Paradisus Perditaque

[stringmods]

Paradisus Perditaque

☢

What: Closing Arena Ceremonies
Where: Aries Arena & Televised
Summary: 1/24/10AC
Warnings: This could get serious...but who knows.

The last week and a half had been, at best, an insane blur of lights, colors, Persona and celebrations.

And while your own victories have been appreciated by the population, you are, after all, Visitors. No playing in the main competition. Not even proper brackets, you were just lucky to be allowed to be IN the tournament as a main show at all! It was a great honor, and you should accept it as such.

That's show business for you.

The main news that had been on everyone's lips was that the longtime champion, Blue Sky Dragoon, had been beaten by his long-time rival, Royal Red Lion for top honors this year. Red Lion (real name Bunrakuken Karube, although they couldn't say that in public due to the new rule this year) had created the biggest upset since the event's creation ten years ago. For him, it was a monumental victory, as it meant he would be, more or less, the hero for the city for the next year. For Blue Sky Dragoon, it meant his reign of five years had finally come to an end.

Needless to say, the second place contestant looked rather bitter as he was ushered into the podium for the main division.

In the end, there had been no interruptions. The entire Games had gone off without a hitch. Your efforts had been appreciated during the course, however, and you were all invited for the final closing ceremonies. Kiyoshi Suou was still on alert, unwilling to relax even a little.

For the most part, closing ceremonies were trivial, and, dare we say, boring. The energy from the tournament had been slowly declining, and by the third national song and a kabuki reenactment of the final battle between Dragoon and Lion, most were trying not to doze off.

And yet...you...as Visitors. There's a strange feeling around you. It's not the lack of energy from the civilians, no.

Something isn't right.

Unfortunately you can't prove that and you can't stop what's going on but...you can try looking around. But you should probably be as discreet as possible, all things considered. While you can't just search the arena during the ceremony, there is still the underbelly of the stadium, athletes you could talk to, policemen on the job...

...it's like trying to finding a needle in a haystack.

[OOC - Alright timeline of events: Tonight is going to be just mingling, assessing the crowd and seeing what you can find. Create closed or open posts, or just watch the show and comment between yourselves. We have some NPCs that can talk with you (anyone who has an NPC, or was given NPC info for this log are free to have them be around), or you can talk amongst yourselves; this is, after all a celebration, although an apparently boring one.

Once this post is done, there will also be a mod post going up with a few additions about what is going to go down tomorrow, and some announcements! Our tentative hour for the main event will be the 24th at 6-7PM EASTERN tomorrow. Be there!]

Comments

Interviews! Open.

[hinoto_ri]

"Aaaaand welcome back to the Hinoto-Ri Daily News, your favorite post-apocalyptic news network. We provide the information you need to know, rain or shine, demons or Anoli, 25 hours of the day, 7 days of the week. I'm your host, the always easygoing, always ka-ju-a-ru, Tomokazu Tokudome."

The man speaking into the camera takes a moment to flash a blindingly white smile that lasts a good five seconds. Rather a lot of hair-flipping goes on simultaneously.

"We return now to live coverage of our Annual Hinoto-Ri Persona Grand Prix, winding down now into the fourth hour of the closing ceremonies. Our esteemed mayor is rumored to be giving a final speech following this last performance, but don't change that channel when he's done; here at the Daily News, we have exclusive post-Prix interviews with our new champion, Royal Red Lion, and of course, fan-favorite Blue Sky Dragoon. We've been listening to the polls and your voice has been heard - three questions submitted by our Hinoto-Ri viewers will be asked of each of these arena champs, starting with... with, uh."

The reporter squints at his notes for a moment.

"Starting with... a question about that... timeless classic making the rounds, 'The... Ju-nes Invasion'. Hm. Haven't gotten around to reading it myself, but I'm sure our champs will have some scintillating responses for us."

"Now as I'm sure our viewing public is aware, this year's Persona Grand Prix marked the first time that our Visitors have been allowed to participate in the festivities; recognizing concerns from the folks in town about rushing last-minute arrangements, the Grand Prix committee graciously arranged a smaller Visitor's Exhibition Cup. From the sound of it, it was a rousing success; I could hear the screams from the studio. Rumors abound that our Visitors could very well be allowed to participate in the tournament proper at next year's event."

At this point, he suddenly sidesteps in front of someone to put his arm around their shoulders and flash another winsome smile at the camera. Unfortunately, that someone is you.

"Now I have with me here one of our Persona-wielding Visitors themselves - Just say a few words about your experience this week to our viewing audience, will you? Smile!"

The microphone is shoved into your face.

what the hell? as in ilu~

[gigglesnortpriestess]

Yukiko was only heading back to her seat when some stranger decides to grab her and put her in front of the camera. And so sudden! Before she can ask, the microphone is in her face and everyone is staring right at her.

Oh God.

Why did you grab her, she wasn't part of the prix go bug them! It doesn't look like he is going to let go any time soon so pretty much...Yukiko's stuck.

"Well...I really enjoyed it. It was my first time seeing a persona battle like this before."

Someone...please get her away.

[hinoto_ri]

Those pearly white teeth flash brilliantly as the reporter beams down at his captive victim interviewee. The hovering camera he operates maneuvers around to automatically search for the best angle; for a few moments, there is a distinctive whirring sound as of a lens focusing.

If there is a television anywhere in the vicinity, Yukiko will see her face magnified so it fills the entire screen.

"Not only that; those free-for-alls were something to see! You know, our Visitors bring in more than just a lovely face and a floor-dropping smile - " Here he winks amiably at Yukiko. " - but you might just change the face of Persona battling with the skills you bring in! We at Hinoto-Ri Daily News certainly look forward to the latest developments. Of course, Persona duels are entertainment Hinoto-Ri bred and born, so don't think you'll be defeating our Red Lion anytime soon!"

"Oh, but tell us - Anyone you were rooting for in particular?"

[gigglesnortpriestess]

The reporter feels more like a viper than what his actual job is supposed to be. Ever since that group back home wanting to publish a degrading story about her inn, Yukiko has been very leery about his type. What's worse is that he winked her.

That's pretty creepy.

Then he asks about who she rooted for during the tournament. That seems easy.

"I wasn't just cheering on for one person: I know several who competed."

[hinoto_ri]

"Of course, of course! I don't mean to imply anything about your popularity or lack thereof, but surely there are some you cheer for more than others! Perhaps... one especially!"

What exactly was his job again?

In any case, the reporter releases Yukiko at this point to mug at the camera again. "Of course, you've certainly... cheered on my reporting! Haha, the lucky guy with someone like you at his back is sure to come out on top!"

He turns back to Yukiko with an oblivious smile. "Now, as a whole, how satisfied would you say you are with this whole event? We all worked hard to include you here, and I say, there are a lot of you now!"

this is the best thing and i'm sorry

[primordial]

So, what do you do when you're walking along, trying your best to stay out of the public eye, when suddenly, somebody unexpectedly grabs you so that you can appear in front of television for everyone and anyone to see?

Completely freeze up and act like you're about to have a nervous breakdown right at that very second, of course!

Sam stammers, eyes darting between the interviewer and the camera while his mouth hangs open like he's a surprised fish. "I....I-I...um...oh god, erm..."

Looks like someone's camera shyness is cranked up to a million.

[hinoto_ri]

The reporter's expression flickers briefly into disapproval as he slowly maneuvers his hand away from Sam's unkempt hair. ...Shortly before abandoning all pretense and wiping the hand on Sam's back.

"I agree entirely! So fantastic it takes my very words away; almost divine! Don't worry; the city agrees!"

His smile is back in place as he turns to point at the camera.
Headlines tomorrow: VISITORS SPINELESS GROUP OF COWARDS; WORTH PROVIDING FOOD AND SHELTER???

"Now, what can you tell us about the Visitors who partook in the tournament? That boy with the glasses was a definite fan favorite - and the witch and angel was a pair from out of this world! Go on; we're waiting with bated breath to know!"

[primordial]

The city agrees? Sam gulps, ever so conscious of the camera staring back at him. Ugh, he hates all this, he hates this, he does, and he wants to go and maybe drop this guy off a building, but he can't really do that in front of thousands of people on television, now can he?

And oh...he's being asked a question again. This time he's not so caught off guard, though it still seems he isn't the best at articulating his responses.

"Oh, well...they're pretty interesting. I mean, I've seen stuff and people here I never would've seen at home. Like witches and vampires and angels, and stuff like that. Erm. A lot of them seem pretty powerful, in any case..."

[a_pirate_meant_to_be]

Huh. That was unexpected.

Once the initial moment of "why is he sticking a turkey baster in my face" wears off, Guybrush reorients himself, shifting into a somewhat familiar preening prose. "Well, speaking as a representative of our fine community of mental manifestation summoners, I have to say the battle was quite exciting! Certainly a lot of chills, thrills and, er, spandex." He nods sagely. "It gets the approval of THIS Mighty Pirate. (tm)"

Guybrush, sweetie, you're not advertising anything you know.

[hinoto_ri]

VISITORS REPRESENTED BY SELF-PROCLAIMED VICIOUS PIRATE (tm); CALLS FOR DEPORTATION RESOUND???

Two could play at the preening game. The reporter claps a hand against Guybrush's back in an affectionate manner while leaning in to occupy more of the camera. "Hah, I see! Yes, the outfits for the Exhibition Cup were chosen for the sake of simplicity and ease of movement, but perhaps the design left something to be desired? ...Haha, but of course, perhaps we don't all mind a bit more skin!"

"So, Mr. Mighty Pirate! This Dashing Reporter (tm) would like to know... What drove your decision to keep from participation? The committee would like to know more about the type of people this kind of thing appeals to; let's get some answers from the pirate's mouth!"

[a_pirate_meant_to_be]

"Speak for yourself. Bleah," he mutters to himself.

He nods, in his self-aggrandizing element. "Well, as a dashing and talented rogue, I felt like my participation would've only resulted into a severe unbalancing. I thought it'd only be fair if I sat this one out for everybody else's sake."

And not, you know, because he's a support Persona user with a giant chicken for a head mate.

[bondsofsuffering]

Oops. He'd just been watching with amusement, but it looks like he's been dragged into this as well.

...Not that he seems to mind. A smile? Sure, he can do that!

"It's been a real treat! It's not every day I get to watch epic Persona duels like these! Hinoto-Ri sure knows how to put on a fantastic show!"

[hinoto_ri]

The reporter beams at this praise and angles Hizumi closer to the camera.

"If there's one thing our city can be counted on to provide, it's entertainment exceeding your greatest expectations! Demon attacks notwithstanding!" ...The smile doesn't even falter. "And for all you viewers at home, remember! For a full history on the development of the out-of-this-world event we call in Persona Grand Prix, tune in at 9PM tonight for our Special Hinoto-ri-view!"

He turns back to Hizumi. "Now, we're canvassing a broad range of opinions amongst you folks tonight - tell me what we can do to improve our show!"

[bondsofsuffering]

"Improvements, huh? It's hard to say, it was all well executed--" He puts on an expression of deep thought. After about a second of this pose, he gives a theatrical "Ah!"; you can practically see the light bulb go on above his head.

"People have been talking about letting Visitors into the main tournament, right? I'm not sure if our fighters can qualify, but if our best could get the honor of fighting alongside Hinoto-ri's finest... Ahhh, that would be surely be exciting!"

He speaks as charmingly as possible, even going out of his way to be as flattering as he can towards Hinoto-Ri's population.

eh, why not c:

[destinedwaters]

Well, so much for looking for somewhere more secluded so she could check up on the others before returning to her seat or finding a higher perch to people watch from. Oh Light above, why her. She is not-- okay that's a lie; she is rather good in the public eye when she has to be, but it's been a long time.

Master, haaaaaaalp.

"I enjoyed it, actually. It was fun to not only watch my fellow Visitors face each other, but to participate as well." Yes, good. Keep politically correct and maybe one could simply disappear into the crowd once the camera is no longer focused on the self and the microphone is not in face--

[hinoto_ri]

"Ah, of course! My apologies for not realizing earlier; we have here with us now the lady warrior, Connected Stars in Foolish Waters! Please, speak up for our viewers tonight!"

The microphone is thrust even closer to the face; in the background, a rattle of drums announces Act Three Section Five Folio Four of the kabuki performance.

"But yes, indeed, the turn-out for the Visitor Exhibition Cup far exceeded initial expectations! It's said the Grand Prix committee was exceptionally pleased with the results; let's give this fine contestant a round of applause for her performance!"

The reporter steps back to give an appreciative nod and a few polite claps.

"Now tell us - what was it like participating in your first official tournament?"

[destinedwaters]

"I-it's quite alright, really!"

Aw, so modest. Sob, why is that microphone even closer to her face? Due to the microphone being even closer to her face, she didn't seem to notice the drums. And no, that certainly wasn't a faint blush crossing her cheeks. She wasn't really that good, considering she could only really fight with her Persona and her Keyblade's physical attacks.

"It was really fun and enjoyable. Personally, I've only been in one tournament back home... and this was much better."

All because there was no Hades or other god of death oogling her.

Priorities, a Master has them.

[all_wound_up]

"E-excuse me...?"

This is the worst possible thing that could have happened. Nano's been good about wearing the backpack Kais got her to hide her wind-up key during the tournament, but it just figures that the moment she takes it off to re-adjust the straps is when she gets accosted by a television reporter. Flustered, she angles her body away from the camera a bit as she blushes and stammers.

"Um... the tournament was very exciting! Thank you..."

Hoping against hope that that would be enough of a statement to satisfy the man, Nano hastily gathers up the backpack and tries to proceed along toward the arena's exit.

[hinoto_ri]

Nano will proceed to be followed by an annoying hovering camera that always keeps one step ahead of her; from behind, the reporter closes in with an easy smile.

"Exciting indeed! Now if you don't mind, miss, we'd especially like some statements from you folks in the younger crowd; many in Hinoto-Ri are curious to know how you're adjusting to your new lives here! Call it curiosity, but the fact is, there are a few who are simply concerned for your well-being! Anything you can say to put them at ease?"

[all_wound_up]

Of course it wasn't going to be that easy. Nano eyes the camera nervously, fidgeting a little as the reporter keeps needling her with questions.

"Um... it's been nice. Everyone has been very kind and helpful here. Please don't worry about us!"

[recycleddestiny]

Masamune blinked as he was pulled forward, but recovered quickly. "It was one hell of a party, that's for sure," he replied, flashing a grin. If there was one thing he was definitely good at, it was at least giving off something resembling a good impression.

[hinoto_ri]

The reporter steps back to allow his interviewee the focus for a moment or two. Finally, someone with some semblance of charisma.

"A party unlike any other! This is surely the first time many of you have seen an event of this nature; while we're sure you lead exciting lives in exciting worlds, we at Hinoto-Ri are proud of our next-frontier entertainment and of course, our mighty duelers and champions! Now were you able to get a chance to see the main attraction over the course of the week? Any thoughts on how it compared to the Exhibition?"

[recycleddestiny]

"Eh, here and there. Bit disappointed we couldn't fight some of those guys in the tournament proper, though." What, he liked a good match. Also this boy thrived under competition - it's only through struggling that he was ever able to get good in the first place.

"Not denying I didn't have fun with what I was able to do, at least."

oh god

[bladedskies]

...Seriously?

She presses a palm to her forehead before grumbling, "Karaoke. Did it really have to be karaoke?"

[hinoto_ri]

The reporter beams brightly.

"Viewing data suggests that, in fact, it is the karaoke matches that bring in the highest ratings on our network! Though it might seem like a joke, these matches are every bit as intense as the others! The combination of the humorous and the serious melds smoothly into a flavour with incredible depth; it's really quite an honor to be chosen for such a prestigious match!"