Hatsane didn't consider herself to be the type who was easily frightened. Even back when she was human, she usually had a stoic approach to everything. It seemed even more ridiculous for her to get spooked now that she was a big, muscular shark Animalian. But she wasn't quite prepared for the kind of madness that Americans unleashed at the end of October.
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While Halloween was becoming more mainstream in Japan, Hatsane hadn't participated much in it beyond escorting her niece and nephew on trick-or-treating. As such, she wasn't prepared for the intense decoration that Spookyville proudly displayed. She also wasn't expecting the really bad jokes and puns that Fred and Manny Calavera made with her, things like her 'taking a BITE out of town' and how 'people can keep JAWING on'. Hatsane was finally able to get around them by clumsily lying that her English wasn't good and running for it.
Hatsane was expecting it to be a simple walk to the Meat Market, though the colorful decorations became a bit disorienting for the out-of-towner and she had forgotten the Meat Market had changed its name to the Slaughterhouse during this event. So she ended up wandering around Spookyville quite a bit, trying to find her way.
Then Hatsane decided to swallow her pride and tried to approach some people to ask for directions. She thought she saw a group of people in a dark alley and approached them. Usually not a good tactic for a woman alone, but she was a big shark. However, as she got close, a green light suddenly switched on, revealing the 'people' to have swollen orange heads. Hatsane jumped back and screamed in Japanese to what could roughly be translated to 'WHAT THE FUCKING HELL IS THAT?!?'
As the creatures approached her, Hatsane immediately turned and ran. She kept running down different streets, changing directions as she ran into more of the orange-headed ghouls. Other people didn't seem to pay her attention, seeing her fleeing in terror as just an act. However, someone was able to under her Japanese cries for help to realize she really was scared.
Hatsane finally stopped running when a white and black rabbit Animalian in a ninja outfit called out to her in Japanese, "Miss, you're not in danger!"
Hatsane, who was rather out of breath at this point, snapped, "There are horrible demons with swollen heads prowling the streets!"
"Those are people in costumes," said the rabbit, "Didn't anyone tell you about the theme this year?"
Hatsane blinked before asking, "Those are costumes?"
"Very convincing ones," said the rabbit.
Hatsane took a deep breath, feeling exhausted and embarrassed. "I...I guess I should have paid more attention," she said.
"It's ok. People are meant to be scared on Halloween," said the rabbit, "My name is Yumi. What is yours?"
"Hatsane," said the shark.
"Hatsane? Oh, you're the new pop star who's going to be playing at the Slaughterhouse, aren't you?" asked Yumi.
"I'm supposed to be playing at the Meat Market," said Hatsane.
"That's what they're calling the Meat Market during Halloween," said Yumi. She saw how chagrined the shark looked and said, "Let me show you how to get there."
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Hatsane's mad dash through Spookyville had included a few squeezes in tight alleys that left her clothes a bit torn, but fortunately there was more than enough time for her to get properly dressed before her performance. She had to admit the blacklit interior of the Slaughterhouse looked impressive. She liked the way it made several things light up, like those big polar bears in the back. Of course, the blacklight also revealed several spots and stains that Hatsane realized weren't spilled alcohol. Which became more obvious when she saw a cheetah with large breasts and glowing spots that weren't part of her natural coloration.
Hatsane was intending to simply sing on stage as she usually did, but the presence of the poles put an idea in her head she could push out. But then, her sling bikini was barely more than what the strippers here wore, so why not do a bit of pole-dancing. The crowd certainly seemed to love it as she spun from the pole. It was a bit more dizzying and she was a bit worried she might have a wardrobe malfunction. But Hatsane had to admit she was having fun. She thought about incorporating more pole-dancing in her concerts, but that may limit the number of venues where she'd be allowed to perform.