Mission 111; Rock the stage G!

[cremuex]

Mission #111



The people of Lyneel mostly have exquisite taste. They have decided to open up an monthly talent show on their Island to celebrate those that have unique gifts! Perform a skit, play a tune, or do something that is enough to knock the socks off of the audience. But there are some very competitive rivals in this talent show, it seems! And they might stoop to anything in order to win! Finish #1 for a 10,000 beri prize.

Cremuex sat alert on the chair in her hotel room. She normally woke up reasonably early and her body jolted her awake at 6:00am, as it did every other day, regardless of how long she'd been up the night before. Her rest had been deep from the unexpected adventure she'd taken with her guest and it wasn't as uncomfortable as it looked with the way she'd curled up on the chair. Her blonde hair fallen over her face as she tucked her head into her arm and leaning against the wall that the chair was set beside. Her legs curled up underneath her and tucked away nice and warm. It was possible she'd fallen asleep like this talking to the scruffy looking man that she insisted sleep on the only bed in the room, a single bed at that, thanks to some unfortunate bruising located exactly everywhere visible on his person.



She stood up and stretched, as she rolled her neck from one side to the other, walking towards her carry bag of clothes to grab a change of clothes for her morning shower. Erwyn looked like he could do with a bit of a sleep in, so she would post pone making breakfast for a little while longer before the smell of a freshly cooked meal would stir him from his sleep.



She stepped into the small bathroom that the room had and took off the baggy, far too over-sized men's shirt that she wore as pajama's and locked the door behind her just in case he was to wake up unexpectedly and need to use the lavatory. While it was understandable that anyone would like some privacy while bathing hers was two-fold to protect herself from being found out as a sky person- something that Erwyn might recognize as his time on the white sea as a sky-pirate.



It was in the warmth, steam and lathered bubbles that an odd feeling came to her- it was like something was off. It didn't feel dangerous, or malicious by any means, but something around her had changed since the day before. She tried to push the feeling out of her mind and just enjoy the shower, but the feeling stayed with her, lingering in the back of her mind quietly.



Once she was clean and dry she changed into something far more casual than her waffle themed outfit from the date prior. A simple pink shirt with ruffles and a blue bow that matched the buttons that went all the way down under her white and blue under-bust corset that held her wings firmly against her back to minimize suspicion. A pink pleated skirt that flared out towards the bottom with ruffles that matched the top half of her ensemble. Pink and white thigh high stockings adorning her legs before she unlocked the door and walked into the equally small kitchen to begin the day by preparing to make a batch of berry pancakes and fresh orange juice. Preparing the meal took some time since she made everything from scratch and the freshest available ingredients.



She tried to avoid humming as such buttered up the pan; not wanting to wake her guest prematurely with noise, the flour and blueberry mix wouldn't make much noise as it rose and gave way to small bubbles that lifted up from the heat, filling the kitchen and adjoining room with a soft, sweet, homely smell.

[Surua]

A restless sleep, fraught with terrible nightmares of being beset upon by fearsome creatures and regrets made form. Wouldn't that be just awful if it were the case? Not this time though! Erwyn leapt from the bed as though it were made of snakes on fire, feeling well-rested and right as rain.

Well, for the most part. He was still partially injured from an unfortunate prior engagement so moved sorely, but the fallen sky pirate was shaping up well thanks to a friend. He was a little concerned about the sleeping arrangements since he was pretty worn out the eve prior and passed out quick upon reaching the room, but he hoped Crem hadn't had a hard time of it. Scratching his head in thought, he'd have to figure a way to make it up to her later. That was something though, yes, nice to have full freedom and movement of his hands again after suffering a recent bout of handcuffed-itis. After quickly remaking the bed, Erwyn followed his nose to the little kitchen area without bothering to throw a shirt on or otherwise get properly dressed, his curiosity getting the better of him. Leaning in the doorway he saw Crem busy, a smirk playing across his face as the ever-dwindling suspicion that his meeting her was just a dream, grew smaller still.

"Somethin' smells good." he spoke as he made his way over, to lean on a counter beside her, "Oh, and yer' cookin' too!"

To help out as he could, share some of the weight, he rummaged around for dishes and such, "So what's the plan fer' today then? Save the world?"

[SheerHeart Attaku]

Not too far from the same apartment Cremuex and her companion had been staying...as a matter of fact, just across from them had been a fated musician, one that had her work cut out for her on this specific day.
The birds around her window had chirped, a tune one oh so pleasing to the senses, one that spoke about the beginning of an enticing morning!
It was around this time that Gang G. Roenia had decided to awaken from the slumber she held herself in. Her arms stretched out to the ceiling with a long pause inbetween before she shook her own head to pull herself together.

Out of the bed she went almost racing to the shower, as if she were a child getting ready to go to the toy store; an excited look on her face.

Once she had gotten into the shower she let out a relaxing sigh, the hot water hitting her body. The feeling was nice, very nice! "It...it makes me wanna siiiing~" She said perfectly hitting the high note as she did so. Her voice was so crystal clear and had the flow of the stream in a lake. No glass of water was required for this musician to sing well, it was almost like it was in her blood.

upon exiting the shower, Roenia would step onto the ground with an alluring giggle, having spent her entire time in the shower exorcising her voice. It was then, after she had handled everything that goes into a morning for a girl like her she had finally gotten dressed, not forgetting her star spangled Cap and her fruity earrings.

The only thing that had been missing was something to eat. With a huff, the young musician made her way to a small fridge beside her bed to see what she could have made herself for this morning only to see...water balls...nothing but water. Looking back it probably wasn't wise to spend the little money she had for 2 nights at this hotel and nothing to eat...
She desperately picked out 2 water bottles from the fridge, immediately downing one of them. Strangely it felt as she if she had only gotten hungrier! 

The knot of pain in her stomach made her slouch over, resting a hand on a nearby table for support. She let out a breath, wondering why she had felt so hungry.

-In the meantime~
A boy from the innertone had gotten permission to go into this hotel for one reason and one reason only...To each door he would paste a flyer and give the door a knock, wasting no time going to the next. It wasn't long before the child had reached two particular doors...pasting the flyer on them and giving them each a knock before running off....Cremuex would find her door had been one of these....and so would Roenia

With a raise of the eyebrow Roenia moved to her door, doing her best to put aside the beading hunger to answer it. Upon opening the door she would find no one was there. For a moment she had been confused, that was until she saw the door across from her with a poster on it. She blinked before walking over to the said flyer on the other person's door...not really i her right mind to realize how nosey this could have been if not for it being on every door around her, even her own...but she didn't know this.

She would skim the flyer, running her eyes across the entire thing but paying attention to one major detail...

"A...talent show? here?" Roenia would say out loud in front of the door of our two other protagonists...

[cremuex]

((OOC: Crem's color is going to be pastel pink for the remainder of the thread, I just don't want dialog to get confusing.))

Erwyn's comment that something smelled good garnered him a giggle from the blonde and a chirpy Good morning! How'd ya sleep?" as she flipped over the pancake to cook to a golden color on the other side. By the time her attractive albeit rough looking friend found the plates and cutlery she flipped the hotcake onto the plate and offered for him to try.

"I dunno how you like 'em, but there's some butter and honey in the fridge I think, and some sugar over by the kettle." The mention of butter, honey and/or sugar might have been way too sweet for him but for her, melted butter with a thin layer of sugar on top was just the bee's knees. However that might have been a bit too rich for his liking, which was why she hadn't put anything on the pancakes herself. The fridge probably also had those tiny packets of spreadable jams too come to think of it.

She'd almost expected a hug from behind like in one of those romantic movies, but it was understandable why he hadn't after all- they'd only just met yesturday and anyone else probably wouldn't be on such familial terms with what could easily be considered a stranger.

"Well, I don't have any plans yet but I reckon you could probably use a rest huh? We can just have a little quiet time and- she stopped mid-sentence hearing something muffled come from directly outside of the door into the motel room. Blue eyes looked at Erwyn, not noticing until now that the man she'd been speaking to had graced her with being shirtless. In this moment, as her face flushed a pale red, she realised that she would never NOT respond in such a way to the pirate's presence.

"I'll... uhh... go- go check the door." She pushed the flat spatula into Erwyns hands and opened her palms out as if to say 'no backsies' before ducking out of the room. She had a moment to compose herself from the entirely welcome and pleasant view. She rubbed the small dribble of blood trailing down one of her nostrils with the back of her hand before opening the door with the other only to find someone standing immediately opposite her, almost as if their face was pressed almost touching the door that she'd just opened.

Her opening the door made her stare in mutual confusion at the musician,

"Hello, how can I help you?" came the sincere response that spoke volumes as to how she automatically treated people by default. Her eyes followed the line from young woman's gaze to the flier that had been pasted on the door, taking a step back into the room to view it properly.

This seemed to answer the question of what they could do for the day.

"Erwyn, there's a talent show on today, would you like to see it?" She called out softly in the direction of the kitchenette.

The older woman's gaze returned once more to the visitor at her door, giving a polite bow and gesturing inside the reasonably small room as she introduced herself and invited the girl in with one smooth sweeping motion. She could easily be confused as some sort of servant, like a butler or a waitress in her mannerisms. This wasn't something she put on for heirs but was simply how she did things.

"My name is Cremuex, would you like to come in? We're just about to have breakfast." One of her traits was how trustworthy she considered complete strangers to be, something that was both kind and largely idiotic on her own part when you take into consideration that the world was full of not-very-nice people.

Cremuex looked up with a warm genuine smile that hid no malicious intent or ill-will towards the other.

"Are you thinking of entering the talent contest? I think it'll just be lovely to see all the different skills everyone has, it should be interesting to watch at the very least." She commented politely, not really having any talent worthy of being considered 'entertaining' as she returned o the kitchen to check on Erwyn, informing him that they had a visitor, though he'd probably gathered as much from having ears on either side of his head.

[Surua]

Some quiet time would be nice admittedly, having been on the move constantly till then. Physically Erwyn could use the rest sure, but it'd be a welcome change of pace to not have to deal with any stress either for a day. If it was going to be anything like the breakfast, why, he wouldn't have made any other choice.

Unfortunately the world came a' knocking, and Crem shoved a spatula off on the scruffy fellow before heading for the door. If she was so eager the check then he didn't need to join her, but he kept an eye peeled in case the stranger wasn't friendly. Spatula at the ready, they'd have interrupted the wrong breakfast for sure.

"Erwyn, there's a talent show on today, would you like to see it?"

"Talent show? How can they be havin' a talent show when I ain't involved?"

It was an odd thing to be asked, certainly left field from whatever Erwyn may have imagined the stranger outside was after or interested in. A talent show though, he'd never heard of such a thing but the name explained enough. If it was anything like those open stage performances they had skyside, then it would at least be worth a laugh or three. Soon enough though the sky pirate's questions would be answered, when Crem up and invited the stranger into the room.

"Oh... well, guess there's no point gettin' dressed now. Might'n a heads up next time maybe..."

He hadn't expected company if Roenia cared to enter, so getting caught at the table in his boxers, for a split second he froze as his mind dashed to the best solution. Exhaling in resignation though, Erwyn figured by that point it was already too late and just continued on eating, shouldering the blame for the scenario.

"So a show, like a competition? S'there a prize fer' the winner?" he asked between bites.

[SheerHeart Attaku]

(Procrastination has been defeated!!!)

"Reward for.." just as she had been finishing up the flyer the door she had been viewing the poster on had opened, her eyes met with a woman in the opposite direction of her. It was an awkward situation up until the woman had taken a look at what Roenia had her own eyes on prior.

Roenia stood up straight, blushing slightly at the realization that she had just been standing in front of this person's door. As the woman had read the flyer and seemed to call back to a person within their room she took a look back at her own door to see the poster there as well. She couldn't help but feel a sweat drop droop down the side of her head.... When her attention was turned back to the woman in front of her she introduced herself and invited her in for breakfast! Such quick escalation was almost hard to process.

Because of this Roenia thought she should decline, so she did waving her hand dismissively. "O-oh no, I couldn't just barge in unannou-" as she was finishing her sentence she had been interrupted by her stomach, and she remembered the empty fridge within her own room. 

With a flutter of the cheeks, a warm smile and the extending of her hand for a shake.

"Cremuex, you said your name was? You can call me Roenia! I suppose staying for breakfast wouldn't be too rambunctious! hehehe..." she said with a somewhat awkward laugh at the end, rubbing the back of her head as she entered the room.
"Well, I had only just aw that flyer...but you know I wouldn't mind joini-" As she spoke her eyes drifted to the area in front of her. A man at the table, he was without a shirt and without pants...but with boxers thankfully. Like a pot of tea her face slowly gave off a steamy glow of red before she realized this could have been Cremuex' loved one to which she shook her head and cleared her throat only momentarily distracted by the shirtless man. 

"I-ah- ahem!...heh I was planning on joining the contest yes..." She waddled closer to Cremuex facing away from the shirtless man. "O-oh uh- I'm Gang G. Roenia by the way...but you can call me Roenia..." She said towards Erywn although it was possibly unclear as she had been facing away from him. 
Roenia would slowly shrug her arm over Cremuex' shoulder leaning in close to her for words between the two and no one else. 
"Cremuex...just so you know..." if Crem were to look at Roenia now, the steam blowing from her ears might have almost been visible. "I wasn't staring..."

[cremuex]

"Well, now I know your name it's hardly unannounced, and it isn't barging in either if you're invited~" Cremuex cooed to the younger girl, giving a giggle at Roenia's stomach rumble. She wasn't entirely sure what it was but the term 'rambunctious' made her like the new guest even more. She seemed like she was fun and playful, something she enjoyed finding in other people as much as kindness.

"You're interested in a talent show? Oh oh oh!" She chirped in excitement at Erwyn's response, "If you were thinking of entering I'd totally go and cheer you on! What were you thinking of for your bit?" Her question was still directed at the more hunky  resident as she fixed up two plates of breakfast for herself and the newer companion that graced them.

While she didn't know much of the other woman in the room she was still happy to hear that she was interested in joining the entertainment as well. It seemed tonight would be an eventful evening.

To answer the question of whether there was a prize she returned to the poster, "Ten grand for first place... doesn't seem to say anything about second place but you can sign up to enter at the front office before three pm. Looks like it won't begin until five though..."

She did her best to keep a straight face as the shaggy scarcely dressed man at her table lamented not being given more warning to look more presentable. She had to admit, she hadn't entirely thought it through offering her inside the room. She'd gotten a minor nose bleed from seeing him just moments prior but someone at their door had completely wiped her memory in that regard.

"Y-you don't have to get dressed on my account." She quietly stammered, almost under her breath but enough that the lass standing next to her could hear, had she cared to listen. Cremuex herself was quite flushed, but allowed the distraction offered to her as an arm hung itself over her shoulder. This new girl really was quite friendly! She must have been comfortable around new people and this was something that made her inherently trustworthy. Her casual demeanor made everything more relaxed just by her presence.

The blonde replied in a whisper to match the private conversation, "I was..." she trailed off, still looking at Erwyn with a sheepish dreamy smile. "And you are missing out-" If she was more mature she probably could have taunted the younger by painting an image of the man before them in flowery language that worshiped his muscled form and daring, bad-boy attitude. That is, she would have if that wouldn't have had just as much of an effect flustering her as it did the other.

"Would you like a drink?" She offered, finally tearing her eyes away for a moment. This would probably be the best time for the author to note that 'damn girl, you thirsty' only didn't make the cut because the thirst was so real that she could have dried up a small lake herself.

[Surua]

"O-oh uh- I'm Gang G. Roenia by the way...but you can call me Roenia..."

Nice girl, a little odd, shy maybe? She waltzed into the room upon Crem's invitation well enough, even intent on joining them for breakfast, but then she acted like a penguin and also tried talking without bothering to look his way? Maybe she just wasn't comfortable around strangers. Well, as good a chance as any to break the ice, as he got up to approach her. Erwyn would have shook her hand, but since her arms and hands didn't bend backwards, he had to settle with planting a firm hand on her shoulder as he gestured towards the table with his other.

"Well it's mighty fine to meet'cha Roenia, might'n ya' join us for breakfast? Cremuex can whip up some mean panned cakes that'll set ya' right!"

No question about that, Crem's foodstuffs were the best he'd had since he could remember. To be fair what the scruffy man was used to eating would probably offend her good senses, but he tried never to be picky and take what he got. Getting this now though, it was like he didn't know what tasted good until he tasted this. Why she didn't make a living off it was beyond him.

"You're interested in a talent show? Oh oh oh! If you were thinking of entering I'd totally go and cheer you on! What were you thinking of for your bit?"

"Hmmm..." he pondered aloud, "...well I reckon I could start with my patented, world-famous Five Minute Shower. Prepare to be amazed!"

Clapping both ladies on the back, Erwyn raided the bedroom for his clothes before making for the bathroom to get ready for the day. Normally he'd have been fine as he was, maybe jump in a river or go for a swim in a fountain to get clean, but now that he might be traveling with Cremuex he had responsibilities to hold himself to, standards to aspire to. One such, being at least cleaner, if no less scruffy.

[SheerHeart Attaku]

    Roenia walked a few paces forward, her cheeks flustered a she rubbed the back of her head after the man had run off. She looked to Crem with a smile. "Quite the guy huh? heheh..." She let a little light hearted laugh before taking a seat. She held her hands together on the table and took a moment to regain herself before addressing a matter more serious concerning the talent show.
        "I suppose...it would be a good opportunity to spread some love through music out onto the island..I'm not sure why this talent show is being held...but Since it is, it gives me an excuse to make others feel good..."


        He had looked down at the table, just thinking about how she slap smiles on peoples faces with her music, for a moment she had drowned herself in that thought but soon awoke from it realizing she was still a party to this lovely breakfast. Blinking twice she looked to Cremuex and shook her head to pull herself together.

    "B-but I'm still thinking about it! hahaha! H-hey maybe I'll think about it more during this morning! in any other case..."

    Roenia clapped her hands together and bowed her head towards Crem. "Thank'ya for the food Miss Cremu, 'preciated it!" She said with a giggle before she winced a moment once again giving Cremuex her attention.

    "Ah! E-Erwyn you called him? he says you make'a mean pancake, I'm actually quite excited to see or should I say..taste how true that is!" 
    She said jokingly to Cremuex, this had probably been one of the best mornings any person could find themselves being apart of, how lucky to run into such welcoming and nice people? Roenia could really get used to having someone like Cremuex as a friend, that was something she was sure of.

[cremuex]

Cremuex blinked slowly at Erwyn's response. Was a five minute shower his special talent or was he just going to clean himself up. She couldn't help but wonder what type of a flashy sight a 'five minute shower' would be on stage. Possibly something with bubbles and sparkles as one might expect from an eccentric figure skater.

She hadn't really thought to wash his clothes since they went to sleep pretty quickly upon arriving and she felt a little bit concerned that he didn't have anything else to change into. Being a drifter he probably didn't have much need to carry many clothes and his backpack like jet pack contraption probably weighed a fair bit too.

When Roania took her seat she simply smiled back, cocked her head ever so slightly and shrugged as she went back to cooking the last of breakfast.

"I haven't really been around here longer than a few days, so I don't know if it's a special thing, or a cyclical thing- it's probably good for publicity though. This place seems pretty dependent on tourists at least economically speaking." She placed a plate of mouthwatering buttery pancakes in front of her guest and took her own seat on the single bed, using her lap as an impromptu table.

She couldn't help but notice how sweet and gentle the musician's smile was- it brought to mind frangipanis, though she couldn't pin point why. Cremuex herself was quite prone to daydreaming and she knew that far off stare as well as anyone. There was a kindness to her gaze, like a mother watching her only child play in a garden and her words about bringing others happiness resonated quietly with her.

"Heehee, aww, that's quite alright sugar-cube! It's a pleasure to have such a polite young lady around." She felt fairly comfortable around strangers, but Gang would probably fit her like a little sister type. Being an only child, there was always a slight inclination and wonderment about what that would be like.

Her bubblegum-pink lips curled slightly at the mention of Erwyn. It seemed her new friend might have had a little bit of a crush, which is very very cute, and Cremuex simply loved love, so the desire to play match maker was one that always tempted her.

"Yeah, that's Erwyn, he's such a sweetheart. Very respectful, I'm sure he'd make a very loving partner." Her eyelids drooped slightly as she gazed at the younger girl. "He's energetic, fun, thoughtful... I'm sure he'd be a lot stronger if he weren't so bruised. Time will fix that though. I have to admit, I've not known him for very long but he certainly makes quite an impression." Of course, she could talk him up about how brave he was to face his fear of drowning, that would show both his vulnerability and a sort of inner strength, but she would just plant the first little seeds and let them grow of their own volition. She probably shouldn't be setting strangers up anyhow, but she did know that Erwyn, at least, was single.

Her mind came somewhat sharply back as she realised that she'd mentioned music before. She didn't appear to have an instrument with her, perhaps something small she could carry on her like a harmonica, but nothing large like a saxophone or a guitar. "You sing?" It wasn't so much a question as a gentle prod, of course she could also have an instrument that she just left back in her room.

"I have a ukulele- I can only play a few chords on it, but I think it'd be fun to play with you some time, I mean, if you're ever interested in that." The slight pink blush to her cheeks and her gaze being diverted down suggested a shyness that was uncommon to her bubbly personality, it was more that she was embarrassed that should couldn't play very well and had blurted out such an offer. She could always get better with practice, it's just that being raised in a tavern gave her an appreciation for good music. She also knew of a certain bald devil fruit user that enjoyed singing, and that she enjoyed listening to. Perhaps the Sweets Delight could make for a good musical touring vessel. It did, after all, have a stage (albeit small since it was technically the cover of the jacuzzi).

[Surua]

Approximately five minutes later there was a rough slam against the bathroom door, followed by some fiddling with the handle before Erwyn emerged clean as could be though a little disoriented. As well, his usual mess of hair sat a little lower, still wet as it was.

"Whoops... door opens inways."

He had on some different clothes, the one spare set he had. They couldn't really be called clean by any measure, but they weren't worn like his others. A different shirt, and shorts though they may not have been appropriate for the weather, and he realized only too late he was probably a bit too old to be wearing shorts so casually. Unless of course he managed to find himself a Hawaiian-style floral pattern print outer shirt he could have on and open. All the cool kids on the blue sea were doing it these days, the fishmen kids that is.

Well that was all well and good, but it might as well be a million miles away. Right now, the scruffy man had his new friends to consider. Sure enough it looked like Crem lived up to her name, if her name was instead 'tasty good breakfast times' and was known for it. Then again they only just met, it may well be that it was the case, who was he to say?

"So how long abouts till the show then? A little practice 'afore then'd be mighty fine. If'n I can get the hang of things again..."

Erwyn wasn't opposed to being in the talent show, if it wasn't a kid's thing, but on such short notice... it was like riding a bicycle though right? Once you learn, you never really forget.

Wait... what's a bicylce? And for that matter what's Hawaii?