[dragoness129]

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Username + ID: dragoness129 + 3218
Clan link: Galerina Autumnalis
Link to Cat: Nori

[I Like Bees]

Day 2

[ Art by harvestberry ]

A cool wind brushed through the carnival, ruffling fur and sending chills down the carnival patrons' spines, the autumn chill settling. Everywhere was bustling as you slowly moved through the carnival's main area, younger cats happily chattering and squealing as they took large looks at everything around them, eyes wide with adoration and excitement.

As you move farther into the festivities, you take a notice of Maplefrost and Cinnamonstick, the siblings whispering hushedly among themselves. They stood so close that their pelts brushed, their words getting carried away in the chill winds, although the stressed looks reflected across their features said everything it needed to.

As you get closer, they seem to perk up at your presence, faces lighting up with the spunk only a true business owner could have. "Hiya! How's the carnival?" Maplefrost chirped, her tail moving upwards with glee. Awkwardly, you fill the duo in on how most of the booths tended to be in disarray, watching the light in their eyes dim to a shared slight worry before Cinnamonstick perked back up.

"Oh, well! Something has to be working still!" He chuckled, stepping forward as he urged you away. "Everything else should be up and running soon. I suggest you head out there to get a good spot before every cat takes the path you lead!"

[ Written by elliott. ]

[ethium]

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Username + ID: ethium + 879455
Clan link: eucharis
Link to Cat: leon kennedy my beloved

[Plushbunny]

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Username + ID: Plushbunny + 858001
Clan link: BlizzardClan
Link to Cat: Hawkfire

[I Like Bees]

Day 3

[ Art by harvestberry ]

"Sabotage?" the tiny flame tucked inside the carved pumpkin shivers at the word and casts a ripple of shadows across Maplefrost's features. Gold catches upon the set of her lashes already lowered in thought. "You really think so?"

At your nod, she sets the pumpkin onto a picnic table. A soft clink accompanies the autumn wind as she fiddles with the piercings in her ear. "I can't think of anyone who would do this. Carrrl, my great-grandfather… he didn't have any enemies."

You frown, a pace in your step. "How about a business rival? Family feuds? A disgruntled carnival-goer?"

Maplefrost shakes her head. "Carrrl loved this carnival." Firelight warms the smile upon her lips. "He wanted to do it right. Everything you see here was built from honest work and love. The details, the decor, even the music was all chosen to create memories. For family. Friendships."

You sit in silence and soak it in, thinking over all the details from yesterday. It couldn’t be a coincidence — could it?

"Maybe my brother knows something." She stands and a scarlet curl comes loose, whispering against her nose. "He's been in this business longer than i have. He should be here soon. Well, hours ago actually." A frown flits over her features. "Don’t worry, I'll ask him when he's here."

The flecks in her earth-toned eyes shine as the first blush of dawn illuminates the string of flags overhead. "Now go on! Please, enjoy the festivities. I'll take care of everything, I promise."

[ Written by Vivika ]

[DiamondDogg]

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Username + ID: DiamondDogg 841284
Clan link: SparrowClan
Link to Cat: Tulipdance

[Owl-Paints]

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Username + ID: Owl-Paints + 805697
Clan link: CometClan
Link to Cat: Duskstar

[daisy,]

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Username + ID: daisy, #1085494
Clan link: the bright sunset
Link to Cat: Crumbles

[I Like Bees]

Day 4

[ Art by harvestberry ]

The cheshire statue grins - a wide, buck-toothed smile of mystery and mischief. Even in the lantern light, the detail is exquisite. The artisan had captured the essence, the very spark, of Carrotopia's founder in sweeping, elegant carvings. You untangle a stray cobweb from Carrrl's nose, tracing the crack fissuring the carrot he perches atop.

"Boo!" Another grin materializes from behind the statue, this one spun of light and laughter. "Tell me I scared you. I didn't?"

His mock groan springs a chuckle from your lips.

"Good to see you too, Cinnamonstick." You pause, frowning. "I didn't see you around yesterday. Is everything okay?"

"Ah, I… It's just allergies. Y'know how it is this time of year. But don't you worry, Maple filled me in on everything." He leans against the statue in a relaxed sprawl. "Although, I don't think it's sabotage."

Something about the note in his voice pulls you in.

"See this statue here?' His claw clicks on the running crack splitting the marble. "The artisan added a touch of magic into it. When the statue cracked, some of that magic left… in a corrupted form." A wink twinkles in his eye. "It found a new host. A carrot."

The ghost of the wind whispers against your skin, the chill like a promise as he continues. "Now this ghoulish carrot haunts the carnival, tearing the place apart. All in search of the soul who cracked its home - the statue."

A nearby lantern extinguishes with a pop. As the smoke dissipates, Cinnamonstick's final words drift - a low, haunting melody. "Tread carefully, my friend. Best not to get between a wrathful carrot and its revenge."

[ Written by Vivika ]

[I Like Bees]

Day 5

[ Art by harvestberry ]

Glass glints against the carnival grounds.

A breath catches in your throat as the chaos unfurls before you. Scarlet and white tents collapse in crumpled heaps along the stone paths, and tatters of colorful flags hang limp in the autumn winds. Overturned trash cans roll, crashing into steel poles and picnic tables. Somewhere in the trees, a squirrel lobs a kernel of popcorn at your nose.

You duck behind a pile of smashed crates. Sweet syrup stains the bite-marked wood, along with crumbles of other carnival treats. Prints of different shapes and sizes dash the soft earth, leading in all directions.

"Stop! Leave the carrot alone!"

Ignoring the voice, a racoon skitters along, grin fading as it eyes something behind you. With a reluctant huff, the bandit flees into the shadows, chase abandoned.

You pivot a touch. Tucked behind a crate, a tiny golden carrot quivers, eyes squeezed shut.

"Stars, I'm so sorry." Near breathless, Maplefrost rests a paw on your shoulder. A flush tints her cheeks and she holds a woven basket close, keeping it covered. Flashes of orange, gold and purple flicker through the openings. More carrots. Carrots with… eyes? A half-hearted smile touches her lips. "Quite the day, isn't it? Wildlife stampede, sentient carrots, trash everywhere—"

She shakes her head, holding up a lock. "We usually have our treats stored in locked crates, but this," her voice drops to a whisper, "this lock has been tampered with. Not by claws and teeth, but with fire."

Her earth-toned eyes glitter. "I'm opening an investigation and... I need your help."

[ Written by Vivika ]