Arlo The Acara Acrobat Saves The Day

     The day of the Lunar Festival started auspiciously enough. The Wise old Gnorbu in charge of the Lunar Temple had read his astrological charts in the month leading up to it, and determined that the celebrations would be a resounding success. The stars were in alignment and everything indicated that all would be favorable. There were many activities planned for the day: plays, games for the children, food stalls, competitive events and various demonstrations. Capping everything off would be an appearance by Emperor Yun himself, in his capacity as Grand Marshal of the Lunar Festival. He would stand upon the bridge of the Cyodrake's Gaze, first waving to the crowds and then descending from the ship to walk amongst the people. The populace didn't get to see the Emperor often, so everyone was looking forward to it. Finally, a huge fireworks display would signal the end of the days festivities.

     Arlo was scheduled to participate in an acrobatics display with his troupe, "The Altador Athletes". Arlo's particular specialty was parkour - during the demonstration he would spring, bounce and somersault off of various structures within the city. He was very much looking forward to it; he and his troupe had been practicing their routine for weeks, and his display was to be the highlight of their show. It was definitely going to be an impressive spectacle. He believed in the Wise old Gnorbu's predictions implicitly.

     ...which is why he was dismayed to discover that the day was not, in fact, sunny and warm. Looking out his bedroom window that morning he instead saw steady drizzle and overcast skies. The festivities were scheduled to go on rain or shine, but the gloomy weather would definitely put a bit of a damper on things. Arlo sighed, then squared his shoulders. He would do his best, no matter what!

     Arlo put on his uniform and made his way to the demonstration area. He found the rest of his troupe, milling about in a rather disordered fashion. He could see why; in the short walk from his house to the arena the weather had changed dramatically. The rain was no longer a fine drizzle, it was a steady downpour. The wind had picked up too, it had graduated from a gentle breeze to blustery gusts that whipped their tunics to and fro. Not only was the troupe unsure their demonstration would proceed, they weren't even sure the festival would continue. The ultimate authority on the day's festivities was Emperor Yun, but he was on the Cyodrake's Gaze. He was scheduled to depart the ship in about an hour, and the general consensus was that the festival would continue as scheduled until the Emperor arrived and determined whether to keep it going. Arlo and the Acrobats thought that was a good idea; they started warming up in preparation for their demonstration.

     Suddenly everyone froze, and their eyes turned toward to rope bridge below the mountain the Cyodrake's Gaze was moored to. An odd cracking sound had briefly echoed across the village, and it seemed to come from the direction of the bridge. A large Blurgah stepped off the bridge and disappeared into the mists, apparently undeterred by the weather. Arlo stared along with everyone else; narrowing his eyes against the now sheeting rain he could barely see the bridge at all, but as he looked he could see several of the boards in the bridge were distinctly sagging. Suddenly his eyes widened in alarm as he realized what had happened. The heavy Blurgah had severely damaged the bridge as he crossed it. The rain was coming down so hard that it obscured most of the bridge from view, but Arlo realized that he couldn't let the Emperor attempt a crossing...!

     Arlo looked around in a panic, scanning the crowds. His eyes fell upon the shopkeeper from Wonderous Weaponry; as Arlo stared at him an idea began to take shape in his mind. He hurried over and took the shopkeeper aside. Speaking urgently Arlo asked if he could borrow a specific item from the shop. The shopkeeper agreed without hesitation, and Arlo followed him to the shop. The item he had requested to borrow was a Kazeriu Whip - he wasn't planning to battle with it, however. Arlo returned to his troupe, and told them his plan.

     "The bridge is not safe to cross," he told them hurriedly. "I need to warn Emperor Yun before he leaves the ship. The weather is too extreme for anything to attempt to fly over, so I will do it myself, doing what I do best." He smiled. "Parkour!" His troupe mates nodded in agreement, and Arlo was off.

     Tucking the whip into his waistband he clambered up a tree on the terrace below the Lunar Temple. As he reached the top of the tree he performed a handstand, then reverse somersaulted onto the footpath leading up to the temple, landing in a crouch. Standing, he ran to the large tree which stood outside the entrance to the temple. Looking across to the Cyodrake's Gaze he made a rough calculation of the distance between the temple and the ship. Taking the whip from his waistband he drew his arm back and snapped it at the top of the tree. His aim was true - the whip wound tightly around the top of the tree. Arlo wound the whip around his hand and elbow as if gathering up a length of rope, which caused the tree to bend lower and lower to the ground, until finally it was resting on the dirt. It was under tremendous strain; it took all of Arlo's strength to keep it under control.

     He paused momentarily, waiting for the wind to die down a fraction; when it did he leapt upon the treetop, grabbing it with both hands. Now released from his restraint the tree whipped back up to its original position. Arlo was flung through the air, straight towards the Cyodrake's Gaze. He felt as though he were flying! He savored the feeling briefly, till the mast of the ship appeared directly in front of him. Reaching out the hand which held the whip he allowed it to wrap around the mast; momentum swung him around the mast and deposited him in the topsail, cushioning his landing. He slid down the sail and leapt upon the mast, climbing quickly down to the deck below.

     He was just in time. Emperor Yun was just beginning to walk down the gang plank to the dock area. Arlo called to him frantically, "Your Highness, do not go on the bridge! It isn't safe!"

     Emperor Yun stopped, then slowly turned to look at the little Acara. He stared at him silently - then a slight smile appeared on his face.

     "Thank you for warning me, young Neopet. I owe you a debt of gratitude. Please remain here with me until the weather clears, then accompany me to the festival as my special guest."

     That is how Arlo the Acara Acrobat became Arlo the Acara Hero, and saved the day.

     The End.