confrontation.

[cancrymods]

It's time.

Esme has been doing her level best to make sure everyone in Invidia knows about their little competition, so it shouldn't be a surprise to see that the mall is absolutely overflowing with devoted fans today, all eager to see the outcome of this "friendly" competition between performers. Thankfully, Esme has been unusually sportsmanlike and deigned to release a schedule of the event beforehand, so you're not just going in blind. Esme and Idol-ON will perform two songs each and then hold a question and answer session with the audience, after which a vote will be held – and whoever has the most votes by the end of the show will be declared Invidia's newest top idols.

Sounds simple, right? Right.

You've all been given a private room out of the way of the crowds, with some time to spare before the event itself starts. Time for some last minute rehearsal, some last minute panicking, some last minute... sabotage? Well, Esme's probably not going to play fair, so why should you?

Comments

[twibeast]

[ Beast wasn't sure what to expect but he's definitely a lot more thrilled than he thought he'd be. ]

Lady Alice! What a pleasant surprise!

[cancrymods]

The smile Alice gives them is warm enough, even if it's a little strained and fangirl Specter's is considerably brighter, like she's trying to have all the positive energy Alice doesn't right now.

"We've been worried about you!" she says with a little huff. "Being friends with Esme sure isn't enough to protect you so I can't imagine what she does to her enemies."

"Right. We just wanted to check in and see what it was you were planning... and, well. I want to see if there's any way I can help."

[discutio]

You've no need to put yourself in harm's way for our sake, you realize. I hesitate to say we have anything particularly well in hand, but you shouldn't feel obligated to help us.

[cancrymods]

"I could say the same to all of you." Phoenix might not be able to see the bitter smile on her face, but it's certainly audible in her voice. "But I do want to help. I think if there's anyone here in Invidia who'll be able to throw her off her game, it's me."

[discutio]

...You do have a point about that. Did you have some idea?

[cancrymods]

I think I do. There's supposed to be a presenter running the show and doing all the MC work, so I was wondering... what if there was a way to get me up on stage and doing that job instead? It'd be a bit of a spanner in the works for her plans at least.

[discutio]

That would put you quite out in the open. Are you sure you're comfortable with that?

[cancrymods]

[ Alice huffs out a soft laugh. ]

It'll be my first time back on the stage in a while... but I think I can handle it. And right now, I really just want to see the look on her face when she realizes who I am.

[discutio]

...If you're certain, we might be able to arrange that.

[we're not going to knock out the presenter and stuff him in a closet. probably.]

[twibeast]

[ Beast has his chin in his hand, thinking about it. ]

I think I also really want to see the look on her face. Especially when the songs start to play as well.

[ He lowers his hand and look at Alice again. ]

You in combination with Lady Kotori's music is sure to be the double hit we need. Thank you, Lady Alice.

[cancrymods]

It's the least I can do. If it wasn't for you three...

[ She trails off for a moment, and then she gives them a sad smile. ]

I know what I've forgotten now. And at least this way, I can try and take some of it back.

[daughterofthemark]

Who you are?

[SHE STILL HAS NO IDEA]

[twibeast]

Ah, yes. Forgive us, the rest of you have not been acquainted yet.

This is Lady Alice. She was in the previous competition with Esme and Lady Kotori. As you can see though she did not suffer the same poisoning fate.

Myself, Sir Phoenix and Sir Chiron were able to find her and ask for her assistance some time ago.

[cancrymods]

H–hey, don't I get an introduction?!

[ That's Fangirl Specter who's still clinging onto Alice's hand. SHE THOUGHT YOU TWO HAD SOMETHING.... SOMETHING, DUDE ]

[twibeast]

--Ah.

[ Oh. God. Right. The fangirl specter. Whose name he STILL NEVER GOT... ]

M-My apologies, my lady. This is the young woman who helped us find Lady Alice, you see.

[ And that's. Al he's got! Sorry!! ]

[daughterofthemark]

Veil looks around, as if expecting someone to chime in and explain a secret plot they've been hiding from her up to now.

"To my understanding, we plan simply to put on a performance. Though we suspect Dame Esme means to introduce some surprise complication."

[cancrymods]

"That definitely sounds like Esme." Alice says, her voice dry. "Do you think it'd help if you introduced one first?"

[daughterofthemark]

"Introduce one first...? Perhaps, it seems as though Dame Esme is in control of most aspects of the competition at the moment."

.

.

.

"Unless you have some idea yourself?" Veil continues hopefully. Yes, random new girl whose significance she doesn't know, demonstrate that you are also devious!

[cancrymods]

Looks like she does...