>"Sorry, Gretchel," he says back, and says to the audience, "THIS is my helper Gretchel. Say hello to the audience, Gretchel."<br><br>The doll's eyes roll, and the mouth goes up and down, but not really in synch with the high-pitched voice that says "Hello to the audience."<br><br>The man's lips move faintly as she speaks. His jaw also clenches in time with the words.<br><br>"Now be nice, Gretchel!"<br><br>"Oh all right," the doll says in the man's voice, then coughs, and says, "Sorry, frog in my throat," in the higher-pitched voice. Those close to the performers can smell the alcohol wafting as the doll speaks.<br><br>"Aw come ON," one of the audience members says, "I can see your lips moving."<br><br>"Oh you think you can do better?" Ventrini says, and drops the doll as he jumps the audience member.<br><br>The two are quickly dragged outside. Then the doll sits up and says, "Man, I hate these gigs," in a girlish voice ALMOST like what the man was trying to use. She stands up, picks up the trunk, and walks outside.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>The trio is being held up in Rarity's magic as they pass, so they're even at the right height to return Tony's hoofbump with little trouble.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's easy enough to smell the alcohol from the ventriloquist, and Toph doesn't even try to hide the look of disgust on her face as she reaches a hand up to her nose. And people dare call /Tony/ an alcoholic? No, she does not look impressed at all, not when he speaks, pulls out the ugly doll and begins his act.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a matter of fact, she looks annoyed... or bored where she sits, leaning back in her chair with a heavy sigh. It doesn't help when he begins fighting with the audience either. When the doll moves the metalbender doesn't look surprised even, as if she knew from the start. Perhaps she did, due to her freaky hearing and seismic sense.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This will be a long night, won't it?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Dillon actually stopped scowling while the ventriloquist act was doing whatever that was. Instead of scowling, he looks a bit horrified. But when the doll stands up he cracks up in laughter, trying not to be too blatant because, uncool in front of all these people. Seizing control of himself, he takes a drink from his glass of water and considers the snacks Toph has offered but ... no, better not put anything that could choke on in mouth. It was all he could do to not laugh maniacally, and that's definitely not a good thing coming from him.<br><br>Senses regained, he assesses the performance quickly. Terrible. Almost kill-worthy. The ... construct ... that spoke at the end, bent the trunk frame when she picked it up. Metal bending technically, but not clear whether it was from strength or whatever energy field these guys use.<br><br>"Please tell me the next one will be good?" he says to Ziggy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is ... kind of pathetic. Really, this is a person who's an utter waste of their potential. Assuming he HAS any potential that is. But after glancing between the two other judges, Hisoka has to consider just what response to make. A shocking suggestion to separate the man's voice from his body? A simple decapitation 'by accident'? Nah, that's not really important. This doesn't matter enough to Hisoka, so he might as well have some fun.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hisoka smiles at the ventriloquist act, and even chuckles. When he gets glared at, as he no doubt will, he beams back. "What? It takes talent to act that bad." he claims, seemingly approving of the act. He really doesn't care for it, but he's not about to do exactly what other people expect him to!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>Trying to find something to say about -that- performance, Ziggy Grover's mouth opens and closes much like a goldfish. The applause is purely perfunctionary. <br><br>"Ah, well, consider this the, uh... appetizer to the next act. It's..." Uh, who was it again...? <br><br>Wait, Tony's standing up. And approaching stage. Which -probably- means he's taking his turn. <br><br>So Ziggy makes room, pausing long enough to intercept the next person coming -up- and going "Uh, uh, wait your turn." <br><br>"But it's my turn...!" <br><br>"Strategic change of plans. It's, you know, it's important to maintain a steady flow of talent..." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>The stage lights go dark. Not that it makes a ton of difference since it's the middle of the day, but it's the theatrical /principle/ of the thing. A figure makes its way to the front, and a single spotlight shines down on him. It is... Steven Universe, with his ukelele. Again? Smiling, the boy makes no attempt to explain his presence, merely starts strumming the opening chords of a song. A song that was not written with a uke in mind, and yet somehow still works on a kind of surreal level.<br><br>Another figure steps up from behind him, and Tony Stark smiles as well, not quite so innocently as he reaches over Steven's head for the microphone adjusted to his height, tilts it toward himself and begins to croon, eyes fixed on Hisoka at the judge's panel with a kind of manic, unblinking intensity.<br><br>"Every breath you take,<br>every move you make,<br>every bond you break,<br>every step you take,<br>I'll be watching you."<br><br>It sounds something like this. Only with lighter strings, and instead of Sting joining in on the chorus, it's young master Steven himself, as Tony leans down to put the microphone in reach of his voice. There is of course no such irony in the boy's vocals; he just performs for the joy of performing. Which... somehow makes Tony's staring even creepier.<br><br>( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_esxcy0P94 )<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven keeps playing, thoroughly enjoying the extra stage time, but he can't help giving Tony a few strange looks as the song progresses. Wasn't he married or something? With a recent child? He doesn't really remember for sure bat that seemed true, and there was Toph of course... But he plays on, letting adults do weird adult things without comment.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity ... promptly wraps her forelegs around Applebloom and Scootaloo's faces so she can cover Sweetie Belle's eyes between them, when she realizes what Tony is trying to do. Or just be weird. You never know with Tony Stark.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hisoka can try to annoy Toph with his comment, but it doesn't look like she's bothered by actually liking the horrible ventriloquism act. Because well, it does take talent to act that bad, she will agree with that.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait, didn't Steven already play? Toph does look curious for a moment where she sits as Tony walks up next to him. The song isn't entirely new to her either, as she recognises it. One might accuse Tony Stark of having a huge ego, but hey, he does have musical talent. That she knows from when they've played music together, him on the piano and her on the guqin. Not to mention the times he's been singing to Pepper at his birthday parties and such. But this... is a bit different. Is he looking at /Hisoka/...? So while Toph does like the singing, she can't help but arch an eyebrow. Then again, most people /should/ be watching Hisoka's every move.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven does add some sweetness to the song itself though. And once they're done, Toph nods her head. "Eh, thanks dad. Nice one, Steven."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>"Appetizer? Really?" Dillon says to Ziggy after the performance. "You're seldom so accurate in your predictions."<br><br>The cyborg doesn't make any other comments on what he just saw, because he comes from a place where insane viruses do that sort of thing on purpose as memory implants to torment humans and leave them confused and broken. But really, between the two most recent performances, the disturbance factor is about the same.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Tony closes out his portion of the act by blowing a sardonic kiss in the direction of the judges' table, then laughs, ruffling Steven's hair again as they head off stage. "Thanks, kid. I owe you one." Looks, this is just what people are going to get when they shanghai him into these kind of things.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait, what's this? "Didn't we see that one already?" he muses, not quite complaining. He's never refused a second shot at a victim after all. Well, he generally doesn't give victims an opportunity to have a second shot. Only those he considers potential FUTURE victims get the benefit of surviving if he has anything to say about it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Tony Stark gets up behind the young player though, Hisoka's eyes open in interest. And when the eye contact begins, well, you could suppose the Jester is riveted in his seat. Watching... him? Is this what Toph's would-be protector is trying to imply?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hisoka licks his lips, a long and disconcerting gesture not at all dissimilar to someone considering a nice juicy delicious... pear. Yes, a pear. Ah, but is the pear ripe or has it gone bad with age? THAT is the question.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If the last act was an appetizer..." Hisoka murmurs, his eyes lidding heavily after the performance ends. "Just what are you suggesting? Dinner?" he asks. This, along with Hisoka's earlier look, might suggest some ... savory tendencies. Or unsavory, depending on your culinary inclination. Either way, it does seem Hisoka approves of the performance. Just maybe not in the way Tony wants.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Tony Stark holds up his left hand and gives Hisoka a sorry-not-sorry headshake as he indicates the wedding band on his finger. Alas, he is already claimed.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seeing that look on one of the judges' face, staring back at Mister Stark and licking his lips so creepily, like Kevin but SO MUCH WORSE... Steven flees the stage after the act.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>That Tony has this relentless stare at Hisoka leaves Ziggy feeling uncomfortable. It's the sort of -thing- that would be labelled PDA. Maybe -Extreme- PDA. EPDA? <br><br>"I... I get the feeling it's more like -this- is a nightcap invitation, except... you know, there's nothing wrong with that. Other than that it's between a clown and a hedonist, and then your mind start wondering if it's some sort of circus act, or cosplay, or... you know, I think it's time to get back on stage." With that, Ziggy leaves his position next to Dillon where he'd been watching this, and returns to the stage. <br><br>"AHEM. SO! Next up, we have..." Dammit, who was it he shooed off earlier to make room for this -lavishment-? <br><br>"Someone and his dog! Uh... uh... name, Sly Banshee and Raver!" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alas, poor Tony. What Hisoka might want from him has absolutely nothing to do with his marital fidelity. It has more, you might say, to his martial fidelity. "You do that." Hisoka murmurs to Ziggy, amused. Hey, he's helping out here! He's not actually looking to murder people. Not right here and now. No, he's rather outnumbered by those who would be all too willing to make the fight a group battle. When he really seriously wants to fight, he'd rather do so where no fighter has an easy escape or assistance option. Much more exciting that way.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course Hisoka's amused by something else in this. He doesn't miss Toph's reaction. So, once Ziggy heads off on stage he leans towards her, completely ignoring Dillon in between them. Aggressively ignoring him, in fact, to the point of rudeness. "So Lychee, tell me." he asks conversationally. "What did you think of the previous performance? Not just the score, but what it made you feel?" he grins, teasing.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:930|Alden (930)}} has posed:'''<br> As the name is called, a lanky teen wearing a grey shirt, jeans and black shoes climbs on the stage, followed by rather nice example of a syberian husky, blue eyes, curly tail, and all the trademark details!. The teen coughs a bit, and shakes his head, "My... the name is Erik and the magnificent Lara." he says, pointing to the husky next to him. One has to wonder why someone might try such an act with a breed that is relatively tricky to work with. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They start well enough, with Erik calling 'stay' and Lara acually sitting down!... and then yawning, and then looking around. The first real trick he attempts, is the classic 'still' trick, placing a dog treat over Lara's head, which gets snapped away as soon as the boy's fingers leave it, it's actually kind of impressive, shifting adn snapping the food so fast it almost dissapears.. It happens a few times until the boy coughs, and shakily talks about trying other stuff. <br> <br> He tries a few other basic tricks, like getting Lara to roll, 'shake' and lay down. In his defense, the dog actually does most of those things, but not quite when asked!. The 'shake' attempt happens, once the kid loses hope and tries to do the one trick he is sure the dog can do, 'catch', the misplaced paw hitting him on the stomach mid throw, causing him to aim the rubber ball right on the ground, causing it to bounce extra hard. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lara does attempt to catch it, first tries to intercept the first 'fall', but bites far too early, then jumps straight up quite quite high, and... bites several inches too far to the left, before falling down on her side, as gracefully as a sack of potatoes. The ball bounces against her side... and the act ends with the dog scrambling to chase the runaway ball, which moves to the judge table!. For better or worse, at least the dog does not quite make it that far, attempting to jump of the stage and run after it, but apparently, the ground might be too well polished and loses traction, falling on it's side and skidding for several feet, and likely hitting an spectator or two, before finally coming to a stop, looking around in confusion.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:930|Alden (930)}} has posed:'''<br>Forgot to add a detail, during the entire show, someone turns on some cheap radio to provide background music, crackly, bad quality audio from some kind of circus/generic magic show tune, that cuts when Erik falls down.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even as Hisoka speaks up after the song, it's pretty easy to see Toph's reaction as her eyebrow twitches just slightly. Even if she kinda anticipated this reaction from the creepy clown. Even if Tony wasn't married she seriously doubts he's interested in guys anyway, not from what she's observed. Besides, he's all about Pepper now anyway.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Steven runs off she sighs. Kinda understandable... let's hope the little ponies were safely backstage and not traumatized.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's even more annoyance on Toph's face when Hisoka leans in past Dillon and thinks she actually wants to talk with him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You don't understand feelings to begin with, so it's a waste to tell you," she mutters to Hisoka, clearly trying to ignore the nickname he has for her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is this show over soon...?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Working with animals can be really rewarding. Though Toph herself considers that perhaps this guy didn't pick the right animal to work with. Or vica versa. At this point Toph looks rather bored as she rests one elbow on the table as she leans on it, eyes half narrowed as she 'watches' with her feet. Seriously, Ziggy didn't screen the contestants, now did he...?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Clowns, normally, are just people who want to amuse children. The one that's put itself into his space, however, seems to be one of the 'special' clowns, the ones who exist to cause nightmares and other trouble. However, Dillon is trying to be good. He was told by Doctor K, "Do not cause a diplomatic incident this time."<br><br>So Dillon doesn't fling the intrusive fellow into the ceiling with a reflexive kick and shudder. He does, however, scoot back and stand up so he can move to the other side of Toph. He's seen her operate. If the guy wants to be horrible, she could probably kick him hard enough to ensure that his grandparents couldn't have children.<br><br>Oh look. Another person is doing something. The dog is sensibly ignoring him.<br><br>"Good dog," Dillon mutters at the end of the performance.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:930|Alden (930)}} has posed:'''<br> The dog perks her ears at the praise, and casually moves to the judge table, sitting there, staring at Dillon, curled tail wagging. A second person wandered to the stage to help 'Erik' out, holding a cheap cassette player of sorts. Katze and Alden are arguing, with the shinki complaining about how they would have done a much better act, and how normal dogs don't breathe fire and such.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hisoka can't exactly dispute Toph's assertion or at least choses not to. As to his preferences when it comes to man or woman, or for that matter child, beast or alien... it's all the same to him. So long as they're interesting in a fight, so long as they haven't squandered their potential, he's interested. In fighting them, that is.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Training dogs, badly, is kind of a definition of wasted potential. Hisoka eyes the act, then rolls his eyes. After a minute he pulls out a deck of cards and begins shuffling it, rolling cards across his knuckles, weaving them between fingers, shuffling and air-shuffling the deck with grand flourishes that make him appear to think he's the one on stage rather than Alden. Which... might not be far from the truth. Hisoka is not a particularly good audience. He's not, in actuality, a particularly good judge. He only becomes a good examiner when it comes to matters of lethality. He doesn't even bother looking up once the show is done. His score... would seem to be 'bored'.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Dillon snags a cracker or something like that from the treat bag, and gives it to Lara.<br><br>"Only one, don't want you to get cavities."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Once the very inappropriate display by Stark was over Rarity let the girls back to watching the show. Which is a dog act. Those are harmless, right?<br><br>Especially when the dog decides to just have none of it. You sure that dog isn't part cat? That looks like something Opal would do.<br><br>Scootaloo buzzes her wings just enough to get above the rest of the crowd, holding her hooves to her mouth. <span style="color:orange">"Booo! I've seen Fluttershy get more movement out of a -sloth- you ha-ack!"</span> She ends on a yelp as Rarity yanks the young pegasus back into her seat with a magic tug, much like she or Applejack does to a certain other older pegasus getting too rambuncious.<br><br>"Now Scootaloo, as atrocious as that display was, one shouldn't be rude about showing their dissappointment."<br><br>Scootaloo hmphs, folding her forelegs. <span style="color:orange">"Rainbow Dash would of done the same thing."</span><br><br>"And I would of given her the same scolding," Rarity replies sternly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>Steering clear of the area that caused the skid, fearful of, perhaps, a doggy accident in that space, Ziggy throws Dillon a look that roughly translates to 'Time to go to the secret weapon right?'? <br><br>"Sooooo! Well, we've had a good night so far, haven't we?" Ziggy applauds, pausing to motion to the spotlight guy to arrange it just so. And then proceeds to do a Shadow Puppet Skit. Which consists, roughly, of him demonstrating the marvelous ability to do -rooster- strutting. "And in preparation for the next act, we have demonstrated... poultry in motion. Next up, we'll have a poem recital from... uh... someone who calls himself the Dark One! Let's have a hand for him, folks!" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:930|Alden (930)}} has posed:'''<br> The dog snaps the treat quickly, and barks once, before casually trotting away to the backstage to join the trainer, tail wagging. Lara looks almost proud for some reason. The ponies get a glance, and a sniff in their direction, same with Alden, but otherwise, the canine vanishes into the ether with 'Erik', the latter likely just wanting to dissapear.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>And no, Ziggy didn't screen the entrants. Why do you ask, Toph? <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The next person in line doesn't seem particularly impressive either as Ziggy calls him forth. A lanky teenager, wearing dark clothes with even darker hair hanging down into his pale face, obscuring part of his sunken eyes as he almost seems to glare over the audience and in the direction of the judge table.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm here to read a poem I wrote," he says, his voice gruff as he shuffles some of his papers for a few seconds.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In her chair Toph seems like she's letting out a tired sigh, one that she desperately tries to hide. Though the look on her face is as blank as can be. Seriously, what kinda name is that?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It crawls, crawls, crawls and crawls into the darkness of my soul.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So much lostness, so many opportunities shattered to dust as it slithers from my hands into the ever waiting abyss.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Abyss.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Abyssness.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I scream and scream. And scream some more.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Can't you hear those screams in the hole that is your consciousness?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On and on it goes, typical emo poetry, and it looks as if Toph is about to fall asleep where she's sitting. Just how long is this cruddy poem anyway?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven appears among the audience to watch the rest of the contestants, picking a spot near Rarity since she is someone he recognizes and isn't a judge. "I think maybe this guy and that Ophelia lady I wrote my song for are so sad... Like the Crying Breakfast Friends, but without as much color. Maybe I should write a song for this guy, too?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Heading back out into the audience with a bottle of water, Tony Stark chokes down a swig and snickers. "Abyssness," he repeats into his radio link to Toph.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>Returning to stand next to the RPM Black Ranger, Ziggy slumps into his seat. "You know, Dillon, if we don't find any metalbenders, you wanna stand on stage and show them how you bend iron bars?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Shadow puppets, not so effective when dealing with multiple targets, or at least that's Dillon's opinion. He waits for the poem to finish.<br><br>"I'm sure you didn't ask that guy here just because we have the same taste in clothes," he says to Ziggy. Also, he thinks but doesn't say, Why did you let him read out of that diary of poetry you keep in your room. (Note, said diary may or may not exist. Judge for yourselves.)<br><br>He shrugs, and pulls a horseshoe out of the pocket of his black leather jacket.<br><br>"Like this?" he says as he straightens it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This ... this is just ... terrible really isn't the right word. Mind-numbing doesn't cut it either. Hisoka simply continues with his card shuffling, then snaps the cards back into one hand and begins to place cards propped against one another on the table before him. Yes, house of cards. He's apparently that bored.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inwardly though, Hisoka's up to something. This fool is wasting his life on merely claiming to scream? Well, Hisoka's going to give him something to scream about. While outwardly he continues focussing his entire concentration on rapidly building a house of cards, he also releases a few strands of invisible bungee gum. Invisible, that is, unless you can sense such things and are also looking for them. Particularly astute people may sense some degree of power being used, but Hisoka's actively masking even that so it's not easy to do.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And what, prey tell, is Hisoka's bungee gum doing? Well, first it latches on to a part of the emo's shirt. Twitching at it like something's climbing the boy's back. Ignorable, but no doubt still quite distracting to the kid. Perhaps a little less noticeable to anyone else, especially since the 'thing' is apparently crawling up the kid's back. Squirming won't help. Reaching around to swat whatever it is... won't help. Nothing whatsoever will help. Eventually the invisible 'thing' reaches the kid's shoulderblades. Then, with a sudden jolt, it bites.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No, not a real bite. Hisoka just snapped a strand of bungee gum, flicking a tiny pebble at rocket-speeds into the back of the emo's neck. Nothing that'd even draw blood, but it'll sting like a real bitch. Now, let's hear some real screaming... while Hisoka continues to look entirely bored and with his entire focus on the table and the cards before him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>"Where did... how did you even -get- a horseshoe? Do we even -still- have horses in Corinth? No wait... -where- did you get a horseshoe?" Ziggy stammers. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity just lets out a long sigh as they end up with emo goth poetry reading. "I've heard better deadpan delivery from Maude Pie." Scootaloo shoots her a look. "*I* did not go screaming it at the top of my lungs."<br><br>Then Rarity turns towards Steven as he joins her and the trio, shrugging her shoulders a little. "I do believe its just an artist style, dahling. You dress up in black and ramble on about how terrible the world is to you to make others feel better about their own lives." Or at least that's what she's going to tell the childred so they don't feel so bad.<br><br><span style="color:pink">"I thought you said wearing all back was tacky and unoriginal?"</span>, Sweetie Belle squeaks.<br><br>"No, I said it was trying to hard." Rarity corrects.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Ziggy flops into his seat next to Dillon he better be prepared, because Toph leans over, grabs onto the front of his shirt and yanks him over as she hisses under her breath. "Next time," if there even will be one, "you're going to /screen/ the participants," she demands. Because this is total rubbish.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"An arrow of pain that pierces me through the chest.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Spreading like a sickness that makes me want to scream even more.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead I whisper.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Surrounded by the abyssness that is your apathy.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Apathy and damnation alike.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For I am doomed by--"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Up until now The Dark One has been squirming a bit in place as he was reading the last lines, though suddenly he lets out a loud yelp, and the teenager leaps into the air as his sheets of paper go flying. "SPOTTED SQUIRREL CATS!" he cries, then lets out an annoyed roar. "Who did that?!" he asks, looking around with a look of pure anger and distaste in his eyes, scanning the audience and the other people around the stage. "Whoever did that I'll never forgive you! I HATE YOU!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Something has changed though, as Toph suddenly looks far more awake, her attention purely on the raging boy on the stage. And then, she's grinning as she pushes herself up. "Seems I owe you an apology, Zigmeister," she states to the Green Ranger.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>"Omega City, same place I got my tuxedo," Dillon says. Because he had so much time to ... shop ... there.<br><br>"But there's horses all over the place in this multiverse thing."<br><br>When the drone of the poem is interrupted by a shriek, he smiles ever-so-faintly and brings his stare to bear on the raging kid. Will he do something?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>"And just -how- did you even find a leather tux----ack!" <br><br>Grabbed by an angry Toph, Ziggy holds up his hands. "Now, look, not the face, okay? I mean, it's the only face I got, and... screen them? But you never -know- where you'll find talent! I mean, take me for example, nobody -thought- I'd be a Ranger, and yet... ACK!" <br><br>Straightening his vest, Ziggy squints at the stage. "What? Did he hit a high note?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>From his seat at the edge of the audience, Tony's eyes shift dubiously between the emo kid and Toph. He's seen that look on her face before. Recently, even. "You HAVE to be kidding me," he declares to no one in particular around him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the emo boy screams in rage, Hisoka finally looks up. Finally, he seems vaguely interested. Inwardly however it's more than merely vague... he's just actively deceiving because that's his nature. This IS interesting, finally. Hisoka hadn't sensed this kid's potential, mostly because it's just so low. He's pretty good at sensing nen potential, at least from those parts of the Multiverse he's most familiar with, though not here.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sensing someone who hasn't yet manifested hatsu, well, it requires a bit more than just reading bad poetry. But what Toph can feel, Hisoka can see. So the idiot boy was even more of a waste of his potential than Hisoka realized? Well, that's perhaps no surprise. He won't amount to anything, the Magician seems sure. Perhaps, one day, he can be a sacrifice to properly motivate little Lychee...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why would anyone be worried about your hate or forgiveness, little boy?" he drawls, a glint in his eye. Now that Toph's interested, time to raise the stakes a little. "Are you sure this one deserves to live, Lychee?" he asks. "Such a waste. Not even underripe fruit... this one seems rotten to me." he claims with eyes narrowed in a menacing squint.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sensitive ears pick up the whisper from Tony easily enough, and Toph looks amused. Does he really doubt her when it comes to metal and bending?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Dark One is still raging in his emo tantrum, though the moment Hisoka talks to him he blinks, almost pouting in indignation from the looks of it. "Well, you /should/ care about my hate!" he snaps back at Hisoka when the jester talks at him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The moment Hisoka shows interest in The Dark One though, or at least she thinks that's interest, the blind teenager's grin fades somewhat. Instead she narrows her eyes and points her index finger straight at Hisoka's face. "You. Shut your yap." Okay, this kid's poetry might be rotten beyond imagination, but the girl seems determined as she quickly vaults over the table and heads up to the stage in front of the still huffy emo there.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You," she begins, setting her hands on her hips, "You're going to go home, pack your bags and bring whatever you need here so you can begin metalbending training tomorrow." The teenager's angry look turns to one of confusion as he stares down at Toph, then he glances over to the other judges. "What the..." Seems somebody is speechless. Toph however looks determined. "Just ignore the dunderheads. Welcome as the third student of the Beifong Metalbending Academy, kid." It doesn't seem like she cares that The Dark One is probably older than she is.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now she walks back to the judging table, looking mighty pleased before she flops down into her chair. "So did you get any prizes for the contestants, Spazlord?" she asks Ziggy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven claps wildly at Toph's declaration. "Wow, alright Toph! You found another student! Woo!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity and the Crusaders all politely applaud. Even if Rarity didn't really like that poetry. Looks like the talent show succeeded in finding at least one new person for Toph though.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Tony does not share Steven's enthusiasm, evidently. He just kind of rolls his eyes (you know the meme) at the new addition to Toph's motley assortment of 'students.' He does not envy her the task ahead.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A waste of your time." Hisoka claims, though there's no energy behind his words. No intensity or feeling. He appears to be just throwing the claim out to annoy Toph. "Even if you CAN teach him anything, he's rotten fruit. He'll never amount to anything worthwhile." the Magician claims, as if he cares about Toph's chosen career as an instructor.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course this backtalk might just strengthen Toph's desire to beat some metalbending into The Dark One, but so what? That's none of Hisoka's concern. There's a reason the Hunter association only gives two-star rankings to Hunters who have trained a student as well as proving a degree of competence.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>"<span style="color:yellow">Iffen I didn't already dislike clowns, thet one would definately make me nevah wanna see a circus again</span>" Applebloom drawls out at... pretty much anything Hisoka has said or done tonight.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven's enthusiasm earns a grin from Toph, and she even gives him a thumbs up. Sure, Tony might not think much of this emo guy, Hisoka proclaims it a waste of time, but heh, what do they know about metalbending to begin with? "You guys are just blind to potential," she asides to Hisoka where he sits. No, she doesn't look bothered by the comment at all.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Dark One himself does look a bit uncertain however, even if he does shoot Hisoka one last glare before he stalks off backstage after picking up his pages of poetry. At least he doesn't glare at Steven and the ponies on his way out.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>"Uh... correct me if I'm wrong, Dillon, but did she just find a third student? Because if so... woo hoo!" Throwing his arms up in the air, Ziggy spins around in his swivel chair. "Did I pick 'em or what?" <br><br>Coming to a stop, Ziggy pauses, looking at Toph as she asks about the prizes. "Well, uh, I was gonna just, you know, give them trophies you'd bend for them. Like, six, two, and even?" Or win, place, show in horse-racing betting parlance. "A big trophy here, a smaller trophy, and a third... and did you guys even vote on who finishes?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Dillon looks over at Rarity and just smiles, from the depth of his wearing all black. He drops the paper he'd been scoring them with into Ziggy's lap, and Steven and the CMC have the same score, 8, Tony has a 9 crossed out and replaced with a 4 and the notation, "porn eyes bad," and the dog has a score of 6.<br><br>"Toph? What did you detect that made you choose him?" he asks. Because honestly, there was -something- but he's not sure what it was.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait, /what/?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You didn't tell me to bend trophies!" she protests without turning towards Ziggy. "And I'm not handing out the metal I have here, it's all for the lily livers!" So don't even think about it! As for who won? "I vote for Steven and Goldie in first place, the ponies in second... and that ventriloquist doll in third," she says, having already made up her mind. No, she's not biased.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Really.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dillon's question however is a valid one, and Toph pulls on something underneath her shirt collar, revealing a small metal heart on a chain. "He made the metal react slightly." It's not like it's a secret that she can sense faint motion of metal after all.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:799|Hisoka (799)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hisoka's votes, if anyone's actually bothering to count him as relevant to the future winners, appear to be 'kill' for Steven, 'amusement' for the rhythmic gymnast, 'indifference' to the Crusaders, 'enjoyment' for the ventriloquist, 'porn eyes good' for Tony Stark, and then 'boredom' for the dog show and 'contempt' for The Dark One. He has cards set up for their scores, but .... well, the cards no longer show numbers. They're ... cards. Not at all official. Would they even count?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Dillon blinks. He checks his internal diagnostics (not something that he likes to consciously do because dammit humans don't have internal diagnostics.) There is a very slight pressure registered as a radial push from the stage.<br><br>"Oh. OK. That's really interesting," he says. "Is metal bending different from earth bending other than being more focused?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Metalbending requires a deeper understanding than earthbending, as you need to sense the earth in the metal. Most earthbenders can bend a rock rather easily without it requiring much training," Toph responds calmly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity hmms softly to herself. Sounds like it's kind of like how her gem finding magic is a natural skill, but other unicorns like Twilight had to learn an actual magic spell to replicate it... no, that's a terrible comparison. Okay, Rarity has nothing else. So she just goes over to give Toph her congradulations. "It would seem you still managed to get something out of this afternoon of... very different displays of entertainment."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1023|Steven Universe (1023)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven follows behind Rarity and the CMC, "Yeah, thanks for inviting me to come Toph, I had a great time! And your dad was fun too, until things got kinda weird. That creepy clown guy though... I sure hope we never find a corrupted gem that looks like that because I'm not sure I could fight it!" He shudders lightly. "Anyway, congratulations on finding another student!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>'Until things got kinda weird,' indeed. Tony just happens to overhear that, as he also makes his way over toward Toph, and snorts amusedly. "Next time you can pick the song," he offers.<br><br>But really, porn eyes? He knows what porn eyes look like -- he's used them plenty -- and that was NOT it. Creepy serial killer eyes, lay a hand on my daughter and they won't find all the pieces eyes, maybe.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:535|Ziggy Grover (535)}} has posed:'''<br>Doing a quick check of the sheets and votes, Ziggy hrms. "Well, uh... I'll come up with something. Dillon, mind bending that rod a bit more into a ring?" Ziggy asks. "Thanks." C'mon, do it. Because as soon as he does, Ziggy will go out there and proclaims, "OK, THANK YOU! And now, thanks to the judges' votes, the winner is..." <br><br>Uh, what was it again, based on the general consensus? <br><br>"The Cutie Mark Crusaders!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:549|Dillon (549)}} has posed:'''<br>Appropriate, a horseshoe into a trophy for ponies. Dillon makes it back into a sort of ring, but with the 'horseshoe' part still obvious if you look at the two ridges and the nail holes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Toph grins at Rarity as she walks over. "Oh yeah, Ziggy did mean for this to be a way to find new metalbending students. Why he thought this would work I have no idea why, but eh, it worked," she adds with a shrug. So why complain?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven earns a nod of Toph's head, and she snickers a bit. Yeah, things did get weird. Good thing she can't see the comments her fellow judges have made. And that they don't know the mental notes she's made for the contestants.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As for Tony? He earns a grin. "Okay then!" If he wants her to pick a song, then she guesses she can do that...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So it seems the ponies won the talent show, huh? Well, it's only fair. They were kinda amusing, and well... enthusiastic, she'sll give them that. The blind girl raises her hands and applauds.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:301|Tony Stark (301)}} has posed:'''<br>Tony made that offer to Steven, not Toph. But then again Toph knows she can get him to sing about anything around the house if she lets him get drunk enough.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity ... just... makes an indistinguishable expression at the prize. She can't tell if that's an attempt at a joke, or just Ziggy pulling something out of his arse at the moment.<br><br>However the trio of ponies are too young to really care. They take the prize and between the three of them hold it up over their heads. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS TALENT SHOW WINNERS YAAAAAAAAAY!"<br><br>Then of course all three glances over their shoulders at their backsides. But alas, no cutie marks for their performance. Though considering they didn't get any last time, not that big of a shock.<br><br><span style="color:yellow">"Welp, no marks, but we did help Toph find a new student, rawht?"</span><br>Scootaloo hoof pumps ethusiastically. <span style="color:orange">"Darn right we did!"</span><br>Sweetie Belle nods her head in agreement. <span style="color:pink">"Helping a friend is definately worth it~"</span><br> <br>
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