towerofanimus | ☆ 002 : WARM-UP ☆ "All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out."

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☆ 002 : WARM-UP ☆ "All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out."

Characters: Rise Kujikawa and YOU!
Setting: Floor Twenty-Eight, the Music Room, or prettymuch anywhere else you want.
Format: Prose and Action both A-OK; you pick and I'll follow your lead!
Summary: Rise does her best to get in a little vocal practise for the (possible) upcoming Gas Chamber, Tower Edition show. Make a song request, pick up an instrument and join in, just listen...that part's all up to you. :]
Warnings: Event-related things, perhaps...or maybe she just has the regular flu. :3 Otherwise nothing.

Rise stood behind the electronic keyboard, shoulders relaxed, arms by her sides. Breathing in slowly, she hummed a low note (try to find the note where you feel maximum vibration in your lower abdomen) as she exhaled, one hand pressed to her midriff. After repeating that a few times, she shivered and huffed out a sigh instead, breaking the rhythm. But well, at least it was easy to make sure she was doing her breathing exercises right, since thanks to the cold, she could see every breath that left her mouth.

The cold did make it pretty hard to play the piano well, though--not that she was AMAZING at it even under normal conditions, but she was far from terrible, on the upper side of average at the very least. A singer who couldn't read music at all or play an instrument at least a little would be an embarrassment to her agency, and Rise was a quick study anyways.

After rubbing some circulation back into her fingers, she got to work on playing--and singing--some scales.

(It's nothing too interesting at first, but if you wait for a while, she might start practising an actual song or two...or maybe not. She might just start coughing instead...)

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[…That’s actually a fairly personal question for Rise…and while she’s tempted to give some fake, scripted answer like because it looked like fun! or I dunno, I guess I just wanted to make people smile!…the fact that Sayaka can really and truly understand what an idol’s life is like means they share some pretty important common ground. And while she doesn’t know the other girl well enough to say that she trusts her, or even that they’re friends, Rise still sorta feels like she owes her an honest answer. They had to be fake with nearly everyone else, at least some of the time; it was part of their job, because no-one was honestly cheerful and upbeat all the time. But it didn’t seem right to be fake to each other in a situation like this.]

[Still, it isn’t the easiest thing to talk about. Rise found herself looking down at hands that had unconsciously folded themselves tightly together as she gave her answer.]

...Well, to be honest...when I was younger, I was really quiet and shy. And because I wasn't good at talking to people, I was bullied a lot. I missed a lot of school because of it...and so I didn’t really have any friends. I was always alone. But that was normal, so I was used to it. Then the application one of my relatives sent in without telling me passed the first audition, and just by chance, I ended up winning.

[Rise gives a little giggle, still not looking up or over at the other girl.] I didn’t expect to win at all, so when that happened, I panicked, and I almost turned down the offer. But…I thought that maybe if I became an idol, I could change myself, and make friends.

[It hadn’t worked, of course, but Rise didn’t mention that. She figures she’s already been plenty honest here.]

[Now she does finally look up to meet the other girl’s eyes, and her smile is a bright one, and though maybe a little sheepish.]

…Pretty selfish, huh? Not at all the kind of answer they tell us to give if that question ever comes up in an interview…but it’s the truth.

[Her expression brightens as she turns the question back on the other girl.] How about you, Sayaka-chan? Why did you become an idol?

[ While listening, Sayaka has found a seat to take. She comfortably sits down after dragging the chair close, constantly having to rub her hands together not to have them frozen. Nonetheless, she hears everything with a faint smile on her face. Poor girl... bullying is more common than not between kids, and even if she didn't have that kind of experience, she could emphatize. ]

It's admirable that you managed to become strong and raise up that way. [ It's true, although Rise's reasons are definitely selfish - but the honesty is more than appreciated. Sayaka has a lot to hide, herself... and it's more over the fact that this girl doesn't need to know what happened in detail, let alone to disclose the fact that she tried to kill someone, and paid the mistake with her own life.

Therefore, she'll answer as purely as possible, because giving a wrong impression this early can only end badly. ]

Myself, hm? The circumstances are pretty different. You see, when I was very little, it was only me and my dad. He worked everyday until late in the night, and so I was lonely most of the time at home. The TV was the only comfort I had, and I often saw these beautiful idols that appeared on screen, singing and dancing for us who watched. Their smiles made me forget all the loneliness I had. That's when I started dreaming to become one of them, to have the power to give strength to those who lack it.

[ A weak giggle. ] Corny, isn't it? But it eventually came true. I participated to many auditions, until someone important picked me - and that's when my career began, and it only went better and better from there. Until I came to the tower, I was... really happy to be at the top, to finally be capable to make other people happy. I wanted it to be that way forever.

[ Her smile... fades, mostly. There's sadness in it, while she tries not to let the tears come out. Everything is over... and even if they do return to their homes, who's to say that she won't die again? That's too sad... ]

[Once Sayaka is seated, Rise sinks down on the piano bench behind her, somewhat relieved. She'd been starting to feel pretty tired, not to mention dizzy; resting for a while is a good idea.]

...It did help me get stronger in some ways. I learned how to talk to people, and got over my shyness. [...At least for the most part. All bets were still off sometimes when she was alone with Yu...] And I could use my influence as an idol to start anti-bullying campaigns, which made me really happy. But other things, and especially certain other people, are what really helped me to become truly strong.

[The loneliness factor in Sayaka's story definitely strikes a chord with Rise--they're really not so different after all, she thinks. By the end of Sayaka's explanation, Rise's smile is wide and warm, and when the other girl gives that weak giggle, Rise shakes her head in response.]

I don't think it's corny at all. Loneliness can be really terrible, and wanting to be like the people who helped you through your own loneliness is an admirable thing. So I'm really glad your dream came true! I can tell that you really deserved it...

[Rise trails off, her own smile fading along with the other idol's. It's obvious that something's wrong--almost definitely something to do with Sayaka's idol career, since it seems like that's very important (if not the most important thing) to her. And while she doesn't want to pry if it's something super-personal, if Sayaka wants to talk about it, Rise wants her to know that she'll listen.]

...Are you okay? Did something happen back home?

Such a noble heart you have. [ She was part of charity campaigns as well, but she feels like she'd brag if she mentioned that. Instead, she accompanies her words with a warm smile. Yes, they're very similar in many ways, which doesn't sound as surprising when her path let her met other idols with similar goals. ]

Thank you, Rise-chan. It's comforting to know that someone understands. [ Normally, people would be teased for having such a goal, because it's either petty, corny, or it's not a strong enough incentive to have a dream. ] Ah...

[ That question... Sayaka thought she raised the best pokerface, but it eventually escaped. It's best to keep it vague, neither confirming nor denying. ]

Something did happen, but it's... rather personal.

[...And the sheepish smile is back. |D] Not really...I just don't want other people to have to go through what I went through when I was younger. There's just no good reason for it!

[Whoops, better change subjects before she starts getting mad, or gets up on her soapbox. Let's focus on her response to that question instead...]

[It is a vague answer, but Rise's okay with that. She didn't tell Sayaka everything either, and there are very, very few people with whom she would willingly share the full details about how she got her Persona, what her Shadow had been like, and basically anything concerning the "Maru-Q Striptease". It was personal, and embarrassing, and just...not something people needed to know. Maybe whatever Sayaka didn't want to talk about was something like that. So while she's still curious, her respect for the other idol's right to privacy far outweighs that inquisitive feeling.]

...Don't worry about it, then. [Rise makes an attempt to lighten the mood, giving the other idol a playful wink.] We've only just met after all, so there's no need to get too personal just yet, right? But if you do ever feel like talking about it, I'm staying in Room 02-01, okay?

Edited 2012-12-22 01:04 (UTC)

[ Ah, Sayaka is grateful about that. It's not usual that people would inquire further, but she appreciates it all the same. Telling anyone that she'd been trapped, along with other classmates, in the prestigious school for big talents she was supposed to attend, and told by a creepy stuffed bear that if they wanted to get out - they had to kill each other and get away with it... it's not embarassing, it's downright horrifying. An experience she wouldn't wish on anyone ever, and a memory she wants to forget as fast as possible.

The attempt to lighten the mood is welcomed with (figurative) open arms. ]

Of course, I'll think about it. [ Maybe... not... ] Likewise, if you want to talk to me about anything, I'm in room 1-05, first floor in the dorms. My roomates are pretty nice, so you don't have to worry about going there and not finding me. I also frequent the Media room quite often.

[...Rise would be more inclined than most to believe stories about odd bear-shaped things...but the Battle Royale thing...yeah, she'd find that pretty horrifying, GOOD CALL NOT SAYING ANYTHING THERE. |D;]

[...Isn't I'll think about it what adults say when they don't just want to say 'no' outright...? Well, maybe it means something different in this case...but again, it's not like Rise'll ever want to tell Sayaka about her dungeon in the TV World, so. Keeping some things secret, or just private, isn't a bad thing at all. So Rise's just gonna let this go.]

Sounds good! And two of my roommates aren't really around much at all, but the other one is a friend. She can be a little jumpy--I think she had it pretty hard even before she got stuck here in the Tower--but if you're nice to her, she's pretty nice right back.

[And at that, Rise got back to her feet and returned to the keyboard.]

Hey--do you wanna practise together? I'd love to hear you sing!

[ Wah, it's like everyone in this tower is a good hearted, friendly, kind soul...! Then again, Sayaka hasn't met any psycho living here yet. To both things, she nods a little too excitedly. ]

Don't worry, I won't scare her off. I know how to deal with people like her. [ Social skills go! She pats her knees and - upsie daisie - stands up as well. Practice is better when you stand up, cold be damned. ]

Of course! Good thing this scarf protected my throat so far, so I can sing as much as I like. You're lucky, Rise-chan.

[Ooh, well, actually...Rise hadn't meant her roommate was shy so much as...whatever the medieval-ish world term for "trigger-happy" would be. Nesir had gotten caught in Rise's initial scanning sweep with Kanzeon, after all, and while that scan hadn't brought up anything alarming, Rise knows the other girl isn't weak.]

...Weeell, to be honest, Nesir would be more likely to stand her ground and fight than just run away, at least against someone like you or me. She seems pretty tough for someone our age.

[Rise beams as she rubs her hands together, pretends to crack her knuckles, then plays the first few bars of a song on the keyboard before stopping.]

*chuckles* I guess I really am, huh? So did you have something in particular you wanted to sing? [She'll give you a turn at the keyboard if so.] Or...did you maybe want to sing something together?

... I would find no reason to fight her, anyway. [ If Rise says she's nice if you're nice to her, then it's no problem anyway. She knows there are people capable to fight here... unlike her. ]

I've got nothing in mind, so anything will do. In case I don't know the lyrics, I'll just go with the melody. [ She learns quickly after hearing them once, good memory and all. ]

Yeah, you're probably right about that! [She just wanted to be sure you knew Nesir wasn't a pushover, just in case. Advance warning of possible danger (most often thanks to her Persona's abilities) is generally what keeps Rise alive here in the Tower.]

Well, there's this duet I learned a while back that would be perfect for this time of year...

[If she's a top idol, Rise doesn't doubt that Sayaka would pick up the tune halfway through hearing the song the first time, and the lyrics after hearing them once (twice at the most). It's not a very hard song anyways, so...]

I'll sing it for you, and if you like it, you can join in!

[ Sayaka just nods. It will be all the simpler if it's an easy song. Even if her body is cold, her brain isn't frozen either. Rubbing her hands together, she blows heat on them once more. ]

Then lay it on me, Rise-chan. I'm ready to listen and follow.

Right! Here we go!

[Rise turned most of her attention to playing a very passable piano-only version of "Holy Night", then began to sing as well, her voice surprisingly clear despite all the coughing she'd been doing. She covered both solos this time, but looked up and nodded a bit at Sayaka during the two parts the other idol would take, supposing she decided she liked the song enough to be interested in an actual duet.]

[ Her eyes are focused on the piano, the surrounding cold bringing less relevance as she hums the melody a bit, and then words form out of her lips. Moments later, the duo becomes more consistent, Sayaka's singing matching Rise's and resonating in the room. ]

[By the end of the song, it's definitely a proper duet. Their voices meld really well, Rise thinks with a smile as she finishes playing the last few bars of the song.]

That was great! You have an amazing voice, Sayaka-chan!

[Y E P definitely gonna be visiting the Media Floor to check if any of the other idol's CDs are there. And since she's been told that her own are there, Rise doesn't see any reason why they wouldn't be.]

Hehe, thank you Rise-chan. You were just as great.

[ She places a hand on her chest, to even out her breathing. Without this cold, she wouldn't have to be careful about her voice. ]

[The way the other girl touches her chest is a little worrisome, but it seems like most everyone is feeling a little under the weather, so it's not really all that surprising. It definitely hadn't affected Sayaka's voice though--or if it had, she must really have a killer set of pipes!]

Your turn! Is there something you wanna play or sing, or should we call it a day for now and figure out some more collaborations later?

[Like when there's actually heat again. And she's joking about the 'collaborations' thing...but then again, maybe not totally. Sayaka-chan is really good, and it could be fun, especially if there's some decent recording equipment on the Media Floor. She'll have to check for that, too...]

[ With a temperature like this, she wouldn't like to test her luck. Her throat may be still in good shape, but everything is easy to break under certain circumstances. Though a bit regretfully, she shakes her head. ]

We should wait until it gets warmer here. It's a bit risky to continue, don't you think so?

[ Sayaka smiles at that, though. ] I would love to practice with you again, when we're both feeling better.

[Rise nodded, unable to fight off a visible shiver. It was definitely time to beat a hasty retreat back to her bed to try to warm up a little.]

Yeah, you're right. I think I've had about as much of the cold as I can stand anyways, at least for now. But we'll definitely have to do this again!

[In the meantime, she'll have to make that trip to the Media Floor, and find some more duets for them to sing.]

Right, I agree completely.

[ One last blow on her hands, and then she fixes her scarf so that it covers her mouth. ]

I'll be on my way then. Hope we meet again soon, Rise-chan.

[Though she's huddling in on herself from the cold, the smile Rise gives the other idol is a warm one.]

Definitely! I'll look forward to it, Sayaka-chan.

[New Friend & Worthy Rival = GOT (^▽^)ﾉ ]

Heh. See you another time then.

[ And with that she turns to leave the floor. All that will get her sick, but it was worth the meeting. <3 ]

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☆ 002 : WARM-UP ☆ "All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out."

...Rise’s next costume regain will ttly be her (rather pink) idol outfit from the P4A Ep9 intro. X

They'd be a perfect duo for the tower in the future.

Prepare for trouble, and make it double? X'D

Exactly. They need to have a concert tbh

//votes YES to that! :Db And they could also FLOOD THE NETWORK with super-cheerful videos. X'D

We should definitely do that, how about it??

They can be the Tower Idols. Because people here DEF. need cheering up.

This is a thing that must happen... please... ;;

Heck. Yes. May I add you on Plurk for possible plotting purposes? (lolWOW alliteration, just WOW |D)

Of course I would be happy to! Username is elieinverse

\o/ Mine's AloryShannon! (&lol //proceeds to abuse prolificness of her character's seiyuu again |D)

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...Somehow this tag got buried in my inbox, wtfHOW. 8|;

welcome back u3u

TY! ♥

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