Open ♔ Shikyoin Hibiki’s Magnificent Daily Life

[priforprince]

Who: Hibiki and YOU!
When: Morning through evening, August 12
Where: Mostly the Near Shore; some on the Far Shore
What: A day in the life of a performance god whose temple is now (mostly) free of spirits. Behold its elegance.

[ I. - Morning, a girls’ high school in Tokyo ]

[ It’s a beautiful early morning on the Near Shore, with the air alive with the sound of…..tennis?

That’s right, the courts adjacent to this girls’ high school are the sight of some early-morning private lessons. That…do not appear to be going well. ]

Not like that. [ Hibiki tucks her racket under one arm and comes up behind a very nervous-looking girl, wrapping her arms around her to take her hands and readjust their position. ] Concentrate and observe, if you can’t do it instinctively. This is the difference between effort and—



[ But it’s then that her head raises, and she looks right at you and smiles. ] Perfect timing. Come here.

[ II. - High noon, a movie set ]

[ Why did you ignore the tape that said “STAFF ONLY” roping off this section of town? Did you just not notice it, or did some of it get torn down? Whatever the reason, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back in time. And it appears there’s about to be a standoff in the streets. ]

That’s no good, partner.

[ Slouching out of the crowd towards the man making his way down the street threateningly, a slim figure clanks its way to the center of the scene and tips their hat up with a finger. A grin flashes. So do brilliantly green eyes. Movie cameras surround them. ]

The sheriff around these parts -



[ Hibiki draws back her fringed vest to thumb a shiny gold star. The cameras zoom back. “He’s good,” one staff member whispers to another. “Who is he again?” the second one asks. “I don’t remember hiring him.” ]

Is me now.

[ ….where are you standing for this? If you’re in the shot, you might get written into the movie. ]

[ III. - Afternoon, outside a café ]

[ “We’re here with the mysterious breakout rookie actor, Shikyoin Hibiki-sa - hm? Is something funny, Shikyoin-san?” ]

No. Do continue.

[ An interview is taking place at this table. Hibiki has changed out of her costume and is sitting politely opposite a lady reporter. The reporter hits “Record” on her smartphone again.

“…Shikyoin Hibiki-san, who came out of nowhere to land a major role in the upcoming film Six-Shot Sheriff. Shikyoin-san, is it true that the casting committee didn’t even realize you were in the room until you began reading the lines for the role you were assigned?” ]

Genius always makes itself known. The timing is of little import.

[ ”You’re very well-spoken, Shikyoin-san. Could you tell us anything about your background?” ]

Then I wouldn’t be mysterious, would I? I’d hate for you to have to rewrite your introduction.

[ ”That’s very kind of…” ]

Besides, even if I’d descended from Heaven, the only angel I would see is you.

[ ”A…ah…..”

The reporter looks over and notices you for the first time, as if desperately seeking for something, anything, to look for that is not Hibiki. Her face is flushed. ”Oh, when did you - are you the intern? Here, ask him some questions….I have to….whoo…”

And now it’s just you. And Hibiki. And this cup of tea Hibiki has just picked up. ]



[ Sip. ]

[ IV. - Evening, the Far Shore ]

[ The day is ending as it began: with the sound of something resounding over the hills. Except, this time, it’s the hills of the Far Shore, not the Near. And instead of tennis balls and rackets, it’s….hooves.



A knight on a white horse! Er, well, Hibiki on a purple horse, but the same idea applies. And something very, very strange has happened.

Hibiki is smiling. ]

Comments

II, it was bound to happen...

[thirdbeauty]

[Of course Natsuru has wandered onto the set while exploring around town. While she's wearing a modest dress today, a modern summery dress sticks out an awful lot in the old-timey PAmerican Western scenery. She self-consciously looks around as she wanders the set, but no one seems to notice her there. She must not be calling too much attention to herself.

That's all about to change, though. While she's just starting to notice all the cameras pointed at one particular spot, with all the people in apparent costume focusing on the same area, she hears a familiar voice. The flash of those brilliant green eyes is what makes her eyes widen and her cheeks flush again. There's even an audible gasp, and suddenly eyes are on the curiously modern girl on set.

Only a few take notice of the easily-starstruck girl at first, but she still causes a bit of a stir. Actresses in period costume follow suit with her, audibly gasping and some even seeming like they might swoon. One or two crew members might ask who that girl is and why she's out of costume. And Hibiki should certainly notice that her protégée seems to have wandered on set and possibly ruined the shot. Oops?]

[priforprince]

[ Everyone's attention suddenly being diverted from Hibiki does, in turn, get Hibiki's attention. What -

Dear, dear. You do have a hapless streak, don't you, protegé?

The director opens his mouth to yell "Cut!", but Hibiki is already sauntering over. One take. That is her style. She is not the kind of person who suffers recreating her inimitable performances. This can be salvaged. ]

Get yourself to shelter, missy. [ Hibiki positions herself in front of Natsuru, as if shielding her from coming harm. ] I reckon you're not from around these parts, but this here's high noon.

[ She winks. ] It's about to get too hot for comfort.

[ "Wh..." The director turns to his cameramen and hisses "...are you getting this?" Everybody clambors into position.

One take. Perfect. ]

god, I lost all my game tags for a few days and NEARLY FORGOT ABOUT THIS...

[thirdbeauty]

Ah~?

[She blinks wide eyes at Hibiki, her cheeks turning pink. Without consciously thinking about it, she nods. The actresses in costume around her seem to take the cue from Hibiki, flocking around the strange-looking girl and herding her away with muttered comments about her shameless or immodest dress. One might have thrown in an understanding bit about it being awfully hot though, with a definite glance towards Hibiki.

What is even happening to this film.]

time has no meaning for those united as we are, mademoiselle

[priforprince]

[ The villain of the piece, also taking his cue from Hibiki, starts sneering about how nice Hibiki plays with the folks in this here town. But you ain't even from here, stranger. You can't just waltz into a strange place and award yerself a fancy star. He's been runnin' a great racket here and he'll be darned if--

Hibiki raises her gun and fires. The effects team realizes just in time what's happening and run a fan over to blow the man's hat off his head. ]

Get out of town. [ The scriptwriter looks like he's gonna faint. This has completely deviated. ] There's a lady present, so I'll show mercy.

You better thank her every day of your sorry life.

[ Aaand cue some crowd folks cheering. "That's our sheriff!" "Cleaning up the streets without sheddin' blood!"

Hibiki is so, so good at her job. Wait for her, protege. She'll seek you out soon... ]

[thirdbeauty]

[Natsuru managed to be present for the whole scene, although the other ladies very thoughtfully covered up her 'immodest' dress by pulling her into the background. Still, she's tall enough that her reactions aren't completely hidden away. Even knowing what this must be now, she still looks suitably flustered and oddly flattered at being mentioned like that.

Finally, she finds herself being dragged away again by the other women, this time behind the scenes. Several of them ask her what she was doing on set out of costume, and a few of the crew seem baffled at how they can't seem to find her wardrobe. Natsuru's so stunned by all of this, she's not sure how to say she's not actually one of the extras on this film? She just stands off to the side, while the rest of the cast and crew continue to discuss. Especially the fact that, if there are any further changes to the script, they might need to use 'that girl' again in another scene or two. She might even get a line!

Through all of this, Natsuru just wonders... where is Hibiki to explain what's going on???]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki is wrapping up her scene! Which she does with aplomb, then sighs (if just to herself - that had been close), recomposes herself, and goes searching for Natsuru.

Whom she approaches from behind because why should she ever not select the entrance with the most impact. ]

I suppose you were my muse today.

[ She can find out what's going on later. This comes first. ]

III.

[sweetdeath]

Wait, I'm not the intern--

[Aaaaand she's gone. Oh well. Tsuzuki slides into the vacated seat and grins at Hibiki conspiratorially.]

You know, I think you're going to get a glowing profile.

You could get a lot of extra followers this way, I guess....

[...if fan worship counts as real worship! Maybe if they're worshipping a god, it does.

Tsuzuki, shamelessly, checks the cafe table for any unclaimed snacks.]

[priforprince]

[ There is a cute little basket of macarons, Tsuzuki. Go to town.

Hibiki shrugs, relaxing the Professional veneer a bit. It's just Tsuzuki, after all, and while she's not sure what he's doing here, he's not the audience that role is for. ] Performance is my spécialité. Bestowing my talents upon this entertainment-less world is my duty.

[ She takes another sip of tea. She's pretty calm and relaxed, today. Very noble. ]

[sweetdeath]

They do say "play to your strengths"!

[Oooh, macarons. Fancy. Tsuzuki snags one and tries to nibble his way around the edge, except that the shell shatters at his first bite and he has to ungracefully catch a handful of crumbs. Through the mouthful of buttercream, he continues.]

Are you really in a film?

[priforprince]

I announced as much earlier.

[ But she supposes you were busy being a very poor butler to Princess Sakura, so it cannot be helped. Hibiki puts down her teacup (and decides not to watch you eat). ] Well, once my abilites were witnessed on set, this sort of feature was bound to follow.

[sweetdeath]

Oh, on the BBS? I guess I should catch up, huh.

[Look: social media are still a bit unfamiliar to him, even if he's getting the hang of computers. He grins cheerfully.]

Congratulations! It must be tough, though. How're you getting them to keep noticing you?

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki smirks and can't help risking a sidelong glance. ] You ask a genius?

[ Shikyoin Hibiki cannot remain invisible no matter what obstacles lie in her path. Once she captures an audience's attention, she keeps it!


....right up till they go home and wonder who it was they gave that role to, again, but she isn't about to go into how she has to reintroduce herself every time she comes on set. She would rather not have to do that, so why should she spoil her mood by thinking about it? ]

iv

[papas_bunnydoll]

[Pony! This is the second one Tot's seen recently and it's just as pretty as the other.
Purple and rainbows compare pretty well as far as she's concerned. She takes a moment to admire the pony before looking up at the rider.]

Hi! Can Tot pet him?

[Please? She'll give the cutest puppy dog eyes until Hibiki says yes.]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki slows Maxie as she sees Tot approaching. Ah, this mademoiselle... They've spoken before.

She's in an exceptionally good mood tonight, so she'll beam down at Tot for being so charming. ] Of course. He's completely obedient.

[ This is a lie, but it is true enough for this particular situation. It is also a hint to Maxie to behave.

Maxie takes the hint and lowers his head so Tot has some mane to stroke, if she so wishes. ]

[papas_bunnydoll]

[She absolutely wishes to! Who wouldn't want to pet him? Being the goddess of flower crowns,
Tot happens to have one handy. She offers it to the horse.]

Some horse like flowers, but Tot's not sure if these are good or not. You can have it if you want. Tot won't be upset if you don't like them though.

[priforprince]

[ Maxie sniffs the crown and gives it a slight nibble. He seems uncertain whether Tot wants him to eat it or wear it. ]

Try putting it on him instead.

[ That would leave Hibiki sitting atop a horse wearing a flower crown, but the concept doesn't seem to bother her. ]

[papas_bunnydoll]

[That is an excellent suggestion! Everyone should be wearing a flower crown, even if that everyone is a horse.

She reaches up and places the crown on Maxie's head hanging it over one ear so it doesn't fall off.]

Perfect! You should have one to match him.

[Out of nowhere, Tot pulls another flower crown to hand up to Hibiki.]

[priforprince]

[ Maxie blows some air out from between his teeth but doesn't otherwise react to his crown. Hibiki, on the other hand, blinks - but she's in such a good mood that this is amusing. She accepts the crown but doesn't put it on just yet. ] You're very prepared. But -

[ Carefully she extracts one flower to tuck into her buttonhole, and another to put behind Tot's ear. ] These flowers will smile more if they unite us.

ii

[lovemguns]

[ Don't go there, don't do that. He can't help doing the exact opposite of what he's told in these cases. And then he ends up in something looking sort of like home and he's not leaving yet. ]

Those clothes are bull shit.

[ He's just standing to the side, among the people on the side watching, and he couldn't stop himself. But seriously, what is up with that outfit? Sheriffs didn't wear that sort of clothes. ]

[priforprince]

[ Did someone just - him? What is he doing -

Ah, well. Not many others seem to have overheard the comment, so aside from a quick glance over, Hibiki determines he can be safely ignored and the scene salvaged. Editing out unsavory noise is the entire reason why sound staff exists.

Her scene partner, his hands slung low near his pistols, has continued with his own lines, and so Hibiki returns to waiting for her next cue. The two gunfighters begin a slow circle, facing off. ]

I figure it's about time I run you out of town. After all -

[ A nod up to the sun. Apollo. God of actors.

Now descended among the people. ] It's high noon.

[ They both go for their guns at the same time. Hibiki spins hers on the way up, one in each hand, and "fires".

She hadn't, of course, had to practice that. ]

[lovemguns]

[ He’s muttering “bull shit” and other comments about the whole thing, under his breath. He doesn’t care if people are giving him weird glances, he really can’t believe how people interpret the time. Standoffs? No. Seeing who’s quickest on the draw, sure, that happened, but not this way. Sheriffs wouldn’t do it in town for the risk it brought to bystanders, and in most towns you had to leave your firearms at the entrance, they were banned. If a fight happened in tow, it was mainly fists, sometimes knives. Not guns. ]

[priforprince]

[ These guns don't actually make real gun noises, either. Those will be added afterwards. Instead, without anything seeming to have been fired, the "sheriff's" opponent clutches at his chest and topples first to his knees, then face down in the dirt. Someone brings over a fan just off-camera to blow on his head, so his hat can roll off.

Hibiki twirls her guns again before raising one to her lips and blowing across the opening. ] I didn't need all six shots.

[ "Crowd, go!"

Suddenly, the people all around Butch start moving - to swarm their "hero" with cheers and gratitude. If he's not careful, he may get swept along... ]

[lovemguns]

[ Please. He has practice in avoiding being swept away by crowds, and manages easily to stay back and out of the way.

He’s so not impressed by all this and it’s so showing. ]

III, and I apologize for this goon

[leapingchuu]

Well, he certainly wasn't the intern the poor reported suspected he was, but that didn't stop Viktor from taking a seat anyway! He'd been watching from several tables over and was thoroughly impressed! He'd always been something of a flirt, but this was a new level of mastery and he put his chin in his hands excitedly.

"I have to say, that was magnificent! Does this sort of thing come easily to you?"

Yep, Viktor sure is just sitting there comfortably with a cup of coffee, completely unconcerned.

apologies right back at you (for both hibiki and this seiyuu joke, she knows a suwabe character)

[priforprince]

Hibiki lowers her cup of tea, the liquid's surface rippling. She'd - almost recognized that voice, there, but it seems there's merely a slight similarity. Of no concern. (Just like the person she'd thought of for half, nay, a quarter of a moment. It's all he deserves.)

Replacing the teacup on its saucer, she sits back in her chair with a casual smile. "Everything does."

For example, taking stock of a situation! She looks this gentleman over and comes to a conclusion. "You aren't the intern, are you?"

The question is asked without guile. She's just curious, and amused. And perhaps a bit intrigued.