A Musical Practice

[honokairo]

Who: The Love Live! Girls, anyone who lives at Hikawa Shrine, and anyone leaving and entering the shrine! And stalkers. There are stalkers.
What: Practice for performing on stage! Their first practice ever.
When: Sometime in the afternoon, after school is over.
Where: Hikawa Shrine, Union.
Summary: Honoka has finally managed to amass a group of people to get together as a little musical group to perform. They are going to try to practice together for the first time, and that could go any number of ways.

"Hello everyone!" She shouts once all the girls who she expected to come to practice arrive. "I wasn't sure where we could practice, but I'm so glad Rei let us come here and use the courtyard! So!"

She stands, feet at shoulder width, in front of the girls, looking determined as ever.

"We'll do some singing first! And after a little break, we'll try dancing! Someone will need to clap for us to keep time, but we can alternate who does that so everyone gets to practice dancing. And then! We can get something to eat when we're done! If there's someone you don't know, get to know them a little bit before we begin our practice!"

"Okay! Let's start!"

Comments

[honokairo]

Locked to the Love Live Cast

A: Dancing!

[Honoka is trying really, really hard to get all the moves right. But she flubs up every now and again. Sometimes she's not in time, sometimes she's doing the completely wrong move altogether. But, sometimes, she's getting it perfectly, or as perfect as someone as inexperienced as her can get it right. She looks over and grins, whether she screwed it up or not. Someone...might want to tell her though what she messed up or she'll never get it fixed.

She's still having fun, even though it's hard work. By the end, she's panting and out of breath.]

B: Break Time!

[Speaking of that out of breath, she wanders over to grab her water bottle for now, sitting up against a pillar or wall or what have you. Taking sips from it, she relaxes. That was hard work and man is she out of shape.

Maybe she needs to go on a diet.]

C: Singing!

[Finally after the break, they all line up to try to sing a song together. Honoka has brought along a little stereo with the music, playing it so they can work on harmonies and being together along with the accompaniment. It...probably doesn't sound so good at first, so they break into sectionals, helping each other out with their parts.]

Open to All

D: Mingle!

[Before and after the practice, Honoka can be found either saying hello and being generally friendly with everyone who approaches her, or if it's after, recovering from all the work. But she'll love to talk to you even if she's tired, if you approach her.]

D: i'm so sorry for this shitbird

[tsunbird]

[As a current inhabitor of Hikawa Shrine, Ankh was not exactly expecting a hoard of young girls singing and dancing in close proximity to where he sleeps. You know, Shrines are usually quiet, and all that? Apparently these girls had other plans with their loud voices and excitable, at least partially-synchronized dancing.]

[So some point after their little practice, there's a tall skinny guy with crazy hair and feathers wandering up to Honoka with a sort of alarmed expression on his face.]

So who exactly are all of you and what are you doing?

did someone say diet

[umiiroshoujo]

[Everyone needs a break, of course. Human and Pokémon alike. Pushing too hard would simply result in complete exhaustion or injury. Or something like that. Even Umi needs a break! But she isn't quite as beat.]

For someone who's serious about this, you're surprisingly out of shape.

A. [1/2]

[future_sight]

[Is that applause? Standing by the sidelines is Nozomi, dressed in red and white shrine maiden robes. Someone else stands next to her, also dressed in white and red.]

A

[nicocism]

[Nico didn't want to join but of course she can't just not come see what's going on. She's determined to disapprove of this mess though, even if it's really exciting seeing all these girls get together and practicing things.

So of course that means nitpicking every little thing]

You missed your step on back turn, so you were late facing forward again. Then you skipped the clap just to catch up! It throws the balance off if you don't at least move your body that way before the step back left again.

Dancing

[ricericebaby]

[Hanayo isn't faring much better at the dancing thing. Her glasses keep coming loose and falling off, and she has to stop halfway through.]

Maybe I should get a strap or something...

A (and I'm not sorry)

[unbalancedlove]

[Since they practiced together, even if just a bit, Kotori and Honoka fall into synchronicity with surprise ease. It's a pity that their rhythm is not the one of the rest of the group nor are they using the right steps either.

And here, left... no, right!

Yet by betraying the natural rhythm that Honoka and her fell on that change into the correct steps causes a certain thing to happen.]

W-Waah!

[A certain crash of idols.]

[cutiepanther]

Dancing

[ Maki said she wouldn't be joining this group, but after talking with Rei and Nozomi, and Honoka too...she's starting to think maybe being in a real honest to god musical group wouldn't be so bad. But she's not the type of girl who can stand being second best, or worse, not good at all. She is looking to see if anyone else among them is actually serious about this, aside from Honoka.

Dancing isn't her speciality, but she's been working with Umi, as well as Haruka and Michiru at the theater, so she's a lot better than she was before. Expect her to not look very approachable for a while though, seeing how she hasn't realized she should smile more.. ]

Singing

[ This is where Maki shines. She's taking control of the group for now, standing in front of all of them, trying to teach them how to sing correctly. She teaching them proper pitch control, how to sing from their diaphragm, and the basic scale. She's even brought along her own music for them to sing to, something she just sort of came up with. The lyrics leave a little to be desired, since she's never been very good at writing lyrics, but her music is upbeat, and catchy, and easy to sing along with.

When it comes to singing though, Maki is serious, and skilled, looking like a natural when she belts out difficult notes. It's clear music is her passion, after all. ]

Break

[ There's a couple people Maki's not seen too much of, like Hanayo and Kotori, that she might actually go over to speak with, but expect Maki to find a spot along, to eat a fancy sandwich that she brought with her, as well as a full lunch box full of food she can share. She's not used to school or anything, so when it comes to a lunch break she doesn't think much of seeking others out to eat with. ]

To anyone else at the Shrine!

[ Feel free to run into Maki before or after, and pick on her, whatever you like. ]

Break Time

[honokairo]

[She runs up to Maki, so, so happy that she decided to be here for this.]

Makiiii! I'm so glad you came! Isn't this fun?

[tsunbird]

[Oh God, at least one of them looks vaguely sane and not constantly and forever happy and full of song.]

[While he probably won't admit to it, Ankh had been sitting somewhere out of sight watching most of their practice, not entirely interested in the peppy step to their music, but it was music all the same and that much he could appreciate. Once they're done, as far as he can tell, he meanders into their midst to be a grouch and pauses by Maki.]

...you take this pretty seriously. [It's actually hard to tell if that's an appraising or accusatory statement. Sorry, Maki.]

Dancing

[erichika]

[If Maki observes Eri in the audience, dressed in the shrine maiden's robes, she will note that she is taking copious notes. Her expression is also fairly stern. Uh oh.]

Break!

[ricericebaby]

[When Maki comes by to talk to Hanayo, she'll find her enjoying a hearty lunch composed entirely of white rice. Like... really enjoying. To the point of blushing as she eats it. Girl loves her some rice.]

Aaaahhh, it's so fluffy today...!

Break time

[unbalancedlove]

[What a peaceful day, isn't it? the sun is shining brightly, a pleasant wind blows through the shine, their 'public' understands they are novices and the food of Maki's lunch box seems delicious. A lovely day, certainly.

And then a certain fluffy being lands on top of Maki's hat, light as a feather.]

Maki~

[Have a very happy and exhausted bird.]

OTA here to be confused. He didn't hear about this!!!

[underwearfortomorrow]

[Well. He was used to strange things, but having a group of performers in the courtyard of the Shrine you lived at was definitely... new. Eiji was coming in from work and he passed by the tail-end of the group's practice.]

[He's just going to be over here half way between confusion and appreciation. They were very good! But why where they here?? Rei did not tell him anything about this.]

Eh?

[tsunbird]

[Ankh sort of descends out of nowhere and drapes himself over Eiji's shoulder.]

So were you aware of the collection of adolescent girls that were going to be prancing and dancing on the front lawn today? Because I sure as hell wasn't.

HELLO

[honokairo]

[She saw him during her practice, and she made sure to go greet one of their new fans immediately!]

Hi! I'm Honoka Kousaka, did you like watching us?!

[unbalancedlove]

[ Completely focused on practice like she was Kotori missed most of her surroundings, spectators included. It's only natural to put lots of effort when you are a novice after all.

She notices the man's startled gaze only after practice is over and the fact, well, startles her back. She haven't really thought about fans yet. She gives him a nervous smile from the distance and waves her hand a bit.]

[ricericebaby]

Dancing

[Hanayo has a little bit of experience dancing, but it's definitely not her strongest point. She spends a lot of time just practicing basic moves, trying to move in time with the beat. Unfortunately, something always seems to go slightly wrong - either her glasses come loose and fall off, or she gets dizzy and loses her balance during a spin, or a host of other issues. But she seems determined to get it right, and she always stands right back up and goes back to it.]

Singing

[Singing, however, is something she's much better at. While the volume of her voice leaves something to be desired at first, as she eases into it she actually manages to sound reasonably good. And her true talent shines through when she's singing accompaniment to any of the other girls - it seems Hanayo has a natural ear for harmonizing, and is able to adjust her pitch almost effortlessly to match the range of the others.]

Break Time

[While Hanayo has some experience from practicing on her own and with her Pokemon, it's nothing like the rigors that she's going through today. She wants to do her best to impress her new friends and fellow aspiring idols, so she may have pushed herself a little too hard. She can be found sitting to the side during her breaks eating absolutely absurd amounts of white rice, talking to her friend Rin, or taking a few minutes to stretch her legs and rub her tired feet.]

With Pokemon

[Hanayo's Pokemon are all trained to sing and dance too, so sometimes they get in on the action while she's working. Baiorin the Kricketune spends his time acting like a conductor and trying to keep the others in line, Kane the Chansey fusses and makes sure they're all helping each other, Taiko the Magby and Odori the Tyrunt both spend their time practicing cool poses, Supika mostly lets out ear-splitting cries that it thinks are wonderful chords, Kururin the Lilligant practices all sorts of elegant dance moves, Chuchu the Ducklett attempts to dance but mostly trips over its own webbed feet, and Sutra the Kirlia spends all of her time lecturing the other Pokemon about their substandard performances and urging them to try twice as hard. It's all a bit chaotic, but they're trying hard in their own way.]

Singing, of course

[cutiepanther]

You're still not loud enough, Hanayo. Try to raise your voice more.

[ Maki is standing in front of Hanayo, giving her a little special attention. She is Rin's friend, and another of Honoka's poor souls she's roped into joining (or at least that's how Maki sees it) but she sees that Hanayo has talent, if she could only be a little more confident in herself. ]

You have a good singing voice, and you can harmonize better than anyone here, but you are still too quiet.

Dancing

[kakuto]

Kayochin, careful!

[Rin is dancing with her and of course, is the one who usually stops when Hanayo dizzies herself or bumps into her. She leans down to quickly pick up the glasses before someone steps on them.]

Maybe we should get you another pair of glasses so they can stay on while you move around.

Pokemon fun

[unbalancedlove]

[Kotori's team is enthusiastic in their own way, too. None of them except Rurua, the Zorua, are artists by nature but they were intrigued enough by Kotori's new interest that they insisted until the young shifter gave in and allowed them to come.

All said? it was bound to happen that some of them would get bored and wander away, albeit staying in the shrine during their exploration. A curious Ralts, a timid Deerling and a lively Zorua make their way closer to the trouple with clear interest. Scatterbug remains faithful by Kotori's side, mimicking her motions as best as it can.]

Break!

[tsunbird]

[That is a frankly preposterous amount of rice you are eating there, Hanayo. Where are you putting it all? Don't mind the bizarrely feathered guy wandering over and staring in mild horror at you as you eat.]

...That's impressive, I've got to say.

OTA

[nicocism]

[Nico hasn't joined this group, so she's not practicing with the other girls. In fact, she only showed up halfway through practice... to observe and criticize. So most of the time she's either staring and making it completely clear she's judging them or she's being a menace while correcting the more glaring issues she just can't let go.

Kara, her Murkow, is generally sighing over this sad display while Nico has to keep stoping Ruri, her Marill, from joining the dances.]

[cutiepanther]

[ Standing in front of the girls, Maki has had enough trying to work with them, while Nico just sits there watching them. It's so very clear to Maki just what Nico wants, she wants to sing and dance and become an idol, more so than even Maki or anyone else here. So it's just annoying to her, of all people, that Nico isn't being honest with herself or anyone else.

So she plans to fix that. And tease Nico at the same time. ]

Here, I'll teach you something I have never taught anyone else before. There's a special technique that will let you hit higher notes with barely any trouble at all. [ And so, speaking loudly enough to get Nico's attention, and talking about her known weakspot, Maki leans in to whisper to someone, Hanayo maybe, knowing it must kill Nico not to get that advice herself. ]

OTA!

[kakuto]

A: Singing

[She sang twice, once in public eye. Rin's voice may be untrained, but there is a lot of potential in it and the effort she puts into it is very strong. So there is definitely something to work with here. She's having fun with it despite that it's not the most perfect voice ever and there isn't really any pressure since it's not like a big concert or anything. Just practice. Just training.]

B: Break Time

[Even during breaks, Rin is stretching around and still moving here and there. Of course, she does settle down with a water bottle in her hands and a Sableye crawling on top of her. She brought a few of her Pokémon along for the ride. Zeni the Blastosie is just relaxing next to her while Lala the Reuniclus has been studying the music of humans, beating the ground with two sticks like she's playing the drums in various beats. Rin has some doubts, but she's really having fun today.]

C: Dancing

[Rin has certainly danced before, but there is a big difference between dancing around in play than dancing seriously for a performance. She can certainly follow directions, but it's obvious that she can sometimes go into her own flow than follow along with the group. It's not her dancing is awful because of it, but she's just too used to the beat of her drum. The effort is just as large as her singing, really putting it all towards her steps. Only she's way better at dancing than singing in her opinion.]

D: Wildcard!

[Anything goes around the shrine!]

A

[cutiepanther]

[ Maki knows Rin fairly well as an acquaintance more than anything else, or so she likes to think, but that doesn't stop her from being harsh when it comes to singing. Maki hasn't decided to join the group, even if Nozomi and Rei both had visions saying she most definitely would. But if she is going to join, she is going to make sure that it's not some game, that they are going to try to actually make beautiful music. ...Even if singing with others looks like more fun than Maki's ever had. ]

You're doing surprisingly well Rin, but you're still not hitting the right notes. You keep messing up on the bridge, your pitch isn't right. You need to focus more.

[ Her hands on her hips, Maki seems like a taskmaster, just like Umi has during the dancing and workout. They each have their own thing they are serious about, and it's clear to Maki it's music. ]

[unbalancedlove]

A: Dancing!

[Dancing is a topic she is completely new at and given her air headed nature? clumsiness is inevitable. She is certainly better now that she got to practice a bit with Honoka before today but neither of them had any proper guiding and every one of her steps scream rookie.

Even though she hasn't tripped over her own feet or anything big yet she keeps missing small steps that throw her off rhythm. Her expression reveals her emotions clearly.]

B: Singing!

[She is not exactly confident about her singing voice when in human form but this is certainly something Kotori enjoys much more. While she commits the sin of letting her voice go too high pitched at many points her performance is not all bad, nor is her more relaxed expression.

Behind Kotori stands a Scatterbug that attempts to match her tune with mixed success.]

C: Break time!

[Kotori is not around during break time.

Why? because there is a shiny Swablu in her place, surrounded by her pokemon, and eating her macaroon snacks. It's easier to relax in this form after all but it may confuse those who don't know her shifter status.]

D: Free for all! (arrival and after training)
[Kotori arrives with a cheerful smile on her face and a surprising amount of pokemon following her. While she normally only goes out with one or two of them by her side it was hard to get them to stay at the apartment: all her friends are most interested in this new 'hobby' she is picking up. It's hard to miss her.

Anything goes for after training!]

B

[cutiepanther]

[ Singing is Maki's strong suit of course, and she's making it duty to see that every one of the other girl's gets a crash course in vocals. She's put off deciding to join because she refuses to be in an amateurish group, one where people don't even follow basic training to improve their voices. But somehow, either through sheer luck or Honoka's skill, she's ended up with a group of people who are pretty serious.

Even ones like Hanayo, who look like they might cry if Maki is too harsh on her, are trying their hardest. But now, she's focusing her attention on Kotori, hands on her hips, having pulled the bird away from the group for a little one on one tutoring. This isn't really the Maki Kotori met before. She's more like a harsh taskmaster, who refuses to let anyone slack off. ]

You're not singing enough with your diaphragm. You won't be able to finish a song like that. Try again, from the beginning.