The monster carnival is alive. Neon lanterns glow purple and toxic green against the starry midnight sky. Estephen slams the truck into park. His scales shimmer hot pink, then electric cyan. BONG! The giant midnight gong rings across the valley. The festival gates swing wide open. Furry beasts, gelatinous blobs, and polite cyclopes stampede down the hill. Their tummies rumble like rolling thunder. Beside the cash register, Fillbert straightens his tiny round glasses. His merit badge sash glints in the lantern glow. Crowd management badge, here I come, Fillbert chirps, clutching his walking stick. Estephen grins wide. His long chameleon tail flicks the order window latch open. It is showtime.