bravenewworld | World Fair

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World Fair

In the week of lead-up to the fair, the whole of Union had been ablaze with excited chatter, industrious preparations, and quite a fair number of new faces. People from all over the known world had begun to trickle in with the announcement, some representatives and workers from each invited civilization, some excited young trainers and travelers, hopeful prizewinners and showboaters, cooks, warriors, clothing designers, and of course a wide variety of Pokemon. You couldn’t look anywhere (even a trash can) without finding somebody new, and every single person was absolutely thrilled to be there.

The World’s Fair, hopefully the first of many, sprawled out across the Entertainment District. Large swathes of the area had been cordoned off for the event, stalls and tables, booths and small shelters set out and erected over the course of the week. Local workers and travelers dug in, working in shifts to get everything together on time. Voices sang out around the grounds, work chants accompanied by the beat of hammers and nails, with every soul pouring their hearts into their tasks. A busy time, certainly, and one fueled by a desire for harmony, profit, and to start off the idea with a bang.

There were, of course, a few noticeable exceptions. The open invitation to Gigas that the Council had so warmly extended had been accepted in due time. Those who numbered themselves amongst that great city were distinguishable by their less than friendly countenances and penchant for taking notes, no doubt analyzing the city of their enemies. One likely familiar face made her appearance partway through the week, disappearing quickly into a tent and remaining indoors for the rest of the preparations.

Come opening day, people had already begun lining up at the entrance, awaiting admission. The queue stretched for blocks and blocks, a serpentine loop of people and Pokemon all eager for a chance to see what this fair was all about. Like everything else surrounding the event, there was a certain buzz to it. Chatter filled the line, questions and queries hanging on everyone’s lips. Did you see that robot? What’s that smell? Did you see that Maxime de la Puffette was planning on unveiling her fall lineup here? Oh! Oh! And there are three idol groups! Risette may even make a performance! and there was another rumor that buzzed through the line as well. Gigas accepted the invitation. And so did some of those people from the Archipelago…

Once inside the grounds proper, a dizzying array of sights, sounds and smells assailed every visitor’s senses. Music blared, machines clinked and clanked, food sizzled on grills, exotic spices wafted down the paths, unusual Pokemon let out cries of surprise and delight, and people ooh and ahhhed. Technological wonders stood out on stages, concerts presented a variety of music in every style imaginable, there were whole areas set aside for nothing but eating and fashion, while martial artists, Pokemon and brawlers duked it out in the various arenas. And above it all, airborne Pokemon soared and wheeled, banking and turning as their riders and egos clashed in a competition of acrobatics and skill. All of this could really only mean one thing, and even if by chance you were a Crustle living under a literal rock, you couldn’t miss it.

An event like nothing held since the Cataclysm, and something wholly unique had begun today, and for one week only. The First World’s Fair!

[OOC: This post is open to all players throughout the next week. Feel free to tag around, start your own top levels, and generally have fun during the fair. Some new and familiar faces will be tagging around as well, and may tag into your threads!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[that's definitely a smile. It might even be a little wider than usual.]

That was quite a performance.

[both of them]

[ Haruka also looks thoroughly entertained - by the music, naturally. ] You make a good team.

We...um.

[Well, the poleaxed crowd at least has stepped down. And the older girls get a somewhat flustered look from Rei.]

Thank you.

[Forgive Ami, Haruka, Michiru. She's not only bright purple in the face but she's a tiny bit speechless. When she can finally speak, the fact that Haruka and Michiru complimented her make her go even deeper purple in the face.

It takes a small shock from Aurora for Ami to remember herself. She suddenly bowed.]

T-T-Thank you, Haruka-san, Michiru-san. Rei is a very skilled pianist, to be sure.

[...yeah, no. That's cute.

Not that that's going to stop her.] Of course. Those deft movements do certainly impress.

[lots of practice, is it?]

Will you be playing again? [ During this fair, or generally in public. If so, even veteran performers might feel challenged.

When this shrug ends, Haruka's arm has ended up around Michiru's waist. ]

[Rei's own arm slides around Ami's waist as she half glowers now, slightly recovered. She chuffs a laugh of her own.]

Perhaps. What do you think, dear? We could make this more regular.

[Ami blushed deeper at Rei's arm, still not entirely used to public displays of affection. However, she did not remove Rei's arm, her own hand going on top of Rei's, to gently stroke the skin.]

I suppose if there aren't others who wish to play, I don't mind. I simply do not wish to monopolize the instruments when so many are here and wish to enjoy the fair. But as I do have my harp back home and we could get your piano out of storage, it couldn't hurt to have music nights.

[it doesn't take much thought for Michiru to subtly lean in against Haruka, but...no. This is really funny.]

That would be an encore performance I'd like to see. You two play well together.

[sly remarks or not, she really does mean it]

Get us front row seats.

[ Emphasis on the "us". ~~Why is this now a sword measuring contest.~~

Still, it's so reassuring that the children have grown up this well! ]

[Steam comes up from Rei's hand. Just the usual. She's not exactly competing here, but she's also wanting to ensure that no, no she's not embarrassed. This is natural.]

You'll have to reserve them in advance, I think. We'll sell out quickly enough, I'm sure.

[To Ami, she simply nods.]

Tonight, I'll see about hauling it out. Athos and Aramis should be able to get it, I think.

[The concept of this being a "contest" honestly doesn't occur to Ami, instead, she's focusing on the "front row seats" statement and waves a hand at the joke.]

Nonsense, Rei, we should always give tickets to our friends. [She smiles at the two older women.] Ah, but speaking of performances, I can't wait for the theater's next play.

We'll have to figure out where to put in the shrine.

[she doesn't laugh, but she's close to doing so. It's never boring, huh?

Haruka gets a sidelong glance, and then she's focusing her attention on the other two again. Speaking of the theater:]

Well, if you're looking for a venue...

We've got the piano. [ Well, not the harp. Michiru plays a different stringed instrument, but Haruka and Rei do have that instrument in common. In case Rei had forgotten.

All smiles here! ] Just name the date.

Very well. How about...around Soulfast.

[They'll provide a harp. And sure, that's fine. She can do a theater musical number.]

[Ami blinked, and then her brain suddenly realized-]

Wait- ah! Are we talking about actually performing! [Ami had thought it was a joke.]

We are. Yes. Is that...a problem?

[Confused...!]

Ah.

[she could probably point out two people responsible for your predicament right now, Ami. ~~Blaming herself isn't on the table.~~]

Will it be a themed performance? [ Haruka is being responsible! About theater things!

It must be a full moon.... ]

But-but, I mean, I'm not- [She couldn't really say she wasn't used to performing in a crowd since she was a harpist for a restaurant while in university]

I- I mean there would be so much we'd have to- no one would- they wouldn't want to watch m-me that is...

[Ami's face was bright purple again.]

I- you... I mean, I'm truly not- it's just something to- [She kept looking at the smirking and smiling faces of all the girls around her and she was smart enough to realize the losing battle, three against one.

She sighed, still blushing purple but her protests dying on her lips.]

Ami.

[Rei turns and puts a hand on her partner's shoulder and gives her a stern squeeze. She hadn't expected this.]

It'll be fine. Everyone will enjoy hearing you perform, and I'll enjoy playing with you. There's absolutely no reason to worry. But if it helps, Haruka-san's given me an idea.

[She looks at the tall blonde performer.]

We can perform in a themed way. Costumes. Maybe heavy robes to hide our faces so we can just play. Surely there's some performance that calls for witches or something.

[She gave a small sigh, but inclined her head. She supposed, if people didn't know it was her... It wouldn't be too bad, right? She swallowed. She gazed at Haruka and Michiru, knowing that this was partially on them.]

Perhaps, to make it a truly special Soulfast, you should also perform, Haruka-san, Michiru-san.

I'm sure I can look through my books to find an appropriate tale we can use for the occasion.

[she sees what you're doing there]

What sort of performance are you referring to?

[there's really only one she'd consider]

[ Rei is a good girlfriend. This is oddly heartening information. ] We are used to charging professional rates, y'know.

[ Michiru is braver than she is. ]

Yes, I'm sure you are. But this will be for charity. So, we'll wave the fee, I think.

[Ho-ho.]

World Fair

afterwards~

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