route_1065 | 5th Act - The GRAND Opening!

Entry tags:

joker | kuroshitsuji

5th Act - The GRAND Opening!

Who: Come one and all!
Where: Goldenrod
When: Throughout April 30th - May 3rd
Summary: The Eve's Garden Circus is officially open for business! When it comes to a circus, what better group to put the 'grand' in 'Grand Opening'?
Rating: PG
Log:

It's that time everyone's been waiting for! Time to put that nasty train robbery behind everyone. After all, haven't you heard?

Throughout the streets of Goldenrod, folks will find all sorts of colorful characters and Pokemon about. Fliers and the like have been regular this last month or so, but the advertising is in full force today just to make it EXTRA apparent that today is the day. Another hint is all the air traffic in the skies- various Flying-type Pokemon that make up the Circus' transportation service. Who knows? Maybe you're one of those using it today!

And of course, who can miss the colorful spectacle that is the circus itself? Past the entrance gate (which will let you onto the circus grounds for a miniscule fee) are dozens and dozens of stalls and little tents. Looming over them is the main tent itself, a monstrosity of bright welcoming colors. There are all sorts of things amongst their ranks, but it's generally fairly easy to find what you're looking for as Pidgey of a feather flock together and all that... From games of all sorts like the usual carnival games to more of a retro arcade, to a set of shops with local crafts and maybe something from the foreign trainers.... Of course, there's also all sorts of food stalls and even shacks for more filling stuff.

With all that alone, you could probably keep busy for most of the day! But surely you aren't forgetting the Big Act?

Yep, the big acts in the Big Top. Times are posted both at the front gate, on fliers you can pick up here and there, and by the entrance to the large tent. For each day, there will be three shows! Better hope you can snag a ticket before they get sold out... Although maybe you'll get lucky for the next show. Or the next day....

Either way, it promises to be a fun few days!

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[The show was everything Chihiro had imagined it would be and more. It was quite unlike anything he'd ever experienced before, and it's clear by the huge grin on his face that he's really enjoyed himself. Even among all the noise and the crowds, the joy and excitement of it all was too much for him not to enjoy. For some strange reason, mid-way through the show, Chihiro found something in the very back of his mind wishing his father could have been here with him to see the Circus too.

With how busy his father usually was, it just...seemed like something that would have been nice to experience with him. He quickly pushes that thought away, though, since it's unlikely that such a thing will ever happen.

Even with the show having drawn to a close, Chihiro can be found sitting on a bench somewhere outside the tent with the pamphlet that was handed out held in his hands. He seems to be studying it intently...]

[Long story short, there's a girl with shoulder-length blonde hair that looks like a mess right now. And she's staring at you, Chihiro.

...Goddammit. Well, apologizing now would take whatever obligation she owes Nanami off her chest! And that means if Nanami was secretly out to get her, Saionji would have no problem cutting off all ties. And what other apology is more sincere than when you're at your worst?

All other apologies. That's what.

Which might be why Saionji is trailing up to you, still looking absolutely miserable, but trying to force a slightly presentable face.]

Fujisaki Chihiro? [Oh god, what is she plotting now? What nefarious plot does Saionji have up her sleeve-

-she bows over slightly and plucks a Banette doll out her kimono.] ...I'm sorry about what I said before. You can take this, if you'd like. I don't have anything else on me.

[Wow.]

[Chihiro can't help it when he suddenly jerks at the sound of his name being called, crumpling the pamphlet a bit without meaning to. He glances up at Saionji with just his eyes, keeping his head slightly angled down. His immediate thought is to quickly just get up, mutter some excuse for himself, and quickly leave. ...Easier said than done, especially when it feels like someone has glued your legs to the bench.

That's when he notices how bedraggled Saionji looks. Most noticable is her hair, which really gives him cause to just stare for a long time, unsure what to make of her. Still, shorter hair or not, he can feel his insides churning as she moves to pull something from her kimono.

......Oh.

...

He blinks, his gaze moving from her to the doll and back. Slowly, he finds himself reaching out to carefully take the doll from her hand, pausing only for a second to look it over. It's not the doll that's surprising him the most, though. Not even her appearance. It's the fact that she's offering him any apology whatsoever, especially after what happened as well as testimonies from others about how Saionji had treated them.

A long time seems to pass before he says anything to that.]

...A....are you alright?

[He actually meant to try to thank her for apologizing, but that slipped out. Seriously, Saionji, are u ok.]

[Saionji has to bite back a snarky remark at that. What, so she was so disheveled, even the one who's supposed to hate her feels pity? How pathetic.

Anyway, she... just nods.] Yeah, I'm fine. Some idiot just let his Arcanine loose, and it decided my hair was a good chew toy. [Nice, straightforward, blunt answer. If this was anyone else, she'd be spilling all her grief over them, but she still had to be nice to Chihiro.

Unfortunately.]

You shouldn't be so concerned over someone who wronged you, you know. If people hear that, you'll make yourself an easy target.

[Goddammit Saionji not again.]

[..Ah. Well there's not exactly much he can say to that, is there? Sounds...believable enough, at least, but who can tell? And he highly doubts she just hauled off and decided to chop off her hair on her own anyway.

He opens his mouth to say something, but closes it again when she continues. At first, he's not sure what to say to that either. There hasn't been a time in his life when he hasn't seen himself as a target.

Chihiro glances away, back down at the pamphlet. It looks like he's dogeared one of the corners where some Pokemon of interest has been listed.]

A ...a target for ridicule, right? Is that what you think?

[It's not said in an angry or accusatory way. It's soft, quiet. Simply questioning, as if he genuinely wants to know her opinion on the matter.]

[...Seriously, Chihiro. You're so meek, she's considering just backing out and laughing in your face just to see what happens.]

People are always looking out for other to put down. Even those far below you, and those who don't know their place themselves.

It's just how things are... looking kind-hearted will only serve you up on a silver platter to anyone who wants to exploit you. [It's genuine advice... as much as advice from Saionji Hiyoko can be, at least. She really does believe that. People? They never change.

She honestly thought things might be different here, when she first arrived. But no. Humanity never changes at its core.]

You're an SHSL! The majority of the human population have no right to ridicule you. Don't let them do it.

[And from the sounds of it? Saionji might just be... counting herself in with the majority for once.]

[Chihiro wants to disagree with her, but honestly it's...difficult. He can't say he agrees, but he can't say he disagrees either. Spending the majority of your life expecting for people to scoff at you and shower you with scorn, simply because of how you look and act...well, that sort of thing gets to you after a while. Particularly if you end up succumbing to it.

He looks down at the Banette doll still in his hands, giving a small sigh.]

Acting differently wouldn't change anything....especially if someone is already out to cause trouble.

[Then his eyes find Saionji again.]

I...don't exactly think there's much I could do to stop something like that. ...but not everyone is that way.

[...Though a lot are.]

And I might be an SHSL, but...that doesn't make me any better than anyone else.

But what does SHSL mean, if not 'you're better than anyone else in your field'?

[Saionji's honest about that. What do you mean you're not any better? That's basically the reason why they're from Hope's Peak. The reason for their title.]

And while it's true that not everyone is that way... those who are can't be chased away. And even if acting different won't get rid of them, it makes you less of a lightning rod for their antics!

[She tosses her hair back, briefly looking away as the water droplets wet the floor.] If you start looking less like a bleeding heart, you'll fare much better, no matter who you are.

That's not what I meant. I'm...not saying you and I both aren't the top in our fields, but...we're still both just people. I don't think being better at one certain thing makes you a better person.

[He then hesitates, shifting in his seat.]

I-....I mean....I guess it....depends on how you look at it.

[Well....he had been going rather well for a moment there at least, speaking up and everything!]

....That's easier said than done.

[You tried. Gold star, Chihiro.]

Perhaps not a better ally, but those with more talent have more to contribute to the world, don't they? So, if you contribute more, doesn't that make you a better person? Things like kindness and friendship are such subjective, flimsy things... inventions and art pieces, music and scriptures- such products and skills are much more validating than being what people think is a 'better person'.

[So yeah, being a therapist doesn't count as an SHSL, lol sorry]

I mean, sometimes it's obvious people have skills in subjective things like leadership... but skill doesn't equal being a 'better person' by what seems to be your definition. [How did this become a huge rant about the workings of talent in this society...?]

That's how I see it, anyway.

[He's trying so hard, he really is. He definitely prefers this conversation over Saionji needling him, and yet....well, it's definitely veering into an unexpected direction, that's for sure.

For a long time he thinks that over, one hand holding the doll, and the other the pamphlet.]

Material things...inventions, art...even computer programs are important. The people that make them are important. ..But don't things like that always....eventually go away?

People might not remember you for what kind of person you were. You could be the best in the world at a certain skill....and have a terrible, toxic personality. Not...not that you'll ever be known for that. What people care about are the things you can do with your talents. People...don't look past that, sometimes...

[Chihiro stares pointedly into his lap, his eyes fixated on the Banette doll.]

So I...I guess you're right, in some ways. You'll always be remembered for what you make, if that's what you're good at. ...but it's what you do with your talents that matters. ...One day, someone will eventually come along that can perform the same exact skill much better than you can.

[His shoulders sag slightly, but it's barely noticeable in the slight gloom outside as the sun begins to set over the horizon.]

Once that happens, you're eventually forgotten about. Unless you...have the ability to make sure you're not forgotten. To...to....make yourself heard, somehow.

[And by his tone of voice, Chihiro is making it clear that he's not certain that he's one of those people. AND HE'S TELLING SAIONJI WHY...well, who knows. She's here, she brought it up, and well now it's happening and he can't stop.]

That's just how this world works. The sooner people get it, the better.

[Not that it'll... really be that much better. Such a world- she both understands why it exists, and also hates it.] Izumo-no-Okuni, for example. She's the founder of kabuki, which became kabuki buyo, which evolved further into nihon buyo dancing in general- in other words, my SHSL.

But no one knows how she really acted! No one can even agree on when she died. The Edo period was when facts were twisted by literary licenses that a time for peace allowed for... and yet, she's remembered always. Not for her personality, but for her talent. At first, that almost seems unfair. What about the women working under her? What about those who came after? What if they were as good as her? What if they were better? Because she was the first who caused a whole wave of dancing to spread throughout the country, she's the only one remembered.

It's better that way though. [History is important, and should be protected- some things, at all costs. But...] The fact that she began classical Japanese dancing is something important to be remembered for the rest of time! And the art itself, even more so. But, if we bog ourselves down over and over with the pursuits of the past... then how is the present supposed to function?

[She's getting somewhere.] If the people of the Edo period spent all their time obsessing over the events of the Sengoku Era, no one would commit the time to spread kabuki through the country. When you're forgotten, the most important reason why is because the future has to move on and can't account for anyone.

So! You can try to be remembered, but in the end, whether you are or not isn't important. The most important thing is to protect and live for yourself in the now. Which is why you need to learn to have less of a bleeding heart, or you'll only end up drowning in grievances before you're even close to dead.

[Chihiro listens quietly as Saionji talks, leaning back against the bench. In that entire speech there was something profound, which gives him cause to nod slowly in agreement. ...And once she's gotten to her point, he's reminded that this still was about him. He sighs again.]

..My SHSL is...well, I'm a programmer. Computers.

[She told him hers, so he figured he'd return the favor. Not that he's going to delve too further, since there are reasons for him to keep silent about the projects he formerly worked on before ending up in this place.]

It's something I'm very good at. It's...one thing I always feel like I....have a reason to be proud of. Not many other people can do what I can...I hope one day I can make some sort of impact that can be remembered.

[Not that his "bleeding heart" will ever be likely to change. Not completely, at least. And not right away, either. And of course, he's not going to be remembered if he continues to hide behind a lie all his life.

But that's something to be dealt with another time.]

....thank you. ...for apologizing, by the way.

[RIGHT he'd been....meaning to say that from the start. Considering what happened at prom, and....well, whatever has happened tonight, it looks like she's gotten way more karma than she can handle.]

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konpeitoqueen - 2014-05-02 09:42 (UTC) - Expand

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codeforhope - 2014-05-03 00:34 (UTC) - Expand

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konpeitoqueen - 2014-05-05 01:10 (UTC) - Expand

[ There's a click and a flash, from the cheap pink disposable camera Nanami brought along.

Yes. Of course she needs a picture of Chihiro staring at a pamphlet on a bench WHO DOESN'T NEED A PICTURE OF THAT... ]

...Are you looking for something in particular?

[Chihiro blinks and looks up from the pamphlet, smiling when he notices Nanami standing there. By now it looks like he's gotten used to the impromptu photos of him doing....well, anything. He doesn't mind it, though.

He nods and unfolds the paper a bit so Nanami can see, pointing to one of the names of the Pokemon listed. It looks like one of the Meganium that performed in the show earlier.]

This Meganium. She was one of the Pokemon performing in the show, with a second one.

..I was considering....maybe seeing if I could adopt her.

[ That...sounds like Chihiro. Nanami leans over to look at the Meganium, curiously. ]

...I don't see why not. After all...it sounds like those Pokemon must really want happy homes, right? Even if living at the Centre is nice, I'm sure they want trainers again.

[He nods in agreement.]

Mhm. That's what I've been thinking...a lot of people probably purchase eggs so they can raise Pokemon themselves, other than adopting those that have been left behind... These Pokemon deserve a home just as much as any other.

The...the only problem is that you need gym badges to adopt, depending on how high their level happens to be.

If it's gym badges, I could probably adopt...but, I think you could earn badges really easily, too.

[ because papa can do anything. ]

[You definitely have more confidence in him than he does, Nanami.]

A-ah....mm....maybe....I would have to train a lot more, I think.

[While he has been a bit, most of his team is sorely under leveled for any sort of serious battling. He really needs to try to find some people to train with...]

Do you think you could help me adopt her, Nanami-san?

Help you...? I don't mind doing that, if it's for Fujisaki-sama.

[ She'd do pretty much anything for him, so something like this......... ]

[It's pretty dark outside right now, but she can probably see his face light up if she looks hard enough.]

Ah, thank you Nanami-san! I can't wait to meet her.

[ She's always looking hard enough, when she talks to him. She's wanted to meet her father her entire life... ]

Mm. Shall we go and handle that tonight, or tomorrow?

Tomorrow would be fine. It's getting a bit late now anyway. She won't be going anywhere, and she's probably tired from the show...

Thank you again. I'm glad I can give a Pokemon a home.

Of course. I'd do anything for you, you know?

[ Does he know? Sometimes she's not sure, and she wants to be sure he knows... ]

Of course, Nanami-san. I really appreciate your kindness.

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