Patchwork People

The sound of violent knocking was what roused Pinpin from her slumber the next morning. Groggy, she slowly crawled her way out of the pillow mountain, letting cushions tumble to the floor, and stood up with a mighty stretch.

Who could possibly be at the door? Pinpin couldn’t recall anything urgent that was happening today. The paper didn’t come until midday, and her next bug catching session with Tatterbat wasn’t until…

Wait. Bug catching. That phrase reminded Pinpin of something. Something, and someone. Faintly, her sleepy brain scrambled to remember the events of the past night. The walk home, the weird guy on the bridge. The piece of paper. What was it, some sort of bug competition? Well, whatever it was, it wasn’t going to be for another few weeks or so. Putting together something that last-minute would be insanity.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” she yawned, shuffling over toward the door where the knocks were coming from. She wiped her face clean as she went over, and lazily grabbed the handle before dragging it wide open.

“Morning!” yelled Tatterbat, practically barging in. He was clutching his net and a bucket, and appeared extremely excited. “You ready to go?”

Pinpin stared at him in a tired disbelief.

“Wha?” she yawned. “Ready for what?”

“Huh? The competition of course!” Tatterbat exclaimed.

The competition? It couldn’t be, surely.

“Wait. That’s today?!”

Tatterbat nodded. “It is! Checked the slip before bed, and the first slot is today! We don’t have much time, so let’s go go go! We have to grab all the best bugs before someone like Needly sticks his long nose in.”

“Alright, alright.” Pinpin yawned. “Let me grab my stuff first and I’ll be with you.”

She turned, but Tatterbat grabbed her by the hand and twirled her back around.

“Already sorted out.” he grinned, holding her net in his hand.

“Wha- How did you-”

“There’s no time for that. We have to get going now!”

Tatterbat started running, practically dragging Pinpin with him as he made his way through the village. As she stumbled her way through the streets, Pinpin saw flyers and banners, all advertising the competition. They definitely weren’t there yesterday. Talk about a late arrival.

Over time, Pinpin got her own footing and separated herself from Tatterbat’s titan grip. The run woke her up rather swiftly, and all the adrenaline from the sprint was filling her with excitement. It wasn’t long before the idea of the competition was making her somewhat giddy.

They had just reached the outskirts of town, and were about to head down the hill toward the barn, when a nasally voice came from behind.

“What are you lot doing then?”

The duo stopped and shivered. That voice could only belong to one guy. The one guy they were hoping they wouldn’t see today.

“None of your business, Needly.” Pinpin said coldly. She beckoned Tatterbat to keep going.

“Oh, but I do believe it is!” Needly stood proudly, his long, needle nose pointing high into the air. “After all, you seem so excited by it, it must be worth my time.”

“You wouldn’t like it, Sneezely.” Tatterbat replied, making Pinpin giggle. Needly scowled at her, and she tried to compose herself, pretending that she wasn’t doing anything.

“It’s Needly and you know it! Hmph, I’ll pretend you didn’t say that, if you tell me what you and Pinpin are doing.” Needly gave a devious smirk.

Pinpin sighed. “If you must know, we’re going bug catching. Nothing more.”

“Bug catching, eh? Been hearing a lot about that recently. Some sort of competition, or so they say. ” Needly stroked an invisible beard and shot an evil grin.

Pinpin grimaced. There was no way someone as gross as Needly could be partaking, right? Surely Yarnfell wouldn’t have given an invitation to someone like him.

“I think you’re wrong.” Tatterbat retorted. “No competitions over here. We would’ve known, right Pinpin?” he winked at her.

“Oh! Yes, nothing of that sort. Just some normal catching in a new place we found.” she gulped.

“Funny. Then why did I find this invite on the floor today?” Needly opened up one of the stitches on his body and pulled out a crumpled up paper slip. Pinpin felt her shoulders get heavy. So he knew. And worse, he was going to take part.

“Well, I suppose if you two aren’t going, then that means more prizes for me. I’m not one for catching bugs, but I do like the idea of some spare leafs.” He rubbed his hands together greedily.

“Like you’d ever win at anything.” Pinpin stuck out her tongue.

“Ha! I could beat you two scrubbers at anything if I wanted to.”

“Oh yeah?” Tatterbat gave a smug grin. “What about the fishing contest last year?”

“I had allergies.”

“Or the papercrafting tournament.”

“My hands were too slippery that day.”

“Or the rock-paper-sciss-”

“You got lucky! That’s all.”

“Sure, sure. That’s the only reason.”

“Hmph, whatever.” Needly flicked his needle nose and stuck it up in the air, “Believe what you want, but I will win that competition, and keep all the leafs to myself.”

“We haven’t got time for you Sneezely.” Tatterbat groaned. “Come on Pinpin, let’s be off.”

“Gladly.” Pinpin replied. “Good luck, Sneezely. You’ll need it.”

Pinpin nodded, and the two of them swiftly ran off, leaving Needly behind before he time to think of a witty response. The concept of Needly partaking - and potentially winning - this competition left a sour taste in Pinpin’s mouth, like a raincloud emerging on a sunny day. It wasn’t enough to dampen her spirits by any means, but it caused a crack in her smile.

“Try not to think about it, Pinpin.” Tatterbat said, clearly thinking the same thing she was. “We’ll just have to go out extra far to avoid him.”

“He just leaves a bad taste of rope in my mouth. Why can’t he leave us alone?”

“Who knows. But hey,, no bug worth its weight would ever get caught by him, right?”

Pinpin giggled. “Yeah, definitely! I doubt he’ll even get a fraction of what we’re going to capture.”

“Exactly!”

Tatterbat laughed, and they continued on their way. As they reached the top of the hill, they slowed down to a brisk walk, saving their energy. Over the brow, the red paint and tall structure of the Carryon Barn rose from the ground. There was a small crowd of people standing by the entrance, circled around a stage in the center, and light country music played from an unknown source. The area was bordered by multiple bales of rope, with many of the various patchwork and scarecrow people there sitting down on them while they waited.

As they made their way down, they passed several people attempting to hand out fliers and merchandise, all decorated with bright, vibrant colours. As they reached the halfway point, Pinpin spotted the familiar hat and cloak of Yarnfell, who was leaning against a signpost. His hat was pointed down over his face, and he seemed to just be observing all the commotion.

“Mr. Yarnfell!” Pinpin waved. The scarecrow looked over, and tipped his hat politely at the two.

“Mornin’ laddies. Glad you could make it over, I was hoping you’d show up.” replied Yarnfell, speaking softly.

“We couldn’t miss it for the world.” Tatterbat said, striking an excited pose. “But, uh, shouldn’t you be down by the stage?”

“Give me a second.” Yarnfell said, “I was just waiting for a crowd to appear. Can’t have a competition without a little show, can we?”

“It seems mighty packed!” Pinpin replied, looking at the wide array of people crowding round the stage area. There was barely any space to move, and she wondered how the two of them were going to see, given how small they were.

“Aye indeed, lassie. Most of them are just spectators, but I expect you’ll be seeing a couple other competitors down there.”

Pinpin gulped. She was so used to only competing against Tatterbat, she forgot that today she’d be up against many, many more people. And most would be in teams too, so that meant even more rivals.

Yarnfell saw her expression and gave a hearty laugh. “I wouldn’t worry yourself, lass. I wouldn’t have given you the invite if I hadn’t smelt potential.”

“Well, that’s true… but there are so many!” Pinpin replied.

“Aye, but the Plains are big enough to handle you all. I doubt you’ll even see many once the show begins.”

“As long as they don’t know about our secret spot.”

“Oh?” Yarnfell gave a curious smile. “What might that be?”

“It’s nothing!” Tatterbat interjected. “There’s no spot we go to!”

The scarecrow gave a hearty laugh. “My mistake. I must have misheard you. No tricks up your sleeves, indeed.”

“Yes sir.”

“Well, the crowd’s getting restless. We might as well get the show on the road. You’ll be fine, kids.”

The conversation settled Pinpin’s anxiety a bit, and she felt more prepared for the show. Still, she couldn’t help but be slightly nervous. Pinpin had never even seen that people together in one spot before, and now she realised she was going to be competing against some of them. What’s more, they were all so huge! The scarecrows towered over the patchwork people, and even the patchworks themselves were much larger than the two of them. The three of them walked over to the contestant area, and Yarnfell left the two to go on stage, his wooden frame creaking as he made his way up the steps.

As he ascended, the crowd quietened, with the chatter becoming nothing more than curious whispering. Who was this mystery man who entered the stage? He didn’t seem much like a tourney host. Pinpin could hear the gossip from down on ground level. The volume continued to decrease as Yarnfell made his presence known, and by the time he reached center stage, the crowd was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Yarnfell was shrouded in his cloak, similar to how he was when Pinpin first saw him. He stood there, not saying a word, radiating an aura of mystery and uncertainty. Anticipation levels were swiftly rising, and the crowd started getting antsy, waiting for Yarnfell to cut the tension and say something.

Finally, at long last, Yarnfell moved. With a graceful swish, he threw the cloak back, revealing the basic wooden skeleton that held him together. Inside the cloak were hundreds of butterflies, all of which flew out into the air and spread, before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

“Welcome!” he greeted the audience with a booming voice. The crowd cheered and roared, with a thunderous applause congratulating his act. Yarnfell finished off his trick by tipping his hat up, letting the people see his creased face and scraggly hair.

Pinpin was so shocked at the change in voice she let out a gasp. The quiet, warm tones he’d used on her were nowhere to be found, instead replaced by a loud, authoritative voice.

“I thank you all for coming, friends.” he continued. “Never have I seen such enthusiasm for bug catching as I have the past few days.”

While he spoke the message for everyone in the crowd, Pinpin felt him look at her as he said this, which caused the red patches on her cheeks to warm up.

“Time is of the essence, so I will keep this short. Each participant here will have seven days to catch the most valuable bug they can. Points will be marked on size, colour, sheen, quality, method of capture, and of course, rarity. For instance…” he coughed. “A golden knitterfly would score highly for rarity and colour, while your basic yarn beetle would only get a few, though exceptions may occur.”

As he mentioned these bugs, he took off his hat, and pulled out oversized versions from within to show. Giant knitterflies and beetles were thrown into the air, where they spread their wings and flew away.

So many variables! Pinpin tried to keep track of it all, thinking of the rarest bugs she owned, and whereabouts they were positioned. If only she’d brought her journal with her. Who knew bug catching was all so complicated! At least with Tatterbat they just focused on the coolest ones they could find. This was a completely different ball park.

“Participants will be asked not to fight each other for bugs or disrupt the wildlife to sabotage anyone else. Friendly competition is of utmost importance, so I will make myself clear. Anyone caught stealing an insect from another player, or attempting to sabotage someone’s entry, will be disqualified with no second chances. This is a friendly sport, people, so there is no room for malicious acts.”

“I will be judging your captures, and while I’ll try to be balanced, I will admit I’m weak for several types. If anyone catches a Ragworm, for example…”

Again, he reached into his hat. The crowd breathed in with suspense. Was he really going to pull a Ragworm out of there? Would one even fit in there?

Yarnfell turned the hat upside down, and his hand came out of the other side, through a hole in the top. He gave a comical shrug.

“Oh well, maybe next time.”

He laughed, and the audience laughed with him. The possibility of of the mythical bug even being in Yarnfell’s hat was so implausible to Pinpin, but she couldn’t help but go along with it. Even so, it didn’t stop the idea from exciting her somewhat. What if she found it today? Looking around, she saw many people with similar looks on their faces. If there was one thing Yarnfell could do well, it was hype up a crowd.

“I jest, of course.” Yarnfell continued. “Now, as you know, players are encouraged to be in teams of two, though if they decide to, they are able to partake in this competition solo. With that in mind, there is no handicap or benefit for being by yourself, so if you decide not to have a partner, then all the more luck for you! Now, can today’s participants please step forward, so that they may be identified for their allotted time frame.”

Hearing this, Pinpin started to slowly make her way through the crowd, Tatterbat not far behind. She pushed her way through the crowd, with many not realising she was there until she squeezed between their legs. Once or twice she tried to utter an excuse me or coming through, but no-one seemed to hear her. After getting through the front row, Pinpin stumbled onto a clearing, where her and Tatterbat came face to face with their rivals. Many of them were patchwork people like her, though a few were lanky scarecrows, who seemed much more serious about the event, with serious scowls drawn onto their faces. All were holding nets and eyeing the competition, and none seemed too friendly. To her annoyance, Needly was also present, hunched over in the shadows like he didn’t want to be seen, his burlap sack head standing out from the rest. They locked eyes briefly, and he gave a dirty smile that made her vomit cotton internally. She instead looked toward Tatterbat, who gave a nervous grin and bopped her on the arm in reassurance.

“A fine haul this time.” Yarnfell said, voice echoing through the farm. “You all look so prepared, so I expect nothing but the best.”

He stuck a hand within his cloak, as if trying to get something out. In an exaggerated motion, he whisked it out again, revealing several playing cards, all of them spades.

“Spades today, that bodes well.” he mentioned, though failed to elaborate on why. “Everyone, grab a card. The suit and number is your participant’s proof, so don’t lose it. When you return, hand it back in, and we’ll use it to help with the scoring.”

The group rushed to form a line, each one hastily trying to get to the front. Tatterbat and Pinpin were swiftly pushed to the back in the ensuing mess, behind a rather pudgy patchwork man, neither of them strong or big enough to really make a dent in the order. Of course, Needly had somehow managed to get in first, claiming the Ace of Spades for himself with a nasally snicker.

The line moved swiftly, and soon Pinpin was nearing the front. As she reached her turn, Yarnfell gave a polite nod in her direction.

“Well, kids. Looks like we have two cards left for you.” he said, holding out the King and Queen of Spades. “Rather fitting, don’t you think?”

“Thank you, sir.” Pinpin said, politely taking both cards and handing the King to Tatterbat. She curtseyed to Yarnfell, and was about to head back toward the crowd, when a question ignited itself in her mind.

“Mr Yarnfell?” she asked

“Please, just Yarnfell. What is it, lassie?” replied the scarecrow, bending down to her level.

“The Ragworm. Do you think someone can catch it?”

Yarnfell gave a wheezy laugh. “That was only a joke, my girl. If anyone were to find it, it wouldn’t be in my small competition. As much as i’d like to see it myself.”

“You would?!”

“But of course. I attempted it once myself, you know. In my younger days. ”

“Wow, really?”

“Well, it is the goal of any bug catcher to find the beast, is it not?”

Pinpin smiled. “Of course it is. Tatterbat and I have got hundred of plans to find the worm. Though we’ve never been able to leave and find it...”

“I’m sure you’ll get it some day, lass. Now, time’s ticking. Go out there and find me something worth looking at.”

With that, he stood up and walked away, waving to the crowd as he did. The participants all started to run in different directions, spreading themselves out among the plains to search for the winning bug. Pinpin and Tatterbat were among them, dashing around the area of Patchwork Plains to find a spot to hunt in.

“So, had to ask the old man for some advice, huh?”

That nasally voice struck Pinpin like a broken violin. She turned, and saw Needly leaning against a tree, smirking.

“Hey, Pinpin, you hear something?” Tatterbat said. Unlike her, he hadn’t turned around, and seemed dedicated not to.

“Oh!” she glanced at Needly, and then back at Tatterbat. “No, I guess I didn’t.”

With that, she turned her back on Needly, refusing to play whatever game he was trying to get them into. Tatterbat walked with a brisk pace, hinting at Pinpin to keep up. As they went, annoyed grunts and shouts came from Needly behind them, but this time they paid him no heed. They had better things to do.

“Man, he’s just so annoying.” Tatterbat exclaimed finally, after making sure that the needle-nosed boy wasn’t around.

“I don’t get his deal. Shouldn’t he be out catching stuff?” Pinpin replied, stroking her chin.

“Beats me. But if that’s how he’s going to play, then at least it means he’s not a threat.”

“Heheh. Yeah. Too much talk, not enough catching!”

Tatterbat gave a cheerful smirk. “Yeah! I have a good feeling about this, Pinpin. Luck is on our side!”

His cheerful optimism, however, found itself tested to its limits. The two were met with competition wherever they went, and time and time again they had to move and find somewhere else, to avoid fighting over the same spot. Whether it be they were too small, or simply too slow, Pinpin wasn’t sure, but after an hour of darting from space to space, they had captured nothing, and were feeling extremely out of breath.

They paused for a moment to rest themselves, near the edge of a purple string field.

“It’s no good.” Pinpin scowled at the floor. “We’ll never get anything at this rate.”

“We’ve got seven days, surely we can get something on a later day.” Tatterbat replied.

“All the best bugs will be gone by then.”

Tatterbat thought for a moment, and Pinpin saw the ideas unravelling in his head. After a brief moment, he snapped his fingers.

“What about our secret area by our hut?”

Pinpin’s eyes opened wider. “Of course!” she said. How had they not thought of that earlier? It was secluded and out of the way - a perfectly hidden spot, ripe for capturing bugs. She’d even mentioned it to Yarnfell!

“How had we forgotten that?” Tatterbat asked, smacking his forehead.

“I blame Needly.” Pinpin said.

“Exactly.” Tatterbat stood up, proud of himself.

The two started to make their way down, going by the usual route through the farmland and over the bridge. They saw less and less people as they went further into unknown territory, and soon they had gone nearly a quarter hour without coming across a single soul. Despite this, Pinpin got the worrying feeling they were being watched.

“Hey Tatterbat, keep an eye out.” she said quietly, scouting the scene as they went.

“Huh? Why?” Tatterbat asked.

“Hmm…” Pinpin thought for a moment. It did seem awfully silly to be paranoid over such a thing. “Nothing really. Sorry, just feeling competition nerves.”

“Ah, well not to worry. We’re here now.”

They reached the undergrowth and stood nearby to the hut. Looking around, there didn’t seem to be anyone near, and Pinpin relaxed a bit, though she still kept her guard up for intruders. Tatterbat went into the hut, and came back out with a couple of small empty boxes and two pouches full of snacks.

“For our entries.” he smiled, handing a box over to Pinpin, before offering a food pouch “For us.”

“No tricks, this time.” Pinpin gave a cheeky wink, citing back to yesterday’s debacle.

Tatterbat shrugged. “We’re on the same team, aren’t we? I’m not promising anything.”

Taking a moment to prepare themselves, the two gathered their things and headed into the outskirts of the undergrowth. Large thickets covered the inner woodland, and it’s position at the bottom of several hills kept it hidden from plain sight.

“Right then, I suppose it’s better if we split off, don’t you think?” Tatterbat suggested, glancing at Pinpin.

“Just as usual.” Pinpin nodded. “We can cover much more ground.”

Tatterbat grinned, and began to walk into the woods. Right before he waded through the thickets, however, he stopped and turned.

“Oh, by the way, whoever catches the winning bug gets the title of Ultimate Bug Champion!”

“You’re on!” Pinpin stuck out her tongue. “That rank is mine!”

“We shall see!” Tatterbat lifted his arm up to wave, and then headed right into the bushes. With him gone, Pinpin took a deep breath, and began to get to work.