Open ♔ Let’s Go! CelePara!

[priforprince]

Who: Hibiki Shikyoin priforprince, Hibiki’s ego, and you
What: Choose your own adventure with the Best Prince.
When: June 7, 2016
Where: Apollo’s temple; out and about in the Near Shore
Summary: Hibiki attempts to set the stage for her next big role.

[ I. Resting On Her Laurels ]

[ If you accept Hibiki’s invitation and head over to her temple, you’ll find it’s a giant white castle with purple turrets. Feel free to enjoy the meticulously-kept grounds outside, but steer clear of the goats. They have a tendency to follow people around.

Once inside and away from those…unpleasant side-effects, those interested in the exhibit Hibiki had advertised will find the route there is very well-signed. The signs happen to be hung on giant gold statues of Hibiki herself, but well, this is a self-introduction, after all…

It only gets worse in the exhibit itself, though. After one room of artifacts and informational placards about the god Apollo in mythology, the next room contains countless pieces of movie and stage memorabilia about Shikyoin Hibiki’s career as a movie star, actress, model, and something called a “PriPara idol”. A whole trophy case of awards is on display, as well as several fancy, glittery tickets with pictures of various outfits on them, newspaper clippings, movie posters, et al. Apparently it’s possible to be crowned “Mr. Handsome Universe World Prince of the Year.” Who knew?

And where is Hibiki herself? Who knows. She intends to surprise you if you won a prize.

But if you get lost in this temple - and it is huge - you may find that, in one of the back hallways, a woman with silver hair is leaning on the wall and holding a hand to her head. The temple itself was everything she’d ever dreamed of, but she had to do the exhibit herself.

And maintaining an illusion of this complexity is rather tiring for a god with so few followers. ]

[ II. Urban Gobi Desert ]

[ Right, that’s one thing off her to-do list: take care of the inconveniences anonymity brings. Now for the real problems: is this really not her universe, and if so, where is its closest PriPara entrance? All PriParas are connected, after all. Hibiki is not about to look a gift godhood in the mouth, but being brought her sans her butler Ando and various other accoutrements grates somewhat. She’ll pop back home for everything she needs, have Ando load it all up, and return to her temple.

Maybe she’ll bring her teammates, too. Her sitting room feels strangely empty. It’s bizarre.

So here Hibiki is, out and about on the streets of the Near Shore. She’s frowning at various street signs, wandering almost at random, when - it happens. She passes a fish stand called the “Cat’s Meow Big Catch”. The young lady working it has a pair of cat ears on her head, and paws the air with her fists. ]

”Fresh fish! Fresh fish for sale, nya!”

”We fillet your way, nya! Sales on scales - it’s a limited time offer, nya! Nyab it while you can, nya!”

Hrk!

[ Hibiki staggers. She bumps into the nearest storefront. Eyes wide, hands clasped over her ears, she looks around for the nearest means of escape - but this is a busy street. She has nowhere to run. ]

”Limited time only, nya!”

Huaaghh…

[ III. Visitor’s Choice ]

[ Want to come bug Hibiki for something other than the exhibit? Stop on by!

Just don’t expect her to be as welcoming as if you’d done this her way. ]

Comments

[thirdbeauty]

[In her shy glance away from Hibiki, she'd found herself briefly absorbed in another of the exhibit's displays. But Hibiki's voice catches her attention again, and she looks up to see that smile and gesture.

Stunned, she pauses to blink once before she takes the first step to follow.]

... Where are we going?

[This doesn't seem like Hibiki's leading her to another part of the exhibit. And what would the princely god have in a temple like this that has anything to do with Natsuru performing as an idol?]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki puts a finger to her lips. Don't question her, now. She's got this. ] To the door to your dreams.

[ The door to your dreams just down this hallway, apparently. And it's a double door. She'll hold it open for Natsuru.

Hibiki has the best plan. ]

[thirdbeauty]

[Oh. Okay. That's... not a real answer by any stretch, but Natsuru's not about to question Hibiki. Not when that look distracts her by setting her heart racing and making her breath catch in her throat.

Managing a somewhat self-conscious smile, she nods and begins to step through the double door. What exactly is Hibiki planning, and why is she kind of nervous and excited about it without even knowing?]

[priforprince]

[ The double doors lead to - the box seats of a concert hall! There's a stage with a runway attached to it, as well as standing room on all sides (for the little people, but why would Hibiki watch a stage from down there).

It's dark at first, but Hibiki waves a hand and spotlights illuminate the stage. All are pointing at a projector screen that unravels itself from seemingly nowhere.

Hibiki didn't have to make up the concert hall - it came with the temple - but the rest of this she'll have to do with illusions. So be it. Hibiki knows exactly what she's doing.

Shutting the door behind them, she tries to lead Natsuru to the balcony. ] Watch carefully.

[ The screen onstage begins counting down. 5...4...3...

It seems Natsuru's going to get to see a show. ]

[thirdbeauty]

[The more she looks around the temple, the more amazed she is at everything! Of course, when she really thinks about it, someone like Hibiki would have a concert hall in their temple. But it's still amazing!]

Wow...

[Her voice comes out in a small whisper, full of the same amazement and wonder that's sparkling in her eyes. It's a big distraction, but she soon realizes Hibiki's leading her up to the balcony. Her cheeks turn a bit pink again, and she follows her up to wherever Hibiki deems the best place to view the screen from.

She almost replies, but the countdown is close to finished already. If she's going to watch carefully, she probably shouldn't talk during whatever this presentation is. Instead, she just makes a small sound of agreement and fixes her attention on the screen. What is this all about, exactly?]

i can't stop laughing at how the bass just. drops. when sion joins in

[priforprince]

[ 2...1...

The screen displays a short idol performance. Hibiki pays it close attention as well, an absent smile on her face. Divine Idols such as the Saints truly are a world apart...and conjuring this wholly from memory is....a feat only....a genius could perform....

...well, she'll worry about joining their ranks later. Even with the upcoming Grand Prix Final, there's no hurry. She can return any time. Better instead to investigate the avenues available to her here, and behave as suits a god of performance.

When the song is finished, the screen rolls up but the stage remains illuminated. Walking to a side table, Hibiki pulls a spare microphone out (no one touches hers but her) and hands it to Natsuru. She nods at the stage. ] Now you. I'll handle the music.

[ And if she keeps the lights down, nobody can notice she's looking a little pale. That's coincidental, of course. ]

*beautiful*

[thirdbeauty]

Me?

[She heard Hibiki, but she almost can't believe it. There's both alarm and hope in her eyes, and it's impossible to tell which is winning.

But she quickly reaches to take the microphone. This could be her chance to perform for Hibiki! And the way the god looked at her while holding out the microphone was impossible to resist. As much as the thought makes her nervous, the fluttering in her heart is also something more like the thrill of excitement. She moves tentatively towards the stage despite the nerves, as if irresistibly drawn to it. Soon she stands in the center, microphone clutched in both hands.]

... The same song?

[The melody and words are fresh in her head. She really did pay attention. The choreography might be more difficult, but she can do what she remembers and improvise around what she's hazy on or the flashier things! She really hopes it looks good, though... her audience being just Hibiki is both a relief and an immense pressure.]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki nods. Memorizing a song after only seeing it once...She wonders whether Natsuru can do that. ] Go ahead.

[ The music starts back up again. Hibiki bites the inside of her lip, concentrating. Hopefully....Hopefully she can keep up the illusion of the music and listen properly to Natsuru at the same time. She just has to focus. ]

[thirdbeauty]

[Natsuru clutches the microphone a little tighter, and nods her agreement to Hibiki, the barest flicker of determination lighting in her eyes. She's so focused on her own task, she won't notice Hibiki's fatigue at all.

When the music starts, she starts to move with it as well. It's difficult at first, with how tense she is and how energetic the idols she was just shown were. She's certainly not getting the choreography right, but she is on beat, and starting to loosen up.

Weirdly, now that she has this to focus on, her apprehension seems to melt away. A sway of her hips later, she hits something resembling a pose with the microphone held to her lips, and starts singing the first line. Her movements stay mostly on beat the whole way through, and show clear signs of either a raw but unrefined talent, or someone moderately practiced at singing and dancing on stage.

She does flub a line or two, naturally, and the lack of choreography or rehearsal shows. For the most part, though, it's a passably decent performance, showing at least some promise and potential. She's pouring as much energy into it as she can, even when she misses a word or slips up in her dance. Performing on stage is weirdly familiar, and she cares so much about making it a worthwhile performance for Hibiki!

It doesn't hurt that she has a pretty good voice too. (Okay, she's not exactly Yoko Littner, but she's a similar flavor of Marina Inoue.)]

1/2

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki is a good audience. Come hell, high water, or sentence enders, she always stays till the end of the song. Let's see, then. Has she discovered that fabled diamond among dust, which only requires some polishing to shine....? For years she'd doubted its existence.

Her expression doesn't change as she listens, partially because she's trying to keep the music going and partially because she's focusing on the performance itself. Those steps, that voice....the energy and the dedication....Right. Hibiki has her verdict.

Natsuru....is not a genius.

But. ]

2/2

[priforprince]

[ As the song ends, Hibiki vaults one-handed over the box seats' balcony, landing without any problems as if dropping the length of a building is something anybody would do any day. She immediately also begins clapping, heading towards where Natsuru is standing on stage.

No, Natsuru is not a genius. But there's something there. Hibiki isn't quite sure what, yet, but it's a start.

It merits further observation. And, perhaps...cultivation. ]

An inspirationally passionate performance. You are a swan taking its first wingbeats about to lift off and soar.

[ Withdrawing a small bouquet of roses from her inside jacket pocket - don't ask; it's a talent - she tosses them lightly on stage, towards the star. ] Would that I had a thousand to christen your first flight.

[ She supposes she could do illusion stuff to cover the rose deficit, but, well, she'd been maintaining the exhibit all day and she just did a song twice. Her head hurts. ]

[thirdbeauty]

['Inspirationally passionate'? A swan...? The gushing praise still stuns Natsuru, no matter how often Hibiki poetically extols her supposed virtues and merits. It doesn't escape her notice that Hibiki essentially calls her a novice at the same time - that's what she believes of herself too. But it's the way Hibiki says it, like she's someone who could rise from that to maybe becoming something more.

Once again, Natsuru finds her heart racing, the bouquet held loosely along with the microphone as she starts to blush. Her eyes are transfixed on Hibiki's again, seeing no trace of insincerity or affectation in them. And that still floors her.]

Thank you... I...

[For once, despite her infatuation, she doesn't go completely speechless.]

I could have done better, with some practice. I've never... performed for anyone before. I mean, I've done karaoke with Masaki-chan, and I practice the songs I know by myself! But... on a real stage... for someone like Hibiki-sama...

[It still doesn't feel real that this just happened. But it's starting to sink in, and her swooning maiden stare into Hibiki's eyes starts to give way to a soft smile.]

[priforprince]

Potential can be drawn out.

[ She still can't bring herself to recommend Natsuru, say, practice till she's all sweaty and sticky and unpleasant (ugh), or even train at all until right before events (shudder!). But there are other methods. And in these, like in all things, Hibiki is skilled.

She offers Natsuru her hand. This is what gods of performance do, correct? They find those who stand a chance and clear the path so they can soar.

Besides, she'd liked that intimate feeling when Natsuru was confessing she'd wanted to perform. As if Hibiki were the first, and only, person she'd told. As if this is something Hibiki alone can do. ] Beautiful maiden dreaming of the spotlight - will you let me make your dream come true?

[thirdbeauty]

[It's like a(nother) scene right out of a shoujo manga or a romantic movie. Natsuru slowly, but without hesitation, reaches with her free hand to take Hibiki's. Her face lights up, moving past the instinct to be modest and right to happiness that Hibiki seems to think so highly of her. She may not be a genius, or a natural performer, but potential is a start! Her apprehension is forgotten in the face of this opportunity.]

Okay...

I mean. Yes.

[A billion followups pop into her head at once. 'If that's okay', 'if you really think so', et cetera. For once, she resists the urge to qualify herself and just answers with her heart. ... A heart that's been completely charmed and won over by Hibiki in the first place, but still. She's being honest with her feelings right now!]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki smiles. She curls her fingers around that hand, as if to confirm to Natsuru that now that she's got her, she's not letting go. This is how things are supposed to be.

She'll tease Natsuru's potential out of her here in the world of the gods, she supposes - the plan comes instantly to her, as do all her plans. And when Natsuru's ready, then and only then will she introduce PriPara to the first full protegé of performance god Shikyoin Hibiki, Apollo in the flesh. A rank-up to Top Idol, with Hibiki guiding her cultivation, is all but guaranteed.

This lovely portrait of the future is painted in a flash, then set aside to climb onto the stage next to Natsuru. ] Go home for today. I'll send for you when we're ready.

[ She has to assemble her teaching aids! Hibiki imagines this temple must have come equipped with all the essentials, but she still needs to ensure their quality. No pupil of hers will suffer third-rate goods.

It defeats the purpose. ]

[thirdbeauty]

[It actually works. The gentle grip on Natsuru's hand reassures her that Hibiki is here to support her. That this is a sincere promise, and she's taken the first step towards possibly learning what she needs to be able to actually perform as an idol. It was just an idle fantasy (ha) a moment ago, but now she has someone to guide her towards making it a reality! It would be foolish to be convinced so soon that this will actually happen, but maybe... if Hibiki's right about her potential...

She nods to Hibiki, still brightly beaming at how surprisingly wonderful this visit has been.]

Yeah... okay. Thank you, again!

[She gently squeezes that hand, as if to seal her entrusting of her dream to this princely god of performance. Then, she withdraws... partially so she can return that microphone, with another shy little smile and half-lidding of her eyes. She steps down off the stage, clutching the small bouquet of roses closer to breathe in their scent as she steps back towards the exit to the rest of the temple. She may stay a little longer to check out what she'd missed of the Hibiki parts of the exhibit...]

[priforprince]

[ That would be fine by Hibiki. Her protegé can stay as long as she'd like. Hibiki is feeling especially benevolent and generous right now.

She'll come back to earth eventually. Perhaps. But not for a while. ]