2023-04-29: Happy Birthday, Ranka!
- Log: Happy Birthday, Ranka!
- Cast: Ranka Lee, Ruri Hoshino, Sheryl Nome, Gridman, Eight York, Leito Igaguri, Alto Saotome, Kaworu Nagisa, Lucine Azul, Rikka Takarada, Rei Ayanami, Alouette Pommier, Liam 7-020, Cascade Vermilion, Milly Ashford, Christina MacKenzie, Sousuke Sagara, Emilia Eschonbach
- Where: Frontier Fleet
- OOC - IC Date: April 29, 0097 (2023)
- Summary: It's Ranka's birthday--and also her debut concert as an idol following the premier of Bird Human. SPARKLE~! ☆
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
To those who haven't been to the Frontier Colony extensively before, they might be in for a treat. Stylized to look like Earth of the distant past, it has a gorgeous presentation that few other Colonies can match. The more cynical might assert it is because the Macross Colonies had enormous past investment, but it is a vision of what space habitation and colonization might have been like.
The streets are clean as enforced by tiny little bots that scoop up trash and deposit them properly, the street cars and rail offering transportation across the scenic route downtown with a view of a glittering sea. One would have to look up to realize they were on a Colony at all, to see the segmented struts that criss cross the false sky.
The linear rail to Tenkumon station tonight are packed to the point where one might feel like canned sardines. Step out of the station though, and you'll immediately see the concert venue.
Search lights flow across the segmented Colony Sky, amidst orange and purple dusk. Lights dotting the walkway with rotating advertisements of Ranka Lee's Birthday Debut Concert. Holograms flash into play showing an entirely animated chibi Ranka doing dance steps lining a jam packed walkway to the front of the venue.
It is an enormous concert hall with an eastern hip and gable roof style, two stylized dueling dragons alight the top, forelegs upon luminous orbs with engraved triangles. It looks like it will need to be, anticipation is at an all time high. Musical culture or perhaps deculture in the Colonies surrounds such events, the rise and fall of musicians and idols with a storied history containing such legendary figures as Lynn Minmay, Sharon Apple, Fire Bomber, and perhaps one of its greatest darlings - the Galactic Fairy, Sheryl Nome.
Tonight will make or break Ranka Lee, to see if she has what it takes to start her rise into becoming someone like them.
More advertisements flash, promising the release of her debut single the moment the concert ends, with limited editions available to concert goers containing a greater breadth of tracks with Ranka's covers of the songs of past Macross Idols. There's also the promise of a second single coming very soon. Various pop culture advertisements for Nergal Heavy Industries are tastefully woven in.
The soundtrack of Bird Human, which recently hit theaters is also on sale, as well as various merch that one expects from such concerts, T-Shirts, posters, and there's even a Osanshoo-san booth, which immediately took the opportunity to sponsor this idol who loves their product. However, perhaps the best selling product is a glowstick fashioned into a stylish pink heart, that concert goers understand may become part of a trend, if Ranka survives the night.
The inside of the concert hall itself is vast, wide open with rows of seats surrounding a semi circle stage that becomes a runway that allows the performer to walk, elevated out into the crowd. There are mezzanine like tiers elevated over the ground floor, each one over the last unto the cheap seats.
There are balconies for VIPs, and every single person invited on Ranka's behalf would be considered that, finding luxurious viewing booths awaiting them. The auditorium shines with a pale azure light that frames the audience as they wait for the beginning of the concert.
Christina MacKenzie teleports in.
<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.
On a wheelchair-accessible balcony, a girl has rolled into the crowd, though she can't see the elegance of the theatre. Nunnally Lamperouge's cheering, all bleeding into her glowing heart, will surely be twice as loud for all its focus.
The crowd itself is a little thinner, at one point, down in the generalist population. Yuliana Kafim, of course, isn't in the balconies -- but she has still come to see what Ranka is making of herself, now, in a long coat and dark glasses. Acquiring tickets was no object for her, despite not being given any. One might wonder where the teenager she's chaperoning is. It might be Shari! You don't know! Luckily, she's not here to cause trouble, because...
There's a young man who hasn't figured out the route to the balconies, though surely he'd be invited. Knight lurks amongst the people, and he watches them as closely as he watches the stage, in the noise before the scene. If something happened -- if Ranka cried out for help -- help would surely appear. He is a quiet fellow, stoic, but the energetic young office woman who's come with him has strung some merch about his neck regardless. (Nidaime, of course, has a glowing pink heart to wave about. She's his plus-one. Since when did he get a plus-one?!)
Meanwhile, again in a VIP balcony, sit two other very important guests. Ruri Hoshino is in a festive blue frilly dress with a Ranka-themed t-shirt pulled over it. A communication window, open beside her from where it's keying into her communicator, shows two little flags with hearts waving on a graphic. Omoikane is here, too.
Ruri, of course, has a hearty glowstick of her own; there's an Oshanshoo-san sitting on her lap, who has, of course, immediately become a great friend. Her legs swing, just so, below her seat. "Ranka-san's finally here," she reflects, with that same distance she enforces by borrowing from her Japanese. "... she's worked hard."
<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.
If the worst the cynical can say is that the Macross Colony Fleets had a big budget in the past, then the fleets are doing quite well indeed. It's not as though every fleet looks like a lush reflection of Earth; the Galaxy fleet, for example, had a much more austere, mechanized look. Sheryl would know, it being her home fleet.
For right now, Sheryl Nome admires the view of the concert hall from a spacious VIP balcony booth, legs folded as she seats herself at the front, dressed in one of her more casual outfits that involves a blue felt hat, a white blouse, a blue slow-skirted dress, and brown boots. Having invited Alto to join her, he'll be with her too, though where he seats himself is up to him. Grace and Brera are likewise in the booth, but they're both making themselves discreet, Grace smiling and politely greeting any special persons who join Sheryl, Brera scowling and keeping one eye on the door and one on the stage. No need to pay them much mind.
Especially for Alto. All considered.
"Nergal's really invested a lot in her," she comments to her companion. "A good investment, really. Bird Human really catapulted her into everyone's darling. Now it's up to her to keep riding that wave."
Base on her tone, though, it's clear Sheryl's confident she can do it.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
Starstruck.
In a word, Gridman's experience in the Frontier Colony. Starstruck.
"Is this some kind of dream?" Yellow eyes blink widely, watching a little robot scoop up some trash. "What? Do they do that all the time? Is this just for the concert?"
No one is around to answer his question. It's alright, though. He takes a video of the trash-robot and texts it to his comrades with the caption of "?!?"
Despite the crowded station, overwhelmingly-nice Colony, and cute (distracting) holograms, Gridman makes it to the concert hall. This is... really, really different from Sheryl's concert at the beach! For a moment, the young Hyper Agent feels overwhelmed, ducking into a quiet corner to catch his breath.
The Neon Genesis Junior High Students were so happy that he chose to go somewhere of his own volition. Akane would be happy, too. And Kaworu and Rei will be here any second! Gridman takes a breath, patting the sides of his face. He can do this!
Dressed in a casual pair of jeans, a red tank top, and a blue button-up shirt, Gridman is perhaps a little formal for a concert like this. But he had no idea a debut would be this packed! Looking good for your partners is very important.
As ever, a rough-hewn snowflake pendant hangs just beneath his collar bones.
Stepping out of his corner, Gridman nearly loses himself to the crush of excited concert-goers. With significant effort, he makes his way to the merch stalls. After staring at it for a moment, Gridman buys a small plushie from the Osanshoo-san booth. He's not quite sure what an Osanshoo-san is, but it's cute! That's good enough. Maybe Rei would want one? Gridman buys a second.
Oh, there's T-Shirts here. Maybe that's what you're supposed to wear? Grabbing a shirt and three of the cute heart glow sticks, Gridman wanders off to find a bathroom.
Moments later, he re-emerges, dressed now in a shirt loudly displaying Ranka's image and debut date. His other shirts are carefully rolled up and packed into his backpack. Thank goodness he brought it!
The tour shirt is much cooler. This was a good choice. Gridman fights his way to the designated meeting spot he, Kaworu, and Rei worked out. This is going to be so fun..! Now, to wait.
<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.
The venue is beautiful, of course. Bright and made, and while Eight is usually leery of such bright lights and loud noises, she is here anyway, in part thanks to Ruri's efforts. Ruri, of course, who is in one of the balconies, and so is she! Eight York is seated up here, too, happy to look to the data window for the moment and smiles. And then she looks to Ruri, who mentions Ranka...
"She really has," Eight agrees, and Lavnadim Orlodhari beside her inclines his head. "I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of her effort," he says. He is dressed in nice clothing for this, appropriate to a concert for someone who is slightly formal, though not a full Formal knid of affair. And Eight, instead, is wearing a drapy red dress, which does nothing to hide her pregnant belly at this point, which is more than obvious now. The balcony is nice; Eight appreciates not being out in the crowd for it herself.
"This is really nice," Eight comments.
<Pose Tracker> Leito Igaguri has posed.
Leito Igaguri remembers a girl. He shouldn't, they didn't talk much. But she had a pretty voice and was going to be a star someday. He could tell, and was rooting for her.
So when Ranka Lee's first concert tickets were up, he decided to buy them, despite saving for a new house. Three tickets, for him, his wife, and his daughter.
That was then. Now...
"Ah, Mayu, don't run off..." Leito is looking between merch booths, standing next to his wife Lumina, who's busy doing all the shopping.
Mayu is looking at EVERYTHING. A big girl, at least ten years old, she almost bumps straight into Gridman, before stopping. "Sorry, mister..."
Leito catches up, goes to profusely apologize, and then the recognition hits his eyes. "Ah, hello! A surprise to see you here...this is my daughter, Mayu. I apologize for her running, she has a lot of energy today..."
A thought hits him. "Waiting for someone? My wife is at the shop stalls as we speak. ...Ranka Lee sure has a beautiful voice, doesn't she?"
<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.
It's hard to believe that this day is here.
And it's not even his day!
Still, having met a completely unknown girl-at this very theatre too-over a year ago. And watching her advance her way up to stardom to the point of holding a concert in the largest hall in the fleet. It's a bit of a surreal feeling.
Sitting in a chair beside Sheryl in one of the VIP sections, Alto is wearing a slightly nicer set of shirt and pants than he usually goes for. He nods in agreement with Sheryl's comment, "I'm actually a little surprised that they're going this far for a debut. Maybe they know a sure thing when they see it?" The number of people already crowding the large hall's seats are testament to this."
Alto does turn his head to look at Sheryl for a moment, saying, "I imagine this is a bit of a novel experience for you too? Not being the one on stage, for once." Alto is of course aware of the times Sheryl has judged competitions that involve singing. But to be an actual audience member? He doubts her busy schedule allows that very often.
<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.
If this concert is leagues apart from Sheryl's beachside concert, it'd be because that one was part of the Deculture Festival. Sheryl prides herself on being a professional, but at the end of the day, that performance was for her fellow students--and more to the point, it was free *to* her fellow students. It just wasn't going to be to the same scale as her concerts tend to be. This, meanwhile, is the debut of a rising star. Of course it's going to be big and flashy.
So someone might explain, but Kaworu arrives at the venue with Rei, but separately from Gridman. He's wearing a deep blue jacket and a black-and-white plain shirt, light slacks, and faux leather shoes without socks. If Shinji were here, he would recognize this as the outfit that Kaworu was shot nearly to death in as he was on his way to the Sheryl Nome concert he never got to attend--but he's not here, and that is the point.
With that outfit, he wears a silver snowflake pendant just like Gridman's and a steel-banded wristwatch. He weaves his way through the crowds with sure steps, from the trains to the actual venue, though he remains mindful of Rei--it is a big crowd, and it wouldn't do for them to get separated. His hand will hold hers as much as needed, including 'all the way from the shuttle to their destination.' Before long, they reach the designated meeting spot, and his smile widens.
"Hey, Gridman," he calls. "I see you've already gotten well into the spirit." He laughs a little, red eyes squinting shut. "As always, you uphold your promise to make things fun." He looks over at Rei. "Are you all right so far? It isn't too overwhelming for you here?" He looks back at Gridman. "We should find our seats soon. It should be easier once we do so."
After all, as someone who wrote one of the songs Ranka will be performing tonight, Kaworu has tickets for a VIP balcony of his own, wholly separate from the Galactic Fairy's.
Before that can happen, though, who else should run into them but Leito and his family? (Even if his wife isn't with him just this moment.) Kaworu looks over to the two of them with a warm smile. "Ah, Leito Igaguri. You've come to support Ranka as well?" He turns that smile down to Mayu, then back up to Leito. "Her voice truly is beautiful. There are many who will be entranced tonight by it."
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
"I can't believe Ranka is already having a debut..." Lucine, dressed in a pink cotton dress, walks down the streets with Liam, the two having chosen Ranka's debut as the venue for a date. "I still remember when she performed in that high school."
The Macross colonies never fail to amaze, constantly making Lucine forget she's in space at all. While it doesn't have the feel of a place like Alba City, an Earth city is another matter. The glittering seas, the bustling downtown area, and the really, incredibly packed rail cars where Lucine wondered if Liam would be alright going into.
It feels even more surreal to see the concert hall Lucine's seen bits and pieces of in videos, watching idols like Sheryl Nome. "... Part of me sometimes wishes she could stay a part of the Nadesico forever... but... this is Ranka's dream." Her eyes lower. "She's supported all of us so much with her singing, and with how she always tries to keep a smile on, even when things get tough. This is her chance." Some of it is Lucine saying this to herself; the prospect of change somehow seems scary, when the Nadesico has felt like a home to always go back to, even while she keeps away from it to avoid the ire of the Federation. The fact that it's there, for the Martian, is enough.
Her hand slips into Liam's at some point, and squeezes. She smiles up at Liam. "Let's go support her. Ah, and this concert hall, too, I'm getting shivers being here... it's just like in the videos..." She looks over, seeing a confused Gridman, Leito, and Kaworu gathers. "Ah, that's a face I hadn't seen in a while... Ah, Yu--" Yuta's name almost leaves her mouth, but she's distracted. "Ah! Leito brought his family along!"
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
Rikka loves music. It's something very important to her, so whenever she gets the chance, she enjoys going to concerts. Today... it's a debut concert! It's a pretty big event. Rikka knows of Ranka but doesn't really know her so, for today, she's in the crowds.
She has, of course, picked up some merchandise - picking up the concert exclusive is key, of course, and it's a good opportunity to pick up the Bird Human soundtrack, too. ...And, after a small amount of hesitation, a glowstick with a cute pink heart. It's a bit more modest spending than she usually would - she's planning a roadtrip, after all, so she needs to be saving up a little just in case...
For now though, with merch safely secured, it's time to wait for the concert to begin - and, of course, to scan the crowd for any sign of familiar faces...
<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.
Ruri has gotten Eight some shades and earmuffs to help her with the noise; a little speaker and microphone system, turned down low where it's nested in those earmuffs, ensures she'll still be able to hear her compatriots despite the blanket over the sound. (Lahvi and any other companions get a microphone too, of course.) Ruri supposes Lahvi will tell her if any subtle noises need her attention. She may have even said as much to reassure her! It's fine.
It is nice they're able to get this priority seating, though, given how Eight looks now.
"It's... deculture, right?" Ruri asks Lahvi, blinking those big, golden eyes. "Even though it was so hard to keep her website running," Omoikane offers a window insisting < CONNECTION ESTABLISHED > as sharp background commentary, "Ranka-san never gave up. I wonder if she'll still get people coffee after everyone sees how talented she is..." Unknowingly, here, she echoes Lucine's own feelings; they're both part of the Nadesico, after all.
Meanwhile -- JAWS theme optional -- Rikka, looking about, may feel a looming presence. A subtle prickle of...
"Ahhh, Rikka!" THE DANGER WAS NIDAIME ALL ALONG! She hops out from nowhere, waving her own glowstick. "Isn't this vibe exciting?! Knight, Knight, tell her!"
And from the crowd slinks a lanky young man who is far more put-together than the scruffy boy Rikka first befriended. She'd have seen them like this before, surely -- they do haunt the Villa quite often, as stray cats are wont to do -- but it's still a marked departure from how they were.
"It's starting," he says, vague and ominous. He holds a glowstick like a weapon, and don't worry about how he got that sword hanging behind him in here. He definitely went through the same ticket-checking entry as everyone else. Definitely.
POT: Cascade Vermilion is no longer set observer.
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
RIN STARKING wouldn't describe herself as someone who's got a bias in her life, but on the other hand she would have to admit that she was charmed by the music of Ranka Lee. How much of that is the music as a thing-in-itself? How much of it is the presentation of Ranka? And how much is that small personal connection? (Maybe it isn't so small, ultimately; but Rin thinks it is, and it's not the kind of thing you learn all at once.)
So Rin has come. The most dramatic and obvious part of Rin's outfit is the cat ears she is wearing on top of her head. The cat ears are formed with semi-clear lucite walls and a structure that incorporates green neon and built-in bobbly eyes. It looks like the kind of ridiculous thing that only an ultra-fan could make. (The eyes, secretly, are cameras connecting to a software package on a second, unofficial cell phone tucked into Rin's top. She has her normal cell phone with her, as one does.)
"You know, Cascade," Rin says as she messes with her headset, "I really appreciate you coming here. Concerts like this are kind of scary, aren't they? I mean, back where I grew up, Count Starking always told me about things where huge audiences like this could just go crazy and crush you. I think he had a phobia, though, or else he was just a country boy at heart and didn't want us to go become corrupted by the allures of Area Eleven's rich culture of live performance."
Rin quietly begins streaming. The 'camera' stays face-front as she herself turns her head to look at Cascade; her autonomous software package is keeping the experience pretty good, although the max-rez feed is going to be fading in and out before she sits down. Her phone rests in her other hand, and there will the pirate stream's chat feed go!
"How did you get to know Ranka's music? Or are you just down for anything? I guess I should have asked on the shuttle." (Rin gamed on the shuttle. Cascade was welcome to use the second controller, but there was no non-gaming option for Rin Mei Starking.)
REI AYANAMI does not have a bias either. If anything she is singularly free of bias, other than a few things regarding meat. Is Ranka Lee her usual music? She doesn't know what her usual music is. She sounded nice in recordings.
Rei is wearing a long dress (down past the knees) in fine wool with colorful stripes. The weather is sufficiently pleasant here in this artificial environment, so curiously like Tokyo-3 if with better weather, that she does not have a jacket or gloves. She did bring a shoulder bag, but that may have been a practical necessity. She surrendered her hand to Kaworu's grasp, happily.
At the sight of Gridman, she -- smiles. Yes, it's an actual discernible movement in the lips. It's small, of course. But it is something that the warmth of the moment has brought about. She answers Kaworu: "No. Though, I would not mind the seats." Back to Gridman, who she addresses briefly before realizing that the ambient sound has completely devoured it, and trying again: "It's good to see you." Her eyes turn to the Osanshoo - whatever it is - but then! More people.
Rei looks towards Leito then, and to his family. She looks at Mayu with something like curiosity.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
Alouette was a little familiar with Ranka before her big debut - she remembers her at the final concert before Sheryl went on break, how could she forget the girl who accused Tessa so harshly of being a cheater?
She really did make it big since then, though... a movie star and a debuting idol? Alouette knows the pressure is on for this rising star, but she is pretty interested to see how she does...
Alouette, dressed in a black blouse and purple jacket, also picks up one of those ever-popular pink heart-shaped glowsticks. These aren't really her colours, but it's always nice to experiment just a little bit. ...3G pays pretty good, so she does have the opportunity to splurge, but ultimately she decides to wait until the end of the show. After all, she hasn't made her final judgement on Ranka just yet!
Within the crowds, she spots Rikka, and wanders over to her side. "Hey, Rikka! They really went all out for this debut, huh?" She takes a sip of the tea she bought on the way in. "I wonder how she'll do...? Hopefully she doesn't crack under all this pressure they're putting..."
Two other figures approach Rikka around the same time! "Ah!" Alouette exclaims. "Gridknight," (or just Knight for short), "and Nidaime! W-When did you two get so tall?" She no longer towers over the cat-like boy, which is just so strange. "I am excited though. Nice sword, by the way." Yeah, she's just unphased by that.
<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.
Ranka's debut has earned an overwhelming turnout. Liam is simultaneously deeply hopeful for her and emotionally tense. Big crowds are easy to become anonymous in, but when there's jostling, and physical closeness, things get a bit dicier for him. Luckily, he's had Lucine here to be his anchor. He holds her hand. After a while, the crowds aren't as intimidating anymore.
"I hope she takes care of herself," Liam says. "She's a brave person, but being in the spotlight like this..." He squeezes Lucine's hand. "Probably worrying for nothing."
As Lucine points out the other concertogers in the VIP section, Liam smiles. "Gridman," he corrects, gently. "It's... a bit like him--" Sotto voce, a meaningful glance at Leito, "except Yuta's asleep. He's good. Kind. Adapting."
Liam waves to the lot of them, and puts on his friendliest smile. At some point, he picked up a heart glowstick, which contrasts interestingly with the white suit and red shirt.
<Pose Tracker> Cascade Vermilion has posed.
Cascade Vermilion has never been to a concert before.
Not even a debut - a concert, at all. It has never even crossed her mind as a possibility, as something she Should Do.
But then she got a ticket through GUTS, and it turned out Rin was going anyway because *she* also had a ticket (Cascade did not inquire as to where she got it) and then it was pretty much a guarantee.
Cascade is actually wearing a T-shirt with Ranka's branding on it, having swapped out her original top for it, which is currently in the bag she was *supposed* to be carrying the new T-shirt in. She also has one of the heart-shaped glowsticks, which she is carrying more than actually wielding with intent to cheer. It looks nice, she supposes, which is of course the *point*, but she's not particularly into it (yet).
She also saw a guy with a sword and isn't sure if she should have brought one. Not that she usually carries a sword, or indeed owns one, but... you know, if it's the thing to do... She COULD get a sword. It wouldn't be hard. And it's not the first time she's seen people bring them where she thought no weapons should be.
"I haven't ever been able to go to a concert before," she says, honestly, to Rin. "Actually, I have not been to any colonies often either. I thought it might be an experience. If anyone seems like they're going to crush us, I think we can probably manage to stay out of the way..." Certainly she's not worried. She's tall enough that she does not feel accidental trampling, and intentional trampling is something she can Deal With, even without breaking her cover.
<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.
Milly still feels a little bad about having had to turn back for health reasons during one of the excursions surrounding Bird Human, so she's made this trip a priority. She also wants to get in a little more time with Nunnally; she's quite fond of the Lamperouges and the role she's had to play in their lives, even though actively participating in Nunnally's care is likely coming to -- if not an end -- certainly something she'll have fewer opportunities for.
She's stuck close to Nunnally on the balcony. While her own thoughts are split a few directions, that doesn't mean she can't enjoy the moment. She gives Nunnally's hand a reassuring squeeze as she gets settled in.
<Pose Tracker> Christina MacKenzie has posed.
Christina MacKenzie, Hangar Speakers Music Enjoyer, is bent down amidst a swarm of street cleaners, attempting to touch them as they scuttle past. One stops in front of her, attempting to make sure she isn't large litter, before zipping around her, possibly annoyed at the hindrance she presented. She is almost knocked forward, however, as a heavy metal impact shoves against her butt.
"Almost time, Almost time!!" The brushed-steel Haro was wearing his Sheryl-themed bunny ears, as was his bulkier sibling. They both vibrated impatiently, and maaaybe a little bit jealously.
"Okay, okay, let's go, then," Chris laughed, "I was just wondering..." she trails off. --Chris, seriously, don't steal a trash bot. Just reverse engineer your own. PLEASE do not omochikaeri a trash bot.
The three partners made their way to the monorail lines, and when he warbled in worry about the packed car, Chris hefted MAIRO into her arms. XAIRO needed no such protection, though was the subject of several confused and concerned glances, and one elderly passenger mistaking her for an extra seat. XAIRO gently radiated warmth for the gentleman until his stop came.
She draws some attention at the venue's security check-in, and briefly there's the question of whether XAIRO requires an extra ticket due to her unusual size, not to mention the liability concerns. Chris furrows her brows for a moment, questioning if she should have tried harder to give the ticket away...
> "I can't go, so take this as my thanks, Miss. Please, I don't want to leave my mother while she's recovering... Won't you cheer for her on my behalf?
A grateful daughter...a sincere gift... Chris was never strong against such things. She offered to pay extra for XAIRO, but when she looked up, the ticketstaff was showing the security officer a video and pointing excitedly at the industrial-sized Haro. After she submits her canvas bag for a perfunctory search, she and her partners were waved through.
The merchandise stands, wild with fans and flags and glowsticks, they call with a siren song... Chris makes a note to stop by after, too, when the stands will be a little less anarchic, but shoves her way past the throng to at least get a pink hands-free glow-halo and a Ranka shirt--it's rude to show up with no branded merch, isn't it? Sliding her phone back into her bag, she picks MAIRO back up to wade into the gallery space, already a spectacle for XAIRO's thrumming flight above her head.
POT: Zan is now set observer.
<Pose Tracker> Leito Igaguri has posed.
Mayu looks over at everyone, nods and waves hello, and then moves over to her dad's shadow. Something's spooking her - or more likely, overwhelming her.
"It's good to see you all. Ah, is this your friend?" Leito waves to Rei, smiling as she looks at his daughter with curiosity, before turning to Lucine and Liam. "Ah, good to see you two as well. It's going to be a great show. Where are you seated, if I may ask?"
A pause, before he turns back to Gridman. "Gridman, I'll let you kids have fun in peace. We should talk again when I'm back in Tsutsujidai." Back? Either way, he smiles, moving on to give them space. Once he's talked to Lucine and Liam, he moves to find Lumina and take their seats!
<Pose Tracker> Sousuke Sagara has posed.
If he does not perceive a threat, Sousuke Sagara will hold any object you give him.
Case in point: Sousuke's two friends, Kotaro "Ono-D" Onodera and Shinji "no not that one" Kazama, saw the tickets to the debut of a girl they had previously encountered performing at the GUTS Festival. The specifics of the ensuing conversation are not super relevant: They are now here. Shinji somehow has literally every merch object obtainable by an alive human. Ono-D "just" has the glowstick and a tee shirt. They have found a pod of soon-to-be-awakened superfans from within the GUTS crew.
Sousuke has also got a glowstick, which he is holding in the way one holds a firearm they don't know how to operate. He is standing at the outside of the trio in the off chance he has to fend off a concert rando like it's a Like A Space Whale game.
<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.
Earlier this month, Emilia Eschonbach had to make a hard choice. Both were hugely important to her. Both were expensive trips that would need to be done under the noses of authorities- and her grandfather's employers.
But when it came down to it- Sheryl was taking a hiatus. You never get the second chance to see one of your best friends debut.
This wasn't a school trip. This was trading favours, this burning resources, this was avoiding student council work. (It's okay in the moment, isn't it Milly?)
She picked up the secure Hardline in the Student Council Presidents office, and dialed a now familiar number. "Uhm, M-Mr Lee? I-I-It's Emilia.. I d-d-d-don't suppose... Yes! Th-thank you! I-I'll make some for the trip!"
For the second time, the San Francisco-esque colony wows her, but she has two important missions today. Most of her gear is procure on site-
*The heart glowstick is most important- the weapon and IFF device
*A poster, to provide proof of presence (and get signed later)
*At least two Ranka t-shirts (camoflage is important)
*A ticket to preorder the single and pick it up (Primary Objective to Support Ranka, first stage complete)
*Several tickets into the Osanshoo-san Ichiban Kuji to be revealed after the show with a grand prize of a 1 year prepaid Osanshoo-san phone (Secondary Objective Complete)
Also in her bag is a smuggled bottle of Pineapple Hippico Soda and some prawn cocktail flavoured potato chips (Tertiary Objective, Avoid Concert Food Prices)
She is wearring basic studs, her distressed denim jeans, sneakers, a home made green t-shirt with a silhouette of Ranka from a personal photo for. Her locket is around her neck, and she's wearing a cool silver bracelet with green gems in- a gift from a friend.
The other thing Emmy has is a back stage pass, something else she intends to get signed and save forever. This is good, because it means she can get just about anywhere she wants, which includes the dressing room where she asks a friendly member of staff to deliver a gift (that has been cleared by security). Whether Ranka gets it before or after the show, Emmy wanted to make sure Ranka got it.
It's awkward, because she won't get to the balcony Milly and Nunnally have before the show starts, but maybe they can link back up after intermission. The two are going to have less time together, it's only to let them hang.
On her way, she quickly hits Vertex having seen a familiar, flummoxed looking man on her way through:
>>Just follow what your friends do! it's not hard, it's just about getting into the rhythm of the song. You'll be fine, Sousuke, it's easy!
Now, Emmy ends up in the larger NERGAL VIP Booth booth, the one with all the cool people. It's also the one with the biggest dance floor section, and that's something she wants.
Which means her eyes flit to Sheryl, Alto, and Ruri who seems to be otherwise cool with people after that whole drink spilling thing.
After a few seconds, she waves lightly at Sheryl and Alto and with a burst of confidence asks..
"M-Mind if I j-j-join you?" She asks to Sheryl, primarily. There are plenty of seats, sure, but Sheryl is also one of Ranka's closest friends, and so two people supporting her is clearly a force multiplier.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
The azure lights go out, dimming even over the exit signs, plunging the theater in pitch black, save for the tsunami of pink glowing hearts within the dark.
A hush falls over the concert hall, but not for long.
BGM OST - Seikan Hikou ~ Interstellar Flight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9epz5DIENg
The peppy melody of an unfamiliar pop song starts to play in its build up, and it looks like a single twinkling pink star descends from the top of the auditorium, right to the stage. The moment it strikes, it becomes a larger pink heart in the same style as held by a number of the audience in the background, and there's a flood of smaller stars.
"EVERYONE! EMBRACE EACH OTHER! TO THE ENDS OF THE GALAXY!"
The backdrop becomes a fantasy firmament between the night sky and space, this transition into it, glittering with light. Clouds become orange nebulas and bright stars. Which match the idol herself, the moment she appears, in a costume of a flowy ruffled top of yellow with orange ribbons, an orange skirt so many yellow ruffled petticoats, thigh high stockings, and boots accented with ribbons.
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/macross/images/e/e0/RankaUta01.png/revision/latest?cb=20200816154108
Extending one leg, she spreads out both arms playfully in the build up, before, switching sides, and putting her hands to each hip this time. Centering back up and crossing her hands, she begins to sing, one mic in one hand, the other hand moving expressively with the routine, a small bounce at the knees and shake of the hips in rhythm.
"The water's surface quivers
"A ring of wind spreads
"Where our fingertips meet,
"There comes the blue spark."
The moment her hand dances its routine and hits that line, it's like there is a blue spark that the whole audience sees for each and every one of them. Hip bouncing, she leans forward and dances in a shuffle from side to side, a smile on her face as it looks like she addresses the whole crowd.
"Once we gaze at each other,
"My accelerating solitude
"Dissipates in an single instant
"'cause I love you so."
Stopping in place, a hand slides in mid-air, as shimmering pearlescent orbs appear, floating in a liminal state like celestial bodies. As her hand slides slowly to her side, they gently glide down before bursting into sparkles.
"As clear as real pearls,
"There float my tears in mid-air,
"I don't care if tragedy lies ahead
"I just want to be with you."
Drawing her hand back abruptly, she puts it up to her face, spreading her fingers out as she winks at the audience. The moment that eyelid descends, stars flow outward from that point of contact. As the whole audience is given a sight of a toothy smile.
"Sparkle!"
https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/002/198/110/21e.jpg
Squaring back up, knees together she bounces on her heels from side to side, hand waving up and down, as colorful light starts to swoop down from the top of the auditorium towards the stage. The background transitions into a fully starlit sky.
"Riding a shooting star
"I swoop down to you (ah ah)
"Under the dark blue starlit sky
"Our hearts are fireworks,
"Shot through by arrows of light."
The comets circle about and down each aisle before turning straight up and bursting like fireworks, and becoming shimmering hearts intersected by gleaming lines. Returning center stage, she squares up, her hand moving expressively again.
"With no need for words,
"I dive deep into you,
"And read your mind,
"What an amazing night!"
Stars zip down on the backdrop, striking the stage, as it becomes a surface like water, rippling with each meteor strike, light mingles with the sea.
"Your name is like a spell
"Put on endless repeat
"It drives me crazy as I dig my nails,
"Into the palm of my hand."
Dancing in an energetic side by side, each movement of her boots causes the water to ripple as well, as her hand glides up, before her hand frames her face again, winking in reply to the audience, as this the frame of a bright star spills expands from that point suddenly over the audience, as if her eyelid were ground zero for some passionate feelings going supernova.
"Sparkle!"
"It permeates my body,
"And haunts me with splendor
"Even if our lives are small as dust,
"Look how bright we shine!
"In the galaxy of our souls, snow falls."
Swinging at the hips, one arm waving at each side, the light falls like snow, in all of its brilliant transience, flourishing as she slowly draws an arm overhead, as if pointing out some wonder of existence.
"Riding a shooting star
"You swoop all the way up (oh oh)
"Under the dark blue starlit sky
"Our hearts are fireworks,
"Shot through by arrows of light."
The music is beginning to wind down, and the idol's motions slow to match it, the lights on the stage flickering and looping between bright cheerful colors, framing the entire stage in light.
"Even if our lives are as small as dust
"Look how bright we shine!
"In the galaxy of our souls, snow falls
"In the galaxy of our souls, snow falls."
As the song's outro plays, her dance moves mimic the intro, but slower, until she draws a hand down to mark the moment the song closes, as everything goes dark.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
As Gridman waits, a child collides with him! Reaching down to steady the little girl, he smiles.
"That's okay. Are you -- oh!" Leito earns a thrilled smile, light reflecting from Gridman's bright yellow eyes. "Leito! I didn't expect to see you here. Then you must be Mayu!"
Kneeling to get onto Mayu's eye-level, Gridman beams at her. "My name is Gridman. I've heard a lot about you! Are you excited for the concert?"
"Yes, I'm waiting for my partners--" Gridman starts, as Kaworu and Rei approach. They earn another brilliant smile, before the young redhead looks back to Leito. "I don't know Ranka, but I'm sure she's going to be fantastic."
Lucine and Liam are here too! Standing once again, Gridman walks to Liam, offering him a fist-bump. "It's great to see you, Lucine!" It seems in the noise her almost-slip up has gone unnoticed. "This place is so much busier than I expected... I'm a little shocked. I hope Ranka knows how many people are supporting her!"
"Liam, you look cool!" Gridman says to his friend, post-fist-bump. "I haven't seen you in red before. It's great!"
Finally moving to stand with Kaworu and Rei, Gridman flushes softly, offering them each a heart-shaped glowstick. "Yeah! A place like this is all about fun, right?" Kaworu is given one of the Hyper Agent's imperfect smiles, Gridman looking at him adoringly as he squeezes his red eyes shut in delight.
"Let's find our seats. It's pretty crowded out here!" And Gridman's a little excited to see what a VIP booth looks like.
Kaworu is as handsome as ever, so fashionable..! Surely, if Gridman knew the origin of this outfit, he would be distressed. But he doesn't, so he can simply enjoy it peacefully.
And Rei is wearing a familiar dress! "You look beautiful." Gridman tells her, taking her hand opposite Kaworu. And she smiled, she really smiled..! Concerts really must be something Rei enjoys, then.
It's a good thing the trio hurries to their seats, as the azure lights go out nearly immediately once they're settled. Gridman sits on the very, very edge of his seat, holding his glowstick with both his hands. It's as if he's ready to wave it at the slightest hint that such a thing might be encouraged.
Everything goes still.
And music begins! Ranka appears, and Gridman cheers! She looks so charming in her orange dress. Every move is enthusiastically watched, with the Hyper Agent paying more attention to the dance than the song, really.
But still, these lyrics are so sweet..! Something about love, or connections between people? Gridman smiles brightly. Yeah, this is what music should be like! Everyone getting along and being friends!
Once the song comes to a close, Gridman claps enthusiastically, cheering again. "That was amazing!" He says, breathlessly, to Kaworu and Rei. "Wow!"
In the moment of quiet and dark, Gridman holds up his plush Osanshoo-san in front of his face, then taps Rei's shoulder. Once she looks, he lowers it with a laugh. "Do you like it? I got one for you! I'm not really sure what it is, but it's cute, right?"
Osanshoo-san is offered to Rei with a hopeful little smile. Will she like it?
"Kaworu, how do they manage to keep the lights and holograms synched so well with Ranka?" Gridman asks, glancing to his boyfriend. "It seems impossible, even with a ton of practice. But everything is so perfect. Even down to the movements of her skirts!"
Heart beating fast, the young Hyper Agent can't wait to see what comes next.
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
Rikka spots Alouette just as the latter spots her, and she offers her a wave!
"Hey, Alouette!" She calls back. "Yeah, they really did... I'm a little worried too, but I'm hoping she pulls through. She has a great voice..." Rikka agrees.
And then!!
Rikka feels a presence. She pauses, and is surprised by the sudden arrival of...!
Rikka jumps a little at the sudden greeting, though surprise soon turns to cheer as she whirls to face Nidaime. And of course where she is, it's not too unlikely to find Knight.
"Hey, Nidaime, Knight. It's good to see you two!" She greets. It's a pleasant surprise, to be sure - she wasn't expecting it. "Yeah, the vibe is great, isn't it? Everyone's cheering her on..."
Alouette also greets the two of them, and Rikka chuckles.
"Right? I'm still kind of getting used to that myself... They look great, though, don't they?" She says. It's a good change, in her mind. Something about their new stature suits them.
And so, the lights dim. The theater glows black, and in response Rikka activates her glowstick. Soon enough... Ranka appears! Her current look is cute...
...and her song is really catchy! Rikka finds herself subconsciously bobbing along to it. The special effects are really good, too... This is definitely a strong opener for a debut.
"...She's really good. I don't think I'll need to worry about her..." Rikka considers. "I think I'm going to have to buy that song."
<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.
"Definitely," Sheryl agrees with Alto, the edges of her lips tugging up a bit more. "For all the problems with filming, Bird Human was a big hit. And you should just see the numbers on the soundtrack already! Excellent music really can save a movie."
Which is as much praise for Ranka as it is a boast for herself. It's true the numbers are high, though. Really, its main competition is... Sheryl Nome's recently released EP, Liebestraume.
"My bet is that Nergal wants to keep pushing the hype train as much as possible while she's still a fresh face. My going on hiatus is a lucky break for her too." More arrogance? But she at least says it matter-of-fact, shaking her head as she shrugs. It does mask her feelings a bit... Sheryl is confident she won't get forgotten, but Ranka rising into the limelight just as she leaves it for a time is definitely going to mean a shift in the fan demographics.
Still, Sheryl didn't go on hiatus for Ranka, but for herself. So it all works out for everyone.
She laughs at Alto's question though, uncrossing and recrossing her legs. "Not that novel! Though you're right, it has been a while. What was it... that musical at the Little Lip Revue? It feels like it was ages ago!"
And of course there was a certain stage play she attended in her childhood with Grace. But Sheryl neglects to mention that.
As that familiar stammer greets her, Sheryl looks up and smiles at Emilia. "Not at all! Come on over," she says, gesturing her forward towards her and Alto. (This is, after all, explicitly not a date. This time.) Over past Emilia, she spots Ruri and her friends, from Omoikane to Eight and Eight's date (?), and wiggles her fingers in friendly greeting at them.
The venue goes dark then. Sheryl turns her attention to the front, an expectant smile on her lips. She isn't disappointed--she's even a little surprised. Interstellar Flight has such a bright, peppy sound, and while it's perfect for her, it isn't what she's used to from her. But it's not totally unknown, either. Truly, it capitalizes on Ranka's cuteness in a fantastic way, from her ruffled orange outfit to her keenly timed dance moves to her opening call.
The bit with 'sparkle~! ☆' is particularly inspired. At a glance, Sheryl is certain that's going to be an eternal hit with Ranka's fans.
The song and dance aren't the only good things, either. The spectacle is well choreographed, if relatively simplistic--that makes sense, though; those parts are always the most expensive part of a big concert, so if Nergal were going to hold back anywhere, it'd be there. They did very well with what they have, though; the floating pearls, the stream of stars, the comets and galaxies and fireworks--they truly do give a sense of interstellar flight through an especially festive galaxy. At the end, as the light falls like snow, Sheryl reaches out a hand to let one 'flake' fall onto her palm with a pleased smile.
If Ranka's going to be her rival, then something like this is a must.
"That was so adorable!" she murmurs to Alto and Emilia as she leans back into her seat. "It's different from the sound that she's been performing up until now--more like her cover of My Boyfriend is a Pilot at the Miss Macross concert than Aimo--and that's a good thing. It teaches her audience not to pigeonhole her."
Elsewhere...
Kaworu looks over towards another small group forming in the crowd--specifically, Rikka, Nidaime, Knight, and Alouette. Whether they notice him or not (though if any of them do, he'll make eye contact), he smiles warmly their way. It's good to see Knight and Nidaime in particular out and enjoying this concert together.
He is not even a little surprised by them being suddenly much bigger. Or by Knight carrying a sword. Classic Knight. Classic Kaworu.
His attention turns then to Lucine and Liam, having apparently come here as part of a date, and gives them both a friendly nod of acknowledgement. He looks back down at Mayu with a certain thoughtfulness in his smile, observing the way she hides behind her father. "Don't worry. It will get better once the music starts," he tells her gently.
What is the 'it' he means? Hmm... What indeed?
When Leito and his daughter leave, Kaworu gives them both an amiable nod of farewell. 'Back' in Tsutsujidai, hm... But he lets that go and instead focuses on his dates. "Let's move on, then," he suggests.
It isn't long before they reach their own balcony, Kaworu hand-in-hand with Gridman and Rei. His enjoyment of the performance is much more sedate compared to Gridman, but he watches without his smile ever wavering or abating. He even hums along--he's familiar with all of Ranka's songs, after all--and he taps a finger on his folded knee to the beat. His smile broadens at Gridman's enthusiasm.
"It truly is. I'm so happy for Ranka--she's finally making her dream come true." Perhaps her love will come next... though Kaworu knows well how difficult one-sided feelings can be. The question gets him to gaze back out at the stage. "It isn't that difficult. It's a matter of practice and timing. I expect Nergal has invested many professionals to setting up the holograms. It's then Ranka's task to perform as precisely as possible." He pauses. "As for the Osanshoo-san, it's a plush version of Ranka's favorite phone. They look a bit more like a mascot with their salamander-like appearance, don't they? They have high user overhead, however, since they don't have any visible buttons."
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
RIN STARKING chortles a little at what Cascade said. She fodlsher hands behind her head. (Rin has several heart glowsticks placed in the pocket of her comfortable and figure-flattering sleeveless vest which is being worn in lieu of blouse.) "Not once? Geez! It's pretty chaotic, but I like it. It honestly makes it easier to hear the music in some ways."
Rin rolls her head back and forth, glancing occasionally at her phone. "And yeah, I think our risk is low. We're gonna be mostly sitting down, and seating is like a breakwater!" They are, of course, on track to be sitting in the general audience, if probably not in a bad seat.
"So other than my headphones leaking, this is gonna be your first chance to hear Ranka in action!" Rin tells Cascade. "You know, she was really busy when I was on that movie shoot work experience, but I think she's really going to be a big star. You're getting in on the ground floor. Don't throw out anything you buy here!"
And then comes the performance. During this, Rin is in her seat, leaning forward slightly, rapturous. She holds the phone loosely, comfortably. Cascade can see her glance at it occasionally, but --
(* Toshiaki22 has been kicked by VertexStrmMOD-SCORN (reason: anti-ranka sentiment detected))
-- all seems well.
REI AYANAMI watches Mayu but seems to lose her curiosity some time after this. Maybe she was just being a weirdo for a minute there. She does that sometimes.
At this point Gridman issues her a heart-shaped glowstick. Rei takes it, seemingly puzzled at the artifact, but it does fit comfortably in the hand. She turns it over several times, and looks to Liam. She probably said something resembling a greeting to him but it, too, evaporates in crowd noise.
"Yes," Rei answers Kaworu. "I think this kind of music can be pleasant..." And then Kaworu explains a truly mystifying concept of colonial-fleet technology. This one actually makes Rei *frown* slightly. She may be trying to imagine it.
And then...
The music begins. When Rei hears it, it feels strange, but delightful. A warm wash of energy and light tones, curling upwards, like birds rising on the thermal columns of air. The vocal is sweet without being sucrosal. A fresh feeling, but one that's - that's -
"Classic," Rei says, quietly, to herself. More cogently, and probably while heading towards VIP Land, she remarks to Kaworu, "I think that Mari would like this song."
<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.
Eight is wearing the shades and the earmuffs; it means she can listen without being quite so overwhelmed by the spectacle. Lavhi is keeping an eye on her, and will indeed say something if there are subtle noises.
"Deculture!" Lavhi agrees cheerfully. "I do wonder about that," he says of the website. "A site does not usually have so many issues..."
"But she didn't give up, Eight agrees.
But thre, there is quiet, and... a peppy melody. A pop song! Eight reaches down to take Lavhi's hand at the invocation to embrace each other, and smiles, listening. SHe watches the dance, listens to the song. And she leans on her fiance a bit. "Ah..."
"She's really good!" Eight says eventually, once sh finishes, leaning to Ruri. "You were right! She's clearly working really hard..."
<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.
Nunnally squeezes Milly's hand, in turn, and smiles: "I'm glad you came with me, today, Milly. It's going to be a lot of fun!" And it is important they have this fun, now, in this liminal space before Milly sets out on her own idol's path.
(She'll miss her, too, even if she still makes time to see her. But when things change, that's not always bad. It just means they're growing up; that's a normal part of a comfortable life.)
But their enjoyment may well be quieter, up here, compared to...
Nidaime winks, to Alouette. "Personal growth~ o/`" She lilts, as musically as the venue demands. She claps her hands together, enthusing to Rikka: "I'm so glad you noticed!" Knight issues Alouette a flat expression, meanwhile, which is just as unilluminating. "Moouuuu, Knight, don't be rude!" Nidaime pokes him in the side, with a mighty pout. "It's not their fault they don't know how relational irregular people like us are!"
Knight stares at her, silent, for a moment just long enough to be its own statement. "... good to see you, too," he says to Rikka, instead. See? He's not being rude. That's a polite thing to say. And so is this: "Thank you," to Alouette noticing his sword -- something he indicates by glancing down to it. "Samurai Calibur gave it to me." And he's storing it on his person, not in the nothingspace around him, like he always did with his circular saw. It's part of the world, and so is he. (He meets Kaworu's eyes, and nods, just the once. He spies Sousuke, too, further out across the way, and lifts his glowstick in silent salute.)
As the crowd settles in, Ruri nods too, to Emilia, as she approaches Sheryl. She won't speak for Sheryl, but she looks friendly enough, even if she isn't smiling, strictly speaking. She waves to Sheryl, too, when their eyes meet. All her own talk of deculture settles to nothing, though, when the lights go down. "Ranka-san..." She breathes, as she clutches her glowstick in both hands, watching the stage intently.
(The communication window, with a soft glow beside her, presents its own rendition of that heart-shaped glowstick. Omoikane can't hold one, but he can sure wave one around, anyway, in a blocky two-frame animation.)
Ruri politely puts her Osanshoo-san to one side -- perhaps Eight can hold him! -- and let's not have anyone comment on the way she gets to her feet, to better wave her glowstick in the air. She'd surely be embarrassed if someone saw her getting this into it, despite that being the Nadesico way surely repeated several times over in this crowd.
"Sparkle..." She hums, echoing Ranka's energy, as Omoikane adds sparkles to his glowstick animation.
Her cheeks colour, though, as things go dark, and she looks around and realises that people saw her dancing. Terrible!!! Quickly, she takes her seat again. "She's dedicated," Ruri says, as if to cover up for getting too into it. "Even though there were people trying to take her website down, they couldn't stop her from getting here. No one else could have done that for her... Ranka-san's an impressive girl."
Ruri really admires Ranka, you know. Maybe one day, she'll catch up to her, too!
<Pose Tracker> Cascade Vermilion has posed.
Cascade tags along with Rin.
She does, however, meet Sousuke's gaze en route. Perhaps she feels a fellow slightly baffled soul; just because she *looks* more comfortable with everything does not mean that she actually is. Perhaps she just recognizes him from GUTS. (Perhaps Amalgam has him down as a figure of interest, but let's not worry about that part.)
All she does is just *look* at him for about five seconds before raising her glowstick to him in something between greeting and simple acknowledgement. Her gaze passes to his friends, but they seem to interest her a lot less. Then again, he's out in the main crowd too, so perhaps they will meet again...
"Did you enjoy the movie shoot? I'm sorry that I did not get to go," Cascade says. "I know you were there several times but I don't know all of what you did there..." Cascade may not have bought a whole lot, but what she bought isn't going anywhere (well, except for the shirt, which is on her, and the glowstick, which is in her hand). Perhaps she had the same idea about merch as Rin did.
But then, music. Cascade takes it in quietly, despite the noise around her. At first it doesn't touch her, but then she lets it, getting into it a little more. She's smiling, at least, which is a good start - and when others wave their glowsticks, she does too.
<Pose Tracker> Sousuke Sagara has posed.
Sousuke sees a familiar young man salute him from afar. Hm. Of course, a nonverbal acknowledgment. Is this the purpose of the glowing stick? He answers the sign.
The same happens from Cascade, although this time he tips his head first because, like, who dat
But he'll hold any object you give him, including a greeting.
Sousuke also gets a notification. He swiftly palms his phone into his hand from his pocket - even he understands to be subtle with a concert going. Emilia. Hm. Follow what his friends do...
He glances over to Shinji, who is smiling like he might normally do upon seeing a particularly interesting model of a prototype mobile suit. ...is that really going to work? Sousuke thinks.
Then another message pings in: >>You should watch the concert, Sergeant.
Sousuke's jaw sets and he hastily taps out his own reply: >>Don't babysit me. How are you even watching?
>>There are currently 127 unauthorized live streams from various points in the arena.
>>Also, your activity indicator changed to active.
Sousuke stuffs his phone back in his pocket rather than dignify that, which is just in time to watch the concert begin proper. He does not notice his own feet tapping because Kazama is completely losing his mind about two humans over.
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
"... Gridman?" Lucine looks back at Liam, realizing she was just about to step into a potentially awkward situation.
And Liam, using Leito, explains it in a way that somehow, conveys so much with very little. Leaning towads Liam, she whispers back, making occasional motions with her hands to vaguely support her statement, ".... so.... like if..." Zero. ".... was in..." Leito's. "Place, because of something...."
'It's great to see you, Lucine!' Now that Gridman nears, Lucine realizes the slight difference in 'notes' their emotions hit. Perhaps, if it wasn't pointed out, she wouldn't have noticed, simply due to not having gotten to know them well enough, and also, perhaps, due to the similarity their feelings can have.
She recovers, and gives Gridman a warm smile. ".... It's good to meet you again, Gridman..." After all, they have met before; Gridman was just... much larger.
"Mr. and Mrs. Igaguri..." Lucine greets them, and like Kaworu, her attention turns to Mayu, sensing something as she nears the young girl. Yellow eyes flick up to Leito, as if asking some silent question, then, as Kaworu offers some kind words of advice, Lucine lowers herself slightly, so she's at face-level with Mayu. While she felt like she had something to say walking up, now that she's here, words fail her. How did her mom do it? ".... Ah... It gets easier, as you get used to it," she stammers, softly, not being even remotely close to Kaworu's stealthy approach. ".... I mean, with... crowds. But keep close to your dad and mom, okay?"
Looking back towards Liam, she turns back, and gives a departing, small wink to Mayu as she straightens. "Ah, Liam, you got some glowsticks? Ah, they're adorable..."
Later, settling into their theatre seats, Lucine fiddles with her glowstick and gets it to come on. "... A lot of money went into this... I hope Ranka isn't feeling stressed out," she says, echoing Liam's words from earlier. Her eyelids lower. "I wonder..."
'VERYONE! EMBRACE EACH OTHER! TO THE ENDS OF THE UNIVERSE!'
The show begins with an upset song, and any worries melt away. Lucine waves her heart glowstick with the audience, laughing and giving a grin back towards Liam.
<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.
While Sheryl of course does a good job of hiding her feelings regarding the timing of her hiatus versus Ranka's rise, Alto suspects there is definitely more to it. For all that Sheryl supports Ranka and encourages her as a rival, it can't be a simple matter to see her achieve success like this. Alto knows how competitive, even cutthroat, show business can be.
But Alto doesn't say anything more about it. This is not the time or place. Especially as more people are starting to filter in and take seats. Including a rather shy individual who Alto recalls from his times interacting with the other schools through GUTS. He gives Emilia a nod in greeting and agreement with Sheryl's invitation, not actually voicing any objection himself.
Soon enough the concert hall goes dark as the first song starts up. Alto is DEFINITELY not the type to wave a glowstick around. But seeing the audience really starting to get into the mood as the song goes on is almost a relief to Alto. He's happy to see people responding to Ranka's feelings. Alto even catches sight of the reserved Ruri getting into it. Don't worry Ruri, he's not the type to speak of this.
As the song continues, Alto is definitely bobbing his head to the music. Despite often hearing Ranka doing covers of Sheryl's songs, Alto's impressed that she's managed to find a style of her own already. One that he's sure will knock out many fans from cuteness overload and thus hook them for life.
The song comes to an end, Alto 'Mmmmms' in agreement with Sheryl. Very adorable. He nods along further in agreement, saying, "Aimo is a beautiful song, especially for its part in the movie. But this is definitely a kind of style that will see her skyrocket as an idol. And very much feels like her." Certainly the part of her that people see most of the time.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
"Personal growth, huh...? I think I get it." Alouette answers Nidaime evenly. After all, she was very, very small once, even for her age. And now look at her! She's inclined to agree when Rikka says they look great; Nidaime is stunning, and Knight is quite handsome himself. She's not really offended by Knight's initial silence, though, she already knew he wasn't very talkative. "You're welcome," Alouette replies warmly. A gift from Calbur... it's not too surprising Knight would get along with him, she thinks. The show begins as Ranka makes her very first live appearance! Activating her own glowstick, Alouette is immediately starstruck by the opening act - she tends to really enjoy the sweet and peppy type of songs, actually! "What a strong first impression... her voice is really pretty. And the song itself was very fresh." She nods, when Rikka says they don't have to worry about her at all. "I'm considering buying it myself, too."
Alouette also catches that glance from Kaworu - she greets him back with a smile of her own. Gridman and Rei are there too, and she smiles at them, too. Remembering that Kaworu told her they're his partners, she's glad to see that the three of them are having a wonderful time together.
<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.
"Th-th-thanks!" This time, it's for Sheryl and the others see how enraptured Emmy can get by a song. As soon as she's worked, out the tempo, that heart glowstick moving to the fast, boppy beat.
"Oh w-wow... Sh-she's really starting str--ong." Emmy acknowledges quietly to Sheryl's comment. "It s-s-suits her. C-Cute is r-r-really her style strength." Emilia does not have Sheryl's exacting knowledge on idolness, but a partially informed opinion can be helpful.
"It's g-g-good party music, t-too." She thinks, having now been to two parties and a prom. That's basically four ranks in skill: partying.
She notices Ruri get up and dance and smiles. Maybe the next time Ranka sings something upbeat, she'll join her. It was kind of a waste not to, but she *knows* there will be other concerts, just from the first number.
"Sh-she is, she says to Ruri. "I'm s-s-s-so glad I got to be here." Had she been deployed on a certain operation, she wouldn't have had the chance. She touches the bracelet Shari gave her briefly.
"...Aimo's lovely," Emmy agrees with Alto, "b-but I th-thought it was a p-pretty private s-s-song for her. Singing it... f-f-for a movie... Would ch-change that. Right?"
Fascinatingly, now she's sitting next to Sheryl, she's content to just enjoy the concert with no out of control blushing or heated energy. This is Ranka's moment after all, and they're just fellow fans here. "I w-w-wonder what's n-next... She'd... want t-t-to keep th-this energy going, right?"
This is important. If she's ever going to get the music club to accept the existence of an Idol Appreciation Society (No Weirdos Please, Looking At You Kusanagi) she has to show it has at least as much merit as the Fall-Down-Eight-Times, Get-Up-Seven Times club.
She desperately hopes it won't be that hard.
<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.
Gridman's situation is complicated. Liam still has reservations about Yuta Hibiki's future. But there's no doubt in his mind that Gridman deserves to define his own identity. He nods to Lucine, content to have disarmed an awkward encounter before it happened. No--proud.
Liam offers Mayu a gentle wave, next. "The VIP booth," he says. Next comes Gridman, and Liam smiles, broadly, at the compliment. "Thank you." He returns the fistbump, revealing something Gridman might recognize: the bracelet he bought for him while he was in Tsutsujidai, under Bujack's influence.
Then it comes time for everyone to take their seats. The show begins.
Immediately, Liam is struck by the tone--playful and bubbly, hopeful, earnest. It feels... authentic, to what he's seen from Ranka. As the special effects cast light on his face, he waves his glowstick, and returns Lucine's smile.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
The spotlights come on dimly, concentrating once again on the idol at center stage. "How was that? Did everyone enjoy their flight?"
Ranka asks with a smile, "All of you here are the first to have ever heard that one performed live. It's my birthday tonight, and just being here in front of all of you tonight is the greatest gift I could have ever received."
But she raises a fingertip, "It almost feels like too much, which is why I feel like I need to keep giving back to all of you who came out here tonight to celebrate with me. ... This next one goes out to a good friend of mine, who's been there supporting me from nearly the beginning."
Ranka then asks a simple, innocent question, "How many of you have ever loved someone, and still carry those feelings with you?" There's definitely a bittersweet note to it, "Would you like to come with me on another kind of journey?"
The spotlights go out, and her final words seem to echo across the words, "Or shall I go all alone?" A soft and mournful piano's refrain begins to play.
BGM - Ao no Ether ~ Azure Ether - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5M3G9WZLfE
Mist billows out, and obscures the stage further, when it comes back on, the setting has changed, to a deep blue starry night. And Ranka is wearing an angelically white, midriff baring ruffled top, and ruffled white skirts. White shoes with a slightly transparent quality adorn her feet, Cinderella like. Her right wrist sports a long ribbon, and her hair is dotted by lacy white flowers.
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/macross/images/b/b6/RankaUta27.png/revision/latest?cb=20200930031157
And as the piano keys play, blue sparkles trail from her hand, a galaxy of them spreading out with the slow, deliberate movements. A paper airplane appears from the sparkles as conjured, and glides out in a lonely path over the audience's heads.
Her movements are slow, full of yearning. As she crosses her hands as if by preying, then presents them outwards like she's giving something precious to someone. Both palms move about as if holding it out, then upwards to something heavensward before becoming a wave.
"For your fragile heart, I'll give you one of my many names
"Hold it dear, for it calls me to your side
"So in return could I request just one of your few words
"One that doesn't convey 'good-bye'?
A light shines down in response, its blue rays framing the stage, as her feet ripple outwards like water, sparkling in
reflection of the sky. Her whole body shimmering, as now everything deepens, and her movements cause bubbles to form
like she's submerged herself underwater.
"The light forms particles, then shines out in waves
"You take the form of a bird, then soar into space
Shimmering white birds, glowing azure flap from her hands and fly off, as her hands now trail feathers, as she moves in
a deliberately slow, angelic reverence.
"There we were, always together
"That day when all life was in harmony
"Your smile bound my soul in chains, and at the same time, set it free."
The birds become small variable fighters, as their speed increases subtly, flying over the auditorium, and vanishing
into the unknown.
"How I wish we could still be together
"But no matter how I voiced my longing to the air
"It would not reach you, now so far from me
"Shall I go, all alone, on an azure journey?"
And as she finishes that line, she turns away from the audience, and starts to walk away from the audience, as if she
were taking the first steps on that journey. Another bird flies away at cross purposes to her, becomes a variable
fighter, and flies off again towards constellations. Ranka turns around, watching it fly away, as if looking back,
spreading out her hand towards the audience as blue light flows off of it.
"They will neither take the offense, nor go on the defense
"My feelings are balanced between
"The brightest shining hope and the deepest dark of despair
"There my feelings are balanced between."
The stage becomes divided, a dark back drop split by the light shining overhead, with Ranka in-between it all, and more
feathers flutter outwards, her movements deliberate. And as she does, she becomes blue light which obscures her, and
almost magical girl like the light changes her until it becomes a simple strapless white dress, wearing a shell-shaped
pendant. Her hair dotted by gemstones blue and white, with a charm bracelet on her right wrist. Alto and Sheryl might
be a little shocked, did she alter the program at the very last minute for THEM?
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/macross/images/4/40/RankaUta15.png/revision/latest?cb=20200817065456
(OOC Note: She's wearing a gleaming metal shell rather than a heart necklace.)
"The future's feather-light, then leaden once again
"I take the form of water, then burst into flame."
The light looks as if it takes on a greater passion, almost heat, wispy like flames, in contrast to the ripples that
come wherever she walks, as she steps up towards that warmth.
"There we were, always together
"That day when all felt warm in harmony
"Nearer than love, we felt a unison so strong we couldn't breathe."
Hands slowly glide back to float a good distance from her over her throat, her smile mournful to match the soulful
lyrics, as it ethereally keeps gliding back out.
"How I wish we could still be together
"But your music, I can now no longer hear
"From where I drift beyond your galaxy
"Shall I go, all alone, on an azure journey?"
The piano music slows, as her hand asks the question, almost pleading to the audience to not allow her to go alone, yet
it's as if the outcome is never in question. It drops to her side as if resigned.
"Shall I go, all alone, on an azure journey?"
And then, she starts to walk away as the Outro plays, and the auditorium grows dark again causing her to vanish mid-
walk, alone.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
<poem>
Rei stares at Mayu, and Gridman notices. "Is she okay?" He asks Rei, quietly. "Leito's a good man. I don't know him that well, but I trust him. So if something's wrong with his kid, he'd want to know."
...ah. Lucine doesn't know about him. Gridman's eyebrows draw together slightly, his smile turning a bit wobbly. "It is. I hope you've been well. I'd like to spend time together sometime. Someone has to brag about how cool Liam was while Tsutsujidai was trapped!"
And that'll give Gridman a chance to explain his situation, and apologize for accidentally deceiving Lucine.
Liam's wearing the bracelet Gridman bought him..! Where his smile dimmed a little at the thought of explaining himself once again, it brightens into a sunshine-y glow again at the sight of that little bracelet. Gridman had been sure Liam would've simply tossed it, but he held onto it.
"Thank you." Gridman says seriously, his eyes rising from the bracelet to look Liam in the face. His tone brightens. "I hope you guys have a great time!"
Kaworu, in his own way, enjoys the first song to the fullest. Gridman sneaks glances at him from the corner of his eye, blushing softly in the dim light of the VIP seats.
"She's giving it her all, I can tell even all the way back here." A nod of approval. "She's fighting bravely. Dreams coming true... I wonder what that's like, in front of so many people."
Gridman's gaze looks distant for a moment. Does he have any dreams to come true? The only ones he can identify are more than a little violent. He looks down at the heart-shaped glowstick. Maybe this is what Akane meant for him to figure out.
"Kaworu, Rei, do you ever think about..." Gridman starts, softly.
...and loses his nerve. No, it's selfish to bring such things up. They each have battles of their own that can't be put off. It's different for Akane and Rikka.
"Oh, this thing's a phone?" Gridman squishes his own Osanshoo-san. Nope, this one is merely a plushie. "I've been thinking about getting a phone of my own. This one's Yuta's, after all, and maybe..." He laughs. "It looks fun! I think I'll get one! I'm sure it won't be too hard to figure out! If it is, I know I can count on your support, Kaworu."
A brilliant smile. The concert's barely begun, and Gridman's heart is already so full.
"I guess that hologram stuff makes sense, but it still looks pretty overwhelming. Ranka can't miss even a single step while singing. I can't even imagine." Rei frowns. Gridman looks to her worriedly, but it's a thoughtful frown, not an upset frown. That's fine.
Mari would like this song. "Maybe it'll be another one she sings in battle. That wouldn't be so bad." A smile, but it fades after a moment, remembering Mari's words in their last battle together. "Hey, uh, is... She doing okay? Like, in general?"
The VIP booths have food! Gridman stands, setting his glowstick aside. "Rei, would you like anything to eat? It looks like a lot of sweet stuff." He doesn't bother asking Kaworu -- Gridman's picked up on the fact that his boyfriend rarely eats or drinks.
The spotlight comes on! Gridman hurridly grabs himself a couple cookies, and whatever Rei would like, and returns to his seat. Glowstick firmly in hand, cookie hanging out of his mouth, the young Hyper Agent is ready!
But as Ranka speaks, he feels that electric, bubbly excitement calm. Chomping down the cookie, he smiles as Ranka says its her birthday. "That's lucky..."
How many of you have ever loved someone, and still carry those feelings with you?
A blink of vibrant yellow eyes. Once, then twice.
Of all instruments, a piano begins to play, and Gridman has a jolt of realization. Slowly, his head turns to look at Kaworu. A friend supporting Ranka from the beginning... Could it be?
Every bit as skilled as the previous song, Ranka dances, sings, and changes costumes with a grace and beauty that takes Gridman's breath away. But something about the words of this song are resonating in the Hyper Agent's heart in a way he doesn't entirely find comfortable.
Ranka isn't doing anything wrong, not at all. The song is great! The performance is spectacular! Then why...
Gridman takes in a shuddering breath, something akin to a sob. It's very, very quiet, but he startles himself. A hand comes up to his face -- he's crying?
Why?
Another glance to the side. To Kaworu.
<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.
As Ruri mentions the person(s?) who were DDOSing Ranka's website for so long, Grace, now seated behind Sheryl, doesn't stop smiling. But the light glints off her glasses in the dark.
At least those DDOS attacks have stopped by now. Perhaps Ranka's hater, whoever they were, gave up once she hit the big times.
Sheryl, for her part, giggles as she spots Ruri dancing out of the corner of her eye. She doesn't give her guff about it right now, being otherwise focused on the performance itself, but she just might tease her about it later.
...Alto is a better person than her in that respect, as mean as he can be sometimes. If Sheryl knew he had his suspicions about her mixed feelings about Ranka but kept them to himself too, she'd... have mixed feelings about that, too. For now, they get to have a straightforwardly good time, though.
"Oh, absolutely," Sheryl says to Alto and Emilia. She glances and winks at Ruri. "After all--" Oh no. Here it comes-- "This is the kind of music you can dance to, right~?" THERE IT IS
Her lips purse into a small frown as Emilia points out that Aimo is a personal song to her, and she looks over her shoulder at Brera, leaning against the back wall with arms folded over his chest. "That's true," she says. "But I think there's value in spreading a song like that far and wide." She smiles anew, looking from Emilia to Alto as she brushes her hair back. The violet crystal in her drop earring sparkles as it shakes from the motion. "You never know who might be moved by the feelings you would've otherwise kept locked up in your heart."
What is next, though? "It depends on what songs she's got to perform and what she wants to highlight about herself. It's true that keeping the energy high is one tactic, but it can also be a good tactic to bring the energy down now so it can go back to a high later. Keeping the energy too high for too long can wear the audience out," Sheryl remarks.
And, sure enough, Ranka's next song is slower, more melancholy and bittersweet. Sheryl wonders who the friend she's talking about is--and glances over at Alto as she speaks of loving someone. As the mist billows, and the setting changes to a starry night sky, Sheryl returns her attention to Sheryl in her ruffled white dress. It's a good look for her--pure and angelic. It's not just cuteness that suits her. And that paper airplane...
Well. She featured that in one of her music videos too. Another glance at Alto, and she watches the performance more properly. Her eyes widen and her lips slightly part as Ranka's outfit change and how it includes that shell pendant. It doesn't shock her that she WOULD do it; it shocks her that she DID do it.
Ranka really is her rival--in all sorts of ways, good and bad.
And yet...
The lyrics are so heartbreaking. A sound and voice so sweet, and a message so bitter... Surely Ranka didn't write this herself. But... is she trying to send Alto a message?
Her lips purse again a little. This time, she doesn't have any commentary.
Elsewhere...
"She's fine. Or rather, she will be fine," Kaworu reassures Gridman of Mayu. "A place like this is going to be a little much for her this early, after all."
Soon after, they're in their VIP balcony. As Gridman sneaks looks at him, Kaworu seems to not notice--until one time, Gridman looks and Kaworu is already looking back. His smile broadens as his eyes shut for a second; then he gazes back out at the stage.
But Gridman begins to ask a question. "Hm?" Kaworu prompts him--but he doesn't finish. He gives him a steady look, but doesn't press. Instead, he smiles anew as the topic shifts to the Osanshoo-san. "I'd be pleased to help, if that's your wish."
He looks to his other side at Rei, when she opines that Mari would like Interstellar Flight. "I agree. It has the sort of energy that she revels in. But..."
His smile doesn't ebb; he certainly doesn't mind that Gridman only asks Rei and not him for if he wants refreshments, and doesn't comment on Mari being okay or not okay. Mari is always peak Mari, in her own way. But...
There is a soft yearning in his eyes as he watches and listens to Ranka's next performance. This song... As Gridman has already silently realized, it is indeed sent out to him. And the one he sent it out to when he wrote it was...
He wishes Shinji could be here to listen with him.
How fitting it is that he is not.
"...She definitely likes this song," he murmurs, and does not explain.
It takes him a moment to notice the tears streaking down Gridman's cheeks, and only after the performance is done. When he does, he startles too, smile fading at last.
He doesn't ask what's wrong though. He simply gazes at him steadily, almost apologetically.
Because as pleasant as it is being with him and Rei, Gridman already knows about his irrepressible feelings.
<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.
Eight doesn't know most of the people on the balcony, and is focused mostly on Ruri and on Lavhi at the moment--and on holding Osanshoo-san! She listens, though, and Lavhi is paying more attention to those around. He may even see some he knows! But he is of course very stoic about it.
Eight does not comment on Ruri dancing and neither does Lavhi. Instead, "She really is," Eight agrees about Ranka being so impressive.
It is probably easy not to recognize EIght in the meantime, thanks to the glasses and the lack of uniform.
Eight obviously doesn't answer Ranka's questions; there's no way she'd hear her. It's not like that. But she does smile, to hear it's her birthday. A good friend, and... love.
She and Lavhi look at each other for a moment. "...Yes," he says, "I have had this. Even before you."
"Likewise. ...But maybe it's that kind of song, too?"
She listens to it, and watches the sparkling light. Eight remains pretty quiet, at this; while she likes to dance herself, she's not really feeling dancing at the moment, but insead just listening.
"...I'm glad," she says when it finishes, "About the journey we ended up on instead, though." This she says quietly.
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
Rikka feels eyes on her, and glances into the crowd - there, she spots Kaworu, and around him, Gridman and Rei. The three of them receive a smile and a wave - she'd go over and greet them, but it looks like they're enjoying each other's company. Maybe after the concert...
For now, though, she smiles back at Nidaime.
Personal growth... it makes sense.
"It was a little hard not to..." She admits, just a bit sheepishly. Especially not when both of them are so... so...
...Okay, they've both become very cute.
She takes note of the way Nidaime refers to herself and Knight. She nods, then, offering a smile back to Knight as he returns her greeting. That he chooses to say that much means a lot to her.
Knight explains that his sword was a given to him by Samurai Calibur, and Rikka smiles. It's significant, that it is here - that's something she recognizes.
"It looks good on you. I think it suits you." She comments.
Rikka nods over to Alouette, as she comments on Ranka's song.
"Yeah, definitely... That was a good choice. She knows how to grab a crowd." She chuckles, when Alouette agrees.
The second song begins. How many have loved someone, and still carry those feelings with them... It's a bittersweet song, with a melancholy melody.
...Rikka finds those always tend to be her favorite. She's tearing up just a little by the end of it, and has to wipe her eyes.
"W-wow. I could really feel her heart in that one." She says. "It hurts to carry those kind of feelings with you, but being able to share them with others through song..."
She knows what that's like - but she's also been able to have those feelings eventually returned, too. She knows that not everyone is going to have that kind of fortune.
...It's good to know she's capable of that kind of song, too. That kind of versatility is good.
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
RIN STARKING does not notice Sousuke Sagara. Despite having met, perhaps, some of him and his ilk on the field of battle. But in this moment, it's the springtime of youth... a moment to be savored.
At the end of the song she leans nearer to Cascade to say, "YEAH I ENJOYED oh yeah I enjoyed it, it was really fun! We got to go to a tropical island, and who doesn't like that? I've hardly been anywhere like that; it was like where I was born but with all those trees and -" a look of something like shock, "animals, everywhere."
A beat passes. "They also let me fly a plane," she tells Cascade, with a wink of the eye, before straightening upwards and exhaling. (A glance at the phone tells her people were complaining. Rin wonders if she cares about them, and decides she did not.)
Then comes the song - this time Rin seems to sort of half-rise in her seat, letting the seat flip up under her and sitting on that. When someone behind her throws a peanut at the back of her neck, she kind of leans forwards, which can't be good for your spine.
REI AYANAMI looks at Lucine and Liam for a moment, who seem to be handling the glowsticks with more confidence. She raises hers up now, as if seeking some transfiguration or holiness from it. None is immediately forthcoming.
(Rei then looks at Gridman during his secret sort of question. "Yes," Rei says. "I never knew anyone that age." ... This may be a poorly articulated idea.)
In the VIP booths, however, there is something like peace, or at least, less of a hubbub around them. Rei sets down, and after getting herself situated, seems to be getting given further service. "Yes," Rei tells him. "A cookie is alright. Is there tea?" Probably: oolong in a bottle, ice cold, is a classic at places like this.
A new song... and Rei's head tilts slightly. It takes her til the chorus and the bridge to turn her head to look towards Kaworu, as if she's finally coming to understand something about him. Indeed... it's a mystery now revealed... how, exactly, other than administrator privilege, had he gotten this level of seating?
When the song is over, she asks Kaworu, "When did you write it?"
And a bit later, to Gridman: "What will you do, with Yuta's?"
<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.
"I am, too," Ruri says, to Emilia. "Omoikane's covering for me, so I can be here, now." Another communication window pops up, to Ruri's other side, to declare:
< LEAVE IT TO ME >
"Omoikane is very good at double-tasking," Ruri adds, stoic, as if to explain how he's both there and here.
(Omoikane must be whoever's watching through those communication screens, huh? He seems pretty chipper.)
Ruri goes beet-red when Sheryl mentions that this is dancing music, though. "Fool," she grumbles, hands balling in her lap.
"Happy birthday," Ruri says, with a mildness that is pleasant rather than disinterested, looking up to Ranka on the stage. This song coming, at least, doesn't demand so much movement, so she doesn't make nearly as much of a fool of herself as she lifts her glowstick to wave back and forth, metronome, metronome.
"We're not alone," Ruri says, to Eight, when it ends. "Because we're all in this together." Was Eight making a romantic comment? It went over her head. She's not even fourteen, yet, give her a break.
It's Knight who grows quiet, as the song plays, looking up to the stage. He is still lonesome by nature; not by mistake did he not come here with his rival, Gridman. He stands in silent vigil, still and unmoving. The sword does suit him, though, doesn't it? Rikka's not wrong, to notice the connections he's carrying, even though he's so independent.
The connections of the music, all carried in the gentle little sound spirits which have gathered here in exaltation, lifts Nidaime's gaze from the stage to the VIP box which holds Gridman and his friends -- and one friend. The soft blue light glints off her glasses, and she says nothing at all.
Deeper in the crowd...
"Yes," Yuliana smiles, and perhaps she's speaking to the teenager beside her. The stagelights glint off of one too many teeth, though her eyes are hidden from view. "All alone..." And it has the shape of assurance, and in no way does it reassure.
Though, even she has to admit her voice is pretty good.
<Pose Tracker> Christina MacKenzie has posed.
In the crowd, a silvery Haro reflects a green halo outwards from above its head. The blue and white lights wash over it, mixing into a sea green... It's held aloft with two arms, covered in small scars. To those that are close enough to see, the arms shake slightly, quaking in pulses independent of the reverberating, solemn ballad. And the eyes below them are tightly closed--in the darkness of the crowd, it would be difficult to tell the glittering liquidity of the melancholy.
XAIRO floats down, warbling for MAIRO to flutter atop the larger Haro. Slowly, relieved of MAIRO's weight... those scarred arms slip down to wipe her green eyes.
A different kind of journey... A different...
<Pose Tracker> Cascade Vermilion has posed.
Cascade makes a point of watching Sousuke go. No reason. It'll make the report though.
"I would like to go to a tropical island sometime," Cascade says, sounding slightly wistful. Gamia has been to islands and beaches; Cascade has never been, not even to a less-than-tropical beach. A pool does not count, and she's only been THERE for classes, too.
"...what kind of plane?"
It's this song that catches Cascade's intense attention, for some reason - more than the other.
Cascade forgets to wave her glowstick after a few moments. She's still holding it, granted; she's still holding it more or less up even, though her arm lowers slightly after a few moments of being still.
This one isn't as... upbeat, or happy, as the other one. And Cascade has never felt anything quite like that, she doesn't think. So why does this one touch her more than the other one...?
She shakes her head as the song ends, as much to refocus as anything else. "..." Well, now she's especially glad she came, at least.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
"Yes. You can learn a lot about someone by how they carry their sword." Alouette says of Knight, when Rikka points out how much it suits him. What does it tell her? He's willing to carry his feelings on his back.
Ranka's next song... it's very different. Alouette loves the energetic peppy songs... but melancholic songs like this have a special place in her heart as well.
As she listens, it's not romantic love Alouette is thinking about, even if she seems to understand the intent. Rather she thinks about the friends and family she spent so long separated from, who now serve Cosmic Law as Ruin Apostles. Those she won't be able to fully reach no matter how much she bares her heart. How much longer will they have to go through this?
Outwardly, she doesn't let any of those feelings sink out. It's a truly beautiful song; and Rikka has really shown her musical range in just two songs - Alouette is impressed. "It's... such a complicated and painful song." Alouette agrees with Rikka. "But I think I could understand her feelings, and the feelings of the one who wrote the song. No matter how painful they are." She nods - unaware that the person she's speaking of is in fact Kaworu.
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
Lucine nods, as Gridman clues in. ".... Ah, it's alright. I'm getting to meet you face to face, after all..." A quiet excitement rises to her gaze. "Ah, yes, I'd love to show you the garden on the Nadesico! ... If it all works out, that is.... you can tell me everything." Her eyes sparkle, finding an element of joy in this-- before, Gridman was this mysterious being, similar and yet dissimilar to Zero. Now, it's like meeting a new friend.
Catching Rei's glance before the light blue-haired young woman looks to her glowstick, Lucine raises hers in a quiet salute as Rei does the same, as they were two pilgrims raising their holy relics in salute.
Now, in their seats, as the energetic mood of the first song fades, a melancholy one begins. If it had been several months earlier, how would this song hit? If she and Liam hadn't confessed their feelings to one another, or tried to hide it for one other's sake?
She feels herself become like a conduit for those feelings, primed by the melancholy purity of the words and Ranka's singing, as well as her own questions, of what it would have been like. Ranka there, in her white dress, the flowers in her hair, similar to the ones Lucine would wear.
Lucine rubs away the tears from her eyes, and leans against Liam, as if afraid he'd disappear, like Eurydice into Tartarus.
<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.
Poor Ruri gets teased. Don't worry, Ruri. Alto is well aware of what it's like to be a target of Sheryl's mischievous personality. He silently sends Ruri his sympathies.
As Emilia brings up the private nature of Aimo, Alto recalls the first time he heard it. He nods along slowly, "It is... But I think that just goes to show how serious she is about this. She's opening ALL of herself up to everyone." Sheryl expresses something similar to him and Alto agrees, "It's that connection, that power to move people, that is really going to end up getting people to love her."
Speaking about love, Ranka goes to blow away any of people's preconceptions by transitioning into a far slower and definitely less cutesy song. It actually gets Alto to chuckle a little, given his previous comments, "It's like she's really trying to show us what she's capable of!" A good move for a debut, for sure!
Alto idly wonders if the friend Ranka's talking about is him in the song's dedication is him. It certainly could be, as he fits the description. Though Alto knows that Ranka has had many people supporting her. And as far as he's aware he hasn't really done anything all that important to distinguish himself amongst them. Well, it's not a big deal either way.
Alto of course misses the glance that Sheryl sends his way.
The song goes on. And Alto actually ends up closing his eyes for a while as he listens. Thus when he opens his eyes again to find that Ranka has gone through a mid-song costume change, he's a little surprised. The sight of Ranka in that white dress cause his eyes to widen. He's transfixed on her... Which is when he notices the necklace.
Alto smiles.
The song ends And Alto takes a deep breath, almost out of relief. Like he had been so enchanted he had forgotten to breathe. He then muses, "If she keeps this up, she's going to have a hard time topping this with future concerts."
<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.
A blush rises in Liam's cheeks as Gridman threatens something unforgivable--to brag about him to his girlfriend. "Still need to show you the gardens," he says. The last time they were both in the area with time to spare, Duma showed up. It kind of put a kibosh on the whole thing.
Liam feels eyes on him again as the song changes, and turns to find Rei--seated relatively nearby--is studying him. He keeps moving the glowstick in time with everyone else, matching the tempo and the energy of the crowd. It's... more difficult to do with a song like this. The bittersweet longing hits him, even as he wonders who Ranka is longing for. Alto, maybe?
(He was not privy to Ranka and Kaworu's long and deep friendship.)
But Lucine is leaning against him, now, and he doesn't have to be a Newtype to realize how she's feeling. He wraps an arm around her, and pulls her close, reassuring her.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
When Ranka comes back into view she's wearing a beautiful dress with a light, breezy very spring look. The top of it is an off-the-shoulder lacy ruff of off-white striped with spring green and sprinkled with decorative faux flowers, from white to yellow to orange to red to pink.
That ruff drapes over the body of the dress, light green with openings on her sides hidden by the ruff, leading down into yellow ribbons tying at her hips that lead into ruffled, layered skirts likewise if more sparsely decorated with flowers.
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/macross/images/f/f2/RankaUta40.png/revision/latest?cb=20220131140210
The spot lights trail down to her, "A night of firsts, I suppose that's what a debut is all about. Showing what you have to offer to the world. Spring is a season of love, which means it's also a season of yearning..."
-=-=-
To those who have been following her since before her debut, they're familiar with cat's diary, a sleepy little tune about young love, played soft and sweet. The stage is full of Spring imagery and cats, implying much of a young maiden's love.
Interlude - Cat's Diary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kZ_IAIvoDE
What follows is then an encore of Seikan Hikou ~ Interstellar Flight to hype the crowd back up. There's something almost apologetic to the encore, as if to suggest she doesn't have that many songs yet, but it's only the second time anyone has ever heard it.
The crowd as a whole doesn't seems to mind, as the hype builds up to a frenzy again.
-=-=-
And then...
"Thank you all for coming tonight out to celebrate my birthday with me! You've all given me an incredible gift here tonight, so I want to be sure noone leaves here feeling like I haven't given back just as much! Before we leave off I want to show all of you here just what I have to offer from the get go. I can guarantee that everyone here tonight has heard it before, but I'd like for you all to listen to my version and judge for yourself whether it's a sign of my inexperience..."
The lights go off again, shrouding the stage in dark, as she states, "... or the start of my fulfillment of a promise to stand on this stage with someone very special to me." The music begins to play, and indeed its a very familiar melody.
Lion ~ Ranka ver. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHXoYvZs0BI
As the lights come on again, she's in a black and yellow corseted dress with a tie long train of flaired out red and more transparent pink ribbons, yellow stockings and, black shoes, and asymmetrical wristlets and armlets with black fingered and yellow gloves. On her head is a tiny crown, settled jauntily on the left side of her hair.
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The outfit seems designed to carry the passion of the song, and she begins to sing with a feline like ferocity that her cute frame tries to rise to the challenge of matching.
"Orbit the stars at the heart of the world
"When you sneeze, butterflies in some forest somewhere will dance wildly!"
"The key to the door you protect is randomized
"Here's an embarrassing story: even if they lick each others' wounds, lions are strong..."
Spinning, she brings the mic back in close, stalking around the stage in a circle, before stopping and lifting a leg, and as she does, mist pours out, bringing them into the clouds, or perhaps it's the fog of war as indeed there's a hint of something like debris. A familiar sight perhaps to many used to war and conflict. Even the Frontier Colonies are not immune with the Vajra attacks. Green triangles spill out from the stage, floating upward ephemerally.
"I want to survive, I want to survive, I find I still want to live
"Guided by the constellations, we now gaze at each other..."
An arm pumps up several times as the notes trill out, as she reaches out as if to someone who's out there fighting, someone whom she wants to see again, no matter what.
"I want to survive, I'm at a loss, I glitter as I wither away
"Until I show off how I look when I'm serious, I won't sleep!"
Microphone to her mouth, she hops along the stage, arm waving high as if to guide the crowd, one hop after another across it, the energy of the song not diminishing at all as it reaches new heights. As the electric guitar strums a dynamic solo effort.
"We're supposed to survive, wow wow wow"
"We're supposed to survive..."
"What was I born to do? What am I here to do? Ooh... oooh..."
Singing about the search for purpose, she remembers that day at Sheryl's concert, she remembers that day on the streets with the Vajra attack, with Alto saving her. And makes a fist, a hand drawing its way down.
"I want to survive; my uncovered wounds feared the light
"The lives that want to be forgiven now draw each other close
"I want to end my wandering and quell my burning heat at your side
"Until I show off how I look when I'm serious, I won't sleep..."
It's at this moment, that the whole stage appears to shake, and to those who were there at Sheryl's concert, it might invoke the idea of the ship rocking, but even as it does, Ranka whips her head about, clutching her microphone, alit by blazing light.
"I want to survive, I don't mind if it's by a hair, I'm in love with you
"The lives that want to awaken now draw each other close
"In place of madness, I'll offer up a prayer: I'm in love with you (love with you)
"Guided by the constellations... the constellations... hey yeahhhh!
"I want to survive, I still want to live, I'm in love with you
"Until I show off how I feel when I'm serious, I won't sleep!"
It comes again, that guitar solo, before even that slows, and the notes echo onward, Ranka raises her arms up high, then brings them both down, and the song ends.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
"She'll... be fine?" Gridman asks Kaworu, keeping his eyes on Mayu. Rei answers affirmatively, but in a manner that makes the Hyper Agent a little more worried. "Uh, I'll talk to Leito after the concert, I guess."
"I'd like that a lot, Lucine." Gridman smiles. "Especially to see a spaceship garden. Borr would love that, if you don't mind me inviting her. I'll VERTEX you after the concert to work out the details."
Rei lifts her glowstick like a magical girl's wand! Nothing happens, but Gridman mirrors her, spinning in place beneath it. "You've gotta do a cool move, too, or nothing happens."
In truth, nothing happens with Gridman's cool move, either, but it was kinda fun!
In the VIP booth, when Gridman sneaks another look at Kaworu and finds his boyfriend gazing back -- he makes a soft noise of surprise, then laughs, turning his gaze back to the stage as well.
Kaworu encourages Gridman to finish his sentence, in his own way. Balling his fists, he gathers his courage..! "I was thinking... Akane and Rikka are going on a vacation together, and... I've never been on a vacation! I know it's not really realistic but..." He's not making sense. He knows this, but presses forward anyway. "I was thinking of copying them. Going somewhere nice, the three of us. Just for a weekend or something, even."
It's a really, really roundabout way to express himself, but Kaworu and Rei are sharp enough to understand -- hopefully.
Cold oolong tea is indeed delivered to Rei, along with two cookies on a napkin.
Rei comes to the same realization as Gridman does. This is a song not just to Kaworu, but from Kaworu. The Hyper Agent's tears are a subtle thing, matching the energy of Ranka's song. Kaworu meets his gaze, and Gridman looks back. For a few moments, his heart aches so keenly he's afraid he's hurt himself.
But those moments pass. And it's okay.
Gridman wipes at his face, his smile wobbling into existence. Movement catches his attention from the corner of his eye, and Gridman looks down into the crowd. Rikka, Alouette, Knight, and -- is that Nidaime? all stand together. Rikka's waving at him, smiling without reservation.
Waving in return, Gridman takes a breath. "It'll be okay." He says, softly, as he watches Rikka. His gaze turns to Kaworu. "It'll be okay."
Even so, Gridman reaches out for Kaworu's hand, brushing their fingers together. Making the first move, but letting Kaworu complete the gesture -- should he wish to.
Rei asks about Yuta's phone, and Gridman considers this, pulling the little device out and looking it over. "Calibur always says phones are connected to human lives. So I'll keep it somewhere safe for him. Since I'm living as a human, it's about time I got a phone of my own, right?"
Before Gridman can worry too much about phones or his love life, Ranka returns! Accompanied by a bunch of hologrpahic cats. Immediately, Gridman raises his (Yuta's) phone, snapping a picture for Calibur's sake.
On the concert goes, and Gridman finds himself swept up in the wonder of it again, waving his glowstick and smiling happily. Ranka has already given them an amazing concert, but it seems she's performing once again?
This outfit has got to be the cutest one yet, with a little crown! Gridman cheers as the song begins, enthusiastic in his appreciation for Ranka's efforts. She's giving it her all..! The least he can do is cheer her on!
Finally, a guitar solo, and Ranka brings the music to an end with a motion of her arms. Gridman claps and cheers, waving his heart-shaped glowstick with abandon.
"Yeah," He says, mostly to himself. "I want to survive and live, too!"
This song is definitely going to become one of his favorites.
<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.
Sheryl just gives Ruri a mischievous smile when the young girl turns bright red. There's no ill will meant, at least; she only means to tease her in good fun. Hopefully Ruri appreciates that ... eventually.
She'll probably appreciate Alto's silent condolences more.
For herself, though...
It's that connection, that power to move people, that is really going to end up getting people to love her.
"..."
This time, when Sheryl glances over her shoulder, it's at Grace. Grace returns her look with a soft smile and a small tilt of her head, as if in reassurance. Sheryl breaks into a smile again at last, relaxing, and looks forward again.
After all, the same could be said of her, couldn't it? And she's the one who heard that in Ranka--heard it, and helped nurture it.
"I'm sure she'll find a way," she comments to Alto, composure reasserted. "It's the challenge that makes a girl grow."
When Ranka returns to the stage, Sheryl blinks again, and this time she is a little shocked at her appearance. There couldn't possibly have been time to program that dress into the hologram system. Then she's actually wearing it on stage, right now?
Sheryl smiles in pleasure, the beat of her heart quickening just a hair. She keeps up that smile through the charming, sleepy little song that is Cat's Diary and through the reprise of Interstellar Flight. She's not sure she'd agree with picking that--performing her cover of My Boyfriend is a Pilot would have been wiser--especially since she moves into a cover of a different song next. Something Sheryl had been expecting, considering Ranka had contacted her and her manager for permission to perform it in the first place.
It does hit differently, coming from Ranka's throat. Sheryl sits up a little taller, a little more forward, as she performs the song that she'd first sung on a sinking ship, pushing the pilots forward to survive no matter what. Yes, she understands Ranka's feelings very clearly, crystal clearly, as she echoes this song of hers on her own stage.
And as the song progresses, Sheryl finds she can't stop her lips from forming around the words. Her voice lifts to sing along, even if it's only a whisper in this moment, audible only to those immediately around her:
"I want to survive, I still want to live, I'm in love with you
"Until I show off how I feel when I'm serious, I won't sleep..."
Her crystal earring glints again, this time as if with an inner light. It's likely almost no one notices, with how focused the audience is on Ranka... but there is one person, sitting right behind Sheryl, who is very aware of it indeed...
And perhaps Ranka will feel it too. Right in her gut.
Elsewhere...
"A vacation..." Kaworu echoes, gaze lifting to Rikka where she sits a distance away in the dark. "That does sound nice. Rei and I went to the beach last year with Shinji and the others. It was a pleasant experience." He pauses. "I'd like to go again."
But that only tracks. He is Kaworu 'Nagisa,' after all--Kaworu of the Seashore. And after Azure Ether has played...
"Soon after Shinji's birthday party last year," Kaworu murmurs to Rei. She was there; she would remember this. She might even remember that Kaworu had been all but gone from Tokyo-3 for a couple of weeks thereafter--had shown up some for work and tests, but not at all for school. Gridman might remember this: it was the stretch of time last June where Kaworu attended solely Tsutsujidai High. Whether either remembers Kaworu's agony at that time is another matter.
Because of that, he continues, "Although he thanked us later, he was so hurt the moment he walked into the surprise." He lowers his gaze; bows his head. "I couldn't stand the fact that I had hurt him like that."
They've made up about it since then. But this song is absolutely a mirror of his heart of that time... no, not just that time--of all the times where Kaworu has had to part far too far from Shinji.
Still, Gridman settles his hand over his, and Kaworu accepts it, his smile returning to convey his gratitude. Not just that: as if feeling a certain gaze, he looks down and to one side. A pair of glasses glint at him in the dark. Kaworu smiles back at Nidaime. As the daughter of a Sound Spirit, did she sense his heart in the melody and lyrics? Or is that simply how powerful the blossoming Ranka is?
Perhaps it's some of both.
"I have no doubt," he murmurs accordingly to Gridman and Rei both, "that Ranka's sound will stir countless hearts. I'm blessed to be able to craft sounds and words that will uplift her." He turns his smile to both of them in turn. "...But that's a secret. There are reasons why I shouldn't be known as 'Kaworu Nagisa' in that world. I'm credited as 'I, Tabby' where I contribute to her works instead."
He nods in agreement as Gridman says while he'll keep Yuta's phone safe, he should have his own. "Yes. You deserve your own connection." And Yuta Hibiki deserves to have his own... but Kaworu doesn't go that far.
He hums along, a placid smile back on his lips, to Cat's Diary, another very familiar song. Interstellar Flight plays again, as delightful a song as it was the first time, but at last Ranka pays homage to the Galactic Fairy by performing a cover of Lion.
It's a stirring rendition, powerful with Ranka's own wishes and desires. The melody is the same, the lyrics are the same, but there is something about it that is uniquely her own.
"How wonderful," he breathes. "Ranka, you truly are magnificent."
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
RIN STARKING answers Cascade, with exaggerated coolness, "Oh, just this old trainer model for the special effects footage... we had a simulated air duel and stuff. They just needed people and they believed me when I said I had a license--"
After the song ends, Rin has been looking at Cascade, sideways, from behind her glasses. She asks, with a different - and perhaps softer - tone than usual, "You liked that one, huh?"
"THIS one," Rin continues, "THIS is the first one I heard--" She means Cat's Diary, in this case. "I guess it swept around the campus just before you transferred in, so you j-u-s-t missed it..."
REI AYANAMI twirls her glowstick in her fingers. She is watching the show. She seems to be enjoying Cat's Diary, or at least she's listening to it intently. Attentively. The two are similar and easily compatible.
She receives her drink, lightly, with both hands. She nods warmly to Gridman. The beverage is opened and she takes a sip, not looking for others. This is a small place within the world; a place where she is. And then another topic comes up.
First, phones. "Yes," Rei says. "Some adults have separate phones for their work and their personal lives." She's seen it with her own eyes. Sometimes they have even more than that, but we're not ready for that conversation. Rei sips her tea.
She realizes, then, what Kaworu is speaking about. She blinks several times, tilting her head slightly. Kaworu remembers pain. Rei recalls it, but it was chaos and noise to her; the feeling of Shinji at the time... She takes a nibble, at last, of the cookie.
"The sea was beautiful," Rei says, which isn't her usual qualifier of 'strictly descriptive adjective' or 'pleasant,' though the music might be reaching towards her. Though she seems momentarily alarmed by what Ranka says, for some reason. But it passes; so perhaps it was a stone in her shoe or a cookie crumb sticking in her throat.
A birthday...
But we did not bring presents.
It must not be the etiquette.
Others would have held them, if it were.
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
"Yeah.... It really is." Rikka agrees. "...Me too. I think that's important."
No matter how painful... Rikka's always felt that the painful feelings are just as important as the happier ones. It's important to accept every part of them.
A couple of more songs play - first is Cat's Diary, which sounds a little familiar, and then, it's an encore of the first song she played. Rikka doesn't mind a repeat - she's the kind of person who can listen to the same song one hundred times and still pull new meaning out of it, so listening to one twice in the same sessison is no problem at all.
The last song is also a familiar one, but only because of the other person who sang it. Lion, one of Sheryl's...
It has a different tone when Ranka sings it. But, that's fine - she isn't Sheryl, so it should be her heart that's in it. And even still, it's a powerful, energetic song, and the special effects don't disappoint either. She's always loved this one - she feels the same way even when Ranka's the one singing it.
In the end, Rikka finds herself joining in on the cheering and applause.
"...She really is incredible." Rikka remarks, impressed.
<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.
Ruri will accept Alto's sympathies, since they're silent, and that's far less embarrassing. At least he knows what it's like...!!
As Cat's Diary begins to play, Nunnally offers Milly -- and Ranka, perhaps, through the miracle of hearts, that same wonder which has leant such colour and texture to Ranka's performances despite the fact she cannot open her eyes to see -- her very finest: "Miauuu...!"
Knight doesn't need to prove anything with a meow; he's long since been one of the Villa's cats. Even so, he's quiet, staring intensely up at the stage during Ranka's intermission. "I remember, Ranka Lee," he says, stoic. To Rikka, he shares, low, as that song ends: "... I scared her, but she brought it to me, anyway. Because she thought of me, I gained more strength to talk." He pauses, looking up at the dark stage. "... I wonder what Mari Makinami Illustrious did, with that music player."
Nidaime is just as hype about going on an Interstellar Flight the second time around, of course. Did you think she wouldn't get into it?
But it's when Ranka reaffirms her promise that Ruri and Omoikane look up to her to see her tooth and ambitions bared. "She really looks up to you, Ms. Nome," Ruri reflects, raising her voice enough for her famous friend to hear as she sees the costume Ranka's picked. Even before the song starts!
She can see the difference between this costume and the others. She's young, but she's still pretty sharp.
Of course, Ruri recognises Lion -- "She's covering one of Ms. Nome's songs," she explains, to Eight as it starts up, helpfully, because Eight is like a million years old or in her 20s or something and might not be hip to youth culture -- and by the brightness sparkling in her mild gaze, she deeply enjoys Ranka's spin on it.
But it's Omoikane who's really getting into it, judging by the windows he pops up with little heart-shaped glowstick graphics. Text boxes echo her lyrics, in a silent sing-along:
< WE'RE SUPPOSED TO SURVIVE >
< WHAT WAS I BORN TO DO? >
< WHAT AM I HERE TO DO? >
Evidently, machine hearts can be touched by music just as much as human hearts can; Ruri might be the only one here who can feel just how much the song speaks to him, but he's cheering Ranka on as loudly as he can, given how he tends to talk.
<Pose Tracker> Cascade Vermilion has posed.
'They believed me when I said I had a license...'
"You would think they would check," Cascade says, with a slight smile. She knows, of course, that Rin is a perfectly fine pilot (though she didn't know it extended to planes as well). "But I suppose if you didn't crash it, you had all the experience you needed.
Rin asks her a direct question. "...I did," Cascade admits. "I haven't heard anything like this before." Nor Cat's Diary, though that one doesn't mean as much to her. It's pleasant enough, but it doesn't dig in like the last... or the next.
Though Ranka says everyone here has surely heard this song before, there is one person who hasn't heard Lion - or at least, she's never paid any attention to it beyond background noise, faintly heard from someone else's speakers and dismissed as irrelevant.
But this time she's actually paying attention.
Cascade has not significantly moved for the entire song. Rin may be slightly worried if she looks, though Cascade is at least breathing perfectly normally. She's simply very still, as if she was focused *entirely* on something else.
Which she is. If the last song touched her, this one grips her by something she didn't know existed until about five minutes ago. Once again, she couldn't say why it touches her; what about it digs in. But it does. There's nobody for her; she doesn't even consider anything like that. She's a killer assassin robot. 'Love' is just a word to her, or so she thought.
And yet it makes her think about it. And the desire to survive, the desire to thrive - to do something - what?
What was *I* born to do?
What am I here to do?
And what would Gamia think about that? What would *Ashura* think about that? She doesn't know and she doesn't want to.
Afterwards, Cascade apparently lets out a breath she'd held for the last few measures. Her expression is difficult to read, even for her; normally her expressions of emotion are subdued but present, as if she'd been trained not to make a fuss. This time...
"Are all concerts like that," she says, rather than asks, to Rin.
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
Hearing it termed as a spaceship garden, Lucine's cheeks grow pink. "... Ah, that makes it sound more fancy than it actually is... but... I'd love to have Borr over too." Compared to the gardens Liam helped start in Tsutsujidai, it's more a seed than a whole tree. But the pride shines in Lucine's eyes all the same. "... I want to hear all about what happened." About everything, not just Gridman's own situation, or to brag about Liam. ( ..... she would like to hear about those especially, though. )
Now, pressed against Liam's side as his arm wraps around her, Lucine looks up and smiles. Liam's hold is a little too firm to be a shadow's, a little too warm to be a memory.
But that is the magic of people like Ranka and Sheryl; to give those feelings in a safe environment, to allow someone like Lucine the change to laugh and cry and close her eyes, transported to someplace else. Another birthday celebration, and Lucine is again left wondering who is the one getting the gifts.
This isn't a gift that just happened to be given to Ranka due to a happy occasion, after all; this is all a result of Ranka's efforts to get to this point, as well as the people who helped her get this far. ... Like Sheryl, in a big way.
When is when the chords of Sheryl's own song start, which Lucine immediately recognizes.
".... She's doing it," Lucine says, quietly settled against Liam. ".... Judging by the feelings I've felt, if they weren't just all me... the audience was in tune with her." Even if the world outside this concert hall may be a different story, here in this space, where people hear her voice, Ranka is the star.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
Cat's Diary is a new song to Alouette, but not for any less enjoyment. It's a really sweet song, and she notes that the soft tone makes such lovely use of Ranka's voice. When the cat theme is revealed, she can't help but spare a glance Knight's way, even if he won't meow.
She's not displeased to hear Interstellar Flight again, even if some question its choice. In fact, she's able to notice even more of its strengths on second listen.
Alouette lets out a cheer when the final song is revealed to be a cover of Sheryl Nome's Lion - it is one of her favourites. She eagerly listens to Ranka's own rendition... it's just as strong, she agrees. "Wow... I definitely want to see them duet Lion sometime." Alouette comments as the song comes to a close, to a matching ROAR of cheer and applause.
"I have to admit, she's certainly won me over." Alouette nods, when Rikka affirms how incredible Ranka is. "And... I look forward to seeing where she goes from here, since it's only the very beginning." She just hopes the competition in the line to purchase the new single isn't too fierce...
<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.
In the safety of their shared bubble, Liam leans in and plants a kiss atop Lucine's head. His weight rests against her. As Cat's Diary starts playing, his mood shifts to gentle, nostalgic enjoyment. "I remember when I first heard this," he says. "It was on a disk she dropped in my mail. It's very sweet." A pause. "I'm... so glad she got the chance to share it."
Then comes Lion. Liam's heard this one, too, at that concert in Tsutsujidai--hearing Ranka perform it alone is energizing. By the time the song ends, he's cheering with the rest of the crowd, waving his glow-stick. It takes a moment for him to notice Lucine's observation.
"...You can tell?" he says. But yeah, of course she can. This isn't the first time she's taken the emotional temperature of a room.
<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.
Out of the corner of his eye, Alto catches Sheryl looking a little more... Contemplative? He glances at her for a moment, wondering what's up. But she seems to relax again. Oh well. Alto nods along to Sheryl, still a little curious but not saying anything except to agree, "I'm sure she will." He goes back to watching the concert.
Cat's Diary is another cute one. And the repeat of Interstellar Flight is unfortunate, but understandable. At least it's a good one!
Alto then chuckles a little as Ranka starts going into Lion, "That's bold of her. Singing a cover of one of your songs at her debut." He of course figures that Ranka asked first and Sheryl agreed. But still, it's quite the statement. Especially to make it a version of her own. That said, Alto muses, "But I suppose it's a nice way to show her admiration for you." Something he is WELL aware of.
As the song continues, Alto can hear Sheryl start to sing along to it. The combination of the two stirs a feeling within him as he raises his hand to his chest. It's a familiar feeling, reminding him of a past event. One where it felt like the two of them were guiding him forward.
It's a warm feeling.
As the song winds down, Alto suggests, "The two of you would make for quite the duet. More so than most, I would imagine. Given how well you two know each other."
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Sheryl will notice, at the moment she starts singing. Ranka's eyes move up to the booth. And perhaps her smile widens a touch though that might be tough to tell from that perspective.
Noone will notice the subtle luminescence, save one individual perhaps.
The audience's cheers and applause reaches a crescendo when Ranka reappears, as she steps forward into the spotlight, does the 'KIRA' pose again, takes a bow, and waves at everyone. She waits until the applause dies some over the sea of pink hearts.
"Thank you again all of you coming out tonight to see me perform for the first time professionally! I hope all of you will come see me again! My Debut single goes on sale right now, everyone here tonight will have the opportunity to purchase the limited edition with an expanded list of tracks as my Birthday gift to you!"
And indeed it does, with a track list containing:
01. Interstellar Flight [Seikan Hikou]
02. Cat's Diary [Neko Nikki]
03. Do You Remember Love? (Deculture Edition Size) [Ai, Oboete Imasu ka]
04. My Boyfriend is a Pilot -MISS MACROSS 0095- [Watashi no Kare wa Pilot]
05. Interstellar Flight (w/o Ranka, i.e. karaoke version)
06. Do You Remember Love? (Deculture Edition Size w/o Ranka)
There is also a voucher inside entitling people to a code to buy a limited edition for her second single, which is promised to release very soon. (It's guaranteed to be Azure Ether.)
"And to anyone with VIP tickets or backstage passes, I'll be available after the show for a signing. Until I see all of you again-" As she shifts into the Kira pose again, "-SPARKLE!"
As the spotlights go off her, the light goes on, and she moves to the back. There is a short break, which Ranka uses to take a quick shower, get a fast touch up, then come back out there in a less sweaty duplicate of her costume for Interstellar Flight, sitting happily at the table, a bundle of nervous energy.
Elmo looks like he's utterly pooped, a stage hand is fanning him in a chair just out of view, though some may still easily catch it. Instead Prospector has taken over, as he adjusts his glasses, already looking at the growing revenue figures for tonight on a datapad.
Ranka is sitting at a classy wooden table in front in front of a nice couch, on her shoulder rests her Osanshoo-san phone, as if it were now an important part of her brand.
When people appear, she waves excitedly.
"Hey everyone! No need to be shy!" She gives them a toothy smile, "It almost feels a little silly, given how many of you have been there for me the whole way. I'd do this for you any-" Prospector clears his throat, "-time!"
Prospector leans over and whispers into her ear, Ranka's hair lifts as if it were an ear allowing access.
"I'm contractually obligated to do what going forward-? Really?" She actually murmurs back, he nods gravely, she perks up suddenly and smiles sheepishly. It's a minor faux pas in front of the fans but only a minor one. Chalk it up to the speed of her debut, but she recovers admirably, "Anyhow! Who'd like to go first?"
Prospector just smiles.
<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.
When Knight speaks, Rikka listens. He remembers Ranka - he scared her, but she still brought the song to him. Because she thought of him, he gained more strength to talk...
A small gesture, with unbelievable power.
"That's incredible. ...I'm glad she did." She commments. She finds herself curious, too, though - though she finds a moment to chuckle at Nidaime's hype for the encore.
"Me too." Rikka agrees, with a nod toward Alouette. "I'm definitely going to follow her career..."
Ranka thanks them all, and expresses her hopes that they'll see her again. Rikka's cheers join the rest of the crowd's. Once Ranka leaves the stage, Rikka stands up.
"Let's hurry - maybe we can pick up the single before it's gone..." She says, looking toward Alouette. She considers Knight and Nidaime for a moment, too.
"Do you want to come with us? Either way, it was really good to see you both again..." Rikka offers. She'd definitely feel better about navigating the crowd in a larger group, but she doesn't want them to feel obligated to stick around, either.
All told, though, this concert was really good... Rikka's definitely interested to see where things go from here.
<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.
"Sparkle~!" Alouette exclaims back, waving her glowstick once Ranka makes her closing pose and words. She'll definitely have to come down for another one of her performances.
"It's going to be tight but... let's go!" She agrees, following closely behind Rikka.
And then looking back at the pair of 'Irregulars'. "You're definitely welcome to join us, but it was a pleasure to see you two again." She affirms. "And ah.. congratulations on your personal growth." She adds, painfully earnest.
<Pose Tracker> Sousuke Sagara has posed.
Shinji has been cheering at full blast the whole time. Ono-D has been contributing a good bit too. Sousuke is making the exact same motions with absolutely no expression on his face.
Hm. Following the lead of an informed insider...yes, this is a proven infiltration technique, providing he isn't isolated. Excellent. ...wait is that what he was doing
Still, as Ranka says her outro speeches, Sousuke does find himself smiling. They haven't spoken in a while, but he has known her, of course. To think she's come so far from the girl who fell into his pit trap last year...ah...look at her go...
Ono-D shakes him out of it. "C'mon, Sagara, Kazama's taken off to try and beat the crowd to the soundtrack stand."
"If he requires a path to the front, I will secure a route," Sousuke says, and marches off.
...attempts, to march off. Ono-D's hand on his shoulder tightens. "Chidori says if I don't let you make a scene she'll get me one of the good yakisoba pan, Sagara," Onodera says, looming.
<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.
Sheryl chuckles and tosses her hair with a sweep of her hand when Ruri comments on how much Ranka looks up to her. "Of course! I'm Sheryl Nome, after all," she declares. She winks over at Ruri. "I wonder if one day you'll be covering one of her songs on your stage?"
It's more teasing--but there's a note of sincerity there, too. She knows how much Ruri admires Ranka--and she knows that she loves music, too. Even if she might not be on the path to being a songstress, there are places to sing without doing it at a massive venue like this.
It is a direct comparison, though, as Alto points out. Sheryl's song, sung by Ranka... The audience loves it, of course. But what about it do they love?
Something to ponder later. For now, Sheryl chuckles at Alto. "I agree. Actually, a while back, we were talking about doing a collab one day, once she's gotten a chance to stand up on her own two legs as a songstress." She smiles back at the stage. "It won't be much longer until she can fulfill her promise."
She stands up then and smiles brightly at Alto, Ruri, and the others. "Well then! Let's go pester Ranka during her signings. I'm sure there's a huge line already forming~," she says with the cheer of someone who A B S O L U T E L Y will not need to wait in it.
Though, in fairness, that's not necessarily because of her status. Sheryl doesn't plan on getting in line for Ranka's signature at all. It feels a little pointless when she'll be hanging out with her after this anyway--this time without Grace or Brera in the background.
Not that she'd mind Brera joining them. Sheryl knows how much he likes Ranka... but she also knows how much he doesn't like Alto. She'll make it up to him afterwards. For now, though, the two of them tag along to watch Ranka's signing on the sidelines, too.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
"A beach somewhere." Gridman nods, excitement in his eyes. "Yeah, that sounds great! Maybe we can find a few free days for all three of us. We could go swimming and watch the sun set."
It sounds nice. It sounds... possible. A little spark of excitement lights in Gridman's heart. Maybe it can really happen?
"Shinji's birthday." Gridman's face twists in sympathy. He didn't know Kaworu as well back then, but even he recognized Kaworu's despair. "I see. That... explains everything."
Gridman squeezes Kaworu's hand.
Pulling his thoughts back from past hurts, Gridman laughs at Kaworu's pseudonym. "Isn't that what Mari calls you? Why'd you choose that one, Kaworu? And don't worry, I'll be sure to keep it a secret. I'd love to hear more of your songs, if you're comfortable sharing them!"
"Will you two help me pick one of these squishy phones out? I have no idea how this stuff works." Gridman laughs, a little bashful. "I want to make sure I don't get a lame one. Vit would never let me live it down."
Kaworu's soft words always bring peace to Gridman's heart. "Yeah... It's time. I don't want to pretend to be him unless I absolutely have to. I want to have my own identity." Rei's idea is smart! "That's a great idea, Rei. I'll keep Yuta's for schoolwork and things."
"I wonder what I'd look like as a human..." Gridman murmurs, yellow eyes looking up at a tuft of red hair. "Not that I dislike the way Yuta looks, but I'm curious."
The concert comes to a close, and it seems Ranka is doing meet and greets. Gridman stands, stretching his arms above his head, and packs his things up. One more cookie disappears into his mouth.
"Do you two want to meet Ranka? I think I'd like to. The merch stalls will be less busy if we wait a little while, anyway."
Once Gridman, accompanied by his partners or not, makes his way to Ranka, he waits patiently in line. Who wants to go first? Well, he certainly doesn't mind!
Stepping forward, Gridman bows to the singer, a certain starstruck light in his eyes. "Thank you very much for performing for us, especially on your birthday! Your music really moved me."
Shouldn't he offer a birthday gift? What does he even have right now? Fumbling in his pockets, Gridman's fingertips brush on a smooth shape. Oh, that might work.
"I know this isn't much, but it's meaningful to me." Gridman pulls a marble from his pocket -- the one usually caught in the neck of ramune bottles. "It's something that has been freed from where it started from. It had to break free with a lot of help... And... it's pretty, right?"
Gridman offers the little sky-blue marble. Clear and true, it shines as the light touches it. Please don't let Ranka think it's garbage...
"A--anyway!" A nervous laugh. Another bow. "Thank you. I had a wonderful time. I'll be sure to come to your next performance too!"
<Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed.
The final song ends and the concert comes to a close. Alto applauds along with the rest of the audience, though perhaps not with quite as much obvious energy as some. He's definitely smiling though, happy that Ranka's debut went so well.
As Sheryl mentions there's already been discussion of a collaboration, Alto admits, "I hope I'm there to see it."
Now backstage, Alto doesn't go to join the queue for signings, instead simply standing off to the side and watching with Sheryl. He doesn't exactly need a signature or anything and if he did he would have plenty of opportunities to get one. So it's fairer for everyone else if he doesn't take up any of this special time for Ranka's fans.
Of course, as Ranka points out, many here would also likely have plenty of opportunities. But still.
As Alto stands by and watches, he somewhat quietly remarks to Sheryl, "This reminds me of the Macross City concert. It's almost eerie how much that moment and this one are similar." As if the three are bound by a shared fate.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Sheryl and Alto get a smile and they can tell she's vibrating a little against waving to them in particular. However, after that minor faux pas she's trying to remember all of Sheryl's lessons about being a pro.
(Though was Sheryl teasing her? She may never know.)
The first boy that steps up, Ranka remembers him vaguely from a few GUTS events, she smiles at him. As he stumbles over his words.
"Hey." Ranka says as she reaches forward and squeezes his hand lightly over the marble, "If it's meaningful to one of my fans, then it's meaningful to me."
And indeed she'll remember that, it's something that has been freed from where it started from. It took a lot of help to break free.
Taking it, she places it down on the table, then she takes his album, and brings out a pen, "Who should I make it out to?"
The boy in front of her answers, and everyone will see Ranka's hair just leap up on both sides, "Excuse me!? You're-!" It would be easy enough to doubt him but there's something, strange enough about the way he reads to her that she believes it.
"No... thank you for everything you've done for Tsutsujidai." She says that sincerely, "Anti is... someone I wanted to make music for, so thank you for helping him in particular. Please come back to my performances anytime."
She even looks at Alto and Sheryl as if at a slight loss in the aftermath of that.
<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.
It explains everything.
Kaworu offers Gridman a sorrowful smile and accepts the grip of his hand.
The talk of the sea is much more pleasant. Even Rei has something to say about it that is more than 'pleasant.' "It was," he agrees. "I look forward to seeing it shine with the two of you."
He chuckles a bit as Gridman notes that Mari calls him 'Tabby.' "Because it felt right," he replies. "I haven't written any more songs--only melodies so far--but I'll be sure to share them with you as I create them." A pause. "Certainly," he says of picking out a phone. A nod to Rei, too.%
It is Ranka's birthday, and the day of her debut besides--it's more than special enough to merit congratulations. But Kaworu knows he can see Ranka more or less whenever he likes. For many of those present, this will be their only chance. When Gridman suggests they go meet Ranka, he thus shakes his head. "If we wait too long, the store may end up sold out. I'll hold a place in line for us. You two go on to see Ranka without me." He smiles, eyes shutting. "Please tell her I said hello."
That may end up having to be Rei's job. Perhaps it can be the gift she presents to Ranka on her birthday.
How would Gridman look as a human, separate from his possession of Yuta Hibiki's body? A good question. Kaworu will ponder it while he's in line for the merch. ...It'll take plenty of time. By the time Gridman and Rei rejoin him, he'll no doubt be near the front, considering this line is for everyone, not just VIPs and backstage pass holders.
<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.
Ruri is terribly surprised, when Sheryl wonders whether Ranka might cover her songs. "Me??" She blinks, eyes wide. "I, um -- you see, I don't really have the attitude Ranka has. She's braver than I am..." It might seem strange for some people to hear Ranka be celebrated for her bravery, but surely not to Alto and Sheryl. She looks over to the stage, and wonders, "... but it would be...", and doesn't quite manage to finish the statement. Maybe that's okay. She still has years to grow into it, if she decides that's what she wants to do.
Down below, Knight says, "...", when Rikka asks if they want to come with them. Luckily, Nidaime is here to take over all the awkward silences, and she cheerfully asserts: "You know it!! There's something special about concert singles, don't you think? They really capture the energy around here."
Maybe these records are a secret tool that will help them, later! Nidaime's not telling. She and Knight do have credit to buy those singles, though, thanks to their Villa connections. Which is its own miracle, really. Knight has money now.
Okay, Nidaime has money. Nidaime is definitely the one handling the financial transactions here. Some things never change, even from their youth, though she's left her bag of coins behind.
Knight will disappear after they've purchased their single, though -- and Nidaime, of course, disappears with him. Where do they go when they leave all a sudden like that? Knight's not telling, either.
They're not the only ones to seek out the singles -- Nunnally, with Milly's help, is there buying one too. Ruri's a little too overwhelmed by the crowds, though, so she stays in the VIP box with Eight and Lahvi and talks with them about Ranka's music a while instead. They get to see just how excited she is, beneath her stoic exterior. By Ruri's standards, she's quite animated!
No wonder Sheryl manages to steal her, soon enough, to go line up for a SIGNING. Eight might not feel like getting up, given how much weight she's carrying, but Ruri will assure her she'll be back soon if she'd rather keep sitting down a while. It's fine! Sheryl's a responsible adult by now, technically!
When they get there ,she gives Mr. Prospector a deadpan look, as he whisper-whisper-whispers. She's watching him. Not that watching him will do much, from Ruri's end, but she's watching him nonetheless.
When her turn comes up, she steps up, and holds a poster out to Ranka. She's so brave!! "You were really good," she says, with her understated warmth. "Omoikane was happy, too." And as if in confirmation, a text box appears thanks to her communicator, with sparkly graphics:
< SPARKLE >
"We're cheering you on, Ranka-san. Happy birthday."
<Pose Tracker> Christina MacKenzie has posed.
There's no way Chris doesn't know Lion. She's hammered rivets blasting it, even. But... hearing it here, and now... it's different. It's become personal, somehow. More than just a song, a conveyance. A message, a plea.
XAIRO lowers MAIRO back down, and Chris retrieves her glow halo from the Haro, hugging him to her Ranka-printed chest. The Sheryl bunny ears tickle her neck. Her eyes are still red and puffy from Azure...
It's a strange feeling, to be in a concert hall at her age, when her last was so long ago, and with so many complex feelings she's been running from. The emotions rising and crashing, the lights spiraling and shimmering, the way her heart attempts to leap from her chest.
The way it tightens when she thinks of the resolution to survive, to survive and keep on living.
As she stops back at the merchandise booth to absolutely buy one of everything, she catches familiar faces. Chris smiles when she sees some of the Villa's residents in the shifting crowd, when she sees those two pilots she met on the Ra Mari II...--it was Liam and Lucine, right?--curled close to each other.
("Yeah... This is it, isn't it? This is what I'm here for. What I'm able to do. I want to survive...but I want to make sure everyone here can be this carefree.") Her thoughts finally slip out from her lips: "I want this peace and connection to reach every corner of this world... You'll help me, right, you two?"
XAIRO hero! XAIRO hero! XAIRO love Ranka!
MAIRO save everyone! MAIRO save everyone! MAIRO pilot Gundam!
"Ahaha, MAIRO, you can pilot the dune buggy. But I'm starting to think... If I can capture this feeling... If I can protect everyone's dreams..."
<Pose Tracker> Leito Igaguri has posed.
The concert was mesmerizing. Leito is glad this girl made it, glad she sung her heart out to everyone. He might not be able to make future shows due to work, but he'll always have the memory of going to this one with his family.
When it comes for autographs, he and Lumina hold Mayu's hands, waiting in line patiently. Mayu enjoyed the show, even if she was overwhelmed at times.
As they finally approach...
"A-ah, hello. I work with the Nadesico, my name is Leito Igaguri. This is my daughter, Mayu, and I'd like to get an autograph made out in her name..."
He doesn't think Ranka remembers him, and that's okay! But to let her know he's a coworker isn't trying to get favoritism, it's trying to avoid 'I recognize this guy a lot, is he a stalker?!'
"You were wonderful. I hope you have a bright career, and a happy birthday."
"Great show! All of the fleet idols have big competition now~!" Lumina adds in as the autograph is being signed. She's been following the Macross idol culture since they touched down in this universe.
"So, from all of us, keep on fighting, Miss Ranka!"
<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.
Lucine closes her eyes as Liam kisses the top of her head, appreciating the comfort of his presence as the gentle melody of Cat's Diary plays. "... Mm, same."
The final notes of Lion play, and the crowd erupts. It's like a joyful collage of firecrackers and fireworks in Lucine's head; she briefly wonders how it is for Mayu.
'You can tell?'
"W-well... that is..." It's a typical Lucine thing to do: make a declarative statement, then waffle when someone believes her. "... The general feel of the room. Or... maybe... it could be my own feelings. But... I think... yes, here, in this hall, Ranka connected with the audience." Maybe, Ranka might have been able to sense that as well. Would that be a blessing or a curse, for an idol?
Lucine isn't even sure what it is for her, especially later, when she finally reaches her turn in the line. Giving Ranka something to sign almost as if it was as much a contractual obligation for Lucine as it is for Ranka now, tears begin to fill up in Lucine eyes as she smiles. Put on a brave face, Lucine!! "Ranka.... You were amazing... and..." She stammers. "... It feels like it's all happened so fast, even if it's not been that long at all..."
She wishes she had the power to say what she wants to say, and not make it feel like a selfish request, but a representation of how happy she is to see Ranka get this far, as well as how happy she was to witness that climb with everyone else.
'Will you still come to sing for the garden, when you have time?'
But it would come out wrong to ask it and have it come out the way Lucine wants. Sometimes being able to have that gap between minds is a blessing, for those moments when your own thoughts are muddled, still sailing high from a stellar debut concert.
Instead, Lucine says, gold eyes clouded with tears, "... Happy birthday, Ranka."
<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.
Alto hopes he's there to see when Sheryl and Ranka do their eventual collaboration. Sheryl smiles as she shuts her eyes, chin tucking down a hair. "As if you'd ever miss it," she teases--but there's a softness to her voice now that says the sentiment is less about messing with him... and more about the faith she has in him.
Sheryl giggles at Ruri's surprise--even pats her head, if she lets her, which she might not. "It would be fun, wouldn't it?" she says, finishing Ruri's unspoken sentiment for her... maybe accurately, maybe not.
It's true that Ranka's brave in her own way, though. She's come a long way from that girl who was trembling, terrified, in the Frontier shelter while the Vajra had been attacking.
As Ruri waits in line and eventually offers Ranka birthday wishes and congratulations, Sheryl watches. She watches too as Leito and his family head up the line, and then Lucine and her boyfriend. It only makes sense they've got VIP tickets, considering they're Nergal employees who've helped directly out with them in the past. As for Sheryl, her understated, casual outfit, and the glaring of Brera at her back, helpfully keep her from getting recognized by most, and those who would recognize her are likely to be friends and associates rather than starry-eyed fans. (Though they probably are fans too, by and large.)
Meanwhile, Sheryl recognizes Gridman, not as Gridman but as 'Yuta Hibiki.' They haven't interacted much, but Sheryl remembers that beach volleyball game well, and of course she asked Rikka about him later. Ranka's reaction to him seems a little overblown, but... Did he have something to do with saving Tsutsujidai? He just might have, if he's friends with Rikka.
For now, though, Ranka recovers quickly, even if she does stare at her and Alto afterwards a bit. Sheryl gives her a little shrug and a little smile of encouragement before Ranka returns to her signing and meet-and-greet. Little mistakes and faux pases are unavoidable when you're just starting out. It's how you recover from them that defines who you are.
Alto comments that this is like the Macross City concert, though, and Sheryl's expression turns thoughtful. "You know, you're right," she murmurs back, leaning in towards him. "It's almost like everything's come full circle."
Or full triangle... but right now, a circle suits the mood just fine.
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
RIN STARKING isn't worried. On some levels Rin is older than she looks, which is, in a final analysis, a pretty sweet deal; she's made her peace with its downsides, and if anything, she just wishes it didn't have a few of the more annoying ones. But holding her head still so that she can flick her eyes between the wonder of the stage and the wonder on Cascade's face...
* toshiaki91: THANK YOU FFS HOLD UR HEAD STILL
* toshiaki91: kingstar more like f********
* toshiaki91 has been kick-banned by vrtxMOD-SCORN (Reason: die thou unsung, as tears unshed Shall dry and die in Lost GET OUT OF MY STREAM)
Eventually Cascade asks her a question.
Rin thinks back on what the real answer must be. 'It depends' is the obvious thing to say, and perhaps it's not the right answer, the real answer. She has the luxury of snappy comebacks but that question did not come from the ignorant places (the ass, historically) nor from the brain, but rather from the heart. Rin considers it for a full second, then two, before her eyes turn to Cascade and she says: "The important ones, yeah."
Because who can say which ones are the important ones?
What is sure is that as Rin and perhaps Cascade go to try and find the line for the experience -- even if Rin is probably planning to bluff her way in -- that she buys *two* of just about every CD and other piece of paraphenilia she can lay her hands on.
One for the future... and one for herself.
And as for REI AYANAMI,
Going to the beach sounds like it pleases her. Kaworu would surely recall that even if it was a moment of sorrow and came later, Rei enjoyed going out into the sea; she swims naturally and comfortably. At Gridman's question, and after a bite of the cookie, she says, "I will try."
Does Rei know what's cool?
Rei can guess.
"She refers to me as 'Banilla vean,'" Rei reports to Gridman, incorrectly. She finishes the last cookie - she was given it, and she is a little hungry, but the music carried her away. If anything, it seemed to fly away, but in good company and under loving eyes, time is a strange thing. If only it seemed longer.
And as Kaworu parts ways, she says -- "I will do so."
And then she gets into the line.
Gridman is ahead of her, but slightly.
When Rei steps forwards, she looks at Ranka and she may seem enigmatically familiar. She doesn't say anything for a moment, but there are people behind her. Her fingers lace together in front of her.
"Your concert was beautiful," Rei says. "I will remember it, I think, and I hope that you have many more." A heartbeat passes. "Nagisa sends his regards." Rei then bows at her waist, deep enough for her hair to spill in front of her face; she has to toss it back a little as she steps to the side, without looking back.
<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.
Liam knows that feeling all too well--the creeping, uncomfortable sensation that you crossed a boundary, or were just wrong all along when you didn't think you were. He gives Lucine's shoulder a gentle squeeze, and then takes her hand once the applause dies down, and his hands can do that. He walks with her to the autograph line.
He waits, patiently, a silent, supportive presence for both of them. He smiles, bright and proud--brighter, certainly, than Ranka's ever seen. "Happy birthday," he says, a moment after Lucine. "I hope you go far. And I hope you never forget where you started." He then pulls out something for Ranka to sign.
It's the original version of Cat's Diary! Or at least the copy he sent to her, still in its case.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
Ranka peps up and sits up even straighter as Ruri approaches, "Aw, I'm glad that-"
Omoikane's text box pops up, and for a moment she feels overwhelmed, drawing up, her posture delighted such that her hair slowly rises seeing it.
"Thank you, both of you."
And she signs the poster in smallish print,
'To Ruri and Omoikane,'
'Link my heart with yours, pull the unseen bonds closer.'
'I won't let go of the people I met by fate.'
'SPARKLE!'
'-Ranka Lee'
"Both of you being here was such a wonderful gift." She tells Ruri as she hands the poster back.
And then with Leito, "Oh! I know you Mister Igaguri! I've delivered your coffee to you often enough as ship's intern." Ranka smiles warmly at him, before turning to Mayu, "It's nice to meet you Mayu. You have a good dad, he was always nice to me whenever we crossed paths."
She grins at Lumina, "I guess it means I'm their rival now! And I promise! I will!"
'To Mayu,'
'Be a good girl'
'for your mom and dad and'
'SPARKLE!'
'-Ranka Lee'
As Lucine steps up, "Lucine!" She smiles, and as she sees the eyes clouded with tears, she reaches across the table to take a hand, squeezing it. "Hey this isn't the end. I'll still be on the Nadesico from time to time, promise."
As if she sensed what were really going on, in that much, it's like a promise. Whatever Lucine puts forward to sign, she signs it.
'To Lucine,'
'Don't worry.'
'You'll never be alone'
'on an endless journey.'
'SPARKLE!'
'-Ranka Lee'
As Rei steps up, Ranka gives her a curious look at first, but then she smiles, with an 'Oh' expression. "Oh you're a friend of Kaworu's! It's very nice to meet you. Who should I make it out to?'
Whatever Rei puts forward to sign, Ranka begins to sign it.
'To the Commander,'
'What were we born to do?'
'What are we here to do?'
'SPARKLE!'
'-Ranka Lee'
And to Liam she grins, "Liam! Thank you, and I promise, I won't!" She draws up, smiling broadly as he pulls out an original version of cat's diary like a precious relic, and she signs upon the case.
'To Liam,'
'I won't forget.'
'Put your true self on display and'
'SPARKLE!'
'-Ranka Lee'
This autographing personalized messages is hard work! She's glad she knows the people here, though some she's ad libbing by the vibe she gets?
<Pose Tracker> Ruri Hoshino has posed.
Sheryl Nome achieves the impossible -- well, slightly more possible after everyone's put so much work in -- feat of headpatting Ruri. Briefly, anyway. This couldn't have happened a year ago..!
She's not quite ready to embrace each other to the ends of the universe, but hey, it's a start. Sheryl imagines another start, too, and tellingly, Ruri doesn't tell her she's wrong. The baka was right there, and she didn't go for it.
She appreciates Alto, off to the side, too. She's not quite cool enough to pull that one off...
Ruri nods, to Lucine and Leito, at the signing. "Ranka-san's a part of the Nadesico, too, so we'll support her." Even though she's an intern, so she's only sometimes part of their antics, Ruri's still counting her.
And Ranka counts on their memories, too, to sign the poster. Ruri brings it to her chest, and nods. "We wanted to be here." That's the gift she can offer her..!
It's only later that Ruri unveils why she asked Ranka to sign a poster --
-- when she hangs it up on the wall of the computer control room, as close to Omoikane's bedroom as they can get.
<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.
"It's a promise, then." Gridman smiles at his two partners. "I'll find the most beautiful beach I can, and we'll have the most fun vacation of all time!"
"Banilla..?" The Hyper Agent sounds absolutely baffled. "I guess it's unique!"
At Ranka's meet and greet, Gridman blinks in surprise, then flushes softly as Ranka squeezes his hand, and then recognizes him! "O--oh, um..! Yes, that's me!" A nervous laugh, as those yellow eyes squeeze closed.
"Tsutsujidai is my home." Gridman brings his hand to his chest. "I'll always keep it safe. And if you haven't seen Anti in a while, you should try and find him. I think he'll surprise you!"
Another bow, and Gridman gives Rank a serious smile. His yellow eyes are unearthly, a color no normal human boy should be able to have. "Thank you. I'll be waiting to hear you sing again. You have my support!"
Sheryl is nearby -- and Gridman, nervously, gives her a wave. Did she hear all that? He blushes nervously, scratching at his cheek. "It's good to see you, Sheryl. I hope you enjoyed the concert too! Everyone is wishing you the best during your hiatus."
Another bow, and once Rei finishes up, Gridman takes her hand and wanders over to the merch tables to find Kaworu. Thankfully, he's just about at the front of the line as they arrive!
Squishy, adorable phones line the booth, and Gridman looks over them. "...are they alive?" He asks, quietly, a little embarrassed. "Do I have to feed them or anything?"
Gridman reaches out, squishing a few different phone models experimentally.
"Which one do you recommend, Kaworu?"
<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.
"Yes," Rei answers Gridman. It certainly is unique.
In Rei's case, she receives an autographed CD. She examines it for a moment and leaves wordlessly - a bit rude, perhaps, but perhaps also more enigmatic than anything. She regards the CD for a while, and then puts it into her nylon bag, perhaps all the better to keep it safe.
It will be a gift, but not for some time.
SOON: Squish, squish.
Rei looks with wonder at the semi-organic phones. She reaches down to a blue one -- or one that seems more blue than the others to her -- and gives it a single, firm squish.
"How do you dial?" Rei asks, which is probably a good question.
<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.
The yellow eyes are weird. Sheryl is far too much of a professional to let on about it. She assumes they're colored contacts, anyway.
"Nice seeing you too, Yuta! It's been a while," she replies with a smile. (Uh oh. Looks like she never heard about that...) "Thanks for your support. Tell Rikka and Akane I said hi~!"
Granted, she might well run into Rikka at this concert, but she hasn't yet, so.
Meanwhile, over in the merch line, Kaworu smiles as he sees Knight and Nidaime at the front of the line getting their copies of Ranka's debut single. They'll vanish soon after, but Kaworu truly appreciates seeing them get a share of Ranka's first conversation with the universe.
The line moves. He patiently moves with it. He's one person away from the front when Gridman and Rei arrive, and he looks over at them with a smile. "They are not," he reassures them. "I haven't ever owned one personally, but Ranka's used the RX-99 and the RX-333 models."
The main colors for each are green and orange respectively, but the Osanshoo-san phones come in a variety of colors, so Gridman can get what he likes. Rei's already chosen a blue one, and when she asks how you dial, Kaworu chuckles and reaches over. "Allow me to show you two..."
Once the brief demonstration is over, for his part, he eschews a new phone in favor of purchasing a copy of Ranka's debut single and the Bird Human soundtrack. He looks forward to when he can acquire her second single, too, but this is enough for now.
<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.
"Really? I'll have to make a point of it!" She says to Gridman of seeing Anti again, "Thank you for your support. It means the world to me."
Ranka beams at Ruri. "I'm glad you made it." Ranka tells Ruri with genuine earnestness.
(She'll marvel at the poster's placement when she sees it next on the Nadesico)
Rei leaves wordlessly, Ranka comments, "Huh. I hope to see you again soon?" Well she called her concert beautiful. Maybe Kaworu just has interesting friends?
Eventually, once the signing is over, she moves over to Sheryl and Alto. "By all rights I should be exhausted, but maybe the adrenaline's still kicked in."
She confides, before stating, "If you give me a few minutes to get changed..."
Well, she can think of no better way to conclude the evening than spending it with the two of them.