thefarshore | Deux ♔ Heaven’s BBS ♔ Video

Entry tags:

Deux ♔ Heaven’s BBS ♔ Video

[ I. Sparkling Knight ]

Posted: June 21
From: Anonymous

[ It’s the most peculiar thing. Without anyone’s willing it, or any clicks on the thread topic, a window pops up on the BBS of its own accord.

At first, there’s just static. Then, a countdown, grainy and jittery on the screen:

Followed by…darkness. Pure, unadulterated darkness, for several seconds more. The darkness lingers, undisturbed and silent, for several seconds, and is interrupted only by - a voice. It’s not yelling, it’s not whispering. It’s simply speaking, as if you and it are sharing an intimate moment together. It’s a sultry, deep voice. Regal, too. ]

Stellar nurseries. Cradles in the darkness of forsaken galaxies. Nestled to their bosom, a single gleam is born.

[ A flicker of golden light flashes in the center of the screen, then twinkles out. ]

To this world deprived of true radiance - appearing, lo, now on stage.

[ A trail of purple sparkles and rose petals streams through the darkness. ]

A new era dawns.

[ Lights up! Music up, immediately - the ringing of bells, the sounding of trumpets.

And the show begins. ]

Watch on YouTube

[ Lyrics are here. ]

[ When the performance is finished, the lights go down again, replaced by a sign written in ornate letters, with a sunburst in the corner: CELEPARA TALENT AGENCY, by SHIKYOIN HIBIKI. NOW SCOUTING.

And then the video switches itself off. But don’t worry. As Hibiki's very first boon to the world as a god, it's listed on a message board.

You can watch it as many times as you want. ]

[ II. Private to Natsuru, Felicia, & Maria - From Apollo ]

[ Hibiki’s sitting at a desk with a laurel pattern on a door behind her. She’s got her crown of golden laurels tucked behind her ears, too, except instead of wearing her usual purple jacket and trousers, she’s wearing a business suit. ]

Senou Natsuru. Felicia. [ A pause. ] Maria Cadenzavna Eve.

I have something to discuss with all of you. Please accept my invitation.

[ And Hibiki sends along a little attachment. It’s a purple envelope with a pink heart on it that shows you a fancy invitation if you click on it. Apparently she wants you all to stop by this afternoon.

Also, since the “paper” the invitation appears on is monogrammed, it looks like Hibiki took the time to program this herself. ]

I await your presence.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[While Maria is only really here for as long as it will take for the inevitable offer to be made and Maria to turn it down as politely as she can, she does start slightly when she realises that Hibiki's planning to talk to them together. It could make things a little more awkward than Maria would have liked them to be.

Still, she covers the moment with a slight smile.]

Now I really don't have an excuse for having been late. [Since Natsuru lives in the same temple and all.]

[Natsuru looks up from where she'd been glancing over the books in the room after her impromptu dance practice session, unaware that Hibiki's been observing her reactions to the room that had been set up for her. She steps through the door, clearly surprised to see Maria there too.]

Ah! Maria-sama...

[Yep. Hibiki's not the only '-sama' in her life. Though the reason for this one is very different.]

I didn't know you were here already!

[ Wait, they know....And Maria's a....

Well, Hibiki can't blame Natsuru. If she weren't Shikyoin Hibiki, and therefore a Celebrity with equal or potentially talents to Maria's, she'd "-sama" her too.

She smiles. ] It seems introductions will be unnecessary.

[ She has no idea. ]

[It's pretty clear from that reaction that Hibiki doesn't know their relationship, and Maria looks rather amused for a moment before she decides it's a good time to clear up the confusion anyway.]

I only just got here, actually. I must have made you wait a little while, even if we came the same distance. [At that, she turns her attention to Hibiki with a slight smile.]

Natsuru is my shinki, so if she got here in good time, as I said, I don't have much of an excuse.

Well... I didn't even think about both of us coming to the same place...

[She's a little embarrassed about this now. She could have checked with Maria and they could have come together. But Natsuru was so thrilled to be invited by Hibiki again, she just... came right over.]

[ ....her shinki? Then, the one who calls that name she'd seen...

Hibiki allows herself a moment to absorb this information, let it stop echoing in her head. She allows herself a second moment to enjoy it, as it has pleasing implications.

Within these moments, she permits herself exactly two blinks. ]

[ Then she lifts a hand welcomingly. The gracious host. ] I'll cut straight to the point. Natsuru. Maria.

[ Standing, she makes contact with each of them at their names. ] I want you to join the CelePara Talent Agency. You possess the radiance necessary to realize my dream.

[ Well, Maria does. And Natsuru....Natsuru is barely fledged. But what will she be like when she's flying? What else does her body remember that her brain forgot? It's worth the experiment. ]

Please consider this your formal invitation.

[In hopes of alleviating some of that embarrassment, Maria gives a light smile.] It's fine. I'll just have to be a little quicker next time.

[For now, though, she needs to focus on this time, and with Hibiki asking the question she's been expecting since she got here comes Maria's expression becoming a little more serious. There is something faintly apologetic about it too, but the main element of it is resolve. Even if Natsuru chooses to take the invitation, Maria will stick with the decision she made from the start, and she bows slightly as if to show some respect for the invite before having to reject it.]

I appreciate the offer, I assure you, but I'm already associated with the other talent agency operating here. With Sheryl gone, it can't run without its industry professional.

[Maria is so good for Natsuru. She's completely reassured by her god's lighthearted response. Perhaps it was a bit hasty, rushing off to see Hibiki like that. But maybe it's not something to get too hung up over?

It prepares her well for the sudden emotional whiplash (for her) of Hibiki's request. ... 'Radiance'?! Her?! She knew Hibiki was already offering to help her train as an idol, but being asked to join a talent agency in the same breath as someone like Maria?! She knows she's not that qualified! And so does Hibiki... yet she's still inviting her. She must see something there already, as much as that sounds too good to be true.

This is the part where she'd usually stammer, and blush, and start to find modest excuses to decline. But her heart swells at the thought of continuing to study under Hibiki in an actual talent agency.]

Really...? Join... as an idol?

[Did Maria even know Hibiki had awakened this desire in her shinki? If she didn't, she does now!]

I'd love to!

[There was no way any other answer was going to happen. And she glances over to Maria briefly, before looking away in clear embarrassment. She'd just seen how enthusiastically Natsuru had accepted the offer, and who knows how obvious it is how captivated she is by Hibiki? Certainly not her! Still, she really admires Maria too, and it bothers her a bit that they'll be working with different agencies if this moves forward.]

Um... I'm not a professional, obviously. But I'll do my best...

[ As expected. Hibiki's smile for Maria is understanding, but also somewhat smug - like she knows something Maria doesn't. It's fine, this smile says. She can wait. She knows where you belong, and she knows your heart won't be able to resist forever.

Hibiki has time. When the outcome of a situation is inevitable, what's the point in hurrying?

She inclines her chin, not quite a nod, to Maria in response, voicing what she's already made clear by expression alone: ] I understand.

[ Then, turning to Natsuru, she smiles. ] I'm honored. Welcome to my Celebrity Paradise.

[ Again, not worried about the Natsuru's-an-amateur thing even slightly, it seems. Maria will certainly join CelePara. Natsuru will certainly develop under Hibiki's tutelage. ] Would you both care for refreshments? I hate to have summoned you for such a simple conversation.

[ She doesn't, actually. But she does want to show them what a great deal joining up with her is. And maybe observe more of this god-shinki dynamic. The more she knows about Natsuru and Maria, the better she can foster them as idols.

...this will prove vexing, though, if they ever formally compete. Her idols mingling with the competition during their downtime is one thing, but should a tournament ever be called and Natsuru go up against Maria, she'll have to have Natsuru stay in her temple for a while. Tournaments are serious endeavors, requiring strict sequestering.

In the meantime, well, this too is Entertainment. ]

[That smug element in Hibiki's smile doesn't sit well with Maria, and her eyes narrow very faintly when she notices it, almost as if in challenge. While she respects Hibiki's ability well enough, it's also clear she's the kind of person who's used to having things go her way. Maria knows the type, and it's not the kind of person she wants to allow to keep going in that sort of complacency.

However, she can't question Natsuru's choice to join, if that's what makes her happy. Her gaze slips away from Hibiki as Natsuru makes that awkward glance over, offering her shinki a slight, but reassuring smile.]

I think something like this will be good for you, Natsuru. I hope you enjoy it. [The softness to her tone says no hard feelings, though the thought of potentially competing with her isn't the most reassuring one either. It would feel a little rude to come down on her like that.

It takes a moment for Maria to decide whether it would be ruder to linger after having rejected the invitation, or to also reject the invitation for refreshments. It can't hurt to see how Hibiki treats Natsuru, though, if she's planning to leave her to this talent agency, so she bows her head politely.]

If you don't mind.

[Natsuru is completely oblivious to how her god and her newly-official boss (agent? manager?) are observing each other's dynamic with her. Maria's reassurance helps too, and she doesn't feel so upset about working under different banners as long as Maria is okay with it.]

Thank you...

[She nods to Hibiki and Maria in turn, thanking them each for the sentiments expressed about her decision. Rushed and impulsive as it was. As for Hibiki's offer to stay for refreshments, though... she immediately turns to Maria.]

Please? Can't we both stay a while?

[Whether she's looking to her for permission or just pleading with Maria to stay even though she turned Hibiki down is debatable. But as much as she'd love any time she gets alone with Hibiki, she wants Hibiki and Maria to get along too! ~~Mom, please approve of her crush.~~]

It would be my pleasure.

[ Said to put them both at ease. Hibiki comes out from behind the desk to lead them into the hallway, not taking her eyes from them for a moment. Interesting. They're - familial, almost. Maria Cadenzavna Eve, every inch the mother her name portends...

This will be a diverting competition.

If either of them, especially Natsuru, catches her looking at them, she'll smile that Private Smile. This way, please. ]

[Though Maria had been planning to stay for this much anyway, Natsuru's obvious eagerness for her to do so on top of that gets her a somewhat indulgent smile.]

Of course. I'm not so rude that I'd walk out just with that. [There's no reason not to observe niceties even if they will be with opposing agencies from this point on. And, of course, it serves to show her the kind of relationship Natsuru and Hibiki have.

Hibiki's polite answer gets an incline of the head from Maria, appreciative that she isn't making a big deal out of the refusal. As soon as they start heading anywhere, Maria will follow willingly.]

[Natsuru is positively dazzled by Hibiki. That much should be obvious, whether or not Maria picks up on the fact that it's a full-blown crush. She still doesn't want to force Maria into anything, but she's so thrilled that her god is willing to stay and visit!

Her smile holds, while she happily follows along with Hibiki. Occasionally, she'll glance around at the temple, taking in the sights. The novelty of this place hasn't worn off for her quite yet, although it's growing more and more familiar.

She blushes when her eyes meet Hibiki's, and she catches that smile.]

Um, had you not met each other before? I thought, since you're both idols and you've been here a while already, you'd at least have met...

[It's still not quite sinking in that she's an idol now too. She doesn't have the experience to match them yet, but it's been made as official as it can get for now.]

Destiny has intertwined our paths on a few occasions.

[ That smile gets flashed briefly at Maria to indicate how enjoyable those occasions had been.

She holds open the next door, as well. ] Help yourselves.

[ Someone has blabbed, Maria. That, or Hibiki is an uncannily lucky guesser. ~~(It's the latter.)~~

There is a full buffet of fancy food in here. ]

[As they walk, Maria looks around the temple as well, though with a much less impressed air than Natsuru. She's definitely not outright cold about it, but there's somewhat of an attitude of having seen greater things than this. Then again, when one's business involves relics and their hiding places, that does lead to some interesting locations being turned up. Compared to those, the temple seems a little overdone.

Nonetheless, when Hibiki answers Natsuru's question for her, Maria nods a little in agreement.]

We've met a few times before, yes. It's been interesting. [That is definitely one word for it.

Walking past Hibiki and through the held-open door, Maria pauses briefly at the sight of the open buffet. She really shouldn't be letting herself go like that in front of other people...but it has also been a while since she's done it at all.]

...That's quite a spread. [She still sounds entirely composed about the matter, though.]

[Natsuru is oblivious to Maria's attitude towards this place. Or, if she's not, she finds it completely understandable that someone like Maria would be less dazzled by such things. She thought Maria's temple was equally impressive in its own way, before living there sort of dulled her reactions. This place has not lost its novelty, but its connection to Hibiki is the main thing. She still blushes and glances away shyly almost every time her eyes meet their host's.

Natsuru's more obviously surprised at the buffet, as well. Her eyes widen, and she even clasps her hands together.]

Wow! You had all of this prepared...?

[She is stunned! This is really going the extra mile for 'refreshments' after inviting them to join her agency!]

It's the least I could do.

[ Hibiki picks up a plate herself, and a napkin. Look! She even knows how to use salad tongs! Herself! (Ando would shed a proud tear.) ]

Please, enjoy to your hearts' content.

[ And have as much as you like, is the implication. Should either of you have large appetites. You've already both been found worthy, so there's no further judgment here. ]

[While Maria is still keeping a bit of an eye on how Natsuru and Hibiki interact here, at the invitation, she gives a slight bow out of politeness.]

Thank you. [Without further hesitation, she picks up a plate herself and starts moving around the table, handling the various utensils and food with expected finesse.

That also goes for her plate, because even though Maria doesn't seem to have quite noticed how much she's picking up, that pile of food is starting to get improbably high.]

Thank you...

[Her own expression of gratitude is, of course, tinted with the modesty of a girl who truly does not believe that she's worthy of the attention Hibiki keeps giving her. Presumably, she's also already aware of how Maria's appetite could get, and doesn't think anything of Hibiki noticing such a thing.

For Natsuru's part, her portions are a little more controlled. She eats a pretty normal amount for a girl her height and build, though she seems to go for a few more sweets than one might expect for someone so slender. She had never gotten around to having any of the snacks in the room Hibiki set up for her, so she's probably having some similar things now too.]

Oh, and thank you for... everything else too, Hibiki-sama! You didn't have to set up that whole room just for me to wait in...

[Did Maria know about that yet? Because she's going to now.]

[ ...Watching Maria, Hibiki's getting flashbacks to how Lux first caught her eye. The ladies here all have such - robust appetites.

With that in mind, she selects a pastry for Natsuru and places it on the girl's plate for her, smiling. Careful to always meet Natsuru's eyes. ] Not just to wait. That room is yours to use as you wish.

[ A slight tilt of her head. ] After all, we'll be seeing a lot of each other, won't we?

[ Natsuru is getting the full light show. This is the sort of thing mothers usually warn their daughters about. ]

[While Maria does try to keep her appetite to herself when she can, it's a lot harder when she's living with someone, so Natsuru probably has seen bits and pieces of it come through. For the moment, though, she seems to have reached the limits of what her plate can reasonably hold, and instead chooses to sit down for the moment, pick up some utensils and start working her way through it all.

As she does, she eyes Natsuru and Hibiki's exchange with a certain attentive air to her. It does seem like Hibiki's been treating Natsuru well, judging by how Natsuru's acting around her, but she'd like to be entirely sure of that herself.

It's a bit of a shameless display from Hibiki, as far as Maria's concerned, but for the most part, she just looks amused. Natsuru could probably use more of this kind of attention.]

Just don't forget the way home.

[Mothers usually warn their daughters, but Natsuru wouldn't remember even if hers did. Of course Hibiki selected one of her favorites for her, something that she'd eyed furtively for perhaps half of a second before deciding that taking more in front of Hibiki would be too embarrassing. Now, though, she's only blushing because her eyes and Hibiki's never leave each other through the whole exchange.]

Ah... yeah.

[It's like she's just realizing how much time she's probably agreed to spend with Hibiki. And she is not upset about this development at all.

Maria's comment, on the other hand, makes that light flush in her cheeks turn a deep red as she snaps out of it a little. That's right... she's not alone with Hibiki here. She only felt that way for a few seconds just now! It's those eyes...]

O-Of course! I definitely won't be gone too much!

[She laughs nervously, as if she knows Maria must be teasing her but she still can't help getting flustered over it. Now seems like a good time to nibble on that pastry, as if she can somehow hide her face behind it.]

[ ....the young ladies of interest here in Heaven certainly are no strangers to gastronomy.

Hibiki also smiles at Maria's joke - less because it's funny and more because she's pleased at her own performance - and breaks eye contact, taking pity on Natsuru. She can captivate the girl at will. Maintaining it consistently is unnecessary.

Besides, observing the interplay between her new rival and her new protege is more interesting. ] You two truly haven't performed together?

[ Natsuru's uncanny muscle memory continues to tug at her. Natsuru has danced before. Hibiki is sure of it, because Hibiki's assessments are always right. Any time she's wrong has just been due to a lack of information.

Fortunately, she usually knows everything. ]

Deux ♔ Heaven’s BBS ♔ Video

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

no subject

no subject

translator's note: keikaku means plan

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

wrap soon?

yeah that's cool w/ me

works for me too!

(no subject)

(no subject)