Hikari no Matsuri: East Plaza - Event Stage
Two sets of short staircases crawl up the sides of the platform that
structures the stage mainstay, concrete in design and nearly flawless in
composition. An encompassing, white leather canopy is strung from a series
of tall, thin columns that spring up from the sides of the stage, pulled
taut and tented over the entirety of the stage's floor. Atop the stage
itself, several wooden podiums are all lined up in different locations, and
a large soundstage is seen way in the back, idle at the moment, but
apparently obvious in its intended purpose. More of the festival stretches
along the southeast avenue, and a small duo of pathways lead around the
stage to the northeast and northwest, looking to join back together on the
opposite side. Directly north is a small tented enclosure.

A very large crowd has gathered together in front of the Event Stage, the true
center of Hikari no Matsuri both in theme and actual physical placement. Up on
the stage, the Fukawa family, consisting of Kouichi, Kaede, and Hikari, are
going over some things amongst themselves prior to the actual performance. Off
to one side of the stage, Mollianne is nearby, watching and waiting with a
generally-complacent expression, to see what's in store.

The crowd is abuzz and full of murmurs, but not overly loud or rambunctious.
yet.

Notably, Mollianne seems to have a small open area around herself despite
technically being part of the crowd, as if she unconsciously demanded her own
personal bubble. The reason isn't overtly obvious, but at the very least,
nobody seems actually afraid of her; they're just... not getting too close.


Sunflash is busying himself with quiet rounds through the crowds, ever
listening for possible problems to get in front of. Old habits die hard, its not
even his event!


Like many siren seen in Fa'Diel, Mollianne bears the unmistakable traits
that define her avian heritage. Strong, deep-plumed legs of white feathers
transition into formidable talons that possess their own brand of
captivating deadliness. From her back sprout two majestic wings, expansive
and of pristine white feathers, which easily dwarf her small frame in a
display of ethereal beauty all their own. Her eyes mirror the serene
surface of the ocean on a tranquil evening, which peer through tousled
auburn bangs that frame her youthful features in a perpetually-disheveled
yet endearing bob of short hair. Around her neck is a pendant in the shape
of a small egg or teardrop, which often seems to find itself concealed
within the embrace of her ample chest. All of this is wrapped up in a
petite package, as she stands scarcely taller than five feet in height,
although her wings would bestow upon her a couple of additional inches if
they were included in the measurement. Within her smile seems to reside a
unique brand of her own personal charisma, a perpetual aura of ease and
warmth that exudes friendliness and approachability.

Mollianne is using:
a translucent Soul Gem
a padded leather strap, wrapped snugly around the chest
a worn-out, ripped aquamarine ankle-length skirt


The established mascot and face of the Festival of Lights, Hikari is a
young woman that looks like she's pushing into her late teens or early
twenties, and though her expression and demeanor come off as demure, she
carries a regal sort of flair about her that seems almost unnatural, yet
fitting at the same time. Far too many blonde curls nearly hide her shining
green eyes from view, though she seems to be trying to make an effort to
avoid this with a butterfly-shaped hairclip pinned at her left temple. It's
not uncommon to see her smiling at something, as if she had nothing in the
world to worry or fret about.

Hikari is using:
a hairclip in the shape of a cartoon butterfly
a beautiful blue gown, heavily-detailed and designed with a
regal flair
warm winter boots, colored white and rimmed with synthetic
faux-fur


This woman exudes an aura of peace about her full-figured frame, with a
relaxed-yet-graceful posture that seems to coincide harmoniously with those
around her at all times. Waves of curly blonde hair frame her face in such
a way as to tease the emerald green hue of her eyes, though a
butterfly-shaped hairclip adorning her right temple seems to help a little
bit. She wears what appears to be a talisman of some kind around her neck,
a small bit of paper encased in some sort of laminate to protect from the
elements, and she regards everyone that comes along as if they were all
equally-important parts of the world around her. Strangely, the immediate
air around her seems just a trace colder than it does further outward.

Kaede is using:
a hairclip in the shape of a cartoon butterfly
a shimmering blue kimono, off-shouldered and a bit low in
the neckline
a sparkling white obi, fastened securely



This businessman looks especially cheerful in demeanor, wearing a
fur-lined coat and white boots against the drafty weather encompassing the
Festival grounds. A snappy blue suit and dark blue tie with black business
slacks finishes the ensemble underneath. His hair is short and a bit
tousled, and his facial features imply more than a little bit of oriental
heritage, along with a thin black moustache.



Emouse munches on some popcorn and tries not to belch too loudly.


After a short period of time, Hikari breaks away from her parents and disappears
through a curtain, backstage. This leaves Mr. and Mrs. Fukawa to take center
stage, which they do, where a microphone waits upon a stand for the both of them
to step up to. As they do, the crowd generally settles down and grows quiet.


Sunflash finds himself too much in the front and center of the crowd than he
intended, but manages to get to the right of the front row before pushing
through the crowd would be too much. Resigned to his fate as probably deaf, he
turns to watch expectantly.


Mr. Fukawa clears his throat, placing a hand in one of his pockets, as he tends
to do. "Welcome, one and all! We thank you most graciously for your presence
tonight, as the Festival of Lights would be nothing without any and all of you.
Although the festivities won't truly begin until tomorrow morning, we've set
aside a short period of time to preempt the celebration with a special
performance from my daughter, Hikari Fukawa."

Mr. Fukawa pauses briefly, glancing at Kaede, before speaking again. "As some of
you may know, my wife, Kaede, was very ill this past year. She has since made a
fantastic recovery, and from what I understand, some of you in the audience may
have played a part in that recovery. I know not who you are or aren't, but if
you are with us tonight, you have our sincerest thanks for your compassion and
empathy."

Mr. Fukawa bows low to the audience, and Kaede does exactly the same.

Understandably, the audience gives a round of applause.

Aludra sits out among the crowd. There may be one or two angry looks her way
given that she's taking up multiple seats. But that's the giganto lifestyle,
knees tucked in close to try and minimize real estate. At least she's not trying
to snack while she's here. But there will always be time for enriching the fried
food stands after the show.

Sunflash joins in with the brief applause, glad for once he didn't have anything
to do with something important but that still got done.

Mr. Fukawa and his wife straighten, the latter offering a pleasant, perhaps
somewhat bashful smile, as Mr. Fukawa speaks once more. "Tonight, we have a
musical performance by my daughter, a wonderful song that embodies the spirit of
Hikari no Matsuri and everything about it. Before I hand the stage over to her,
however..." Mr. Fukawa glances off to the side of the stage, in Mollianne's
direction.

"I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank Ms. Mollianne, for her
assistance and guidance in helping my daughter with tonight's performance.
Being a seasoned performance artist, herself, she took my daughter under her
wing and helped draw out even further potential than she already had waiting
inside. Thank you!" Mr. Fukawa gives a brief applause of his own, which is
followed swiftly by the audience.

Amongst the clapping, there are a few laughs at the possibly-unintended 'under
her wing' joke, as well.

Mollianne grins and offers a wave to the crowd, going so far as to blow a few
kisses in random directions as well, but refrains from actually speaking. Her
charm is fairly evident, if the crowd's reaction is anything to speak of.

Following the glance and reflexively clapping along with everyone else helped
Sunflash disguise the confusion upon noticing Mollianne. Something felt familiar
with that one, but what? One day he'll really have to find a healer that can rip
into his poor head. Probably with a chainsaw.


The applause gradually dies down for all parties involved, and Mr. Fukawa takes
the microphone off the stand. In doing so, Kaede picks up the stand, itself,
and proceeds to head backstage with it, disappearing behind the curtain. "My
friends, please give a warm and happy welcome to my daughter, as she will now
perform for your viewing and listening pleasure, this evening. I hope you are
all as happy to be here as my family and I. Thank you!"

And with that, the curtain parts, allowing Hikari Fukawa to meekly reappear
onstage, giving a cautious glance behind her as Kaede is seen descending a small
flight of stairs to place herself stageside.

Hikari walks up toward the front of the stage, where Mr. Fukawa passes off the
microphone to her. He shares with her a gentle embrace, and says something
quietly amidst the roar of applause from the audience at Hikari's arrival,
before he, too, removes himself from the stage to join his wife.

Sunflash visibly winces a moment as the applause hits its peak before pasting a
smile on his face and politely joining in with the clapping.


Hikari takes a deep breath, forcing a small smile. "Thank you all for coming, I
truly appreciate it. Tonight, I will be performing the song, 'Hikari no
Kisetsu,' which was selected as a core idea of what we should all be feeling
during the Festival of Lights." She pauses for a moment. and seems as though
she were about to say something else, but stops herself. Instead, she stomps
her foot twice on the stage floor, as if to indicate something. It's pretty
obvious that she's experiencing at least a small bit of stage fright.

White lights suddenly encase the perimeter of the stage as the song begins, a
gentle piano lead with relaxing strings in a second accompaniment. Hikari takes
a few steps back toward the middle of the stage, casting a glance at her mom who
is standing stageside. Kaede gives her daughter a knowing grin as the opening
plays on; its tune resounds about the event stage, a warm and embracing tune
that gradually winds down as Hikari takes a deep breath, grasping the microphone
in both hands as she begins to sing. "Asufaruto ni saita..." Hikari closes her eyes, as the lights surrounding the stage twinkle and shine. "Kodomo no rakugaki ga; kagerou ni yurarete...arukidashita." The apprehension is just subtly noticeable in her tonal inflection, but she seems to be holding her own.

A large marquee over the top of the stage, offering assistance for the hearing
and language impaired, displays a translation in bright red digital letters: "On
the asphalt roads, the children's scribbles are blooming; I walked past them,
swaying along in the hazy heat."

Hikari's parents are beaming from stageside, Kaede especially; she looks ready
to burst with pride, with only her husband's arm around her shoulders holding
her back.

Mollianne, too, looks fairly enamored by Hikari's opening, one little fang
poking out from between her grinning lips.

Sunflash has crossed his arms by this point, moving into a standing-but-relaxed
position as he just listens while watching the area out of habit.

"Daremo shiranai yakusoku no, oka de meguriau..." Hikari begins to sway gently,
eyes still closed, absorbing herself into the song. Behing her, the lights creep
along the edge of the stage, forming designs and patterns as they march across
the paneling in time to the music. "Tatta ichido no kyou to iu, kiseki no toki
wo kan-jite..."

Her eyes open, boasting a sparkling radiance that matchs the smile gradually
forming on her face. The lights brighten considerably about the stage as the
music rises in triumphant preparation for the chorus.

The large overhead marquee displays the following in bright red digital letters:
"We met in a strange place, keeping a promise that no one knew, and I felt a
miraculous moment that happens only once."

A whistle and several cheers can be heard from the crowd, as several people in
the crowd verbally express their approval of Hikari's performance thus far.

Emouse cheers maniacally as Hikari shows them who's boss.

Sunflash will be started out of his reverie to emit a small generic cheer along
with others near him, in a very "I just woke up why are we clapping" moment.

Variance cheers maniacally as Hikari shows them who's boss.

The strings raise to match the piano as a firework is launched into the sky
behind the stage, thundering briefly and lighting up the night sky as its
explosion spurs Hikari into action. "Nagareru kumo oikakete-, ima ni mo
tsukamesou na-" One of her hands removes itself from the microphone, and it
leads her across the stage as she begins to stride off to one side, fully taken
by the song.

"Mune no yokan takanari, ugoki hajimeta unmei..!" Hikari is smiling from ear to
ear as she sings, despite a bright red tinge in both cheeks that betrays a more
than a bit of self-consciousness.

The large overhead marquee displays the following in bright red digital letters:
"Chasing after the flowing clouds, I feel like I'll be able to grasp them at any
moment; there's a premonition in my heart, and my destiny begins to move."

Kaede cheers loudly. "You've got this, Hikari-chan! Keep it up!"

The lights around the stage dim somewhat, as Hikari walks toward the front of
the stage; the music lowers again as she prepares to sing again, kneeling down
and smiling at a few nearby faces in the crowd. "Ishidan no kanata wo... aruku
kimi no senaka"

Hikari drops herself altogether at the edge of the stage, letting her legs hang
over the side and kicking her feet slightly, as the lights continue to dance
across the stage's exterior. "Toresou de torenai... kimi to sukui~"

The large overhead marquee displays the following in bright red digital letters:
"Walking beyond these stone steps, you know I have your back; When I feel like I
can't make it, you'll be there to save me."

A couple of nearby audience members cheer loudly at Hikari's proximity, bouncing
in place as they clap and make a ruckus.

Sunflash gives a small nod. Always nice to see someone new to a skill practicing
it live and getting acknowledged for it. A tired smile crosses his lips for a
moment.

"Kaze ga kimi no kami wo yurashi, kaori dake hakobu..." Hikari glances up and
off to the side, into the night sky. As if on cue, another firework launches
into the sky where she's watching, lighting up the darkness and sending a
thunderous roar across the festival grounds. Hikari grins at this, as she
continues to sing.

"Yuugure toki no sora ni ima~, azayaka ni kizami negai...!" Hikari lowers her
gaze, refocusing on the crowd as the music builds in preparatory momentum once
more.

The large overhead marquee displays the following in bright red digital letters:
"Your hair sways in the wind and it carries along your scent, as I etch a wish
into the dusky sky."

A small portion of the audience become unable to contain their excitement as the
fireworks take place along with the music, and begin to cheer loudly as well.

Emouse says 'Evening wishes...'

Sunflash can't help the wince at another firework, but is clearly slowly
adapting to the volume enough to enjoy the performance at a more conscious
level. Doesn't stop the slight swaying in time to the music.

Hikari's voice finds itself more pronounced as she starts into the second
chorus, and the blush has faded considerably from her cheeks, indicating that
she's found her stride in the midst of such a large crowd. "Afureru kokoro
osaete, itsudemo koboresou na~..."

Hikari crosses her legs, one over the other, still perched on the edge of the
stage, her face beaming as brightly as the lights that surround her. "Karada
sasae noboreba, michi no keshiki ga hirogaru..."

The large overhead marquee displays the following in bright red digital letters:
"Hold back your overflowing heart, though it threatens to spill at any moment;
support yourself and climb, to see the rest of the road ahead."

A brilliant white rose goes flying up onto the stage and lands near Hikari, but
it isn't immediately clear who threw it.

Hikari's parents continue to beam with pride, their eyes shining almost as
brightly as Hikari's.

Mollianne seems to be caught up in the music as much as anything else, her eyes
closed as she gently rocks from taloned foot to taloned foot.

"Iro toridori no hanabi ga, machi no akari to kasanari" Hikari raises her free
hand, raising it up above her head and closing her eyes, holding the microphone
close with the other. "Kimi wo kazaru, he no you~, tomaranai kodou~ basarete..."
As soon as the last syllable leaves Hikari's lips, her raised hand turns into a
finger pointed upward, and a barrage of fireworks are suddenly sent into the
sky!

White, red, and green lights all flash in a a thunderous display across the
atmosphere, temporarily drowning out the music and causing the lights lining the
stage to go into overdrive, bringing a luminosity to the event as bright as the
fireworks themselves!

The large overhead marquee displays the following in bright red digital letters:
"Colorful fireworks overlap with the city lights, punctuated by the relentless
beating of your heart."

The crowd goes nuts as the fireworks are set off, rivaling the thunder of the
latter with their own cheering and hollering. Above most of them, Kaede can be
seen yelling for her daughter on her side of the stage, having broken free from
her husband's embrace and pressing herself up against the rim of the stage's
edge. Hikari's dad can be seen simply smirking, proud of his daughter in his
own, more-reserved way.

Sunflash was ready for a crescendo, and manages to hold himself in place with
hands over his ears to simply tough out the tide. Damn getting stuck up front,
no way to quietly vanish without making more of a scene.

A temporary reprieve from singing ensues as the piano and strings go into a mid
-song interlude, with the latter taking precedence over the piano for a brief
period of time, punctuated by the occasional choral vocal that provides a
heartwarming resonance amidst all the lights and cheering.

Hikari takes this opportunity to pull herself to her feet from the edge of the
stage, backpedaling with a bit of dramatic flair across the stage as she
crosses over toward where her mom is apparently waiting to be noticed, and
crouches down along the edge next to her.

Kaede wastes no time in reaching up to hug her daughter around the neck from
where she can reach, and says something that can't be heard over the crowd.
Hikari giggles in response, and says something back that also is lost in the
crowd's banter.

Before too long, the strings begin to accelerate, signifying the approaching end
of the musical intermission. Hikari swiftly breaks away from her mother and
twirls her way back towards center-stage, the skirt of her gown flying around
her frame as she does.

Hikari pivots and places one foot behind the other once she's where she needs to
be, as all of the lights on the stage suddenly dim very low, providing only a
small measure of the light they had just before. A dim panel illuminates on the
floor directly under Hikari, bathing her in a soft light that allows her to
remain visible despite the dimmed lighting.

Hikari's smile is knowing, and she raises the microphone once more, her other
hand placing itself on her chest. "Nagareru kumo oikakete~, ima ni mo tsukamesou
na~" Hikari lowers her hand from her chest, sharply gesturing to her left.
"Mune no yokan..." The left side of the stage spontaneously bursts alight!
"...Takanari..."

Hikari swiftly changes hands on the microphone, her other hand thrusting out
toward the right as that side of the stage, too, abruptly illuminates! "Ugoki
hajimeta unmei...!" Hikari stomps her left foot, and the rest of the stage is
suddenly lit up to match the sides, and the lights begin to swirl about the
floor, in a slow-but-steady dance toward the center where Hikari is standing.

The large overhead marquee displays the following in bright red digital letters:
"Chasing after the flowing clouds, I feel like I'll be able to grasp them at any
moment; there's a premonition in my heart, and my destiny begins to move."

When Hikari starts singing again, most of the crowd settles down, but it's
definitely not the rapt attention that it was before. Kaede continues to lean
against the edge of the stage, brimming with pride over her daughter's
performance.

Mollianne seems to be showing the same sort of sentiment, but the one hand on
her hip seems to give off a posture that implies her pride is more of a "teacher
being proud of a student" vibe. Still, she seems pretty pleased overall.

The lights continue to swirl upon the stage floor around Hikari, and she returns
one free hand to her chest, closing her eyes. "Me ga sameru hodo mabushii~...
asa no hiyori mo atatakai..." Hikari's free hand comes off her chest and raises
overhead, palm flat. The lights swirling about the floor finally reach where
she's standing... and then proceed to physically climb up her dress!

Hikari continues to sing, holding her stance. "Owari no nai, kagayaku..." Not
unlike two individually-lit fuses, the strings of light crawl over her gown and
over her outstretched arm, coalescing and coming together as a single, bright
ball of light that throbs gently in her palm. "Hikari no kisetsu ni...
dakarete~..."

The large overhead marquee displays the following in bright red digital letters:
"Awakened by the morning sun, this warm feeling that's even brighter still; I
want to be embraced by the never-ending season of lights."

The music reaches a crescendo as the last syllable lingers on Hikari's voice,
elongating it for several seconds. As soon she goes silent, the ball of light in
her palm immediately shoots into the sky as a magical firework of its own,
blasting into the sky and bringing day unto night for as far as the eye can see!

Sunflash removes the hands from his ears and gives his head a quick shake to
fight the ringing before composing himself back to active listening. The music
was good and the light show fantastic, at least.

There is no crackle or boom, and the aerial explosion results in no thunder,
instead raining down sparkles of ephemeral light upon both the stage and the
crowd, many of whom attempt to reach out to catch the falling lights, which pass
harmlessly through their fingers.

Emouse snaps their fingers in mild disappointment after being unable to catch
the lights. Not this kind, at least.

The song begins to descend into an outro, as Hikari lowers her hand to her side.

The song's outro plays through, a harmonious mix of piano and strings, and
Hikari proceeds to coo softly into the microphone along with the residual music,
finally opening her eyes to show the mistiness now present therein. Lights
continue to rain down all around her as the song gradually closes out, ending
with a final trail of piano keys.

As soon as the music fades, the crowd goes into a frenzy of cheers and applause,
and both of her parents can be seen ascending the stage from a staircase in the
back. Mollianne gives her own round of applause from the other side of the
stage, grinning broadly.

Hikari exhales visibly, still smiling, but looking notably self-conscious all
over again, amidst all of the ruckus and applause now being imposed upon her.

Emouse claps at Hikari's actions.

Aludra cheers maniacally as Hikari shows them who's boss.

The overhead marquee proceeds to fold up and back, sliding into a hidden
compartment until it is needed once more.

"Thank you! Thank you all very much!" Hikari's voice sounds a little shaken, and
her parents place themselves on either side of her as she takes in the
appreciation and applause, flustered by all the attention.

Hikari offers the microphone to her father, and doesn't hesitate before
sprinting off toward the back of the stage to disappear behind the curtain.
Mollianne watches as she goes, and can't help but laugh, though said laugh is
lost in the uproarious crowd. Mr. Fukawa takes the mic and chuckles, himself.
"We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful community here at Hikari no
Matsuri. Thank you all for your attendance, and please enjoy the rest of the
evening. We will open first thing tomorrow, afterward!" Kaede claps, too!

Emouse salutes Mr. Fukawa.

"Boy I feel that in my soul, girl." Sunflash's words, thankfully lost in the
crowd, were a fantastic summary of his mental state at this point. But he made
it through, which was a welcome surprise to himself.

Mollianne helps herself up on stage and allows herself behind the curtain, as
well. Kaede and Mr. Fukawa also take their leave, the latter bringing the
microphone with him.