thenearshore

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Open!

Who: Ginia and YOU!
When: April 11th - April 14th
Where: Around the Near Shore
What: Work never ends when you work for a God of Fortune. Come help out (or not) Ginia with prayers all around the Near shore.

[A. Maid Mayhem]
[A popular maid cafe is putting on an event for tokyo's Deaf community with all of their regular services provided in Japanese Sign Language along with Japanese. With multiple prayers begging for the event to go well, Ginia and some of her coworkers are keeping an eye on things and lending a hand. However, with the cafe crowded as ever, news stations covering the event adding to the crowd, and tensions running high, plenty of help is needed.

1) Help out at the cafe. You don't have to don a maid outfit; there's also cooking in the kitchen, making sure the light and sound equipment is ready for the stage show, and helping the media crews with filming.

2) Fend off ayakashi. The place is a hotbed for minor ayakashi seeking to cause some trouble. Throw up some borderlines, rend some ayakashi, just keep the place going without making a mess!

3) Or maybe you're here to enjoy the cafe. The food and drinks are cute and great, Ginia is happy to greet with a smile and a heart made with her hands as you're seated in her section.]

[B. Baker's Dilemma]
[A bakery in a shopping district is struggling with a new bread. Everyone who has tasted it either thinks it's the most delicious bread they've ever had or the most disgusting, inedible thing with no middle ground. Sometimes disagreement comes from two people trying the same loaf!

Ginia and her coworker, Hidemi, stand a few feet away from the store. They're wearing matching black suits with dark green ties. They're having a quiet discussion, Hidemi holding a loaf of bread that's had a few pieces torn from it. A third opinion is desperately needed and they're quick to flag down anyone that feels like they're from the Far Shore. You! Yes, you! Come over here!]

"Excuse me, can you try a sample of this bread and let us know what you think?"

[Delicious or disgusting? There's no middle ground.]

[C. A Horse of a Different Coat]
[Spring is a great time to go to the zoo and Uneo Zoo is hosting some mini programs aimed at children. When the person originally assigned to help with the zebra program falls sick, Ginia quickly steps in to help. There's only one problem. While Ginia, dressed in a zebra costume is busy entertaining kids, it means she can't focus on borderline duty like she intended. With mild ayakashi swirling around, drawn by children and shinki alike, Ginia looks around for anyone who can help out. Wrangle those ayakashi as the program continues, but don't let the kids see!]

[D. Wildcard!]
[Have something else you want to thread out? Contact me through PM or at

cordially!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ What, some sort of event? It's not Shikyoin Hibiki's typical milieu, but as the God of Fortune who oversees entertainment, letting this slide without personally assessing it would never do.

That is not how Ginia learns that Hibiki is in the shop, however. No, that occurs when someone attempts to recruit Hibiki in a mix of Japanese and JSL because this maid cafe has a distinct lack of butlers. The refusal, while arrogant, sends the would-be scout into a tizzy.

"Look out for...for the guest in the corner", they inform Ginia. "I didn't see them at first, but they're, ah...."

A fluttery sigh. "I need to lie down."

The disruption of this maid's workday, shameless, sits in anticipation. Being waited upon is the motif, yes? Produce further staff. ]

[There is a fluttering sense of familiarity with the situation. She's seen this awestruck behavior before, the look of someone struck by Pure. Amore.

Ginia steels herself as she puts on a cheery smile and heads over to greet her newest guest. Behold, Hibiki, a kingdom of joy and smiles! Where hearts are filled and laughter flows free! Ginia curtsies and makes a heart with her hands, bringing it to the right, around to the left, then to the center over her chest.]

Welcome to the Kingdom of Nekohime, honored guest nyan!

[Ginia signs the customary greeting, hands curling into rounded paws and waggling them up and down to end her sentence.]

[ Hibiki had paused after taking a sip of tea, noticing her waitress's identity. Ginia?! Why -

Ah. God of business and commerce, isn't it? How very like an established God of Fortune to have a finger in every pie. This is, therefore, completely comprehensible...

And that's as far as Hibiki's train of thought goes before she chokes on her tea. Sputtering, she stares at Ginia in disbelief. That was - it couldn't have been - ]

SIGN LANGUAGE SENTENCE ENDERS?!

[ HOW IS THAT EVEN PAWSIBLE?! ]

[Ginia isn't even surprised Hibiki has her own tea. Outside drinks aren't allowed, but it's Hibiki. She doesn't so much bend the rules as form them around her.

The sudden sputtering and exclamation breaks Ginia temporarily from the script and she stares at the god. Okay. Getting out her cellphone breaks the immersion, but it's a good thing she's prepared for situations like this.

First off, use the napkins to wipe up the table. Can't have a guest sitting at a dirty table! Second, wave down one of her coworkers for some backup in Japanese. Of course she'll continue to sign, so it's the two in one language maid experience!

Back on track, Ginia smiles and presents the menu to Hibiki.]

We have a wonderful feast set out today, nyan~! Please take your time looking over our food and drink menu, nyan~!

[ Hibiki's fingers are stiff, but she somehow manages to take the menu (which rattles in her hold, because her body is twitching). She stares down at it but doesn't seem to actually be, well, seeing it. For she is contemplating deeper matters! ]

A remarkable commitment to one's role......

[ She wants to tell Ginia to stop but Ginia keeps doing it again before she can say anything. What horrifying proficiency! This is one talent her fr....this shinki of many talents could have done without cultivating! ]

So even sentence ender cutglasses are required.

Edited (the word "cutglasses" occurred to me and i couldn't stop laughing) 2019-02-23 14:58 (UTC)

[The first sentence Ginia takes as a compliment. It's her job to ensure everyone is receiving the full maid experience. But the overly cute experience isn't for everyone. This type of maid cafe doesn't seem to be quite Hibiki's thing. Perhaps something more along the lines of classic elegance is along her lines. Ginia only assumes the god is here because things fell under her domain. There are definitely a lot of prayers going out today.

But sentence ender cutglasses? What?]

Is there a problem, honored guest nyan~?

Eliminating the ends of your sentences would be best.

[ And then obliterating that sign you've invented from the face of the planet. For the good of all humanity.

Or just for the good of Shikyoin Hibiki, which is equally important. ]

And bring this institution's most soothing beverage. I've developed a headache.

As you wish!

[The maid providing translation into Japanese does end her sentence with a cheerful "nyan~!", but Ginia's smile doesn't waver as she gives a quick shake of her head. Okay, they can go off script here.

Soothing beverage... Ginia walks gracefully to the kitchen as she considers the options. The drinks all have a cute or more interactive twist and while it would be a little funny having Hibiki chant along as she mixes a drink, it's not Hibiki's style.

Okay, something a little off menu then. Ginia mixes up a milk tea in the kitchen, adds some star-shaped ice cubes, a scoop of ice cream, a cute cat face with chocolate syrup to the ice cream, and a purple straw. Bringing it out on a tray, Ginia presents it to Hibiki.

It's a mewilk tea!]

[ .........Ah.

Well, it's not like it doesn't feature her favorite flavor. (Or her favorite color. Hibiki typically balks at being served straws, but this one is purple, and therefore merits consideration.)

Lifting the cup to her lips, she decides to eschew the straw and see what happens. ] You're nothing if not thorough....

[ The ice cream slides forward and boops her on the nose (kitty says hi). Hibiki frowns, puts the drink down, and inserts the straw. She then sips through it as if the first attempt never happened.

YOU WIN THIS ROUND, AVERAGE-PERSON-CONSUMPTION METHODS. ]

Edited (hibiki is not consuming average people. she would get a stomachache.) 2019-02-26 02:22 (UTC)

[An additional long-handled spoon with a cat face printed on the head is provided on a fresh napkin. Hibiki seems satisfied enough with the drink, so no crisis there.]

Would you like something to eat? There will also be a performance in twenty minutes.

[ Hibiki accepts the spoon, breathing a secret straw-avoidant sigh of relief. ] You're performing?

[ She'll place an order for food, as well, but PRI~~NCE~~ORITIES. ]

[Ginia shakes her head.]

Not on stage. I'm helping with translating in front though.

[So some of the dance moves, rapid translation of the songs, but certainly the center point of focus. Maybe with more time to learn the choreography, but not today.]

I hope you'll enjoy the show.

[Hibiki has high standards after all.]

A waste of your sense for rhythm.

[ If still an important job. Support, perhaps, suits a shinki. It's just not where on the stage ~*~SHIKYOIN HIBIKI~*~ belongs.

This spoonful of tea and ice cream happens to have lots of chocolate on it. Happens. It is sampled by the gourmet, and - ]

....Hm. Not intolerable.

["Sorry there isn't gold foil or candied rose petals." That Ginia keeps to herself because a good maid does Not. Sass. The Customer! Even a friendly sassing. A good maid takes the menu and finds an option to offer.

Probably not the Nomnomnomrice set. Or the Happy Happy Hamburg set. There is promise with the Fuwa Fuwa Pancakes though. Two fluffy pancakes surrounded by fresh fruit, syrup and whipped cream customization options, and topped with a tiny crown. It's that page Ginia opens to and presents by laying the menu with the suggestion facing out back in the menu holder. A quiet, enticing offer.]

[ Ah. There is a crown on that one.

....As if that's how Shikyoin Hibiki makes her decisions! ~~Even if it totally is.~~ Hibiki snorts, takes another spoonful of ice cream. ] Serve what you will. Deluxe.

[ ...one pancake set with everything on it, then.

If it's any consolation, the problem customer seems determined to consume her whole drink....? ]

[The Fuwa Fuwa Pancakes it shall be! Ginia gives a curtsy with a cutesy nyan nyan wave - not a sentence ender if there's no sentence! - and goes off to make the order. The unseen magic in the kitchen is the very talented staff making sure the pancake batter is perfect for the pancake pans. Only the best, golden brown, giant fluffy pancakes here!

That means the hard part is decorating them just right. The pancakes ready, Ginia arranges the two as a magnificent tower, a layer of fruit syrup, whipped cream, and sliced fruit (and a prayer) keeping the two pancakes together. The top pancake is decorated with a crown stencil and a dusting of powdered sugar for the shape, carefully piped whipped cream topped with strawberries, and more fruit and syrup decorating the base. It's a very careful, artful application of cute food. It also means by the time Ginia carries it out to Hibiki's table, there's only enough time to smile before she has to hurry off for the performance.]

[ The guest has decided to immerse herself in consuming her drink, the better to not have to absorb....anything else about the surrounding environment. She'd had an idea of what to expect from a "maid cafe" because she is ~~this huge otaku~~ a professional entertainer, but witnessing it in person certainly is another. level. of experience.

A performance, though, she can't omit from her visit. Thus, Hibiki doesn't object when Ginia departs swiftly, choosing instead to examine this obviously carefully-crafted concoction. The aesthetic isn't to her taste, but there's no lack of skill........The consistency appears ideal. Then, a bite, apportioned with the optimal combination of cream, strawberry, and pancake.... ]

[ The sweet-and-sour taste of first love, with an extra clench of the heart for the sweet!

This maid cafe......is unexpectedly formidable. ]

[You don't become one of the best maid cafes in a very popular area without some major skill to back it all up. The customers are very demanding, more than Hibiki in some ways.

Honestly, compared to some of the people that have come through, Hibiki is a breeze to deal with.

Hopefully the show pleases her as well. Ginia has enough time to join the other maids and confirm what song they're performing before taking her place at the front of the stage, striking a cool and mysterious pose, a copy of the person standing on the stage behind her. As the song begins, Ginia follows the arm movements and the dance, deviating only as the lyrics start and she has to sign along. She signs with a smile, signing with energy and cheer, a message of love and joy for everyone!

It's her second performance of the day, but it's still exhausting work staying on beat and signing along with the fast song, making sure she's smiling and not getting caught up in focusing on everything. Major respect to all those that perform regularly. Sure is fun though.]

[ Hibiki settles back with her pancakes and her ice cream tea (ice tea-m?) to enjoy the show. It's a good thing she'd made headway with the pancakes before the performance started, however, because once the singing and dancing begin, her eyes are riveted, taking it all in. She is nothing if not an attentive audience.

And her expression betrays nothing. All around her, people join in the cheers - be it verbally or signing - getting into the fun, visibly having a good time. But the Prince sits in silence. She simply absorbs the spectacle before her. All aspects. This is genius at work. This is her style. And that fixed gaze is extra attentive upon Ginia.

There is, ah, one drawback to being this intent upon making personal assessment of others' abilities one's Style, however. Does this show happen to, um,

"nya"? ]

Look! It's a meteor shower of joy!
Let's watch the sky together.
Take my hand (oh no, I'm blushing!)
We'll go on a journey together, you and me!

1-2-3 count the stars with me!
4-5-6 sparkling joy with every star!
Hearts singing together!
Shooting through the sky on a rocket of amore!

[Thankfully, no.]

[ ....SHE MAY LIVE.

Hibiki is absorbed enough in watching the performance that she doesn't give too overt a reaction to the word "amore" popping up in this song, either. She simply snorts, then settles back to watch the rest of the presentation.

She'll leave all her satisfaction inside her mind, where a million purple flowers are blooming in a sunlit valley, thank you very much.

...Her ice cream is melting into her tea. ]

Edited 2019-03-02 14:11 (UTC)

[The song comes to an end. Ginia strikes a pose, freezing her smile and trying not to breathe too heavily as the audience cheers, applauds, and waves their lightsticks. The rush of adrenaline fading leaves her feeling a bit tired but smile, smile! She keeps a smile going as they all leave the stage, exhaling heavily once she's in the safety of a kitchen.

After a glass of water, she's out making the rounds and checking on her customers. After taking pictures with her guests, ringing out their checks, and bringing out a few drink orders, she finally makes it back to Hibiki's table.

Well?]

A record deal remains beyond this establishment, I'm afraid.

[ ...When did this become a cream tea? Ah well. Hibiki sips it, now that it is sippable. She has deigned to make more leeway on her pancakes, as well. (She is leaving the crown part for last.) ]

But, as a brightening of the atmosphere to complement the fare served, it's palatable.

[ There are no trumpets sounding as the Prince gives her judgment. Not even as an illusion.

Feel free to imagine them, all the same. This is that majestic a moment. ]

[Praise is praise, especially from a god of performance. Ginia smiles and bows her head at Hibiki, waving over another maid for quick translating.]

Glad you were entertained! Is there anything else you would like? Don't forget you can have your picture taken as a memory of your visit!

A-3

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hibiki vs straws is a tfs running gag dating back to her very first day here

I love it

she asked her first shinki for tea and received a...bottle and a bendy straw...

RIP Hibiki

rip...

Or should that be RIPri

what is "rip" but just "pri" rearranged, also 1/2

2/2

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