Fashion and Crashin' [T.I.D. Ep XVIII]

My meteoric rise in Vilevale's newly thriving fashion world had been abruptly cut short by a freak 'accident.' But with the help of alternative therapies, I was soon on the road to recovery.


When I was well enough to venture out, I discovered that the scene had changed. My villagers were trying to cash in on my absence by selling their shoddy advice to unwitting souls.


I needed to get back to my former fashionable glory. I needed bold new looks.


While I was incapacitated, Astrid hadn't slowed up. She was holding a small competition. This was an opportunity for me to make a comeback.


It was time for me to strut my stuff.
Strutting music?

I was the best in Astrid's eyes, becasue Tank and Curt just lacked a theme. (And yes, they were wearing the exact same thing. Fools.)


Curt was gracious in defeat.


Tank however, was not.


As a result, Tank became jealous, and started making suggestions to me in an attempt to prove his worth. I had to admit, he was thinking big. I like his ambition.


But Astrid had a warning.


She was right. With everybody watching my every move...


...my creativity really was being compromised!

And besides, I didn't like the influence that fashion was having on the village. Particularly the youth.


I decided to get out of the game. I would sell out to those who had bigger ideas.


But Astrid was working against me. She wouldn't hear of selling the business. She ignored the vision that Tank had.


I couldn't afford to lose this deal, so negotiations took place in secret.


Then, the very next morning, Astrid asked me to deliver something...


What was in the package?
Had she changed her tune and also sold her share of the business to Tank?
Or was it an assassination plot? Was it truly meant for Tank, or did she intend for me to open it?

Just what was her endgame?

I pondered for a long time. Nightfall was approaching.
I couldn't ask, couldn't trust, anyone else.
It had to be me. I had to open it.


Was I, the dictatorial manipulator of Vilevale, about to risk it all?