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]

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....

well, they both start with "t"

[sweetdeath]

Maybe there was a long line at the bathroom?

[Or whatever. Tsuzuki's turning half around in his chair, searching for the reporter. She'd had a bright red blouse on with a cute polka-dotted bow at the collar. It ought to be easy to spot, but he can't see a red shirt anywhere.]

and there is no t in "hibiki"

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki frowns. No one in sight implies having left, and yet. ] Her effects remain.

[ Her notes, her recording device....her beverage.....

....not her refreshments, not anymore, but that's beside the point....

She turns to Tsuzuki. To ascertain one scene has wrapped before shooting the next: ] That was the last question?

there is an h, though! clearly to spell *they* the two must work together

[sweetdeath]

[Tsuzuki looks down at the long list of questions he completely skipped in order to talk about Hibiki's divine office, then back up at Hibiki. He nods earnestly.]

Yeah, I'm done.

You're right, she left all her stuff, so I'm sure she'll be back soon!

[Probably. Right?]

You didn't see her leave, did you?

.....BETRAYED BY LANGUAGE

[priforprince]

No...

[ She supposes she can't be too worried. Hibiki has nowhere to be, after all, until she's out of tea. She is not yet out of tea.

She is, however, she discovers with her next sip, running low. ]

Fetch her, if you're concerned.

[sweetdeath]

She doesn't even know who I am! Maybe you could come help find her?

[She's definitely not going to remember Tsuzuki's face, after all. But she's here to interview Hibiki. Surely she's got to remember she was here to interview someone? Surely.

So maybe she's hanging around waiting to figure it out.

Or something. He glances around for a red shirt again, and catches a flash of bright fabric disappearing around a corner inside the little cafe.]

Over there!

[priforprince]

Me--

[ Hibiki is the middle of expressing surprise that anyone would suggest such a thing when Tsuzuki spots their quarry. The energy in his voice is enough to get her standing up out of her chair to look - ten years is a long time to spend believing everyone's a liar, so she's used to confirming things for herself (when they matter).

Yes, that's the reporter. But, then... ]

What's she think she's doing?

[sweetdeath]

I don't know. Isn't that just the kitchen over there?

[Is she trying to sneak out through the kitchen?? Surprise interview a chef?

It's a mystery. Tsuzuki gets up, gesturing Hibiki along with him as he sets off towards the kitchen. (It's fine, they'll be back! Someone'll pay. After all, the reporter's stuff is still all scattered around the table....)]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki does end up coming along, too, but not because she was gestured to. No, she's now fully absorbed in her curiosity about this situation. ] I had the impression this magazine was reputable.

[ She may be subtly attempting to get in front of Tsuzuki to be the first person to see whatever's happening, without even fully realizing it herself. In large groups, she tends towards hanging back, but when her interest is caught?

Shikyoin Hibiki is always first. Or maybe she's just really intent. ]

[sweetdeath]

Reporters are weird.

[He says this with authority, as though he has any idea. (He doesn't.)

It turns out, though, that around the corner is not just the kitchen, but also a set of coathooks A few patrons have apparently placed scarves and umbrellas there, and the reporter is searching through the scanty collection of items with increasing confusion and apparent distress.

Tsuzuki clears his throat--

Hibiki's managed to get in front of him. How'd she do that? At least he's tall enough to see over her head.]

Uh, where are you going?

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki ignores Tsuzuki, making a beeline for the reporter, instead. A cloakroom is more the milieu to which she's accustomed (the existence thereof, anyway - she's never fetched her own things), and she has no qualms about coming up behind the reporter and speaking up. ]

Many of your effects are still at the table.

[ She doesn't have full charm mode on, but her tone is lighter and more pleasant than Tsuzuki is probably used to hearing. She'll wait for the audience's attention before delivering any truly scene-defining lines. ]

[sweetdeath]

[That's a different Hibiki than Tsuzuki's used to, all right: she sounds so mild and thoughtful that he does a double-take and tosses her a confused glance.

Meanwhile, the reporter is looking at her blankly for a few seconds before starting and raising one hand to half-cover her mouth in a pretty, embarrassed gesture.

"Oh," she says, and "I'm so sorry, thank you..."]

[priforprince]

Your substitute did a wonderful job. [ Hibiki keeps smiling, even holding out an arm to guide the reporter back where they need her. Where she can pick up her interview materials. ] And I'm sure the article will turn out magnificently, under your care.

Look.

[ A breeze is ruffling the reporter's stack of papers on the table. ] Your materials are so excited to be edited by you, they're waving.

[ She manages to say this enticingly. Somehow. ]

[sweetdeath]

[The confused look is slowly transmuting to a look best described as "I can't believe this is happening right in front of me."

One of Tsuzuki's eyebrows tics up as the woman blushingly takes Hibiki's arm and he trails behind them back towards the table. On the other hand... it seems to be working. That's a plus.

And if he gets involved she might realize he's the one who wrote over all of her interview questions and is recorded on her dictaphone....

On the other hand? Geez, talk about cheesy.]

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki makes sure all the papers are in order - managing not to show whatever she may think of Tsuzuki's penmanship - and (if it's still on) turns off the recorder before presenting the reporter with her effects. ] If you had any further questions, I'm happy to keep chatting. But I think you'll find many delightful surprises for the audience here.

[ PRAY TO THE GOD APOLLO TODAY ]

[sweetdeath]

[The reporter gathers it all from Hibiki's arms, blushing and managing something confused about thanks for her time, and apologies for the confusion, between mystified glances at the scribbled notes in a stranger's handwriting. She tears her eyes away from the notes after a moment and bows, managing a more professional tone.

"I appreciate your kindly granting me this interview, and hope for a great success with your new movie!"

And -- that's it. Still visibly flustered, she heads away. Tsuzuki manages to keep a straight face until the reporter's out of earshot and he collapses back against the nearest wall, laughing.]

Oh man, did you see her face? I've got to check out that interview when it comes out....

Anyway, thanks, Hibiki! I should keep looking for Sakura's hair ornament. Let me know if you spot it anywhere, okay?

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki nods, though she is far less likely to "let Tsuzuki know" than she is to "show up on Sakura's doorstep with the hairpin and a bouquet of flowers to apologize for the wait, implying that if they'd just had her on the case sooner, the Princess would have been reunited with her precious object hours ago". But it is the thought that counts.

A signed copy of the magazine will also show up, should the interview get printed. ]

Stay diligent. If you can't be a butler, at least be an exemplar.