Because the show must always go on, however...prickly a situation (cough)

[redhotmagma]

["Ten minutes before curtains go up!"

Kelly sneaks a peek from behind the thick crimson curtains at the buzzing crowd beyond the stage. Her audience. Back-stage is empty and covered in shadows, the slither of brightest light falling away as Kelly lets the fabric close together behind her and turns back to Casey with gleaming eyes.]

Are you ready, baby?

[The Delcatty in question gives an affirmative "mreow" and pads closer, the little silver bells hanging from the bow tied to her tail jangling charmingly as moves. Kelly bends down to pull a stray thread from the feline's frilly outfit and to check her Pokemon's coat one more time, before straightening up and tugging at the hem of her own (identically pink and frilly) dress. This Cute Contest is as good as theirs, Kelly can feel it.

She's about to run through the plan once more when there are footsteps from the side of the stage. A stagehand appears out of the gloom, leading a...shape in tow. Kelly squints to see but behind the curtain it's too dark to make out anything but the other person.

"Excuse, miss Lailey. It seems one of your Pokemon may have wandered off. You should keep a better eye on them around back stage. Now I have returned it to you, I must dash."]

Wait a minute! I haven't lost any...