Open ♔ Present From God

[priforprince]

Who: Hibiki, the adoring public, and you
When: December 9-10
Where: The Far Shore, Japan, and Preece Greece
What: Hibiki regroups from failing to write a movie by hanging out with people who think she's cool. And by answering prayers. Sort of.

[ I. - Delphi, in Greece ]

[ The restless spirits of the Far Shore have been whispering...something....about Greece. The spirits of deceased oracles that wander the mortal plane have been making a fuss. Should you be curious, or happen to be in the area, you'll soon see why.

Ignored by mortals, a large stone tablet proclaims "GOD APOLLO'S FIRST-EVER CHIN TOUCHING EVENT. SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY. STATUE UNVEILING COMMEMORATION." Oracles are handing out wax tablets on which a time and location are written. Following the instructions takes you to what used to be a ruin, a ways off from the tourist-overrun temple proper, but is now. Um.

It's now...



...yeah.

At the base of this incredible monument, a line has formed (mostly of oracles, but the stray tourist who'd come to Delphi to pick up Psychic Vibes has ended up in there too). Hibiki awaits each person at the head of the line, golden laurels gleaming in her hair. When the worshipper comes closer, she leans in....and grazes the bottom of their chin with her fingertips.

Spare oracles are wheeling their companions off in wheelbarrows. It's that effective.

Hibiki smiles. When it's your turn, she beckons you close. ]

Hey. There's no need to be shy. This luxuriously gentle time is just for you.

[ Wink. The oracle behind you swoons prematurely, unable to take it any more. L-lord Apollo...!! This incarnation of Lord Apollo...is too amazing. ]

[ II. - Apollo's Temple ]

This...entertains you?

[ Hibiki is kneeling on the carpet next to a ball of angora yarn. Opposite her, a small cat with shiny silver fur and bright green eyes watches the ball intently.

Hesitantly, Hibiki taps the ball. It rolls towards the cat. Pouncing, the cat rolls around, attacking the yarn with glee (and getting all tied up in the process).

Sitting back to watch, Hibiki smirks. ]



Heh. My technique was perfect.

[ III. - Japan ]

[ "KYAAAAA!!" ]



[ If you're walking by this girls' school: duck. It's raining boxes of chocolate and poinsettias. Attached to each is a note wishing the recipient good luck with upcoming entrance exams - "Don't worry. I'm by your side." "If it's you, hanamaru marks will bloom on all your tests." "Show me the brilliance of a mind honed by worshipping me."

"It must be box-office god-sama!" one person tells another. "If you pray at the abandoned movie theater down the street, your wish always comes true! I feel ready for anything now."

"If box office god-sama tells me what to do," their friend agrees, "I don't need a guidance counselor!"

"Isn't it a prank?" asks a third person. They are drowned out by a vehement chorus.

Up above, the silhouette of someone on a hang glider can be seen disappearing to this nearby rooftop. ]

[ IV. - Apollo's Temple; locked to interested CeleParans (& Lavi) ]



I have a request.

[ Thus spake Shikyoin Hibiki, upon summoning you into her office. She is seated at her desk, all official-like.

Only good things can come of this. ]

Comments

[lostinshadows]

[He blinks.

Then stares.]

You sure you wanna leave that to me?

[priforprince]

You're well-acquainted with the populace, and other matters demand my attention.

[ There is not even the slightest hint of shame on display here. ]

I've a few requests, but you should be equal to the task.

[lostinshadows]

[Hibiki, at least have some semblance of shame.]

....Guess it won't be too bad.

[priforprince]

Much obliged.

[ Hibiki passes Lavi a list. ] These are the required invitees.

[ It's of various old and new gods. Maria, Sakura, Celestia, Yona, Zelda (are you sensing a theme), Cardia (you're welcome), everyone in CelePara and their gods (if they're shinki), Ginia, Forrest, Ebisu....

.....Amaterasu.... ]

And these [ list #2, coming your way ] are banned.

[ Zetta. It's just Zetta.

She'd debated D2 and Archer, as they have a bad habit of disrespecting her, often at her own parties, but D2 is Forrest's shinki and Archer is Caster's, who is also Ginia's god, and that saves them by association.

The book is beyond saving.]

[lostinshadows]

.....

[Lavi studies the list of names on the guest list.

And then on the second list.]

What did this Zetta person do to you?

[Because...damn.]

[priforprince]

You'll be happier if you don't know.

[ Then it won't haunt you. Like it haunts her.

See. There is nearly a physical cloud. ]

[lostinshadows]

...That bad, huh?

[He can practically see a cloud of gloom forming over her head.]

[priforprince]

Ngh.

[ Yes. ]

[lostinshadows]

[Kudos to Zetta.]

So, any specific way you want me to invite these people? I thought you'd have some invitations already prepared for this.

[priforprince]

[ Provided with a change of subject, Hibiki revives. ]

Paper in envelopes is the classic method. [ She reaches into her desk, retrieves a bunch of blank holiday cards, and pushes them towards Lavi - along with small envelopes, a rose seal, and wax. ]

I don't need to review every detail. Performing your duty in a way you know suitable for me is fine.

[ She....trusts you. She supposes. ]

[lostinshadows]

If you say so.

[Lavi does pick up the cards and envelopes.]

Just leave this up to me, I guess.

[priforprince]

I'm counting on you.

[ And she grins a grin that both trusts Lavi and is meant to be the sort of grin one can't possibly bear to disappoint.

The sort of grin that dares him to do his best for her. ]

[lostinshadows]

[He doesn't like that grin.]

Is that it?

[priforprince]

For the moment.

[ Hibiki reaches for her tea, extremely satisfied. ]