The Festival of Bonds (Sticks Pride 2025)

[unheiring]

The A in LGBTQIA Stands For “All Hail"

H-O-T T-O G-O

For those of you that have spent the last few weeks in or around Night Vale, you’ve probably seen a handful of rainbow adorned signs here and there. Various events have been occurring throughout the town — the Night Vale Community Theater put on a very bawdy live performance of a book called Taken By The Gay Unicorn Biker, while the Night Vale Psychological Association has held various events gently reminding the public that it is okay to be straight. Most of these have been largely closed off to residents, though a few more generous souls might gently offer to let you in.

Around the 15th of the month, however, a load of new signs go up not just in Night Vale, but around the Grove. The culprit, of course, is one Luca Aurelius, who hurriedly puts up signs wherever one might see. Like the others, it’s similarly decorated in a colorful light prism, though the name is a little different.

Welcome to the Festival of Bonds

A list of events follows below the title. Of note:

• The Annual Night Vale Pride Parade
  
• A Drag Show and Karaoke Competition, featuring a special guest judge
  
• A Date Auction, hosted by Luca Aurelius
  
• And much, much more.

Ain’t Been OUT In Awhile Anyway

And much, much more happens to come far sooner than the rest of the festivities. Seemingly overnight, the town of Night Vale becomes a paradise of pride. Flags are unraveled and hang from every pole, window, and shoulder of the various citizens of the city. Various events erupt throughout the borough, both sanctioned and unsanctioned. The Car Lot hosts a Drag Drag Show, in which participants will be assigned to their corresponding sexualities or gender identities, and forced to assemble not only a safe and fabulous outfit, but participate in a race against the other teams.

Meanwhile, a sinkhole has opened up within Mission Grove Park, revealing the long forgotten Night Vale colosseum. Those who venture down will be captured and sent into the arena, where they will have five minutes to craft the most sturdy glowstick weapon and fight their competitor. The first one to break and spill glow goo all over its fighter will be deemed the loser.

Several booths are also present, throughout town. Many of them house non-descript photobooths which, when stepped into, will change the outfit of whoever stepped in to a coordinating outfit to their sexuality or gender — whether they’re aware of it or not. Thankfully, there are plenty of charts to decode the colors. Have fun learning about yourselves!

Of course, you might also come out wearing a rainbow poncho. It’s a good thing that you did, because right as you do, the Glow Cloud (all hail) appears. A rain of painted and dyed animals falls from its fluffy, glowing depths. Thankfully, these animals are all alive for once. Thank you, Glow Cloud (all hail).

On the night of the full moon, of course, several citizens crawl out of the woodwork, heading into the dust of the desert. They’ll drag you along if you’re not careful, too. Why? It’s time for the gender neutral bellowing to the ancient gods. Make sure you’re dressed to impress, just in case they arrive.

Meanwhile, the volunteer committee for Wrath Month is more than happy to tell anyone about their upcoming ball drop, which marks the end of June and the transition into July. Anyone nearby is encouraged to write the name of their most beloathed and drop it into the massive crystal ball. When the ornate structure shatters on the final night of June, the names will be scattered to the wind. The Wrath Committee happily reminds you that ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ.

On a happier note, many of your own seem to have adjusted well to the festivities. Pavlova Cookie has opened up a tent a ways away from the festivities. The quiet, when paired with the soft pillows and blankets adorning every surface within the tent, makes for a cozy atmosphere. It’s perfect for the service Pavlova Cookie offers — Relationship Advice.

We're All Friends Of Dorothy And So Is My Horse

As you’ve probably come to expect with Night Vale, nothing about the Pride Parade is anywhere close to normal. Each passing group gets a little louder, a little prouder than the last. And the parade? It doesn’t stop. For days, they trudge on and on throughout Night Vale. Want to cross the street? Too bad, you’ll be waiting for an hour or two? About to go on a jog? Good luck getting through the crowd.

If asked how they manage to be everywhere, the members simply respond “We’re here and we’re queer.” Great. Helpful.

Thankfully, each section of the parade has a banner announcing themselves. It’s probably the only way you might distinguish some of the participants, considering the weird shticks each group seems to have going. Notably:

• Every member of the transgender track club is entirely invisible. Their clothes and adornments are not.
  
• A green-tinted glass float goes by, sponsored by the antique shop. Two men sporting matching MLM capes cryptically remind you “doɥS ʇ,uoᗡ 'ʇdop∀”. At night, the float is accompanied by black lights, revealing an eerie glow from the float itself.
  
• The Aces and Arrows poker and archery club hosts a mobile display, featuring targets color coded to the Ace and Aro flags. The poker players throw their cards with deadly precision, while archers deftly shoot through any cards that land in the bullseye.
  
• The standing pansexual army is adorned in armor sourced entirely from their kitchens
  
• The Sapphic Sword Fighting team participates in a unique dance of swordplay and theater. A dragon dodges out of the group every few blocks and steals the hottest woman they can find. There may be makeouts.
  
• A float with a banner declaring “Protect the Dolls” rolls through. A number of life-sized ball jointed dolls stare eerily into your soul. For those of you who are not out to yourselves yet, a number of realizations may occur soon after.
  
• There's a gay float brought to you by the joyous congregation of the smiling god, who misunderstood the assignment. Gay vore enthusiasts may still find something to love about this, I’m not your dad.
  
• The kink pride group is infiltrated by a number of bears in leather gear. Any homophobes in the audience will be ritually fed to them.
  
• The local association of realtors have created their own float. Unfortunately, it is occupied by a number of deer. Fortunately, they are very in the spirit of the festival, and will be throwing candy and mardi gras beads into the crowd.
  

Anyone is welcome to participate. Hell, if you don’t, you might just get dragged into the celebration should someone clock you. Or just want to give you hell. Welcome to the black Gay Parade

Always, I Wanna Be With You

Before the final party can begin, and before the divas walk the runway, one very important matter of business has to be taken care of. Luca takes his place on the stage, holding a number of envelopes, each adorned with a heart and a different name on it.

“When I call your name, please step up to the stage. We’ll start each bid at ten shells, and go until you see fit to stop.” Luca flashes a grin to the crowd and begins pulling out envelopes. Some of you probably expect your name to come up — you did sign up , after all. Others, however, will be very surprised when their own is called. Unfortunately, the submission box has developed a mind of its own.

Well… Have fun with that.

I Wanna Make A Supersonic Man Out Of You

Once the dates have been assigned, the fun really begins. Music begins playing at full volume, sending pounding beats through the whole building. Yes, there is a disco ball. Of course there is foam. And all the left over glow sticks have been broken, leaving you to paint whatever glowing nonsense you want on your skin.

Of course, halfway through the night, the crowd settles down as the lights on a nearby stage come on. The drag show is about to begin. Volunteers are welcome, but if the stage goes empty for too long, characters will find that there will be consequences. Namely, the arrival of the Sphere, which hovers above unsuspecting victims performers. There is no way out. Attempts to dodge the responsibility by insisting you’re not dressed for it will result in you being deposited in front of a nearby photobooth.

There’s only one thing to be done. Lipsync for your life

Spark Notes

summary

• Photobooths that will assign random outfits. These will be color coordinated to whatever pride flag you feel your character identifies with..
  
• Or they’ll get rained on by the glow cloud
  
• Enjoy drag races in drag at the car lot.
  
• Bellow to the new moon if you feel like it
  
• Sign up for wrath month by entering the name of your worst enemy.
  
• Fight to the glowy death (not really) in the newly revealed Night Vale Colosseum.

There are also three “main” events:

• A pride parade featuring various displays. Yes, you can join in. Or you can get dragged in. I guess you can also be eaten by the bears, I’m not your dad.
  
• A date auction, in which your character can be “accidentally” entered or voluntarily do so. Please sign up here if you haven’t
  
• A big old party occurs, interrupted by a massive drag show. Like before, your character can willingly go up on stage, or be randomly selected by the Sphere.
  

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Comments

[love_swan]

I don't...

[ Maybe he's not... getting his meaning across very well. ]

I guess I can see how it looks like that? I don't actually know what the others plan to do about everything, or if there's a plan...

[ He just... assumed there was one? There had been last time. That group had been very quick to make plans and set expectations. He'd just been along for the ride on that outside of the one mission he went on and making sure his unit didn't go actually insane from grief. ]

I'm not... trying to settle or whatever just still catching up.

[ ... He crosses his arms, a little insecure, as though he's somehow in the wrong for taking a moment to breathe after what happened to him. ]

If it helps I doubt any of them are going to let the forest entity just. Run wild. I assumed the goal was to figure out something to do with the evil thing attacking us and then figure out what to do from there.

[nitrotempered]

[ Katsuki just means, don't let your feelings slip up and let yourself be satisfied by bare minimums - otherwise, the chance to accept the circumstances handed to you. While letting it screw you over - becomes more likely. Katsuki isn't about to let anyone feel that way - well, let himself be okay with that. Otherwise, that would make him a weak pushover. ]

I don't think you are, I'm just saying, whatever happened to you there - is as fucked up as whats going on here. Don't let the pretty colors fool you or anything. [ Trust no one, keep on your toes, be your own strength. Katsuki is hard ass, through and through. ]

Just forget I said anything. The people here work hard. I just hate this, [ Youre a mean one, mister grinch. ] fesitivity shit.

[ He gets it, why festivals and boosting morale matter - but he hates it. ]

[love_swan]

[ Oh, he doubts that severely. He hasn't seen or heard any instance of blood rain or giant superheated cutlery falling from the sky. No shades of loved ones wandering without memories, no skeletons dragging people down--

No earthquakes and endless voids to fall into.

He shudders violently at the thought. The blond looks haunted for a moment before he catches up to the present ]

... For everyone's sake I hope it's not.

[ That said, he does still understand what Katsuki was getting at. ]

You're just not one to slow down because it feels like time to be using doing something else, right? Is that why you wanted to fight so badly?

[nitrotempered]

What the hell does that even mean? [ Katsuki's face scowls at him a bit, ] No, it's got nothing to do with slowing down. This just... It isn't a predicament I want to be in, and I like fighting; I need to make sure I'm at my best. All of you should too, considering this place likes fuck with anyone.

[love_swan]

[ given the "what do you expect me to say to that" response, he's not really sure he should tell him what he's been through, particularly if Mayoi hasn't for some reason. He... doesn't want to be seen as making light of their situation currently, he just... is still reeling. He never had a chance to breathe and process while it was happening. ]

Oh... yeah I understand. I wish we weren't in this situation either... you must miss home a lot, right?

[ The nights he cried himself to sleep can attest. He's been so scared for so long now. ]

... Easier said than done for me, sadly. I've been told I'm kind of fragile. But stuff like this... [ He nods to the festivities ] I can handle. Morale and making people smile is my job after all.

[nitrotempered]

[ He's ignoring all attempts to get sentimental. ]

If you're fragile, then you should be even more careful about yourself here. [ As if just adding more purpose to what is going on around them. That said, he considers what the other just said and asks - ] You a magical girl or what?

[love_swan]

[ You can run but you can't hide the vibes!!! He sees you.

The question makes him splutter though. ]

A-- no! I'm an idol. You know- a performer? I mean I guess my shuffle unit has fairy theming, but I'm not a girl!

[ huff huff. He's gotten that before, but usually as a precursor to bullying. ]

[nitrotempered]

[ Running away from the vibes like a gingerbread man. ]

I didn't say you were girl, I just asked if you were a Magical Girl.... Guess Idol makes sense too, according to what that other guy also said about them... So many of you hope annoying fucks here..

[love_swan]

Other guy? I'm guessing that was probably Mayo-san. I didn't know there were any others of us here aside from the two of us and maybe his girlfriend.

[ Jury's out on that. He hasn't been answered on what exactly she does just that she was involved with music too. ]

How are we annoying?

[ Oh he is so pouty. That is his dream you are badmouthing sir! ]

[nitrotempered]

[ Kastuki just grumbles and looks at him with no interest right back! ]

All talk and no bite, that's why.

[love_swan]

Not everyone helps through fighting, it's just not what we happen to be good at. It doesn't make us annoying...

[ But he sighs. He can sort of see why the dissonance between their methods might give that feeling.

Aira toys with the headband wrapped around his wrist. ]

I've been practicing still. I think if I can figure out something to use for a stage I could convince Mayo-san to perform with me again. I'm not giving up just because the others aren't here. They wouldn't want us to.

[nitrotempered]

I know that, and I don't mean that literally.

[ Still judgemental sounding, ]

Good, you better mean it when you say that.

[love_swan]

Of course I mean it. Becoming an idol was my dream, and I'm not letting go. If there are people who need cheering up because the world is messed up... I'm going to be there.

[ He gives Bakugo a sweet little smile, though it wavers a bit. ]

If you don't mean it literally, then what do you mean? It just... kind of hurts to hear that when we haven't really done anything.

[nitrotempered]

If you say you can do something, you better be able to do it - don't own up to it? Then you're nothing but a poser and wasting people's time. [ Katsuki clicks his tongue, the finest example was the local magical girl who lived among them. ] There's someone here like that, 'nd I'm just tired of seeing people strive to be or embody something they can't be. Hell, or don't fuckin' know how to.

[ Similar to his feelings against Izuku, but at least, he's come to acknowledge Izuku. He refuses to acknowledge anyone here. ]

[love_swan]

If people let what others thought they could or couldn't do stop them it'd be a worse world for it...

[ His time in the Nest only made that belief stronger. None of them knew what they were doing. None of them should have had to step up the way they did. But they did, and they thrived despite the horrible situation. There's beauty in that. ]

Sometimes hard work and passion pays off, is all...

[ the idea that Mayoi could be considered a poser by any stretch is laughable to him, but its true that Mayoi really wouldn't have had much of a reason to try performing when none of the others were here. He has always been shy. ]

Well, either way. I'm sure you'll hear about performances more often once I figure out where to host them.

[nitrotempered]

Better be worth the listen. [ Meaning, in nicer words: I'll be on the lookout for it. ]