diatu | [ADVENTURE] Sellout Crowd

[ADVENTURE] Sellout Crowd

Who: Takane Shijou (

sorewatopsecret ) and you!
When: February 18th; Various Times
Where: Corastra Hall
What: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a famed musician in town at an affordable price is upon us! However, upon arrival, a devastating discovery is made...!?
Style: I'm starting with prose, but I'll follow your lead!
Status: Open!

Takane Shijou was determined. If she had been whisked away from Japan for an indeterminate amount of time, then she'll attempt to accomplish her mission here in the meanwhile, and become a public figure of some sort. However, knowing that this was a completely different world with its own social dynamics, she could not just suddenly throw around the song and dances she's been trained to do. No... She will need to collect more information and gain insight. But how?

It when she catches wind of some rumors regarding one Myala Mxyawtna, a seemingly famed musician, and the fact that she's throwing a surprise concert for tonight only, Takane knew. This was her biggest chance to conduct some research into the musical tastes of this world, and use it to build her own name as an entertainer here, and most importantly... to gauge the competition and hills she'll need to surmount.However, such events were best enjoyed with the company of others, therefore...

Whether you were send a overly stuffy letter of invitation from Takane or happened to be passing by Coastra Hall, you'll find the silver-haired young woman, now sufficiently warm in a black overcoat, pacing around in front of a suspiciously uncrowded ticket box. She's unusually frazzled, a large contrast to the calm and collected demeanor that some have come to familiarize themselves with.

"It is most terrible... My goodness, how could this have happened!?" Her voice is strained with distress and disproportionate melodrama as she now directs her strides towards you. "My esteemed peer, I beseech you! Pray tell, advise me on what I must do...!"

((ooc: Feel free to join into one thread, or interact with Takane separately. I can handwave them as multiple attempts for her to gain advice at different times throughout the day, and you can either aid her or try to discourage her, the latter of which will lead to her and your character doing something else in town for CR building purposes. Since we're limited to one roll per month, I will only allow one person to make an attempt at getting into the concert, which I'll determine from talking it out OOC/how the thread is going/both.))

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Tenn does wish he could have dressed more suitably for this event. Low prices do not excuse a poor impression. Since the t-shirt he arrived in is hardly fitting, and his uniform may be too presumptuous, he settles on bundling into the winter wear given to him by the school and hoping it is at least reasonably in fashion.

And he arrives exactly on time. (Goliath also thought this excursion was an excellent idea. He is cooperative, at times.) So there's another frosty-haired youth joining her at the ticket counter with a perplexed expression while he tries to puzzle out her reaction. Ah.

"You didn't get tickets beforehand." Tenn surmises, and he can’t entirely withhold his judgmental tone even in the presence of a distressed lady. "It didn't occur to you they would sell out early?"

Takane had actually gotten here quite early... Way early. At first, she merely thought that the box office had not opened yet, and wandered off to occupy time while waiting... With the idea never occurring that she should check the signs or wait and be the first in line. In fact, the rather rare and exaggerated expression of shock as she flinches makes it fairly obvious that no, it had not even remotely occur to her that the tickets would sell out early. Though she is not particularly offended or bothered by being judged for her absentmindedness, she's baffled because the very concept was new and worst of all... made sense.

"My goodness!" Somehow, a completely mundane foresight of common people is a complete epiphany to her. Composing herself, her usual decorum starts to return, though her distress and guilt still remain, her gaze averting. "I do apologize for my ignorance. I confess, despite being a lover and partaker of stage shows since I was a child, I've never quite exactly... bought tickets by myself before."

Tenn had hoped his guess was wrong, having assumed from the tone of the letter that she was already in possession of tickets. But he'd seen that look of despair outside of venues before. And while understandable from those new to show business, the idea of being produced into the entertainment world yet not educated in something as mundane as ticket sales was almost as foreign as this island itself. Hence, he favors her with skepticism. She must be a very new cadet indeed.

"I see." Much as he is her opposite in his cool poise, he can feel the disappointment keenly. "These types of events are often sold out days before opening. Sometimes months." He informs as tactfully as he can, though it comes out sounding brittle. "It is unusual for tickets to be sold the day of a concert, especially for a popular artist. They must have gone quickly."

A bizarre concept, yet the truth was stranger than fiction. As spacey as she is, Takane could pick up on that disappointment and subtle Judgment from her companion, and she is certain. Certain that she has, indeed, messed up. How terrible, being a highly popular idol only served to make this even more inexcusable...

"Please excuse the inconvenience I have caused from my ignorance," her guilt is genuine, even turning her head away in shame, but she delivers her apology in a steeled voice. Though she lost her cool for a moment, it wouldn't be productive if she continued to panic. "It was the Lord and Lady of the Shijou estate who would see to the arrangements in the past... And once I had joined my production company, nary had I the time to enjoy live productions. I am ashamed that despite long training my mind and body for being an idol, yet remained ignorant to something so crucial. I shall take this experience to heart and build upon the appreciation I already carry for the fans who put the effort to attending my Lives."

A bizarre place to have what amounts to a highly professional reflection that erupted from a senior scolding his junior in the industry, but at least she's taking it with grace. This really wasn't the time for it, though, and Takane does have an idea. Her eyebrows furrow slightly, a determined and extremely serious expression on her face as her hands grip the fabrics on the sides of her coat.

"... However, it is of utmost importance to me that my eyes lay witness upon this performance, and I cannot bring myself to acquiesce from just this setback. Moreover, I am expecting additional company," she steps forward, closer to him as if coercing, her eyes blazing with quiet persistence as she looks up at him. "Tenn, there must be another means of getting ourselves into the concert hall, if we are to think from the exterior of the crate."

She means think outside of the box. It's highly apparent she's inexperienced with modern idioms as well.

Taking responsibility seems to ease her companion’s tension; his judgment flickers in light of this new information. Several thoughts had occurred after the conversation on the airship: that she was unwell as a child, that she was from an isolated and remote place… but thinking back on her manner and the penmanship of the letter, yes, it’s reasonable that she came from a place of high standing. It makes choosing the life of performer hard to imagine and more peculiar.

Though it doesn’t excuse her production company for keeping her in such ignorance. Training in the basics of their business, from social media management to ticket sales, is imperative. The teamwork to build every performance means everyone should know what happens at each stage. It is because of that they are able to manage setbacks with grace and adjust to sudden changes. Depriving one’s talent of that knowledge is a detriment he’s witnessed more than once.

Tenn does not draw back, meeting her tenacity with straight-backed attentiveness. Exterior of the crate…? Then his eyes narrow as he recognizes what is being asked. Certainly, he can think of several ways to get in. But that’s not the point here, is it? Shows do not exist to spoil anyone who desires them. There are reasons these systems are in place, why they ask fans to cooperate, and why they wait for long hours to meet each other. This is a structure that supports everyone in bringing a concert to life. If her company has not conveyed this to her… it is best she learn it now.

He returns her insistence with conviction, intensity restrained only by his low tone. "You don't understand the lengths fans go through to see performances, and the efforts of those who set up concerts, do you? Ordering tickets in advance, arriving early, and standing in line... these are done as part of the event to support the artist and staff. That you are asking to bypass this process is disrespectful to both yourself and the fans who come to see you."

Those cat-like eyes narrow in severity as he pulls on her previous words. "If you wish to 'take this experience to heart', then accept it. Understand that what you are feeling now is something our fans feel as well. You know something about them you didn’t before, and you understand how to serve them better in the future. You are here to learn, aren’t you?"

Takane doesn't quite feel like giving up on this opportunity, and she defiantly continues to stare at him for a good moment. The intense aura these two idols exude at this time much resemble those classical portraits of a tiger fighting a dragon----

Ultimately though, she relents, gaze lowering. This strict, but reasonable chiding... It reminded her a bit of the steward who had raised her in her adoptive parents' stead, and perhaps it was that for reason she doesn't further push the suggestion.

"I understand," she responds stiffly, trying to push back her own disappointment and embarrassment with the sheer force of will stemming from her refined upbringing. "Please excuse my moment of impulsiveness. It was unbecoming of me."

Though it's fairly obvious that she is strongly dejected by the turn of events, and being unable to change it.

"Then, as apology for inadvertently wasting your time, please allow us to skip directly to treating you. The cafe is but a short walk away, in a shopping district," she steps back, gesturing towards that general direction. "It would appear that the area is having some sort of promotion for patrons that visit in pairs, for some reason."

There are few people in the known universe who can win a stare down with Tenn Kujo, especially when the honor of idols and fans across Japan is at stake; Tenn will maintain that glare all day if he has to. He can’t back down knowing the consequences. How he would feel if someone turned up at one of Trigger's concerts without having gone through the proper channels... that disrespect towards his fans is not something he could allow to slide. He won’t allow the same towards Myala Mxyawtna, either.

But at her dignified response, Tenn presses no further, breaking his intense focus. He refrains from saying anything to her apology. Checking his own frustration, he still casts a glance towards the Corastra Hall; it really is a magnificent venue and has a good reputation from what he's heard. He wants to visit it, see the hall and stage, but... another time. The café will get their attention off the matter.

There's a flicker of concern in his furrowed brow, an instant where his training asserts itself in the firm demand that he cannot be seen accompanying a girl in public; and Tenn quickly corrects it. He is not a public figure here, and this is not a date. It’s no different than when his associates from other talent groups invite him out. Keeping that in mind, he joins her with the casual air of someone out to lunch with a classmate.

"The wizards and students of Valhudor hold a long-standing relationship with Corastra Hall." He reminds her as they walk. "There will be opportunities for us to enter in the future as part of our classes."

For once, Takane actually carried social awareness regarding her offer to buy him dessert. True, were this to have happened in Japan, there would surely be some sort of misunderstanding that would probably lead to a scandal in the works. She's no stranger to that---Though she had turned it around to where it instead further boosted her popularity, Takane's lack of awareness did lead to a paparazzi publishing a rather fiery article far in the past. However, she's one step ahead in terms of explaining it away; Even before she had sent him the invitation, Takane had come to the conclusion that since their fame from home did not follow them to this world, then they would be seen as nothing more than classmates exploring their new surroundings. In summary, she considered the possibility of it being an issue, but decided it was not a cause for concern.

And so they continue their evening stroll to the rumored cafe, keeping pace with each other, the situation a bit awkward to maintain conversation... That is, until Tenn speaks up about future opportunities to see the inside of the Hall. Takane blinks, surprised at the slight reassurance, but a subtle smile warms on her face, and she's ready to respond, but---

As they enter the shopping district, something catches the corner of her eye, and Takane turns her head to get a better look. A modest street stand, with something that vaguely resembled those garapon prize lottery wheels back in Japan, albeit being a very different shape in the form of a 6-pointed star. And the grand prize... two tickets to the surprise Myala Mxyawtna concert. And even more importantly, a very short line. Quickly, her hand reaches out to tug at the end of Tenn's sleeve as she halts her pace.

"Tenn, look," she speaks with subtle excitement laced in her voice, despite the intense look on her face. While Takane knows it's rude to point, she at least has faith he would follow her gaze.

Silence is quite all right with Tenn; he has no desire to fill it, and in fact, little to say without work to talk about. His gaze wanders to take in the unfamiliar streets, and even in this strange place, he recalls another stroll to a café only a few weeks ago. His brother had dragged him the whole way there by the arm, as if Tenn might wander off if he did not. That memory is sharp when his sleeve is tugged, and Tenn immediately follows her pointing hand.

But the sleeve Takane caught shifts as Tenn holds out a hand to give her pause. "Wait." He scans the scene; even in another world, there are some things that are common sense to look and listen for. His arm draws back only as he recognizes the uniforms of other students and wizards in the area.

"It seems reputable." He looks askance to her face, knowing what he’s going to find; as much as she schooled her reaction, the excitement was clear enough in her gestures. While he doesn’t share it, he can think of few objections.

"You will probably pull a packet of tissues with an advertisement, you know." He suggests mildly, without the previous discouragement. Then a sigh because he does – or will – owe her for the meal. "If the price is reasonable, I'll draw as well."

And he’ll conveniently fail to mention that luck in lotteries runs in his family.

Seeing the implication that he wasn't all that opposed to drawing in the lottery, Takane's expression can't help but brighten considerably. In fact, it's reminiscent of a child being permitted into a toy store.

"The risk-benefit ratio is skewed in a way that we lose more were we not to make at least one attempt," she responds, indicating that yes, she's sure. She really wants to see this performance, and if she isn't allowed the risk involved with sneaking in, then she'll risk receiving a pack of tissues. "Tenn Kujo. Opportunities are multiplied as they are seized."

Rather overly intense, to apply Sun Tzu's teachings of war philosophy to something as mundane as a prize lottery. However, graceful and poised as she usually was, Takane always did have a habit of being surprisingly melodramatic at inappropriate times. She wastes no time in claiming a place in line, having enough faith that Tenn would follow that she doesn't even look back. The twinkling aura of anticipation that practically radiates from her doesn't let up as they wait, despite patiently keeping her straight and practiced perfect posture.

It's a miracle that she doesn't immediately jump once they're face to face with the elderly gentleman running the booth. The attempt was free, which would be nice... however, even in this reality, that means there were catches. The first being that there was only one attempt per party, and while it wasn't outright stated by the old man, common sense dictated that there was a low chance of drawing the grand prize. However, that doesn't deter Takane.

On impulse, she reaches for the lottery box's handle to give it a whirl, but her hand stops just as her fingertips were nearly brushing against it, almost as if receiving a static shock. And instead, she turns her head towards Tenn, turning her palm upward as if presenting the lottery box to him.

"... Please."

Seeing the enthusiasm finally surface on her features, she does look too much like someone he knows for comfort. (Even if she can back up her eagerness more shrewdly. Though isn't quoting a war general going a bit too far?)

"That remains to be seen. Every lottery is different, after all." And yet, his voice stays close as he trails after her into the line. Tenn watches the rolls ahead of them; as expected, the tokens yield nothing of note. A free lottery for a valuable prize... those odds can only be low. Regarding his classmate, he senses Takane has no concept of this. It may be due to a sheltered upbringing, or she could have the strength and discipline to choose to be excited regardless of the outcome. The first he had his doubts about, but the second is a favorable trait in an idol.

Tenn is prepared to step aside when the request catches him by surprise. He responds first with raised eyebrows. Isn’t it a bit late to get cold feet? Logically, his draw can’t be better or worse. But he has no reason to decline, and he did offer. As much as he acts deliberately nonchalant about the whole thing, there’s a pull on his lips in the hint of a smirk. It’s a good opportunity to test his luck.

His hand is steady as he gives the curiously-shaped machine a whirl.

Sunset has finally started her journey of discovery. What an interesting town! She isn't quite a professional in the music business, it's just a hobby, but she's always interested in learning about the magic of music.

She'd arrived somewhat earlier and made the same discovery.

"Oh, hey! I guess you couldn't get a ticket either?"

((ooc: Not going to make the attempt, Sunset wants to talk about other things if that's okay?))

Takane, accepting defeat, is rather down on the dumps, so to speak. She wrings the hem of her coat in her hands, her sullen gaze downwards, as if a child who was barred from going into a candy store.

"I'm afraid so... What to do... It was rather important to me that I spectate."

"Because the music was really good, right? And we could've learned more about how it's combined with music?"

Just a guess. Sunset sits beside her. "Hey, don't worry. I'm sure we'll have another chance. And maybe by then we'll have learned more about the magic of music in school, so we can appreciate it better?"

"I suppose that's one of the advantages to it," Takane replies, not quite providing a clear answer on her intentions. Takane looks up, sullenly watching the sky. "I do wonder if I will be able to grasp the answers I seek with continued lessons, as a student of Valhudor."

"Answers about...magic? Or music? I'm not in Valhudor, but I love performing! I'm pretty excited about our classes."

She stretches, grinning up at the sky. "Or is it something else?"

"It's just a concert, what's the big deal?" Hel assumed this sundered was upset about the show being sold out, but it could be something entirely different. Maybe she shouldn't have casually dismissed the other's distress, I mean she had seen first hand how crazy some people became in Midgard whenever Miku, Rin and the other vocaloids threw a concert though their visits to her dimension were infrequent. She looked curiously to the marquee but it wasn't a name she recognized.

"If it's that important to you- maybe you can convince someone to give you their ticket."

Edited 2019-02-14 05:38 (UTC)

It's quite fortunate that Hel provided a helpful suggestion on a possible course of action, because asking Takane Shijou on how much of a big deal any stage show is ill-advised. That is, unless one really wanted a ten-minute sermon about the very reasons why the performing arts were an important influence on culture and such.

"I see, employing my honed skills of persuasion and charisma," she nods with understanding, though a thought occurs to her. "In other words, I must employ what they call a 'scam' or 'mugging'. Much as I am loathe to employ such unsavory methods, it is of utmost importance that I am witness to this event..."

Takane no.

A person in trouble! Orisa knew precisely what she must do: offer what help and aid she could!

To the alarm of those nearby, the huge combat omnic stomped forward to meet the girl halfway. "You seem distressed. How may I aid you?"

... What is this mystifying thing. Well, they do seem friendly enough, and Takane isn't so impolite as to show outright confusion at such an unfamiliar presence. She tries her best to compose herself, clasping her hands together over her lap.

"I am not quite sure if 'aid' would be a possible course of action..." she replies hesitantly. "I was intent on partaking in this surprise performance at this very building, yet... Somehow, despite arriving hours earlier, I am unable to gain entry. It appears that the tickets have already sold out."

Orisa assumed no one would bothered by her presence or appearance. Everyone knew the Sundered were different in many ways, right?

"That is a shame," Orisa said, her eyes narrowing down to slits as her quad eyeshields flicked closer together. "Surely there must be an alternative!"

An alternative? Hm, yes, perhaps it would be best to put creativity to use... Takane averts her gaze a moment, in order to wrack her brain.

"Alternative..." She repeats the word absently, as if it would be a catalyst to an onslaught of ideas. "Perhaps if there was a way to sneak in..."

A sensible and mature robot would probably stop this train of thought immediately.

Orisa still has a lot to learn.

"There must be an alternative access somewhere!"

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[ADVENTURE] Sellout Crowd

Arriving at the time she specified in their correspondence

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And despite having an easy way to sneak in, alas…

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it's ok!!!

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Randomly wandering by the hall

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