2022-06-17: Our Long, Long Goodbye

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<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySiTJvmz8d0
        
        "Let me know what you want, I would give you!
        "How fantastic to be with you, my love!
        "Let me know what you want, I would give you!
        "How fantastic to be with you... myyy loooove!"
        
        Sheryl Nome's voice rings out with power and passion as the hard beats and soft twinkles of her song What 'Bout My Star? drop in the last line to highlight her vocals. The expansive gardens of the Zabi family palace erupts with applause as her vibrato stills, and she grins and waves to the packed grounds of her fans. Tiny lines of lights that limn the sidewalks turn from blinking pink and gold to standard white, while the spinning star-shapes that had whorled in the air over the stage erected over the gardens' central fountain explode into sparkles, shimmering down over and around Sheryl.
        https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/292790835630833665/986419260739960923/unknown.png
        
        Being an outdoor venue for a colony, the temperature is pleasantly mild with a slight, occasional breeze. Hologram screens float in all directions, projecting the image of Sheryl on stage, so anyone can get a good look at the performance no matter where in the gardens they are. There's plenty of space in all directions for the crowds, and entrepreneurs have taken advantage of the event to open street carts to sell food--in conjunction with the Galactic Fairy's staff, of course. Merch vendors, also properly vetted, dot the greenery here and there, offering T-shirts and other apparel, purses and other carry bags, posters of various sizes depicting the official promotional art for the Earth Sphere Global Tour, CDs and singles (but not yet the new one), and so on. Down the path from the central fountain where the stage is set up, halfway to the palace, stands a triumphal arch; one of the holo-screens floats above it.
        https://srtmoo.net/mediawiki/images/b/b5/Sheryl_earth_tour.png
        
        Her current costume is a blue vest over a puff-shouldered white blouse and a belted blue skirt with a pink chemise underneath; her fingerless gloves match her vest while the ribbon around her neck matches the chemise. Faux leather heeled boots come up to her knees, and her lavender stockings tie with ribbons at mid-thigh, just under her skirts. Her long blonde hair curls over her shoulders and down her back as her blue eyes sparkle under the lights and the attention. Her purple drop crystal earring sways and glints as she waves.
        https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ac/48/a8/ac48a8edd8dd8f5f002390db336fe3ee.jpg
        
        The concert is more than halfway done by now; the intermission was just one number ago. It all opened with Lion, Sheryl Nome's latest song, an energetic and passionate song about the will to survive, accompanied by a grand holographic performance that dazzled the sunset skies and made her whole body appear to be on fire; then she performed Infinity, a bright and stirring song about hope, with its iconic red dress and her hair color holographically changed to lavender; then Diamond Crevasse, a moving, emotional song that slowly lit up the fairy lights strung up throughout the park as twilight fell; then the pop-rock hit Sagittarius * 9PM Don't Be Late, a whimsical, high-energy song about going out on a date; then the dramatic Welcome to My Fan Club's Night! and its intense beat line.
        
        After that came a shorter performance of Sheryl's Sister Spaceship, a cover and adaptation of a famous Macross colony enka singer's song, lamenting the loss of her homeland to the vibe of olden-days Japan. Once the shorter song ended, the fifteen-minute intermission began, and with it a chance to buy drinks, snacks, merch, and use the public facilities--though the sale of Sheryl Nome's new single hasn't actually opened up yet. Considering the never-before-heard song on it will supposedly play during the concert itself, perhaps management is waiting until the very end to encourage fans to stay the whole time. Either way, once the intermission was over, she sang What 'Bout My Star?, a perky techno-pop song all about drawing out her love interest's interest--and that brings the concert to now. 

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


-=Before=-

Ozma Lee was a rather imposing man, his countenance intimidating on the facetime video call he was in the middle of, seated on his couch at home. Arms crossed and eyes closed, a single finger tapping on the side of one arm. "For months you've done as you've pleased. And now you come to me asking me for a favor - an illegal one at that. Unapologetic for how you've acted."

Ranka however stares him down, looking quite unimpressed. "You weren't apologetic either after lying to me for years. This friend of mine - she's in a really bad situation with her Grandfather. He hates her, controls her entire life. I think you of all people would understand that she needs outside support."

The tapping of Ozma's finger stops - he's certainly not unmoved, but his expression doesn't change. "You know it's not that simple. Her Grandfather is a powerful man. Crossing him could bring a lot of unwanted scrutiny to people I have a responsibility to look after."

Ranka after a moment she takes a deep breath, "If you do this for me, I'll forgive you. And you'll forgive me. ... And we'll clear the air between us."

There's a pregnant pause, as Ozma asks, "You're serious?" Ranka nods her assent quickly, expression resolved, "Mmm!"

Ozma's eyes open, and he stands up suddenly in a dramatic pose, "Ranka - you've made your big brother so happy!" Ranka's expression makes it look like she's already regretting this a little, "You are so embarrassing sometimes..."

-=Later=-

"We've received your IFF signal Skull Leader. You weren't on the docket to cross into Area-11 today. Please respond with your intentions." "Last minute filing. The SMS was contracted to deliver important cargo to Ashford Academy - we'll be performing armed escort services for a VIP to an event afterwards." There's a pause over the radio... but Ashford Academy's status as a former mobile weapon's construction facility is a known quantity, so eventually they come back over the horn. "Very well, we'll be informing them of your imminent arrival."

It's not five minutes later that a VB-6 Konig Monster has landed outside of Ashford Academy as Ozma Lee extends the shuttle ramp and dismounts, helmet off - taking a large suitcase with him as he walks up to Milly Ashford and holds it out for her. "Congratulations Madame President on winning the Strategic Military Services UC 96 Most Promising Young Leader Award for your work with GUTS."

Opening the briefcase, it displays a quartet To-Go cartons from Nyan-Nyan, of various buns including its famous tuna bun. "Keep up the good work. You'll go far." And he salutes - keeping the act up even as several girls roll up the ramp of the Shuttle, including one in a wheelchair.

... He wanted to make certain they had food for the trip...

... he'll also definitely try to ask casually and fail at being casual whether any of them know if Ranka is seeing anyone that they know of at least a few times on the way...

-=On the Nadesico, Not long before the Concert=-

Ranka Lee has been sitting in the same spot in silence for the past eleven minutes in the Nadesico cafeteria. Her expression just a little vacant. There's just the blink of her eyes every now and then, the rise and fall of her chest. After a moment, a hand touches her shoulder as Ms. Howmei asks. "Is everything alright Ranka?" Ms. Howmei asks, and Ranka looks her way as if reacting to the stimulus, if only barely, "Hmm? Oh... yes." "There certainly was a lot of ruckus for a while about that fellow from NERV... you're sure you're alright?" "Mmm... yeah." Ranka nods absently... as she picks up her phone and squishes out a message.

>i heard about your family member
>i hope they get well soon

"Are you still going to be okay to go to the concert?" That question seems to focus her somewhat, as her affect just changes, a smile blooming almost instantly on her expression, "Of course!"

-=Now=-

Ranka's been happily mouthing the lyrics to 'what about my star' alongside her friends from Ashford up in the VIP area they've been invited up into (An arrangement which helps relieve some of the logistics of getting Nunnally around.). The gardens of the Zabi family palace carry an important history, but it all feels vague and distant to her as someone who grew up on the Frontier Colony - away from the shadow of war, she's completely focused on Sheryl on stage. She has her Osanshoo-san phone out, transformed into a glow wand to glow in sync with the ocean of fans below.

She's been full of energy throughout all the numbers, getting swept up in the fervor of the crowd, from Lion (Which she already has memorized despite its lack of an official release yet!) all throughout numbers she's heard thousands of times before as if she's hearing them for the first time again from Sheryl's lips. Despite feeling a personal connection to Sheryl, tonight she lets herself be just a fan too letting herself enjoy the end of the tour.

Tonight Ranka was wearing a pink blouse with several tiers of ruffles and a spaghetti straps, jean shorts and a heart necklace... but she's now wearing the one kind of Sheryl Nome Earth Sphere Global Tour shirt she didn't have before over her blouse that she bought during the intermission.

"End of the tour, and I feel like the energy is even greater than the beginning... Sheryl never disappoints." She asides to the others, though she tries to do it low enough not to interrupt their enjoyment of the song.

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        ON A NEARBY SHIP

        The Nadesico escorted Sheryl, as promised; Nergal's flagship has done everything it can to see to the songstress's safety. There was... a minor complication, on their approach to Zeon, but the officers aboard managed to explain the erratic behaviour of their ship on the approach. They completed their journey to Zeon.

        To Zeon, not back to Earth.

        To Sheryl's concert, not to...

        Ruri Hoshino attends her post at Nadesico's systems, on the bridge. "Aren't you going to the concert..?" Minato Haruka, the helmswoman to her right, presses her gently. "I'm sure Ranka-chan would like to see you..."

        "No." Ruri's reply is stoic. "Since this is Ms. Nome's final performance, we should remain on alert. The enemy may attack again." Her logic is hard to argue; she surrounds herself with her logic, and allows little else.

        The blonde woman beside Ruri pauses, for a delicate moment. "Ruri-ruri... are you worried about Kaworu-kun?" She asides, quietly, careless of the logic.

        "Please concern yourself with the mission, Minato-san." Ruri looks down at her console, to the ever-spanning data which is so much more comforting than dredging up her feelings while she's in the middle of working.

        "Haa..." Minato sighs, as she leans her chin on the heel of her palm, looking forward at the projections of the concert on one of the screens. "... not that it's much of a mission..."

        MEANWHILE, AT THE CONCERT

        Nunnally Lamperouge has had a very eventful day, getting here. Snuck in alongside her elder classmates, she's travelled on a shuttle into space! It's quite an eventful situation for Nunnally to be in; she's glad the shuttle is wheelchair-accessible, and she's glad Milly is here to describe what's going on for her, too.

        The flowers smell nice, and Nunnally thinks it really is wonderful, that there are gardens in Zeon just like in Ashford.

        The Ashford Academy middle-schooler is here in a cheerful sun hat and a bright dress which Shirley Fenette assured her was 'totally cute!'; she's all smiles, hands swaying back and forth in time with Sheryl's music, glow stick clasped faithfully. It feels funny, under her fingertips, gel all captured by plastic. She hums along to the music, with cheer.

        "I'm so glad I could come!" Nunnally says, happily, as her head turns to Ranka with a smile. Her gratitude is something she offers without reservation, just the same as her joy. "Sheryl is such an amazing singer... it's really something, listening to her here instead of on a music player..."

        (Nunnally, like most young ladies, is a big fan. Even so, she's never been to one of her concerts, before. She's lucky her friends can arrange a place where she won't be jostled around, isn't she?)

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

EARLIER

Milly sits in the Student Council office, her phone plugged into the wired network. She has an important call to receive, after all. "Skull Leader, we're ready to receive you!" she says with a bright, sunny smile."

She's out to meet Ozma after a moment; her handshake is firm and pleasant. "Thank you for your encouragement!" she replies, brightly. And, a little more quietly: "Thanks for the rest of this, too."

NOW

Despite the fact that the last Sheryl Nome concert she attended was a bit of a nightmare, Milly has made the time for this one. some... arrangements, to make it happen, despite the fact that it's so far from Britannia.

Milly is delighted to have the VIP box, but honestly more for Nunnally than herself -- she likes to have nice things, but more than that she really wants her friends to have a good experience. VIP seating is important for that when you're handling a wheelchair.

"It's really different up close, isn't it?" she asks, excitedly. "There's something almost... whole-body about it that you don't get from just listening." She stretches a bit, looking from side to side at the gardens. "... To tell you the truth, I had a completely different picture of the Republic of Zeon in my head. I honestly feel kind of at home here." The vibe isn't actually that far off from Pendragon's...

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

The Garencieres has a wholly legitimate contract with Rivacona Cargo. However, being hired out as essentially a taxi for teenagers after a Sheryl Nome concert is pretty far outside their usual transportation remit. Fortunately for Ranka and her friends, Gilboa Sant (its ace pilot), and Tomura (its chief mechanic) expressed great interest in getting tickets of their own to a concert in their own home colony (though their reasons may well differ), and the young redhead woman on the crew had quietly expressed a curiosity of her own, so the captain, Suberoa Zinnerman, had huffed a beleaguered huff and arranged matters so anyone on the crew who wanted to get a ticket to the concert. As much as he wished their ward were here to enjoy it, she has her own mission to pursue on Earth.

So it is that at least the four of them have their own tickets, and somehow their presence at the concert is comparatively unremarkable. It should be hard for a man of Zinnerman's bulk to blend in with a crowd of younger idol fans, but he's carrying shirts, posters and other merch, and if someone looks at him askance he just motions to his pilot and says "it's for his kids" as if that explains everything. And it probably does.

Marida Cruz, meanwhile, is staring rapt as 'What About My Star' comes to a close, glowsticks clutched tightly in her hands. She doesn't seem to have figured out what to do with them yet. Zinnerman is watching her carefully to see if he needs to take her out for some fresh air.

<Pose Tracker> Grace O'Connor has posed.

        At long last, but much too soon, the Galactic Fairy's first Earth Tour is drawing to its brilliant finale!! While there are incidents and stumbling blocks along the way it has been deemed a great success overall, and has led to a surge in fan club membership, music, and merchandise sales. Naturally with quite a bit of that money being donated to charitable causes such as seeing to the support and comfort of the Galaxy refugees. In the midst of it all, though often unseen, Grace O'Connor has been working her own subtle magic to ensure everything stays on the rails.

        Even now she is working to ensure the back stage crew and security staff are performing as they should. Even though the One Year War is over, no need to replace wariness with complacency! Same with the lighting and effects: Every hologram, every light, every pixel must be done on cue. Same with the A/V Booth. Are the cameras going to capture the best angles at the right time during the show? And it's important that they get to see the audience's reaction in real time. That way the people at home can feel like they're part of the show!

        And don't forget the merchandise!! Yes, the most sought after merch, the music, is currently forbidden from sale but everything else from pens to shirts to snacks are all available! And it's important to make sure they're all in the loop to bring the right items to become available at the end of the show. Wouldn't want to miss any potential loss of sales due to a dozing clerk.

        Now, from the lobby, she hears the first lines of 'What 'Bout My Star?' playing. Right on time or well... close enough, even for the methodical and detailed Grace O'Connor. She is wearing her typical dark green business attire and glasses, carrying with her a small wristlet purse for carrying her PDA and other items. Does the woman just have a wardrobe full of the same dresses?! It is more likely than you think...

        ... as for where she is now, well, she manages to avoid the stragglers now heading back to their seat and instead heads through security to the entrance of the VIP booths. Earlier that night she had invited a few special guests to join her in her booth, after all, and it would be rude for the hostess not to make an appearance in spite of her very busy schedule. She'll enter quietly at first as to not disturb any conversation they are having and waiting for them to recognize her presence.

        This is, after all, what she does best. Stand quietly and to the side - a polite smile on her face - listening, a gentle companion light dim compared to the effervescent and chaotic star she guides through the sky. Her violet eyes scan across Ranka along with the Ashford girls, settling upon that of Emilia Eschonbach.

        Only on Earth a few months, and already her data net has begun to grow far and wide. It's important, after all, to head off potential unexpected and unpleasant outcomes... especially when the threat of said outcomes could be used to one's benefit. Lucky for Grace O'Connor, on Earth political and corporate back room games are just as tangled and toxic as any found in the deepest layers of the chemical plant upon which Galaxy's biome is maintained. So she weaves her web and builds upon it layer by layer...

        ~*Meanwhile*~

        Somewhere, out in the audience, a particular bouncy and cheerful young woman is in the midst of the crowd swinging her glowsticks to the beat and singing along to the beat. Along with her is a not-quite-as-enthusiastic blonde man who has the look of someone who has been dragged along to something because a certain Mister Nambu was offered a ticket and refused to go... and in a bid to make him jealous, a certain Miss Browning suggested she would take Bullet instead. Like with most bids with Kyosuke Nambu involved though, Excellen Browning lost.

        ... none of this was discussed while he was in the room or even within earshot.

        "Darlin' come closer, you hear?
        "NO YOU, NO LIFE. No. I'm serious!
        "Need your heart & need your love
        "OH YES!! Give me a sweet KISS!"

        Somewhere, out in the audience, a not-quite-as-enthusiastic blonde man is fighting to protect his tender innocent heart from the particularly bouncy and cheerful young woman's cruel teasing. 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        This is another night of firsts for Liam. The first time going to a concert with another person. The first time he's set foot on a space colony. The first time he's been this far away from his home on Earth. But he's in a good place to be doing all this--the incident at the Photon Power Lab ended without any serious injuries, and the victory meal at Boss Ramen made him feel... good. Safe. Appreciated.

        This time, Liam bought the tickets. They weren't cheap, and part of him is still worried they were a frivolous expense, but he is here, and Lucine is with him, and they're doing something new together.

        Liam spent a good five minutes doing the Earthnoid gawk as he got used to the gravity--the wide-eyed stare up, at the bulk of the colony cylinder above them. But exploration of Munzo and its history will have to wait. They get to their seats, and the concert unfolds around them. Liam waves the glowsticks in time to the music, effortlessly picking up on the routines of the crowd and adapting to them. He seems at ease, or mostly so, given the worries he's picked up from Lucine.

        NOW

        "I'm glad we could make it here," he says Lucine, turning to face her. He seems... more comfortable in his own skin, as scarred as that skin might be. He pauses a beat, considering. Part of him doesn't want to know, but he has to ask. He has to ask, even if the bubble pops and all this is ruined. "Especially since... you seem... affected."

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.


        Getting to Side 3 had been an experience. Ranka and Milly had made arrangements, and when their ride had arived, Emilia was surprised. When the pilot was the stern older brother that Ranka had told her about... That was a surprise. She gives a bow to him as he arrives, wanting to make a good impression on Ranka's family. And maybe a rough history of male authority figures coming into play. She could somewhat definitively allay Ozma's concerns, but that would be breaching Slumber Party Code. So Emmy simply shakes her head, and takes a bite of the Tuna Bun.
t
        Her eyes widen and she makes a delighted sound. It's really good!

        -----

        Compared to the last few concerts, where Emilia's role as audience member was more awestruck and reverential- except during Diamond Crevasse where Emmy once again teared up and cried a little- this time, as it's the end of the tour, Emmy is *thoroughly into it*. She knows the beats now, when to swing her official glowsticks, she's even dancing a little. Her locket is round her neck, the e-carbon cord keeping it safe even as she jumps around. And for once, Emmy seems to have enthusiasm and energy to spare. And if she's going to get trouble for dancing a little in the VIP Area, well, presumably Kallen and Milly can give the stinkeye she's having fun.

        And maybe she's more than a little energized by where she is. The place her father came from truly is beautiful, even with how the Earth treats the colonies. No wonder they rebelled.

        She's wearing a pink Sheryl tour shirt, with Sheryl in purple silhouette and her name on the front, and a purple heart with an outline of Sheryl on it on the back. With that she's wearing a black miniskirt- Milly may have made a suggestion- thigh white socks with purple stripes at the top, and sneakers. "Y-Yeah... She's i=i=incredible." Emmy responds. Ranka has definitely got a convert with her.

        Emmy smiles at Nunnally, as she speaks. "Yeah! I'm g-glad t-too! " Ranka's brother really delivered. And it was good to see Nunnally having fun too.

        She was being cautious with buying too much... She wanted to make sure she bought the new single, and they still had another day in Side 3. Which is why she takes a sip or two from her water bottle when the drinks vendor is in sight, before getting back into it. 

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.


        For reasons similar to Ranka, Lucine is similarly shook as she tries to type a text on her phone, but weathers it down as she looks up at Liam as he walks up to their meeting spot. Dressed in the pink dress overlaid in lace she wore for the sakura festival with her hair done up, she looks like she could almost be on a date.

        Or meeting up with friends, as she did before.

        Clearly, if Liam is here, and is calm, everything is fine. Things must be under control.

        'Here at the concert too w/ friend. If you need anything, just txt me. Let's enjoy this evening.' Does it sound too forceful? Will Ranka be okay reading these words? She should rewrite it and--

        Lucine presses send, and immediately frowns. Would this qualify as evening?

        "It's different, isn't it? I didn't realize this might be new for you..." Lucine tilts her head and smiles, as they settle into their seats.

        Then something he asks makes her stiffen.

        Liam doesn't know about--

        She relaxes, determination running up her spine. Lucine doesn't want to pop this bubble either, if there's nothing that can be done from where they are. She won't lie to Liam, but... Liam is Liam. "... It's a rumor I need to confirm, but... it's not something I can do from here." She smooths out her skirt. "When I have more information afterwards, I will let you know. But please." She breathes in, and lets it out. "Let's enjoy this evening."

        She'll be fine. She can keep that part of that promise she made. And she can protect Liam and Ranka from here, even if he might get angry at not knowing later.

<Pose Tracker> Nidaime has posed.

Nidaime is definitely worried about Kaworu-kun but he is out of her reach and, well, she is a bit mopey about that. Still, she promised to be at this concert and though she shows up late, she DOES show up. She's wearing her Galactic Fairy shirt and even has the glowsticks but her downer expression can't really be missed if you focus on her--and honestly most people probably wouldn't focus on her because she's some strange homeless girl and is, at the moment, quite small indeed.

The power of music does have a way to lift her up even in circumstances like these but there's a muted effect. Easy to see if you were to look and focus.

Her mother could likely manifest in circumstance like this but probably won't, Nidaime thinks. The barrier has been weak as of late and she wouldn't act to disrupt it barring great--truly great need. She thinks about Grace's manager. It was just her imagination, she reminds herself 

<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.

EARLIER

Hitching a ride in a Destroid-model was not exactly the expected method of transit... Well, honestly Kallen had no idea what was going to happen initially. She trusted Ranka's plan, but for obvious reasons wouldn't just be told what was going to happen. Especially given Ranka herself couldn't be ENTIRELY certain of the success until so near to their departure time. She hadn't spent that time fretting over what-ifs and complications though... that's the job of people like Mafty or Zero. Overthinking the angles everywhere. No, instead, Kallen had gone out with a few members of the Student Council on a preparatory shopping trip. She was, to paraphrase, direly lacking in fashion options for the hottest event of the season.

Of course, she can't just be in her concert attire at school, there's too many prying eyes and young vultures with annoying questions. So she's in her uniform until she boards, at which point she disappears into a back room to change. It's distinctly telling, where Milly's input on her style for the evening comes into play. But that's not important right now! No, instead she's fending off questions from Ranka's terminally curious big brother... and boy doesn't that give her pause? Time feels like it freezes into a thick soup, as she begins to wonder if Naoto would be like this right now, if he were still with them. Wondering what he'd try to embarass her about. All of it with the same kind of warmth and love that's plain to see radiating off the scruffy pilot who has not STOPPED bombarding them with his interrogation.

NOW

The concert is in full swing, and with everyone gathered in their exclusive room, apparently Kallen feels much more freedom. More able to let her hair down... figuratively speaking, because her hair IS down already, not gelled up to the sides like it would be for a Knights mission. She's been distinctly energetic in her cheering and singing along, giving it every drop of soul in her body. ...There's not a singular chance that anybody could buy her being sickly and frail when she's cutting loose this hard, right? ...Right? She really has gotten entirely too comfortable with her friends here, to let her health excuse slip this far. But right now, she's a world away from Britannia and the Occupation. She's up in space, on a colony. She can echo a number of the sentiments other people have shared tonight. How relaxing it feels out here. How beautiful space can be... There's something more there. ...Some feeling in her chest she doesn't really recognize. But it's probably just her body still getting used to being up here. Nothing to be concerned with.

"I wish the rest of them could be here to see this too! Sheryl's in top form tonight!" Yet another diehard fan, Ranka should be proud of just how much work she's put in! "And you're right Milly, she puts her body and soul into the songs... A live experience is just worlds apart, it's not even close!" 

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        "Thank you! You've been an incredible audience!" Sheryl calls, her microphone-enhanced voice reaching even the furthest edges of the concert hall. She winks and blows a kiss to her roaring fans. "You know, an artist is nothing without fans to receive her art... That's why I'm so grateful for all of you. Touring the Earth Sphere has been an incredible experience, but at the end of the day, I'm a colony girl. So this one goes out to all of you!"
        
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95EqcdUcKP0 Izolado
        
        The lights black out for an instant, thrumming with the silence of anticipation. A hot pink light cuts a line in the darkness; then Sheryl's voice cuts in with it, along with an electric guitar and the spotlights, all focused on her as the sidewalk lights burn pink, too. Fans will recognize the song as Izolado. Her outfit this time consists of a white blouse held in place by a short-sleeved black over-blouse, lined in silver at her chest with a black ribbon tied at her throat. It ruffles into lacy layered shorts that cut off above a ribbon wrapped around her upper thigh, matched by black gloves and pumps. The line of hot pink light turns out to be a cane, its hook gold; Sheryl holds it over her head, then sensually draws it down past her pink-painted lips. She twirls it as she twirls herself, then thrusts it out towards the audience, where it shoots out a stream of heart-shaped bubble lights and traces stars in her wake as she sweeps it in a circle.
        "The wrong color puts us at cross purposes with
        "My blindly alluring, shining eye
        "We misunderstand and disagree over
        "My as-yet untouched jungle heart..."
        
        Sheryl struts across the stage, twirling that cane, as her name lights up at her back letter by letter in glittering neon lights. She twirls as she brings the cane up to her lips and kisses it, winking to the crowds, and shakes her hips. As she dances, she kicks the back of the cane into a backwards twirl, and once again it trails ethereal-seeming stars and hearts in her wake. As she turns, the lights dim for a heartbeat; then--
        "It's racing, my heart's racing
        "You look so drowsy, my primitive baby
        "Reach out from the darkness
        "A surging impulse... Call me out, you're out of my sight..."
        
        Sheryl's lit back up in a new outfit: a pink ribbon ties around her hair and ruffles on her right, matching the ruffled pink train skirt that trails down her behind and opens up in front. A white sleeveless turtleneck envelops her chest while a black bead necklace loops over and around it. A gold belt keeps her train skirt in place over a black swimsuit-style bottom, which wraps over dark tights and thigh-high black garter stockings that slip into matching ankle boots. Her gloves too now run up almost to her shoulders. As she knocks her cane once, twice, thrice, before finally twirling it about, she twirls herself about, looking back over her shoulder as she reaches out and waves her wrists. Then she spins around her prop and stretches herself up as she raises it over her head.
        "You and I are refugees; our words line up from A to Z
        "We melt and get entwined in a colony of light
        "To the other side where both flowers and storms sweep the land
        "This time, this city will be polluted by--"
        
        Her outfit shimmers and reverts to the black-and-white number as she spins her cane in a circle around her, gaze lifting as it reaches its zenith. The trail of light-formed shapes follows her cane as dark clouds seem to form overhead; then, slowly, those shapes come raining down over the audience as Sheryl thrusts the cane down in front of her and holds it firmly in place, legs spread, head bowed.
        "2000 light years of rain...
        "That is its final destiny..."
        
        The lights dim once more during a brief instrumental, then come on to focus back on Sheryl, now sliding the cane along her back as she leans forward with a seductive smile. She reaches out one hand, one finger, as if to trace it lovingly across a lucky fan's face--but then she pulls back and pulls out of thin air a long, thin red thread. As she whirls around, she snags it on her cane, then spins her prop until that thin red thread burns over hot pink.
        "It's okay, there's nothing to fear
        "You're a cowardly shy boy
        "We discern the future by reading the stars
        "A red thread binds us to burning love!"
        
        She spins, pulling more of that thread from seemingly out of nowhere as she dances with her cane, long legs stretching out and pulling back as she struts along the stage. More and more threads twine slowly towards and around her as she flips her hair, but when she flips her cane up and then slices down with it like a knife, all those threads break off and away. She twirls again, bringing the end of that cane to her lips, and gives a sultry look out towards the audience as she trails her gloved fingers down its length.
        "It's racing, my heart's racing
        "I partied too hard with my pretty little toy
        "Let go of your lifeline
        "A dazzling impulse... A faded idealized image..."
        
        In a heartbeat of darkness, Sheryl's outfit changes to the pink train skirt, but as she twists the cane in her gloved hands, that light never goes out. She kicks it again, and it spins around her before she plants it in the stage and sweeps a hand behind her, heels trailing lines in the stage as she drags them in place. As she turns anew, she brings the cane up, holding it level over her chest, then raises it up over her head, her ankles hooking delicately behind each other.
        "The solitary century
        "We're endless from A to Z
        "We become light and shadow, then melt and get entwined
        "To the other side where we come and go between dreams and reality
        "This time, this city will be polluted by--"
        
        Then she thrusts that cane outwards to the audience before jerking it back, as if to point out someone in the audience and then herself. She traces it along the air, forming sparkling alphabet letters, before thrusting it down behind her and kicking her feet back in a reversal of her earlier moves. One last kick brings it up, and she swings it around; in its wake, illusory flower petals stream forward, and a gust of wind blows them out in 360 degrees, all over the crowds.
        "You and I are refugees
        "Our words line up from A to Z
        "We melt and get entwined in a colony of light
        "To the other side where both flowers and storms sweep the land
        "This time, this city will be polluted by--"
        
        In the wake of these whorling petals, Sheryl knocks the cane down to the stage with one hand and beseeches the audience with the other. As she lifts up the gold-and-pink stick, she caresses it with her cheek, eyes shutting briefly as she draws her free hand down her chest. She spins abruptly, the cane a counterweight--except instead of a circle, she traces a heart, so that it envelopes her in brilliant light. It solidifies into gold, sprouting a fairy wing on its right side: the emblem of the Galactic Fairy. As it slowly revolves around her, she holds up the cane with both hands over her head.
        "The way it is, let it be; I beg of you, set me free
        "Again, you and I melt and get entwined over and over
        "To the other side where both flowers and storms sweep the land
        "This time, this city will be gratified by--"
        
        Sheryl's pink-train outfit bursts into motes of light, returning her to her black-and-white number. Slowly, arched backwards, she draws the cane down--to her lips, to her chest, to her hips, to her thighs. As she sings, she gazes out at the audience with lidded eyes, as if to convey to them an ambiguous message. Her body twists around, cane drawing lines over her skin as she dances, stretching out her legs and kneeling down before gradually rising up.
        "Sweet and transient brown sugar
        "The view I saw even in my dreams
        "2000 light years of rain
        "That is its final destiny..."
        
        Then, as the final notes of the electric guitar reverb, Sheryl thrusts the cane down onto the stage before her again, once more with her legs spread and her head bowed. 

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


"Isn't it?" Ranka replies to Nunnally before nodding in agreement with Kallen and Milly, "I've played her songs countless times but... being here first hand. There's nothing else like it." Emilia's mood is infectious, even with her, just seeing her so upbeat - even getting to see her dance

Whatever happens with Ozma calling her basically all the time and her having to field ALL of his calls... well, her reaction made calling in the favor worth it.

A text hits her Osanshoo-san phone, which morphs back into squishy salamander. Clicking the Holo screen, she looks at it, quickly squishing back a message to Lucine.

>ok ill let u know sheryl is so good tonight!!!!
>u 2 have a good time!!

It's like there's nothing wrong at all, that it's just simply a wonderful night at the event of the year. Her phone promptly switches back to glow wand. Izolado is introduced with that pink lighting, and Ranka momentarily gawks at the costume change, her hair rising upwards in a brief flap as she gets drawn up in the song and the routine - enjoying the choreography, the lightning choices, even the props.

It's inspirational.

When the song finishes, she waves her glow wand again as she cheers and... then... "Wow... that was..." As she stumbles over thought, and feeling before... "...one day I want to put on a show like this." She says with a sense of quiet awe... back at her first concert, she never would have thought it was possible for somewhere like her... but now... now she truly wants to see if she can get there.

<Pose Tracker> Grace O'Connor has posed.

        Grace watches the conversation happening between Ranka and the Ashfords... hm, that almost sounds like a band name doesn't it? Well only one of them is TECHNICALLY a true Ashford, but no matter. At the very least it seems that nothing untoward is going on other than a group of middle-to-high school age girls enjoying a show together.

        'I wish the rest of them could be here to see this too!'

        A sly smirk briefly crosses Grace's face at that comment. Well, as it turns out, that could be arranged. Though it would require jumping ahead more than a few steps... Her face is returned to its normal unassuming expression long before she decides to finally step forward during a lull in the music and conversation. "I'm glad too." Her soft mature carries just over the ambient sound of the music and concert below. "A pleasure to meet all of you: Milly Ashfod, Nunnally Lamperouge, Kallen Stadtfeld, and Emilia Eschonbach." Grace offers a polite forward bow, "I am Grace O'Connor, Sheryl Nome's manager. I hope you are enjoying my VIP box."

        Purple eyes sweep towards Ranka, her expression a bit chiding, "Of course had I been made aware regarding the... particular needs to see to the comfort of your friends, I'm sure I would have been able to make arrangements sooner." She just gives a slight long suffering sigh, but before long the smile returns to her face and she moves to settle down into an empty chair.

        "I won't be able to stay the rest of the time, of course, but feel free to let me know if there's anything else you need while I'm here. I have a show to run but I'm sure I have a few spare seconds, here and there."

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam is dressed up too, because having a casual outfit means the menswear can be reserved for special occasions. Said menswear consists of a grey blazer and slacks, a red shirt, and brown leather shoes. He's considered getting a tie for it, but that requires another clothing purchase, and the array of patterns is baffling, and it could hypothetically be used to strangle him in a fight. It could double as an impromptu weapon for him, but still...

        "It is," Liam says. He looks up at the vast, curving bulk above them. "There are people above us, on the other side. It's like a world turned inside-out."

        And there it is--that moment of recognition. Liam braces, anticipating horrible news; his body stiffens, and his gaze locks onto Lucine's. He weighs her words in his mind. It feels like she's hiding something to spare his feelings, and that dread grows in his stomach. "All right," he says. "I know you will."

        "I wonder who the boy is," Liam muses, aloud. "Or if it's just a sentiment." Like how some of the old songs his father sang were about liking a girl, or losing a girl.

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

"One for the colonies, huh..." Zinnerman smiles despite himself, appreciating the sentiment of Sheryl's performance. Tomura cheers out loud and Gilboa, laden down with merch himself, obligingly waves a glowstick in the air.

Marida slowly follows his lead, swinging her glowsticks in time with the music, but at a slower beat - a robotic, imitative gesture rather than one she's really leaning into as of yet. Still, the sight of her connecting with the audience in such a way brings another fond smile to the old man's face and he relaxes a little, eyes tracking around the crowd to see everyone else, as much feeling everyone's enjoyment as seeing it.

This leads his eyes to flick up to the VIP booth, where the flashes of lights illuminate by turns a great volume of pink hair whose owner is getting really into the show. Zinnerman blinks and stares for a long moment, then turns his gaze back to the concert.

"What's up, boss?" Gilboa asks the captain, having noticed his distraction. Zinnerman weighs his thoughts, and settles for "It's nothing. Just an old ghost." He starts paying attention to the performance properly again.

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        "Everyone's really giving it their all!" Nunnally giggles, surrounded by the ambient excitement of her friends' voices. "Okay..! Let's go all out!" Her own encouragement is more cheerleading than by example, but she does lift her glowstick high to wave it about with increased vigour.

        When the next song plays, Nunnally feels the reverberation of the music, thumming through the earth; her psycommu chair registers the faint fluctuations and reports them back to her. It's a safety feature, in a country which experiences both earthquakes and weapon strikes. It's not so concerning, right now, in the vibrato of those guitars.

        The backing of the vocals paint their own picture, for Nunnally; she supposes Sheryl must have copied her image over and over again, in order to achieve the layered effect of her voice. (She wonders what the trick is, but not too hard; magic doesn't need to be interrogated.)

        The content of the song, of course, is something the younger Lamperouge can appreciate; in any case, it's terribly romantic, isn't it? Well, that sort of destiny isn't so unfamiliar, to someone like her.

        As the music fades, Nunnally smiles, to Ranka. "Please do!" She encourages her dreams to put on a show like this, eagerly. "I'll be sure to come! You'd help me get there, wouldn't you, Milly?" Nunnally asides, looking in roughly the direction Milly ought to be.

        Her head tilts, though, as she hears a new voice; older than the girls gathered here, but she knows how to pitch her voice to speak over the ambient thrum without raising it louder. "Hello, Ms. O'Connor," Nunnally greets her, politely, with a smile and a dip of her head. "Thank you for your consideration... we're all right, here, so please don't feel as if you have to dwell on us."

        She has a certain sense that someone who knows how to navigate a space like this has power here, even outside of claiming this as her space. Nunnally can hear that sigh, and -- well, it's Ranka she doesn't want to cause trouble for, really.

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

With a big grin splitting her face as Sheryl gets to it, Milly murmurs, "I like the gratitude... I think it's good that she takes that time out." It'd be easy to be more conceited, but to acknowledge that that type of relationship is a two-way street... it's something you *could* do insincerely, but Milly has seen Sheryl at a much more neutral stance too -- she can tell that there's some genuine understanding there and it tells her a lot about the type of person Sheryl is.

As Izolado starts, she's *mostly* paying attention to Sheryl -- but she does keep some attention on Emmy and Kallen, especially after Emmy teared up a bit earlier. She wants to make sure it's the fun, cathartic kind of tearing up rather than stress. (It's sometimes hard to tell with Emmy.)

Mostly, she takes in the song. "A performance like this must be a ton of work on the back end -- both from her and everyone around her," Milly reflects. She can't see the full strings, of course, but... well, Milly has an acute understanding of the deliberation and execution involved in something this showy.

"Of course!" Milly says to Ranka, brightly; she then turns to Grace, saying, "I like that you're that on top of things... I'm sure this type of thing keeps you very busy. Right now I don't think we need much, but it's appreciated." She's a little on the businesslike side, here.

It's at this stage that she finally notes, for Ranka, "... I wouldn't mind coordinating a performance for you at Ashford. It might not quite be this scale, but..." A smirk crosses her face. "We *do* have a stage!" 

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        "It's difficult to wrap your head around at first," Lucine says, ignorant of the pun she just made, "it still is, for me. But, it makes sense, if you are not already on a planet. But... I suppose it feels less like you are staring up into space and more like you are staring up into the distant eyes of someone staring up at the same time."
        
        Lucine recieves the text from Ranka and opens up her phone, lighting up her face. Reading it, she lets out a sigh of relief as she presses the locked screen of her phone to her chest. Ranka must be okay if she's sending a text like that. That, or pushing her worries aside to focus on the concert.

        As Lucine settles into her role as protector, the notes of dread from Liam she settles on. "Trust me for right now," she says with a smile, as the next song comes on.

        'Izolado' was one of Sheryl's more passionate songs, and one that made Lucine have to press skip if she had her music speakers on where her parents or the other colony members were listening in earshot.

        Liam wonders who the boy is. Lucine finds herself almost about to say Alto's name, but stops herself. He wasn't asking literally!!!

        "Ah, it's... I think it's whoever someone wants it to be." 

<Pose Tracker> Patrick Colasour has posed.

One arm waving, the other laden with merch, hair thrown back in a ponytail that barely holds together - this is definitely not the usual image of the AEU professional, Patrick Colasour. Or at least, it's not the one he'd expect you to have. But hey, he deserves to cut loose, right? That's what had drawn him in to begin with! Sheryl's songs really made great flying music, especially when you need a break. And Colasour's a hard working guy!

If nothing else, even laden with merch, it's obvious Colasour is comfortable in a crowd - if only because he's used to assuming all eyes are on him, anyway.

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.


        Emilia's eyes are distincytly on Sheryl in that pink outfit. "S-She's gorgeous..." Emmy admits, quietly, some pink in her face as well. God... She knows they're mostly holograms but... They'd be so fun to wear. ...The club does still have the sewing machine, but doing the quick changes...

        Ranka speaks up, and Emmy smiles again, having smiled more times today than she has in the past five years. "W-w-well, then... I want to b-be f-front row when y-you do!" When. Not if. Ranka got her to Side 3! She can do anything!r
        And Kallen's getting well and truly into it too... Maybe she'll be sick tomorrow if she overdoes it but, well. Emmy can help if she is, right? Right. "Y-yeah..." There's a hint of trepidation. Sure, everyone else would be nice... nut there's something valuable about sharing this moment with friends.

        And then a chill runs through her heart, hearing Grace walk up behind them and speak her surname. There's not going to be anyone in her Grandfather's circles here, right? They all *hate* spacenoids. Still, she turns, and gives as much of a curtsey as she can to Grace. "Y-Y-Y-Yes, th-thank you f-f-for t-t-t-t-taking the t-time to. Check. On u-us." She was really, REALLY not expecting to be recognized.

        She also doesn't notice the eyes on her from the ground, her lavender hair falling still. But despite Grace's tone there's... a menace in her words, the phrasing. Her Grandfather was perfectly capable of saying innocuous things to skewer her in front of others without her knowing. Is that... What's happening? Her eyes flick to Ranka's.

        And then Milly offers Ranka a stage, and Emmy suddenly turns her attention to her. "Y-you could?" She'd really like to see Ranka perform... and Ashford Academy would be without risk... 

<Pose Tracker> Nidaime has posed.

Nidaime spots Liam and--well she's not dressed up, but she does reecognize him as a friend. He's probably upset about Kaworu too. So she kind of squeezes and pushes her way towards Liam and Lucine--she doesn't recognize Lucine but she figures she can always know Lucine today! That's the nice thing about getting to know people.

She waves a hand and hops up and down to try and get Liam's attention. "LiamLiamLiamLiam...!"

She wipes at her eyes briefly before ducking down and pushing her way into view. 

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        For a moment, the outdoor venue is dark and hushed. Then, as an electric guitar starts up again in a new, hardened yet heartfelt song, the skies light up with images of deep space--an endless expanse of stars, galaxies, and nebulas, dazzlingly beautiful yet so far away. Even the lights that sparkle seemingly closeby aren't close enough to touch. 'So close yet so far,' perhaps. The guitar scratches and lights flash as a silhouette of Sheryl covers her ears; then a blue spotlight illuminates her on a transparent stage, now surrounded by floating planets in the ether as red columns of light pulse around her like the bars of a cage.
        
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI8_6e16ZTs Eternity
        
        Sheryl's outfit this time is more somber, more mature, as opposed to her usual sexy glitz: a black jacket with white cuffs at the wrists and black ruffs at the hips covers a white blouse with a high-necked collar, a thin belt tying then both together. Both of them drape over tight red slacks, which tuck into layered black knee-high boots. Her blonde hair is bound in a coiled braid that drapes over her left shoulder, while her usual drop earring dangles from her right ear. As she dances, she spins, coming to a heartbeat's stop where she stare up at and reaches out to the sky, then pulls her own arm down and pushes her cheek away as if to chastise herself.
        "When I fling myself into the abyss of despair
        "And question whether or not I'm still alive,
        "I wish I could have you by my side
        "Still, always, if it could come to be..."
        
        She clasps her hands and raises them to the heavens as if in supplication, but draws them down and turns away. As she does, she stretches out a hand, from which motes of light course away as if caught on the breeze. Around her, the bars of red light pulse harder and stronger and closer together, as if tightening their hold, but she points out to the crowds as if to a certain special someone.
        "I wander, seeking forgiveness
        "I want only you to be reflected in my eyes!"
        
        A tone sounds as the holograms distort the air, even over Sheryl herself. Her voice breaks through, shattering the distortion, but the bars of light continue to pulse as she dances in the seeming endless freedom of space. Because it isn't really space, is it? It's merely an illusion. Even so, as the spotlight follows her, she turns and layers her hands over herself, until she looks over her shoulder...
        "If you don't bid me farewell
        "For eternity, oh, my heart will slide into the darkness
        "Your hands are too gentle; I wasn't afraid, oh, that they would leave wounds
        "You know, I did not need to love myself..."
        
        Above and behind Sheryl, a Valkyrie variable plane in fighter mode zooms into view in seeming slow motion, then spins off and away. She reaches out towards it as if beseeching it not to go, but it's no use; it races towards a distant planet and in an instant is gone in a speck of light.
        "Where are you now?"
        
        A brief battle plays out in the skies as the Valkyrie, now in GERWALK mode, races through space and exchanges fire with obscured enemies. An explosion knocks it away, but it switches back to fighter mode and zooms off. Light flashes, and the spotlight returns to Sheryl, now dressed in silver, gold and black. Her hair is out of its braid, now feathered and streaked with burnished orange. Her top's bust splits in the middle and tapers down in front while silver threads drape down from her collar; her right sleeve extends into a glove that covers her entire arm, bracelets danging from her wrist, while the left cuts off just past the shoulder. A golden corset hugs her midsection and latches in the back, but only on one hook, the rest of her back left bare. A long golden gauze drapes down her backside from her black shorts. Her right leg hooks black material in the back to gold ribbons in front, while her left leg is left only with the ribbons. Her feet are adorned in platform heels.
        "Your sky falls further and further away
        "Until I can no longer tell that I am myself
        "At least once, I wanted to try attaining
        "A voice that sings of 'eternity'..."
        
        As Sheryl dances, the planets fade into the darkness of space, leaving her alone in her prison. Even so, she spreads her arms to the vastness of the universe, drawing those worlds back to her, until she points up and then clutches her head. That tone sounds once more, seeming to short out all light until--
        "'It's the fate you chose for yourself,'
        "I murmured so bitterly my words shook."
        
        The universe explodes once more around her, more planets hovering as if in orbit around the Galactic Fairy. At the same time, the bars of red light pulse closer and more claustrophobic than ever. As if refusing to heed them, Sheryl spins and beseeches the heavens beyond them. Her body slumps and rolls from side to side, and she swipes her hands over her face one by one before raising them up over her head and sweeping her legs back. She reaches out, yanks her hand back as if snatching something close, and then reaches up--
        "Don't go! Look at me!
        "Why couldn't I say so, oh, even though I treasured you?
        "So that they wouldn't shatter
        "So that they wouldn't disappear
        "I fixed my eyes on those piled-up, unripe dreams... ooh ooh ooh..."
        
        The lights flash, and she's returned to her first, more somber outfit. As she spins and dances, red and blue motes of light rise up around her. When she reaches out her hands, this time she cups them tenderly around an invisible something before drawing them back to her chest. She then raises her hands to her ears and lifts her chin to gaze out with sorrowful-seeming passion at the audience.
        "If you don't bid me farewell...
        "Your hands are too gentle
        "I wasn't afraid, oh, that they would leave wounds
        "You know, I did not need to love myself..."
        
        ...Until she raises her gaze to where the Valkyrie fighter would have been before and reaches out in the same way. There is no fighter plane this time, though; she reaches out towards a distant planet, all alone.
        "Where are you now?"
        
        She spins back into her dance as the instrumentals take her to the end of the song... but this time, when they drop back to simply electric guitar and the vast empty space surrounds her, Sheryl seems to float, directionless, until the instrumentals and the lights both cut into silent darkness. 

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Ranka tries to get caught up in the mood, not to get shy again as she gets support from Emilia and Nunnally and Milly, "I definitely want all of you to be there when I debut... I'll be sure Elmo reserves you those seats and I'll see what I can do about transportation."

It used to be 'if', but by the power of positive thinking from Alto and Sheryl, it's 'when' now... in her mind, the fact that she can say such things is all thanks to them.

As Grace shows up, Ranka's eyes light up, "Oh Grace!" Ranka is always shocked that Grace can show up to talk to them while managing a concert simultaneously. Enough so that she's genuinely surprised. Though she then cants her head to the side in wonder as her knowing all of the names of the Ashford students already. Grace's attention to detail as a manager is impressive but she didn't know it was that impressive! "Thank you very much for lending it to us." Though as her eyes sweep to Ranka and that long suffering sigh is emitted, there's a small noise uttered from her throat. "I'm sorry it was so last minute." She says, sincerely apologetic, even going so far as bowing her head lower. "I appreciate how understanding you've been."

She really didn't want to cause trouble for Grace, doing all of this, just adding more work onto her shoulders.

Catching Emilia's worried look, she tries to give her a reassuring one. She trusts Grace after all. Before stepping closer and whispering... "I think she's just a bit stressed. I might have added more accidentally." She whispers, she doesn't... regard Grace as mean spirited, just very confident, and put together, and self assured - a distinct opposite to herself.

Though as Milly offers a stage at Ashford, Ranka is startled by the offer, with a quick rise and fall of each side of her hair, "Well I'd love to perform at Ashford-!" She says, sincerely flattered, "I don't know if I should right away... I mean, I don't have too many songs yet. We're working on more though!" She then appears to mull it over, "But if it was a different kind of event... it wouldn't all need to be my songs..."

Now there's a thought isn't it?

In the hush and the quiet, Ranka tries to predict what song is next, and it feels like the moment the stage is set that she understands it's time for Eternity. Catching Sheryl in her costume as she dances amongst the stars. A Variable Fighter flying overhead. It's an illusion... but it really does feel like Sheryl's dancing across eternity. The battle between the Fighter makes her wonder... certainly it's a common show setpiece in concerts in the Macross colonies...

...but...

... was Sheryl thinking of Alto when she put that in this song, as she listens more and more, she feels more and more assured that that's true. Yet she's still entranced by Sheryl dancing within the universe all the same... it doesn't take her out of the song, it draws her further in.

Until she sees Sheryl all alone in the end... is she truly seeing some side of her? Awestruck, she doesn't join in on the applause right away, she just expels a breath...

"Sheryl..." She utters, muted, her eyes misting up...

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

This song... It's not a song he knows (none of Sheryl's discography is familiar to him), but... These words, this emotion... For a moment, Lieutenant Suberoa Zinnerman of Neo Zeon, Captain of the Garencieres, is just a young Suberoa with no rank or charted future, gazing at a vision of a young lady with bright brown hair and a smile like starlight, laughing with him at something absurd.

The big man's head lowers and he brings a hand up to cover his eyes, to hide the tears threatening to spill forth from them. Under his breath, he mutters a name - one Gilboa, who does overhear, hasn't heard him speak in years: "Fee..."

<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.

Kallen's attention is largely held by Sheryl, as she winds into her next number... It's rare. That she gives something this much attention. Normally she needs to keep her focus split. To be guarded and watch for every little thing around her. It's just an unfortunate consequence in her line of work, when one mistake might mean imprisonment and death for so many. But right now it's just her friends, the music, and the vastness of space, so she can afford to commit her attention. "With what I've seen... I think you have a shot at being on stage with Sheryl one day." She's only heard Ranka sing a couple times, but that's an easy call to make. She sings from her soul. Both girls do.

Her attention is snapped away instantly. A vaguely familiar voice speaks her name, and several others besides. Familiar, but not a voice she hears enough to file under being one of her friends. Still, when she looks up to see, there's a relieved sigh. It's just Sheryl's infinitely capable and talented manager. Not some menace, come to terrorize their relaxing night. "Thank you ma'am. The use of your VIP room means the world to us." A slight cold chill hits Kallen like a stray baseball, so she scoots her seat closer to the others, to benefit from their cheer warming the air. It winds up more necessary than she could have imagined, as the music becomes gradually more somber.

And the tears begin to fall down her face, primed hours ago by a scruffy man who couldn't possibly have known what he set into motion. Longing... for a face that's no longer there. For a familiar voice and hand, she can't reach out to ever again. It may not be the same type of loss, but she's still altogether too familiar.

<Pose Tracker> Lina Lombardi has posed.

         Meanwhile, NOT on Side 3, but back on Earth in Moralia, Lina Lombardi is splayed out on her couch watching a livestream of the concert. Right in front of the couch blocking her view was one Alina Pride, wearing a tour tee that Lina had thankfully found from a scalper online (it was a couple sizes too big, but eh, she could sleep in it) and waving a pair of glowsticks while chanting and cheering.

         "Thank you so much for inviting me over, Lina! You really didn't have to!"

         "Don't even sweat it, Mousetrap. Least I could do after the thing in Japan." What Lina did not tell her was that she had bought the virtual tickets just to hear the new single. She was gently nodding her head and drumming her fingers and hoping very much that her downstairs neighbors would not complain.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        "Mm," Liam says. He looks up again, and finds himself edging closer to Lucine to ward off the sense of vertigo. He knows how a colony cylinder works, and that he's not going to fall up, even if the rotation stops somehow. Still, it's difficult for him to shake the feeling.

        Lucine might have noticed he didn't actually look at any of the Side 3 colonies on their approach, for all his Earthnoid-gawking at their insides. That's weird.

        And then, a newly-familiar voice calls his name. Liam jumps a little, but quickly realizes who it is. "Nidaime?" He cranes his head towards the voice's source, and reaches out a hand to help Nidaime clamber through the crowd. "Nidaime," he says, with a warm smile. "It's good to see you again." Even if her presence calls to mind the last concert he went to--but helping to Breast Fire Generonglee into oblivion helped quiet that demon, for a while.

        He looks at Lucine, then at Nidaime, suddenly acutely aware he has invited a mysterious child into their presence, and Lucine might not have any idea who she is.

        Then the next number starts, and Liam falls quiet again. Something about this one--

        It hits different, now.

        Sheryl Nome is nothing if not a deeply talented singer; she pours her all into her performances, and in a song like this, it's stirring. Despite being in a crowd of people, with Lucine and Nidaime right there next to him, he feels completely alone. The VF is a spectacle in and of itself, but it just serves to drive home how vast this space is, and how empty it is.

        Liam reaches out to take Lucine's hand, as if it is the only thing that can keep him from flying off and disappearing. Tears well up in his eyes.

<Pose Tracker> Patrick Colasour has posed.

The song itself is somber, expressive, and beautiful - and Colasour is certainly enraptured. The scenes of battle get his pulse going, even as he settles into Sheryl's gorgeous, longing voice, Colasour's arm waving as memories of his own flights, his own heroics, draw him into the performance. By the end he's a bundle of energy, the melancholy of the song washing over him, rousing his heart...

He turns to the scruffy older guy next to him and gives him a look of gentle regard, noticing the older man's tears. "Incredible, right? She's a real genius!" For half a moment, a look of serious reflection crosses the young man's face, and he sighs. "I wonder who the lucky guy is..." 

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        "I'm sure everyone would help," Nunnally agrees with Milly's idea of using Ashford as Ranka's stage, immediately.

        The next song which plays is somewhat sad, and Nunnally's glowstick lowers to her lap, as she listens. To leave someone alone in the darkness... it's terrible, she thinks.

        It's a small mercy that she can't see the GERWALK's battle, up there; it means she isn't distracted from the tenor of the song.

        The fate which people choose, for themselves...

        Oh, don't ask such a painful question. Nunnally hardly needs to think of such awful things, when everyone is taking care of her. But -- she sympathises with the melody, really. She does not need to love herself, when she can give all her love to the people around her.

        And so, in the wake of such a sad song, she smiles gently to the girls around her. "Ahh, Sheryl wouldn't want us to be sad hearing her song, would she..? It's a wonderful song... I'm glad I was able to hear it."

<Pose Tracker> Grace O'Connor has posed.

        When it comes to power, true, Sheryl is the one who is on stage and is commanding the hearts and minds of all those fans who have come to see her. However it is still a simple fact that much of what is seen and done is the work of countless unseen and uncelebrated stage hands who are all of course working under the direction of one Grace O'Connor. The security staff meanwhile is a mixture of both venue employees and local agencies... but those watching the door to the VIP box and controlling the backstage areas are under Sheryl's direct employ, and thus Grace's direction.

        The true power rests beside the throne...

        But at the very least Grace seems willing to use her power to make sure one of Sheryl's friends, and her fellows, are comfortable. In particular she responds to Nunnally with a gentle voice: "Of course. I apologize, I didn't at all want to make any of you feel like you were a burden. Though when I saw who Ranka had brought with her I thought these accomodations would be more comfortable. Less random people to rub elbows with. And you don't have to worry about the audience reaction cameras catching you unawares and sending you, for example, having a coughing fit out live across the entire Earth Sphere. It'd be ever so embarrassing to get home and find everyone you know has caught you hacking up a lung on air, don't you think?"

        It's that moment when she chooses to glance at Emilia. Then there is something... is it a wink?

        "But you girls don't need to worry about that. Just enjoy the show, and feel free to take some pictures of yourself after it's over. Maybe if Sheryl has some time she'll even be able to swing by for a bit of a special service. Though I certainly can't promise that. The poor girl has been working herself half to death during this entire tour."

        Milly then suggests Ranka have her own show at Ashford Academy. A smaller venue, perhaps, though one that would offer her a chance to earn many new young fans. That could be the major break she is waiting for after all. Briefly she considers pouring cold water over the suggestion...

        But then Eternity starts playing, and Grace decides to stop and listen for a while.

        'When I fling myself into the abyss of despair
        'And question whether or not I'm still alive
        'I wish I could have you by my side
        'Still, always, if it could come to be...'

        Grace's eyes close and her body mimicks the motions of a another deep breath followed with a long drawn out sigh. In her mind she continues to recite the words of the song...

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

Zinnerman clears his throat as he is addressed mid-mourn, pulling himself together with an effort. "It takes... quite the artist to bring such deep feelings out so clearly, yes." If looks could kill, Gilboa would have struck Patrick dead three times over with the glare he's giving the young fool. "I would hope whoever she's reaching out to understands just how fortunate he is."

He lets out a breath, letting the moment pass on. Leaving him behind, just as everything else about Fee and Marie has left him behind.

<Pose Tracker> Milly Ashford has posed.

"She *really* is," Milly agrees to Emilia's comment on Sheryl's look. She considers mentioning how much effort that takes, but she knows that Emmy's *quite* talented at that in her own way. She doesn't have time to say more, anyway -- the next number starts up!

She listens, but this song doesn't *quite* hit for her; in some ways it gets close, but... she has a hard time acknowledging the *ways* in which it's hitting, and it's frankly more mental energy to sort through that than she has mid-concert. "Wow," she does reflect at one point, though -- "some of those notes can't be easy to hit for that long."

She does see it hitting Kallen, though, especially when she actually starts crying; it's a genuinely startling sight for Milly, who's seen Kallen upset, but not necessarily in the same way. Mostly, she's seen Kallen in her 'vaguely staring off' mode.

... It's good, she realizes -- Kallen's no doubt had a rough go of it, given her circumstances... Milly makes a note -- and offers, quietly, "... It's okay to let it out."

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        Turning her head as someone calls Liam's name, Lucine blinks, then lets a soft smile spread on her face. "Ah, is this a friend of yours, Liam?" If there was ever a problem for a mysterious child to be invited over, Lucine doesn't seem to mind at all. "Nidaime, is it?" That's the name Liam called her, but maybe she was mistaken.

        The lull of the next song hits Lucine, and she quiets, turning her attention to the song.

        She's heard it before, but the solemn notes hit her in a different way now. She closes her eyes and clenches her hands. Is it right for her to feel this way, right now? Leading Liam into ignorant bliss, knowing that one of the first people he's met since gaining his freedom has just been shot?

        If only space wasn't so wide, or so empty.

        Like how Nemi felt, when she first arrived back.

        Liam's hand seeks hers, and she wraps her fingers around his, squeezing reassuringly.

        This time, she won't be the one who lies.

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.


        This is not, Emmy can tell, a dancing song. It's probably for the best, they need a break sometimes. Sheryl has a lot of songs like this, doesn't she? How from the heart do they come...

        There's something that hits... different about this one. If Diamond Crevasse reminded her of her mother... Her eyes track to Milly, for reasons she can't quite articulate.She looks around, to Kallen, to Nunnally, to Rankia... But she keeps drifting back to Milly instead of Sheryl.

        If only she could realize what it means.

        Ranka explains, and Emilia nods. "R-right..." Maybe that is all it is. Emmy hopes so at least. When she sees the Valkyrie start to go into battle, she reaches a hand out to Ranka. Doesn't she hate fighting? Maybe Emmy's overthinking it.

        And it's in this moment that Emilia Eschonbach becomes certain that Grace O'Connor is a dangerous person. There's no need to be that specific, to reiterate... That hand on Ranka's squeezes tighter. She bites her lip as Grace winks at her, cautious, trepidatious.

        And she sees Kallen tearing up, and she wants to reach across as well, but... Milly has her now. She'll leave it to her. She has to. Her reach is only so far.

        Nunnally seems all in on making Ashford a stage, and well, that practically means it's a done deal at this point. (And as new Treasurer she can back her up, but she hasn't quite got that through her head yet.) "...R-Ranka told me... T-that music c-c-can c-convey your f-f-feelings. If... If y-y-you feel s-sad... M-maybe Sheryl does too." She looks to Ranka, if she can confirm. "But... M-m-maybe... It's a s-s-sadness... that you. N-need." Emmy does not sound confident, because she's sounding out the idea for the first time. 

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        In the absense of stage lights, the natural(?) starlight of the heavens becomes more distinct. Even the fairy lights along the sidewalks have gone out, and because of that, the Milky Way comes into clear view. It's a breathtaking sight. The audience has a moment to admire it before the stage lights up again--but this time with a soft, silver spotlight that shines down on a Sheryl clad in white.
        
        Her outfit this time is reminiscent of a wedding dress, in fact--a pair of pale pink flowers clip into her hair, which is now tied up in loops, and a veil and two white ribbons hang from them. Her dress itself hangs from her chest, lace encircling her bust; a large ribbon ties at the back while her skirts flow down in layers, one white, one gold, while translucent lavender, one white again, and finally a translucent veil of an underskirt. A pair of matching flowers tie at her waist, from which a matching pair of white ribbons hang. Her neck is adorned with a ring of flowers while white cuffs decorate her wrists, and white pumps with veils of gold caress her feet. She stands with head bowed and hands clasped over her chest, then she raises her chin and gazes out at the audience.
        
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1PyyDlGKZM I Became an Angel
        
        Lowering her hands, she traces them around each other, and little licks of fire flow out in their wake until she presses her palms together and raises them up high. When she pulls them back down, she holds out a bright flame.
        "I wonder why, when I'm with you,
        "I end up feeling a little sad?
        "Oooh, because I live, I live for you."
        
        Smiling bittersweetly, Sheryl turns her gaze out and across the gardens, then gently steps forward to set the flame down on the stage before her as if lighting an invisible candle. Countless other flames light up along with them, forming a glow around her that brightens the next. She turns away and kneels again, and another semi-circle of candlelights erupts into being. She stands and waves her arms, and a pair of white wings bursts into being at her back before dissolving into feathers and vanishing. All the same, she offers the flame that remains in her hands up high.
        "I want you to pay closer attention to me
        "When I clung to you, I grew downy wings
        "Oooh, just floating in a dream, don't fade away
        "I became an angel...
        "But you never knew it, so you'll never know it."
        
        Gazing upwards, Sheryl spreads her hands, and the flames flicker out of existence. In return, the wings burst back for a moment, and the stage uncoil at its center, rising up into a spiral staircase. Sheryl caresses the railing as she ascends, following a tighter and tighter loop until she reaches the top, where she sweeps a hand to one side and shakes her head.
        "Ahh, the chanting choir sings about peace
        "The rebel army stays at the harbor
        "And behind their joy, they probably seethe with hate
        "I give up, I'm done with doing the right thing..."
        
        Trilling sweetly, Sheryl reaches out to the skies, dancing in a tight circle around the edges of the now-elongated stage. Feathers and petals burst up around her as she raises her hands together as if in prayer. When they part, a little flame appears between them, but she sends it off into the sky before turning her gaze mournfully over her shoulder. The flame returns to her, though, and as she clutches it close again, a smile warms her lips as her wings return.
        "I wish I had more money
        "I'd travel seven weeks back in time in one bound
        "So I could get abandoned by the lifeboat
        "In short, I don't want to protect; I want to be protected
        "By you, and you alone..."
        
        Stepping forward, a stairway of light forms beneath Sheryl's feet as she now descends in an outward spiral. Feathers and candleflames dance in her wake, both at her feet and her fingertips. They sweep from her chest back over her body, transforming her wedding-style dress to a sleeveless white silk gown, splitting just above her knees and draping down in back in a longer train, with a large vermilion jewel at her chest and gauzy ribbons draped around her shoulders. White gloves cover her forearms, and gold rings circle her wrist as matching bangles decorate her bust and upper arms. A bejeweled tiara rests upon her forehead. Tiny wings rise from her back, while her feet bear white-and-gold platform shoes that ribbon up her legs. Fans of Sharon Apple will recognize the homage. Sheryl herself extends a hand as if to show her firelight the stars, but the little light gutters and vanishes; so too does her smile. Her footfalls still at the bottom of the stairs as she gazes into the distance, fingers curling into her palm.
        "Before long, the radio will stop playing
        "The love song it dumped somewhere in the world
        "Oooh, it disappears, it melts to air
        "I became an angel...
        "But you never knew it, so you'll never know it."
        
        She shakes her head as she pulls her hand to her chest. Then she traces her footfalls along the outer edge of the lower stage, dancing nimbly even as she courts a fall. Her arms flap up and down gracefully like a swan's wings, arching over her head. The backs of her wrists clasp together, and she arches her back as she shuts her eyes and shakes her head.
        "Ahh, today too, the philosophers are fretting
        "Never giving their analysis a rest
        "They'll probably return to the stars as lost as ever
        "I loved them too much, and now I don't care..."
        
        The stage descends in a single dimension, but in doing so, spreads outwards in a long spiral, Sheryl at the tail end. She remains still, perched there as if accepting the journey she's been made to take, chin raised with noble melancholy as she sails leisurely over the innermost crowds.
        "I'll give you my diary
        "We'll be alone together when we pass by Saturn
        "Let's be so insignificant we get sick of it
        "In short, I don't want to protect
        "I want to be protected by you, and you alone."
        
        She turns away. The spiral at her feet becomes a galaxy in miniature, and her gown returns to the wedding-style dress she wore before. A long cloak drapes over her shoulders, flapping upwards gracefully on an invisible breeze, as she starts the slow journey back to the center. She clutches where it clasps at her chest, but as she gets closer and closer to the center, its billowing becomes more violent, until at last she undoes it and lets it swoop up and away into the sky. She turns to watch it go in time to see it break apart and vanish into motes of light.
        "Let me freely be a little girl
        "Wrapped up in a fluffy, fragrant blanket
        "If I chirp for you sweetly, will you give me a reward?
        "In short, I don't want to protect
        "I want to be protected by you, and you alone--"
        
        Her gaze melancholy as it remains fixed on her lost cloak--her fluffy, fragrant blanket, perhaps?--she raises her hands once more to the starry heavens. The flames come to her again and trace them as she dances, vanishing and reappearing as she turns. Though they may not stay, she draws them close all the same as her wings form one last time.
        "I wish I had more money
        "I'd travel seven weeks back in time in one bound
        "So I could get abandoned by the lifeboat
        "In short, I don't want to protect
        "I want to be protected by you, and you alone..."
        
        Her smile is as peaceful as it is wistful, until both wings and flame wink out. Even so, she dances as holographic windmills appear around her in the brightness of day; she brushes away formless tears, then offers that smile to the crowds of fans and points out at them.

<Pose Tracker> Nidaime has posed.

NIdaime doesn't hug Liam because he told her he could that one time but she wants to express his desire. Instead she reaches to take her hand. She doesn't tell him to not cry. It's a good thing to cry. She doesn't let go of his hand even as she makes it next to him.

She says, "Hi!" to Lucine. "I'm the Second." She wobbles back and forth on her feet. It doesn't quite have the usual energy, but she's trying to stay upbeat.

"Are you friends? It's nice to meet. What's your name?"

She listens to the music.

Let me freely be a little girl.

She gives Liam's hand a small squoz.

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Kallen suggests she has a shot at being on stage with Sheryl one day. "You... really think so?" It's a wonderful thought. The two singing together those two times, being in synch, their hearts aligned even if they weren't standing beside each other are some of her most precious memories.

"... I hope so." She says after a moment. She's on the path to achieving one dream, but even as Kallen utters it, it's like there's a dream even beyond that dream that she can strive for once she reaches it.

Grace replies to Nunnally, reassuring her that she didn't want to make them feel like a burden, and Ranka breathes a sigh of relief. However her brow furrows- which becomes a start as her hair flaps up before falling back into place, when Grace says that and looks towards Emilia with that wink. Her free hand over her mouth, she looks back and forth. Then looks borderline ashamed, "I appreciate you... looking out for us like that."Ranka squeezes Emilia's hand firmly after that.

Eternity though, as it winds down, she hears Nunnally say she wouldn't want her to be sad. Kallen is genuinely affected, enough that like Emilia she almost reaches out to her, but Milly has her - and she knows her much better than she does.

Her eyes still a little misted up, she dashes a hand across them, then smiles at Emilia - squeezing her hand again. "You're right. Even though she's Sheryl, it's important to remember... it's not just us feeling it. She is too." She remembers Sheryl's loneliness, Sheryl's fear as the two sang, it made her feel closer to her. "More than just need I think." She says to Emilia, "I think this is a sadness I want."

The stage shifts again, the silverine spot light shining down on Sheryl, and she admires yet again the costume. She knows already, this is going to be a one-two punch to her heart. These two songs back to back. It's a sadness she wants, to understand. She watches her dance along the candlelight, the experience of watching her feels like a sacred one. Worship through music, as Sheryl ascends up the staircase.

As the song comes to a close, Ranka feels like part of her is melting, just like candlewax, "Yeah." Is her simple response, as if agreeing with those final lines, with the feeling of the whole song. To be celebrate that feeling. It feels validating to her whole life. She looks sidelong to the others, and just... just smiles.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        It's a good thing Nidaime introduces herself, because at the moment, Liam doesn't have the wherewithal to do it. His hands tighten, gently but firmly--and that's all the physical contact he can take right now. He is showing intolerable weakness in a public space where anyone can see him. There are cameras flitting about specifically for that purpose. All it would take is a few adjustments to point one of them at him--and then everyone watching would see him red-eyed and crying, leaning into the blue-haired young woman beside him.

        The song changes. The scenery changes. Liam recognizes the song, but again, it's like something inside him is broken, or torn open. He can't listen without hearing that longing--that desire for protection--without crying. What is wrong with him?

        "I--I'm sorry," he says, to the kaiju-child holding one hand, and the pilot holding the other. "I... don't know why I'm crying."

<Pose Tracker> Patrick Colasour has posed.

There's an ever so minute shift in Patrick Colasour. You probably wouldn't notice from the outside, but Patrick Colasour mostly lives in his own little world, and he knows when the colors shift. He's still beaming with joy, glowstick waving, embracing the chance to cut loose, to return to life outside of duty for at least a bit before his world is a test of mettle and skill... But the little crack Sheryl opened in his heart gets hammered by a second outpouring of heartfelt emotion. There's a wistful grin on his face, and a distant look in his eyes.

"She's... really giving it her all out there, huh?" It's just a flash, just a little tremor, and then his grin splits wide. "A genuine genius! Ms. Nome, you really are exceptional! Oh, it's no wonder everyone loves her! The guys are gonna be so thrilled when they see I managed to make it for the very last show!" In a way, Colasour really is immortal... for better or worse. "Oh, that guy of hers must be falling over for her, and who can blame him!"

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

The brief distraction of Patrick's hapless intrusion on his emotions leaves Zinnerman wholly unprepared for the next song, which reminds him not just of his wife but his daughter, forever out of reach. Not for the first time, the image of Marie running towards him arms outstretched, giggling adorably, plays in his mind's eye before being swept away by flame.

Swallowing, Zinnerman realises Marida is now looking at him with something like alarm on her face. Eyes wet, he pats her hand gently, sniffing. "I'm fine, Marida. It's a beautiful song." He's not wholly lying - part of him feels at ease from these emotions being brought forth in him.

That said, Gilboa knows well that the big man won't be sleeping well tonight - it will be a night of mourning, much like many other nights on the Garencieres.

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        "Thank you for thinking of me," Nunnally says, to Grace, as well, when she talks about the cameras catching them having a coughing fit. She names herself as the one Grace is thinking of -- and perhaps, in this way, places herself in the firing range instead. "It's a big day out, but I promise I'm okay."

        It may be a little hard to tell whether she's simply misinterpreted the 'kindness' Grace is offering, or...

        Well, let's say she has some experience in courtly matters.

        "Oh... you're right!" Nunnally agrees, too, too easily, as her friends talk about needing -- wanting -- to be sad. "If that's what you want... then, it must be a good time for it, isn't it?"

        (She wrote an anthology in her agreeableness, a thousand pages in her gentle smile, and then she threw every word to the wind.)

        Nunnally declines to cry, and listens, as the thrumming backbeat of the next song begins. It's a gentle sort of tune... a welcoming song.

        "I'm glad she sung this one," Nunnally shares, quietly.

        "This is my favourite song."

        Listening to it, she can really think... she could understand Sheryl, if they got to know each other, one day.

<Pose Tracker> Grace O'Connor has posed.

        The thing with paranoia... is that it is only paranoia if, in fact, no one is after you. The fact that Emilia senses Grace is dangerous is not an unfair assumption to make. Though everything so far that the Galactic Fairy manager has done towards Emilia has been a net positive... the fact remains that part of her engagement right now has been made with the intent that Ranka understands just how risky this whole endeavour is. And, furthermore, to make clear her own effort in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the group.

        ... the last bit may have been more intended to harm than help though.

        Regardless once the song Eternity comes to an end, Grace O'Connor makes one more deep simulated breath and sigh. It feels good to do that, still, and it does allow her to vent some waste CO2 as well as restore her internal oxygen reserves. But the efficiency of her cooling system alongside the fact that her remaining organic tissues require very little oxygen to keep running, means that much like her glasses the action is entirely and emotional touch stone for her. Well... that and to help make her look and seem more human than she actually is.

        'And question whether or not I'm still alive,

        Grace's eyes sweep back towards Ranka as her words hit home. She gives the girl an indulgent smile and a reassuring nod before speaking, "Naturally. That's my job as a manager, after all: To keep an eye on everything." She then glances back out towards the stage as 'I Became An Angel' starts to play. "Speaking of which..."

        Rising from her seat, Grace's smile becomes a bit apologetic, "As I said earlier, I wouldn't be able to stay. I have to get out front and make sure everything is ready to go with sales of the debut-only physical limited edition sales. Please make sure you have your ticket stub with you when you come to the front - there's only one copy available per customer after all!"

        With that she will make a formal bow, and then move to slide out of the VIP booth and make her way towards the lobby. She allows herself another pleased smile before she emerges from the corridor.

        ... yes, she can use this alright. 

<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.

It's perhaps unsurprising that... for a particularly long while, Kallen is just unresponsive. Even after she's cried out all the tears left in her for the moment... She's just sitting there. In that 'staring into space' mode, but more literally, given they're not planetside. Even Milly's attempts just meet with silence, and a vague motion of her shoulder. MAYBE she's coming out of it? But if she is, it's going to be slow. Probably a song or two pulling herself back up. But... even if it does take a while, she's surrounded by people who mean the world to her. So she'll always find her way back.

This of course, means none of the Danger that accompanies Grace registers entirely for her. Whether that's good or bad... who can say?

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.


        'I'm the Second.'

        Lucine freezes, as Kaworu's voice, filtered through her phone, is recalled in her mind.

        'The Second and Third. The First Angel refers to--'

        Lucine shakes away the intrusive thought. She smiles, placing a hand over her chest. "I'm Lucine Azul." 'Head Gardener of the Nadesico' is quickly stopped before it has a chance to exit her mouth. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nidaime the Second."

        Liam leans into her, weeping. Maybe, he learned? Or is it just...

        She notices Nidaime squeezing Liam's other hand as she squeezes the one already in her own. She leans back into him, closing her eyes.

        "It's okay, Liam, I'm crying too, see?" If the thickness of her voice wasn't evidence enough, there's the tears streaming down her cheek, as Lucine allows herself to be swept along. To be protected, by someone you love and by that person alone...

        To throw yourself into that feeling willingly...

<Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed.

        That smile of Sheryl's warms and brightens at the roar of applause--and, perhaps, stream of tears--she receives. Her pointing hand rises up as she waves, accepting their adoration as her due. An artist is nothing without an audience to receive her art, but she still worked her heart and soul out to create it in the first place. In her own eyes, Sheryl Nome is far more than a mere idol.
        
        "Thank you! Thank you! I love all of you!" She beams for a moment, waiting for the applause to die down; then her gaze softens. "It's sad to say so, but we've arrived at the final number of tonight. It feels like only yesterday that I came to Earth and started this tour, and now it's already almost done. I've been able to see and experience so many astounding things, and so much of it has inspired me to create even more music. Some of it you all won't get to hear for a while... but tonight, I'll be able to leave you with something new." She tosses her hair with vivacious energy, smile growing. "Because it's never the end for Sheryl Nome--I'm just getting started!"
        
        All spotlights flash on then and focus on her, bathing her in multicolored light. The white of her dress reflects them all, sending out everything that comes in to her. "This is the last song, but also a new one! Don't you dare miss a second of it: tonight, I bid you farewell-for-now with Northern Cross!"
        
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAqqRIlhaxU Northern Cross
        https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/292790835630833665/987379720213655562/sheryl_17.jpg
        
        The overhead lights dim once more, bringing a momentary hush to the crowds. Then as the opening notes of an electric guitar play, a single piercing light cuts through the darkness, and another smaller one that cuts perpendicular into that, forming the shape of a cross. The drum line kicks in, and lights flash and columns of flame burst upwards from a series of torches around the fountain as hexagonal red lights form a barrier around the stage. At the center, Sheryl rises up from below, her back facing outwards and her long hair aglow, surrounded on both sides by crucifixed digital versions of herself. The central Sheryl wears a long-sleeved, puff-shouldered, midnight blue blouse, over which she wears a black vest that hugs her chest with white lace. A golden pendant hangs a couple inches under a bow tied at her throat. Off her shoulders hangs a black drape, a bow affixed mid-back, with a violet underside; it tapers into two long points that trail to her legs. A dark blue headband peeks out from above her blonde bangs, while her lips and nails are painted a similar hue. Her navel is bare bare, and her hips would be too if not for the lines of a brown thong and black short-shorts so tight and low-riding that one might believe they were sewn on. Her midnight blue stockings rise to mid-thigh before giving way to pale ruffles, and strappy black platform heels buckle in place over them. Sheryl raises one arm slowly as the opening instrumental plays, then whirls around with eyes ablaze and a hand pointed high, her iconic golden microphone in the grip of her other hand.
        "I can no longer remember the start of my journey
        "Before I realized it, I was already here
        "As the seasons wear away,
        "Those who sense the invisible infrared rays become lost."
        
        Pumping her right heel up and down, Sheryl draws her hand down over her face, then sweeps it away. On the screens arching all around the stage, videos of Valkyries in combat play, releasing a full circus of missiles as they zip and soar around her. On the central stage, the crucified Sheryls glitter with digital numbers that pass over their holographic skin as the sigil of the Galactic Fairy, a golden heart with a small fairy wing on the right, lights up their faces. Sheryl herself increases the tempo of her singing before sweeping her free arm up and then outward to the audience between the steady torch flames.
        "I will probably lose them,
        "These feelings that I risk my life for
        "I loved as if I were fighting to survive
        "I spent all my time building my dream
        "I wanted to land on that star
        "I wanted to fly in your sky!"
        
        Sheryl wheels her arm up and around, then slides it down her undulating hips as she snakes into several pelvic thrusts. She draws her fist up against her other arm and sweeps it back and forth to the rhythm. As she sings of destiny, she then cuts the air before her with her fingertips, tracing faint lines of light, left to right, up to down, left to right, up to down, forming the afterimage of crosses before her until she points straight up at a vast, sprawling image of the constellations lazily spinning around a vast, sparkling central star. Sheryl shakes her arm, sweeping it around and pumping her fist until at last she brings it down to extend to her beloved fans.
        "Wouldn't someone please caress my empty contours?
        "Pushed on by the beating in my chest, these words of love rolled out of my mouth
        "But no one answers them, and I don't know what to do
        "Chosen by destiny, the Northern Star is burning bright
        "Though it snatched you away from me into the sooty darkness,
        "You continued to smile so gracefully. I loved that part of you."
        
        During the instrumental, the spotlights over Sheryl shine instead at her back, and she raises her arms to form a cross, shadowed by the powerful backlight. At her sides, the digital Sheryls dance off of their crucifixes, which burst into stardust and seem about to glitter away into nothing--until they reform into a second digital Sheryl, numbering eight total. Stairs of hollow red lights form before her, and her duplicates clear the way downwards as she stands proudly above. As she sings again, the digitals bow and freeze, letting the original dance solo, sweeping a hand to her side as she rotates her hips, then arches backwards and swings her arm up. She crooks her hand down to her face, winking a spray of holo-stars, then runs her fingers through her hair.
        "If you're gone, then there's no meaning left to life
        "I don't care if everyone has disappeared
        "If my love has gone, then I have no more use for my heart
        "This world too can just disappear."
        
        Sheryl strides forward in slow, imperious steps down the stairs to the lower stage. Behind her, the digital Sheryls rise and cross their arms in front of them, until Sheryl reaches the edge of the stage and forms the point of a V formation with them.
        "I was always in pain
        "I'd risk my life for that first time we met
        "I dreamt as if I were struggling to breathe
        "I reached my hands out blindly
        "I wanted to listen to your heartbeat
        "I wanted to build a rainbow with you..."
        
        This time, when Sheryl slides a hand down her midsection and grinds her hips into several forward thrusts, her duplicates echo her as her back-up dancers. They trace the air with crosses of light with her, pointing up to the brilliant and majestic star projected above, until she sweeps her hand down to reach out to the audience.
        "Wouldn't someone please embrace me tightly with daybreak's sentimentality?
        "Tears of love that scatter as they are repelled by orbits of dreams will do
        "Their painful flow is just fine for me
        "Called back by destiny, the Northern Star is crying
        "If I have to survive in this labyrinth anyway,
        "Then I want to die loving you to my last breath!"
        
        Sheryl and her digital copies dance frenetically, all nine of them in perfect sync. The basic lines of the original Sheryl's outfit begin to manifest on their empty contours, but they remain shadows in her wake all the same as she shines brightly in front while the spotlights pulse. Her vocals resume, and they freeze in poses, shifting to a new one each line.
        "And so it begins
        "The finale I'll risk my life for
        "I loved as if I were fighting to survive
        "I kicked on dreams until they were crumpled
        "I wanted to end on that star
        "I wanted to bloom in your sky!"
        
        The choreography of the chorus repeats, Sheryl caressing herself and marking a cross in the air, and her eight copies now all mimicking her dance. She gives her impassioned pleas to whomever might be listening, the only one with full color in a crowd of fairies. As her back-ups dance with her, one by one, a storm of darkness tears them away off of the stage and firework in eight colors of the rainbow burst overhead, blowing out the torches at the same time, until only Sheryl herself remains. Even so, left all alone, she pours her heart and soul into her song and dance.
        "Wouldn't someone please caress my empty contours?
        "The motions of time have erased the words of love that could not be saved
        "So please, give me your answer one more time!
        "Chosen by destiny, the Northern Star is burning bright
        "Though it snatched you away from me into the sooty darkness,
        "You continued to smile so gracefully. I loved that part of you."
        
        Stepping from side to side, Sheryl points out into the audience, one, two, three in a row, as if choosing those to receive her message--then sweeps her hand out and slowly stretches it outwards to the crowds, a tender smile on her dark lips.
        "Though it snatched you away from me into the sooty darkness,
        "You continued to smile so gracefully. I loved that part of you..."
        
        She may dance alone now, but she still dances to the very end--presenting herself on the invisible cross, light shining out from behind her, as if to embrace the galaxy itself.

<Pose Tracker> Nidaime has posed.

"It's okay," Nidaime tells Liam. "It's good to cry." She pats him on the back a few times with her free hands. She onestly feels like it herself but she's kind of gotten her tears out already.

"Nidaime also means The Second so if you want to use that instead it's okay." She tells Lucine, trying to be helpful. She smiles though, it does warm her heart to see these two being as close as this.

Another beautiful song is sugn. Nidaime closes her eyes to enjoy it, let it encompass her.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Lucine freezes. Liam glances at her, worry alight in his eyes. But the question--are you sure you're all right?--never makes it to his lips. He's not sure how much of this is the song, or that rumor Lucine heard, or...

        That's how music works, right? His father told him that some songs were just sad, and helped you get the sad out. Maybe that's true for this one, and Lucine... seems to think so, too.

        Liam's arm comes to rest against Lucine's shoulder. "She's a friend," Liam whispers. He came to that conclusion with remarkable alacrity, and he hopes he doesn't regret it. "From Tsutsujidai." He doesn't say anything about Anti, or the Tsutsujidai kaiju that almost killed a technician and Koji's brother. He doesn't want Lucine to worry.

        And as the last song plays on, he wonders if Lucine is thinking the same thing.

<Pose Tracker> Patrick Colasour has posed.

Patrick is fully engrossed at this point, the energy of the show building inside him, cycling, pouring off him like a sheet. Sheryl wants an enthusiastic audience? Wants someone to cheer her, shout for the heart and soul pouring off her? Patrick Colasour would never give anything less. The glowstick is waving frantically, Colasour springing to the tip of his toes with the energy only a totally self-confident twenty-something himbo can present. Seeing someone take the stage like this, put themselves out there with energy and certainty - well, he certainly understands that, doesn't he? When she points out to the crowd, Patrick Colasour knows with certainty, heedless of reality, that she's pointing at him. That in a way, they're two of a kind. "Ms. Nome!! What a captivating performance... She's a really special lady, that's for sure!"

When the show's finally over, Colasour is practically sprinting to the merch. There are some advantages to being a top-level ace, and one of those is a generous paycheck that gives you the freedom to make some profoundly unwise financial decisions. Besides, the boys back in base will appreciate that he thought of them when he shows up with a few singles to go around!

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.


        There's a lot going on here. Grace's words aimed at Nunnally, but not targeting her. They could splash on any of them except Milly. Ranka's dream to sing with Sheryl on stage. Kallen falling silent, a state she's never seen Kallen in. Nunnally simply... accepting the read.

        But this being Nunnally's favourite song? Emilia can relate.

        'I give up, I'm done with doing the right thing..' 'Let's be so insignificant we get sick of it', 'Let me freely be a little girl, Wrapped up in a fluffy, fragrant blanket'

        That's the small dream Emilia has, deep in her heart. Unachievable and out of reach. This is the one where Emilia cries, not heavily, not openly, streaming quietly down her face as listens.

        And then the new sound of Northern Cross ignites something in her. Not attraction, not tears, not sadness.

        'I was always in pain, I'd risk my life for that first time we met. I dreamt as if I were struggling to breathe, I reached my hands out blindly, I wanted to listen to your heartbeat, I wanted to build a rainbow with you...'

        For the first time, Emilia realizes she has them. Those people in her life. Surrounding her here and now. It's clashing, for all she wants to be the one protected...

        Her hand grips Ranka's tightly, like she doesn't want to let go. She looks to the others. This is what it's like, isn't it? What she's been missing all her life. People worth risking her life for.

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

This last song was not written for the benefit of the Garencieres Team, but to them, a group of veterans fighting a war the rest of the Earth Sphere thinks has been over for seventeen years, it certainly is... different, particularly in the wake of the rainbow over Earth that happened only a scant few years ago.

Zinnerman watches the performance, steeling himself to show no emotion, but his eyes stay fixed on Sheryl Nome, reading her face, thinking about the kind of person who would write music that cuts so deep to his soldier's soul.

And then it's over, and Zinnerman's applause is slow and stern yet no less appreciative as the crowd roars its joy. He looks to Gilboa and nods. Some of these singles are certainly getting added to the Garencieres' collection.

As the lights go down and the focus moves over to the merchandise booths, Zinnerman takes one last look up at the VIP booth, a thoughtful frown on his face, and then the Sleeves guerilla operatives make themselves scarce - but not before young Tomura hits the merch booth to grab everyone a limited copy with their ticket stubs.

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Ranka gives Nunnally a surprised look, like she found out something special about her by knowing this is her favorite - feeling like she learned something about her through this, "I'm glad she sang it while you were here." And perhaps understanding just how special this night is for her.

Grace drives the point home again, and Ranka almost apologizes again, it's just reflexive. Before she can though, Grace notes she has to depart. And to make sure they keep their ticket stub, "Oh of course! We wouldn't miss it! I've been looking forward to its release since the first time she sang it."

It'll always be special to her... hearing it... in a moment when she genuinely thought she was going to die, it gave her the strength to get up and survive.

Sheryl addresses the crowd, and Ranka mouths 'We love you too Sheryl' without shouting it out. The final number of the final stop on her tour.

The last song but a new one? Ranka's eyes light up, here to listen to ANOTHER Sheryl song as she sings it for the first time. "... Oh gosh..." As she seems even low key flustered at the idea of being here for that. She marvels at Sheryl's costume, trying to figure out immediately what kind of song she's about to experience, to listen to.

Getting drawn into the frenetic tempo of the song right away, she finds herself squeezing Emilia's hand extra hard as she sings 'I wanted to fly in your sky.' Like the line sends a shock down her entire body. 'Then I want to die loving you to my last breath.' 'I loved as if I were fighting to survive.' The immensity of Sheryl's love, that fervid passion, is something that makes her feel...

... a bit envious actually. Like she both wants it, and wants to compete against it.

The song winds down, and it's like the Galactic Fairy embraces the galaxy, all of them. And Ranka says quietly now at the end of the song.

"I can't believe...I..." It's over... isn't it? The concert, the tour. This whole special adventure - over these past months - and on tonight as well, this journey with Sheryl and Alto and her friends that it feels like she's been a part of the whole way. Like this whole song embodies the journey itself. "...I wish this night would never end."

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        "I wonder... will Sheryl get to live a normal life for a while, now her tour is over..?" Nunnally wonders, as she listens to Sheryl's gratitude. "It would be nice if she could visit us as a highschooler, not an idol..."

        Nunnally doesn't go so far as to say she already has, though she does turn her smiling face to Ranka, as she says it. Her attention -- if not her gaze, for her eyes have been shut this entire time -- returns to the sound of Sheryl's voice, as her song starts, again.

        Her hand clutches, by her heart. The rainbow, a symbol of coming-together... the instruments and Sheryl's voice weave a pounding tapestry, in her mind, the tumbling of her quickening voice running down like an ever-roaring waterfall.

        Fighting for her life... fighting for a future together... fighting until death... Nunnally smiles.

        Her wish is that Sheryl would not have to struggle; would not have to risk her life. She feels that wish in her heart, and she thinks of a boy bringing home groceries and covering up the pained edge in his voice as he moves. Fighting to protect people...

        "It's so genuine," Nunnally says, softly, and she smiles.

        But she wishes for a gentler world than this.

        When she hears Ranka speak, she reaches out, fumbling, for that gentle hand. "Remember what she said, Ranka...? Even when this night ends... it's never the end for Sheryl Nome. So we can't give up yet either, right?" Her head turns, looking for the signatures of Kallen and Emilia and Milly, in turn. "Let's not make it our last concert... then, it isn't ending. We're just travelling towards next time."

        She smiles, to Ranka, and adds: "I'd like it if some of those concerts were yours, too. Can we promise on that?"

        It's a gentle invitation.

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        It was always a coincidence. If Kaworu's health wasn't a thought away, she may have not remembered that last conversation.

        "Nidaime, then." Lucine nods, her dark earrings swaying as she bows her head. "From Tsutsujidai? Sooner or later I will need to visit there..."

        The next one is a new single, which makes up for it being Sheryl's last. Not not *the last*, Lucine reminds herself. Just, this series of concerts will be ending, closing a chapter of Lucine's own life.

        Like the bubble she and Liam are in, it too was a cocoon of sorts that Lucine was slowly working her way out of, trying to discard the ragged parts of herself and become someone whole. If she could be as strong as her mother always seems to be... maybe she would have succeeded.

        She doesn't like to raise her voice if she can avoid it. She doesn't like to throw herself into the spotlight.

        But she was always the one who wanted to soar in that sky, to dance along the clouds and be invincible, untouchable. With the Dianthus, no danger can touch her.

        Except the danger that comes through her own self, and her own fear. There are times she wants to feel that closeness, and there are doors she still wants to open. Even if it means her abilities of a Newtype may stretch with them, it only means her heart is seeking more ways to reach out, and understand the changing world.

        Her head settles on Liam's as the song fades, and she lets herself be in the moment.

        She'll let Liam know after the concert. And she'll do what it takes to see that he and Ranka are fine.

        That will be her new promise to Kaworu, even if it's just for until she knows better news is on the way.

<Pose Tracker> Nidaime has posed.

Nidaime says, "Yes I'm a good girl. I'm very friendly. And yep! I'm from Tsutsujidai!" But she quiets down a bit because she doesn't want to interrupt Liam and Lucine...

BEIN' CUTE.

So she just smiles and watches like some kind of creepy turtle voyeur.

<Pose Tracker> Grace O'Connor has posed.

        As the concert draws to a close, Grace is standing out front behind the desk of the main merchandise booth. While she's not involved in the actual sale of any of the items, being present does allow her to keep an eye on things and make sure nothing ... sneaky is happening. The value of the limited edition is that it's limited, after all! And it wouldn't do for any of the venue's staff to try and pocket a dozen or so unsold copies.

        One of the first people out of the door and in line at the merch booth is an overly excited pilot by the name of Patrick Colasour. When it becomes apparent that his exuberance is overwhelming the vendor, Grace does step forward with a pleasant smile. "While we're happy to accept your custom sir, please do keep in mind there are plenty of others in the line behind you that would be happy to get their own copies of the standard edition as a gift to share back home? Perhaps we cap it at a half dozen for now, and once others have had an opportunity you can buy more. In appreciation for your patience, please feel free to have this pin-up calendar for free."

        The standard edition of the singles are smaller than the limited edition copies and wrapped in shrink-wrap. The front of the case has a picture of Sheryl with her back to the camera, apparently nude but only from the chest up apparently rising from a white glow. One of her purple drop earrings dangles from her right ear as she glances over her left shoulder, her blonde hair swirling around her head and seeming to merge with the gaseous clouds of the nebula upon which her image is overlayed:
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/829115454084612096/987487584240414740/sheryl_19.jpg

        Tracks included on the standard edition include Lion, Northern Cross, and then the karaoke editions for each. The music comes on optical disk, but also includes a code for unlocking the album on a streaming account so it can be listened to on modern devices.

        Meanwhile at the other end of the calendar, there is a particularly exuberant blonde woman with a fluffy ponytail asking rather POINTED questions about whether or not she can buy a Sheryl dakimakura. This is actually a question that's pretty normal for Grace to have to deal with from fans... of all sexes, as it turns out. Finally the blonde asks "By the way, I was here with someone else. A guy, short blonde hair, tries to look like a tough guy but gets really flustered and emotional?"

        'Oh? I'm not sure... though after Eternity I went to the restroom and it sounded like someone was crying in one of the stalls.'

        "That's him~! I'll go get him." And with that, before anyone can stop her, the floofy-haired blonde walks straight into the men's restroom and shortly after a shrill 'E-En-ENSIGN BROWNING WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!' can be heard.

        Grace sighs... well they came together so it's (probably?) alright, so she won't alert security staff. Yet. When Tomura approaches the merchandise booth she watches the transaction occur. The ticket stubs are taken, scanned, and entered into a database indicating the ticket is no longer valid for a sale. Then, once the money is collected, the limited editions are dispensed into Tomura's care. Each one is carefully wrapped in shrink wrapped plastic:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/49/ea/d2/49ead20a926145538e6f2596c1f1d31b.jpg

        The glossy cover of the album is both tasteful yet enticing: A picture of Sheryl lying across a crimson futon laid upon Tatami Mats, bathed in moonlight. Her long blonde hair spread across the cushion and mats, her floral kimono worn in a state of partial disrobment: Her left shoulder and side of her chest bear, but obscured by her own arm, and the skirt of the kimono parted to reveal her moon-kissed legs.

        Songs included on the Limited Edition are the same as the standard... save for the SPECIAL inclusion of Sheryl's cover of Sister Spaceship! Like with the normal version, the limited edition includes an optical disk and a code for unlocking the album on a streaming account for listening on modern devices.

        Grace smiles, another satisfied customer, and turns her gaze out toward the milling crowds in the lobby as they move past her.

<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.

It's only as the final song is winding down, that signs of obvious awareness return to her eyes. She DID hear the entire song, somewhere in the depths of her mind. She's... a little muted still, for the moment. But... better. And reaching out to the other girls, who all dream of a kinder world than, honestly, Kallen is even capable of imagining to begin with. "We'll keep making memories like tonight."

They'll all have to pick up their limited editions of the new songs, and whatever other purchases they plan on making. Kallen's going to wind up getting far more additional merch than she initially intended to, though some amount of it is... 'for Naoto', not that he can really quite appreciate it any more. She's... also sticking close by her friends. Much less openly lively, while she's re-gathering her emotional strength.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        As the holograms die down, and the last notes fade, Liam stands there, his head on Lucine's. The thought of what this might mean hasn't occurred to him, yet, nor does he feel like he has to stop her for her own good. He gives her hand one final squeeze, lets go, and turns to look down at Nidaime. "Do you two want to purchase merchandise? Our ticket stubs entitle us to one limited-edition album each."

        Liam pauses, and blinks away the tears with those polymer heat-shields. "And then, maybe, get something to eat?"

<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.


        Nunnally raises a good question. Will Sheryl get a 'normal life'? But, well. Ranka asked her to keep quiet on seeing her at the Cherry Blossom viewing. "...I think... th-that'd be n-nice." Sheryl certainly has tried to be low profile. Maybe she could use some normal too.

        Normal may mean a rough time for poor Alto, but that's his fate.

        Emmy pauses, as Nunnally's words sink in. A seed is planted, and ready to grow at speed. "Y-yeah. Nunnally's r-r-right." It's a boost. "And you s-said there a-are other singers. You l-like t-too, r-right?" One of the customers at the cafe was talking about Lacus Clyne... "We sh. Shouldn't w-wait until... S-Sheryl's n-next tour.

        Still, the concert done, Emmy stands up. "U-um, give m-m-me a moment." She walks over to Kallen and Milly, who have been... well. She gives the redheads hand a squeeze too. "K-Kallen, d-d-do you... want to g-get your album w-w-with us? Or.. do you w-want us to g-get it for you?" Though Evidently, Kallen comes with. She checks with Milly too, then Nunnally. She knows Ranka's going, of course. "Nunnally, wh-what about you?" She doesn't assume. And it might be harder for Nunnally to get around, but Emmy's prepared to help where she can.

        When whoever is going is going, Emmy leans in to whisper to Ranka , even as she tries to keep close to Kallen. How does Milly manage to care for so many people so effortlessly? Emmy will have to learn.

        "Th-there's... s-something my m-mom t-t-told m-me... On. The d-d-days I c-could see her. I d-d-didn't want it t-t-to end, either. She s-s-said 'Then th-th-there w-w-won't be... A next time.'" It's maybe the most she's opened up but... this concert, the sleepover, the visits, these moments have been as important as those days. "S-so, l-like Nunnally s-s-said. N-now w-we can... look forward. T-to next t-time."

        Emmy's merch buying is restrained: Her limited edition, and, after carefully judging her budget, another Sheryl T-Shirt. Now she has two! The maid cafe pays well enough for the occasional splash out.

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        If it weren't for the music, Sheryl's singing, or the need to understand what she's making the right decision, maybe Lucine wouldn't have settled her head against Liam, or holding his hand as the music dies down.

        And even if she felt okay doing that, would she have felt self-conscious as Nidaime watches them?

        Well, okay, Nidaime is adorable, so really, Lucine would be okay as long as Nidaime seemed to be enjoying herself.

        When Liam asks if they wanted to purchase merchandise, Lucine hesitates.

        She should tell him now, shouldn't she? "... Let me send a text to a friend of mine."

        Looking down at her phone to throw a text at Ranka, Lucine sees Nidaime's face.

        She... should go get some merchandise. No need to drag a child along with the dire news of someone she may not even know. Kaworu's likely okay.

        'Hope you liked the concert! Going to stop for merch. Will be in greenhouse after all is done.'

        NERV would take care of their pilots. It's not like being a bounty hunter where you're on your own.

         Lucine looks up. "Shall we, then?"

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        If it weren't for the music, Sheryl's singing, or the need to understand what she's making the right decision, maybe Lucine wouldn't have settled her head against Liam, or holding his hand as the music dies down.

        And even if she felt okay doing that, would she have felt self-conscious as Nidaime watches them?

        Well, okay, Nidaime is adorable, so really, Lucine would be okay as long as Nidaime seemed to be enjoying herself.

        When Liam asks if they wanted to purchase merchandise, Lucine hesitates.

        She should tell him now, shouldn't she? "... Let me send a text to a friend of mine."

        Looking down at her phone to throw a text at Ranka, Lucine sees Nidaime's face.

        She... should go get some merchandise. No need to drag a child along with the dire news of someone she may not even know. Kaworu's likely going to be alright. NERV would take care of their pilots. It's not like being a bounty hunter where you're on your own.

        'Hope you liked the concert! Going to stop for merch. Will be in greenhouse after all is done.'

         Lucine breathes a sigh and looks up after she taps send. "Shall we, then?" 

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


Ranka doesn't want to necessarily give up all of Sheryl's secrets but she confides with Nunnally, "Maybe she will. I think moments where she can be... herself, off the stage, are precious to her." That at least, she feels like she can safely share. Sheryl joining her school in the piloting program is public knowledge but, will she stay enrolled now? She hopes so... but she doesn't want to assume.

Once the song is over Nunnally speaks to her, fumbling for her hand, "I definitely... wouldn't want that. To give up." As Kallen speaks on making new memories like tonight, and a smile starts to crease her face again. It's a nice thought, isn't it?

However before she can take Nunnally's hand Emilia whispers in her ear a precious secret, "That's..." Even a bit overwhelmed, she tries to smile, "Next time. I want a next time... to look forward to." As she turns to Nunnally and starts to reach for her hand, "Not our last then." She tries her best to smile as her fingertips touch the inside of that featherlight hand, "I prom-"

There's a hazy view through a small circular portal. As an indistinct monster that feels like it is the size of a world... envelops one's entire world, crushing it... wresting everything away and leaving... nothing in a single flash of light, except the feeling of being alone in the cold and the dark.

"-ise..."

<Pose Tracker> Grace O'Connor has posed.

        When the girls from the VIP room approach to pick up their merchandise, Grace simply provides to them a polite smile of recognition while she allows the clerks behind the counter to continue managing the sales themselves. Kallen approaches to redeem her ticket stub for an opportunity for the purchase of the limited edition. Alongside that she'll be allowed to purchase posters, shirts, calendars, tumblers, holographic pictures, a mouse pad with a comfortable wrist rest!

        ... wait, who even uses a mouse anymore? And how did that get in there?!

         Regardless, Grace bows politely after Kallen has had a chance to choose and make her purchases. Next Emilia approaches the counder to redeem her own ticket and make her purchases. She's far more conservative in her purchases: Her limited edition, and another Sheryl T-shirt. Regardless Grace is happy to give this girl her own polite bow after the purchase is complete.

        Meanwhile the crowd continues to flow past the merchandise booth, and begins to dwindle as the main press of those who attended leave the audience section to the exits. At some point the floofy haired woman and her victim/companion also made their exit, though only after ensuring that the latter had taken the time to buy his own merch. It wouldn't do for them to come all this way and to have nothing with which to show Kyosuke what a great time they had together with!!

        ... err, of course, nothing to remember the great time they had together with!!

        Grace pays no mind though. She's seen wilder and weirder from Sheryl's fans in the past, of course. After all technically some of the Zentradi who stormed the star cruise liner during one of Sheryl's earlier Earth performances ended up becoming fans as well. And it's certainly hard to top a ship-to-ship battle and invasion or a pitched multi-Kaiju battle!

        Speaking of which, in spite of everything, the night remains quiet: Besides the holographic image earlier of the GERWALK fighting off shadowy foes there is no indication of anything resembling a battle occurring.

            It's nice, even in this war scarred world, that peaceful events like this are still possible... 

<Pose Tracker> Nidaime has posed.

Nidaime says, "Yeah!! I would love the merchandise!" That helps too. Kaworu will be okay, she thinks. He has to be. They just became friends. They played the piano together. That is an unbreakable bond.

Her stomach is grumbling a little. She could eat. Buuut... "IT's okay! I bet you and Lucine have a lot of catching up to do after."

She gives Lucine a big smile like she's proud of being a big help here.

She bobs her head all the same though because the merchandise--she needs the merch. 

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        "Mm!" Nunnally agrees, happily, with Emilia. "We'll look forward to next time...!"

        Her fingers curl around Ranka's --

        Halt, for a moment --

        The truth of the situation... the truth of this situation... Nunnally has always been able to feel it, through someone else's palm. Truth is not always a literal thing; at times it is a metaphor, stretching long, overwhelming. The sounding-gun for a race rings out, and everyone starts running. Running, and running, past open garbage piles rotting in the sun. The eternal struggle which ends in collapse, the end at the beginning --

        Press down. Pressure, pushing down.

        Down, to a crushed universe, a damp pinprick in the dark.

        Nunnally feels the truth, but the truth is something which may leak from her, just the same, current to current.

        Just... the same.

        Her fingers squeeze Ranka's, gently.

        Her voice is quieter as she says: "I promise."

        ... she will get her merch, eventually. She might need help getting there.

<Pose Tracker> Ranka Lee has posed.


After that word, it's like Ranka's eyes just... glaze, and for a moment one might worry if they're going to have to catch her. Her grip even goes lax in Nunnally's hand for a moment. Then it's like her fingertips spasm to try and grasp back desperately.

And she looks at Nunnally in a daze. Like her eyes aren't fully seeing, comprehending. Her mind hard at work to protect herself, to keep the truth from her at all costs. Yet truth finds it's way in all the same. Not her truth. Just truth, in a metaphor... as she tries desperately not to let it leak out like a sieve.

One breath stretches out like an eternity in the cycle of inhalation and exhalation, shuddering like an agonal gasp.

"Sorry..." She speaks, immediately trying to do damage control so noone worries. "... sorry... just a little dizzy."

Ranka looks at someone who was born to be a sprinter, who was forced to collapse at the starting line, trampled by the sheer cruelty of the race.

She hates it. Even the idea of it. Looking like she's going to cry. She forces herself not to. She knows Nunnally wouldn't want that. Not that. Not in this moment of a promise sealed. Maybe not ever.

"We should... go get in line."

Another time...

"We don't want to miss out."

[[Category:Plot]

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