Chapter 1-6: Port Wear
On the deck of the Golden Straw, Briar and the others are waiting for Jack and the others to finish changing.
Grim soon notices, "Hey, looks like they're all done changing!"
The group turns to see the gang in their new uniforms. Each of the group are wearing dark blue sailor uniform coats with blue and white striped shirts underneath, white pants, a sash wrapped around their waist with red, blue, and white stripes. They are also wearing a white captain's hat.
Of course, Rook is wearing a red bandana around his neck. As Ruggie's clothes have special holes for his ears and tail.
"So these are our Port Fest outfits, huh?" Ruggie says.
We look like we actually belong on a ship. Nice!" Floyd says.
And Rook, "Veritably! Summery and cool! Elegant and chic!"
"Wow. You all look great," Tanzanite says.
"You look so cool," Sereia says.
"Those duds are somethin' else! I didn't picture 'em being so flashy!" Grim says.
"Your delight makes the effort it took to secure them completely worthwhile! I believe we're waiting on one more?" Crowley says.
Soon, Jack walks out as well, "Hey everyone! Sorry that took so long."
And it shows Jack is wearing the same outfit. Of course, the hat he's wearing has special holes so his ears and tail will stick out.
"Ah, our merry band is complete. You look marvelous!" Rook happily says.
"Just wearing this makes me feel like I should snap to attention," Jack says.
"Yeah, you're like the very picture of a sailor. A real gallant type, "Ruggie says.
Floyd says with a smile, "He totally is! A stout sailor like you could navigate the roughest of storms, easy!"
"Are you...complimenting me?" Jack questions.
"Sure are. Looks like all that working out paid off, huh?" Ruggie says.
"Formidable, Monsieur Fier-à-bras!" Rook says, "Your burly muscles are on display for all! Très bien!"
"All right, all right, stop before you make it awkward," Jack says, flustered, and doesn't realize his tail is wagging.
Floyd laughs, "HAH! Your tail is waggin', Sea Urchin! Hilarious!"
"It is NOT!" Jack cries out, feeling flustered.
"Your outfits complement the seaside setting perfectly! I shall dub the style 'Port Wear'!
As is befitting one of my extraordinary generosity, I express-ordered them for all of you on the Steering Committee. I asked Professor Crewel to design them, you see," Crowley says.
"That makes sense," Briar says.
"True. Crewel did design these kinds of clothes before," Jasper says.
"Yeah, they're not really your vibe, Headmage," Ruggie says.
"The large flap collar on the jacket is most lovely!" Rook says.
"And even though it's got long sleeves, the fabric's so light it doesn't feel hot— it's actually really cool," Ruggie says.
"A certified summer jacket, non?" Rook replies.
And Floyd says, "I've always wanted to try on a pair of deck shoes like these. They're way lighter than they look."
"I understand that they are crafted with a strong grip, which allows one to maintain their footing even upon a sodden deck," Rook says.
"You got that right!" Floyd agrees, and tries out the shoes, "I can jump and skip all I want. No slippin' here! You could really go wild in these."
"And what style! The anchor, rope, and life preserver designs are simply marvelous," Rook says.
"Really matches your whole merman thing, Floyd," Ruggie says.
"And those jorts are a whole vibe, Sharksucker," Ruggie says.
"Right? And I'm loving that they've got a hole for my tail!" Ruggie says.
"Yeah, I'm glad the hat doesn't hide my ears. It's a good design for a beastman," Jack says, "Gotta remember to thank Professor Crewel later. I have to say, I know we're all wearing the same outfit, but yours makes you look so mature, Rook."
"Merci! I suspect that's due to this dapper red scarf. The striking contrast between the red and the blues...une vraie beauté!" Rook says.
"You guys look way cool!" Jasper says.
"I have to agree, you all look amazing," Briar says.
Jack gets flustered, "Oh, er... You think so? Thanks."
Rook happily says, "Merci, dear Trickster. Your praise makes my heart soar."
"Ahaha, nice," Floyd adds.
And Ruggie says, "Hey, thanks. Don't try to butter me up, though. You're not gettin' anything out of me."
"Well, I think you guys look so adorable!" Sereia says.
Jack gets flustered, "Wha... Adorable?! I KNOW you meant to say cool."
"I think Sereia means what she means," Tanzanite says.
Rook happily says, "Non! Adorable is a compliment! You ought to be happy with such praise!"
"I'm not sure I'm on board with that," Ruggie replies.
"Praise is praise, I guess," Floyd replies.
He then says, "Well, I'm feelin' pretty hyped now that we've got these nifty outfits."
"Indeed, I am a veritable fountain of excitement! Let us apply ourselves to our Steering Committee work with gusto!" Rook says.
Then Jack says, "Hey... speaking of which. What IS our work for the Steering Committee? In my head I pictured us doing planning and admin stuff, but something about these outfits makes me think that's not the case."
"Hmm, a valid point," Rook replies, "There would be little need for such splendid attire if we were just doing paperwork."
"I figured there'd be some manual labor involved. Checking inventory, moving boxes, y'know. The kinda stuff we do at the Mostro Lounge," Floyd says.
"That seems even less likely, with these outfits," Ruggie says.
"My thoughts exactly," Jack says, "You wouldn't wear this kinda thing to do clerical work, or haul heavy stuff, or do anything behind the scenes. I mean, to be honest... These outfits feel like something you'd wear for a performance."
"Oui! I might go so far as to say they make us look like a band!" Rook says.
The group think and wonder what they'll be doing for the festivities.
Jack turns to the headmage, "Headmage, you want to weigh in here?"
Confused, Crowley says, "Hm? Oh, did I not mention? You'll all be performing on the ship's stage."
The Steering Committee becomes shocked, "...What?"
And Crowley explains, "During Port Fest, there will be a number of shows here on the Golden Straw's stage. Musical performances, meet and greets with famous characters, singing contests, rock-paper-scissors tournaments, and so on. But the grand finale had yet to be decided."
This has Ruggie in a panic, "Shows?! GRAND FINALE?! NO, NO, NO!"
It really grinds my gills when people decide stuff like this for me," Floyd adds.
Rook is surprised, "Oh, dear me. What sort of performance would even please Port Fest's attendees?"
"Oh, I said 'had yet to be.' It's been decided now. By me, as I am such a gracious and thoughtful individual," Crowley says.
The boys are again in shock, "What?"
"You four will put on a concert and perform for all of Port Fest!" Crowley adds.
Once again, the boys are shocked to hear it, "WHAT?!"
Crowleu adds, "To see such tender, charming students working so hard to put on a wonderful show... Why, the mere thought is enough to bring tears to my eyes! Thus I made a unilateral decision. I've also made arrangements for your instruments as well!"
"I hate every part of this," Ruggie replies.
And Rook says, "Ah, now I see. These clothes certainly do suggest a marching or brass band."
"A concert..." Jack says, stunned.
Ruggie feels the same, "A live performance..."
Floyd however, smiles, "Sounds like a hoot!"
"A hoot indeed! I can hardly contain myself!" Rook adds, just as excited.
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