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

[priforprince]

It definitely won't be an experience to miss.

[ She's, you know, in it. And all. Hibiki drinks deeply from her cup, then puts it down. ]

Were you going to attempt the interview?

[ She may be messing with him. But she may be curious.

Or she may be both. ]

[sweetdeath]

[Oh... right.

Shit, the reporter hadn't listened when he said he wasn't the intern, had she? Tsuzuki turns half around in his chair looking for her, but she's nowhere in sight. Neither is any genuine intern he might pass the job off to.

He has no idea how to do an interview.]

Uh.

[He looks down at the table. The first interviewer had left a few papers there, and a little recording device that might, from the cheery red light, still be recording all of this. He winces in embarrassment.]

... Did she write down the questions...?

[Don't mind him while he shuffles through those papers.]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki notices that red light at about the same time. A less secure individual might find this an issue. She does not. She is herself, and stands by everything she says. Even the bits that aren't true.

So she'll watch, calmly, as Tsuzuki searches. A paper drifts free. She passes it back over. ] I could prepare alternates if necessary.

[ Said with the casual ease of someone who's done a billion of these things. In contrast, to, you know, some people. If they were inclined to make said contrast. ]

[sweetdeath]

[The contrast immediately leaps to mind, because, as far as Tsuzuki knows (and the sense of growing panic as the reporter fails to return supports) he's never done anything like this before in his life. Where is she? Did she flee just because Hibiki dropped one smooth line on her?!

He taps the papers into a messy stack, scowling with self-righteous annoyance. What a chump.

-- but! There, under the lacy paper mat, there's one more sheet of paper. He pulls it out and brightens immediately.]

Found it! Um.... okay.

"Can you tell us anything about your background?"

[He glances up at Hibiki with a conspiratorial grin. Somehow, he doubts there's going to be much of an answer to that.] Had she gotten to that one yet?

[priforprince]

Try the next.

[ There is, indeed, not. Hibiki doesn't smile back, but her eyebrows do lift as she sips her tea. Which might be close enough. ]

[sweetdeath]

[Tsuzuki'll take it. Hibiki's a very calculated person, when it comes to expressing her emotions, and that eloquent eyebrow raise is as good as a grin.

He scans down the page, smile widening a little as he gets to the next question.]

"Is there anyone special in your life right now?" ... wow, they're really playing to the fans.

[priforprince]

[ No kidding. Hibiki actually pauses in her sipping, though that may be more of a reaction to being asked this by Tsuzuki than the question itself.

She is! However! Having her first splendid day in weeks, and nothing can phase her! No matter her scene partner, her role shall remain played to perfection!

It is her style. ]

...Put down that everyone reading this is precious to me.

[ Time to put this cup down....saucer....where did her saucer go.... ]

[sweetdeath]

[She's pretty good at playing to the fans herself. Smiling, Tsuzuki scrawls the answer under the neatly printed question. Hopefully, the journalist will be able to read his handwriting.

(If not, she's still got a recording. It's fine.)

Hibiki seems to be looking for something; Tsuzuki lifts one of the stray pieces of paper he'd tossed out of the way while searching through the notes. Is that her plate or his? It's got crumbs on it, but he slides it over to her in any case, because it'll probably do.]

-- is precious to you... okay, and, hmm. "What's your favorite thing about this role?"

[priforprince]

....You should be looking at me when you ask these.

[ She'll answer, she swears. But. Just. Something had been off here and she's just figured out what: you're playing the reporter role wrong. Reporters don't read off the paper. They consult the paper and then ask! There's a protocol!

Despite her interjection, Hibiki does make use of that coaster, crumbs and all. Something sighs by Tsuzuki's ear: foiled. Or maybe that was the wind. ]

[sweetdeath]

... Did you say something?

[Tsuzuki looks to the side where that odd little sigh had come from. Is it the actual reporter coming back? No... no. It seems not. He shakes off his confusion and glances back at Hibiki with a cheerful grin.]

Anyway! Okay, fine. [He checks the paper (because he didn't write these questions) and looks back up at her, trying to affect his very best Serious Reporter Face.]

What's your favorite thing about this role, Shikyoin-san?

[priforprince]

[ And now he's hearing things. Perfect. But he's assuming the proper deportment, now, so Hibiki supposes she can continue. ]

Any chance to raise the caliber of entertainment can't be missed. This role in particular, however -

[ A perfectly-timed moment's thought. Really, it's all the same to her, so what would appeal? ]

His duty to his followers.

[ Double meanings for the win. She's so clever. ]

[sweetdeath]

I guess it's something you can really empathize with, huh?

[Tsuzuki snickers, and glances down at the sheet as he scribbles that answer. He's doing his best to get it word for word. Can't skip an in-joke like that, after all... hmm. So, what's next? Something about dramatic interpretation, which looks boring. He glances back up instead, crossing out the question.]

What advice would you give to a fan who wanted to pursue an acting career?

[priforprince]

Pray.

[ She says it instantly. ]

Talent is bestowed, not developed. If you don't have the latent ability within yourself, self-improvement is a grueling, distasteful process, best avoided.

But there's always that chance for [ her to grow more powerful ] a miracle.

[sweetdeath]

[She's really going for the shameless self-promotion, isn't she. Tsuzuki scribbles, looks up, and adds with a wink:]

Anybody in particular they should pray to?

[priforprince]

[ ...An ad-lib worth noting. Hibiki takes her cue. ]

Apollo is the patron of film, is he not?

[ Terrible butler, decent scene partner. That's almost a balance. ]

[sweetdeath]

So any aspiring actor should definitely drop a word in Apollo's ear.

[That answer goes down on the sheet, too, just in case recorded voices are as tough to remember.

(He's not thinking about whether written ones will be difficult to spot... it should be fine, right? Right?)

He finishes the sentence with a flourish and glances back up.]

So would you say you attribute your success so far to Apollo's gifts, Shikyoin-san?

[Yeah, he's completely off the rails of the prepared interview now, but hey, maybe the journalist will actually print this shameless advertisement to worship Hibiki. With all the work she's putting in, it's not like she hasn't earned the followers!]

[priforprince]

No, mine is talent.

[ No shame. ]

This debut is but a sample of my abilities. Anyone who enjoys the taste is welcome to await the banquet of revolution.

[ If they're going to print an interview full of things nobody will understand, but that sound really good, no point in doing so halfway. ]

Apollo himself will preside.

[sweetdeath]

["Banquet of revolution--"

Tsuzuki's handwriting stutters away into a wavy line and he glances up at her, losing the Cheerful Interviewer look behind worry.]

Um, are you sure about that, Hibiki?

[Because that sort of sounds, uh. Revolutionary. He hopes it's still just a metaphor.]

[priforprince]

Of course. This world's entertainment is overdue for a golden era.

Ushering that in shall be my pièce de résistance.

[ Why, what did you think she meant? ]

[sweetdeath]

... Piyase... okay, wait, wait, how do you spell that? [There must be a ya in it, he's certain he heard a ya.

At least it's an entertainment revolution, and not a "trying to make herself prince of the Heavens" sort of revolution. He doubts anyone is going to wind up shot or bombed in an entertainment revolution, at least not in a way that'll leave a mark once the makeup has all been washed away.]

That's a relief.

[priforprince]

Negativity is to be avoided at all costs. [ So it's for the good of the world as a god, too - fewer ayakashi. Why, for services rendered and this many people overwhelmed with delight, she may well become prince of the Heavens by default, without investing additional effort!

Hibiki takes a satisfied, confident sip of her tea. ]

[sweetdeath]

Yeah, I've heard that.

[Tsuzuki grins at her.]

So, a better world through better entertainment, huh? That's a lofty goal, Hi- uh, Shikyoin-san.

the reporter might have...forgotten...and is now wondering where she put her recorder...

[priforprince]

Top-class goals are the only ones worth pursuing. Settling and such is my only impossibility.

[ A few weeks ago her only impossibility was not being attractive. But the two are likely interrelated, so that's all right. ]

I trust the results will prove self-evident.

eventually they may have to go find her....

[sweetdeath]

Good luck.

[He reaches for another macaron, and realizes it's the last one in the basket. Whoops.

Hasn't the reporter been powdering her nose for an awfully long time, anyway? He glances around.]

Shouldn't she be back by now? I think you really flustered her, Shikyoin-san.

"they" is a weird letter combination to mean "tsuzuki"

[priforprince]

...That's true.

[ She sounds mildly surprised. Whether by the realization of the point or the fact that Tsuzuki had been the one making it remains to be seen.

Hibiki puts down her cup and looks around. Where...? ] She can't have gotten entranced by some puddle....