Fabulous Season The Third

[bebest]

I Am What I Am

♪- Born This Way

The Vogue theatre has gone ALL out for pride month as always. The Vogue was always been made to Be The Place To Be - but that goes into overdrive in June. Pride is the most important time of year after all, and residents of Kaisou will find the theatre extremely accommodating for the season. At any time they show up, they will find the place bedecked with various flags, covering the whole LGTBQA+ spectrum. The bar and lobby have been rearranged to let more people congregate in the space- with stools and tables set to the corners of the room to allow space in the centre for a makeshift dancefloor or mingling space. After theatre performances and on the weekends, the speakers blast out queer anthems, encouraging people to take to the dancefloor and show their stuff.

The bar is serving up speciality cocktails, shots and mocktails. Perhaps the boldest of drinkers might try to drink the whole damn progress flag. Though that does come with a disclaimer that The Vogue cannot be held responsible for what happens to those who take on that challenge- and after "The Venti Incident" everyone needs to have someone with them who can take them home. A note on the bar states that the total drinks sales for June would be divided among various queer support charities in the city- so people are doing GOOD by having a night out here this month. It has a definite party atmosphere, with the theatre staying open into the early hours of the morning each day.

Born To Be A Queen

♪- Cover Girl

The main event comes in the final weekend- a fabulous drag competition! Drag queens and kings alike are encouraged to enter, with the promise of a $5,000 prize for winning. The dressing rooms in the theatre are decked out and ready for the contestants to use to prepare. Established drag kings and queens from the city are around to provide support and advice- though they are encouraged to help each other, too. While contestants are welcome to duck out of challenges they don't want to do, they will be awarded "Fabulous Points" for everything they take part in and score highly in. The challenges include:

Design Challenge - The drag acts need to design a fabulous outfit - while they can get help with the sewing aspect if they're not skilled in the area, the design is expected to be all of their own. The theme for this season's design challenge is Kanto Couture- an outfit inspired by the Kanto realm.
Songbird Challenge - Contestants can dress in drag of their own design while they perform a song on stage- unlike lip-synching, they are expected to win this with the power of their own pipes.
Snatch Game - A must for any drag contest. Kings and queens are expected to dress up as and impersonate a celebrity of their choice. They will be tested on their impersonation and improv skills.
Choreography Challenge - Contestants must put together a choreographed number in groups of 5 or so. They will be judged on not only individual dance skills but how well they work together as a team to put out a fabulous dance number. Theme can be anything they so wish.
Lip-Sync Battle - Kings and queens need to bring their A-Game to this final challenge. They can lip-sync to a chosen song, they are expected to act, dance and death-drop to make a show-stopping final attempt to win the crown.

The winner of the show is the drag act who has garnered the highest number of Fabulous Points at the end of the competition. OOCly, this will be decided by RNG on 20th June, sign ups are here. After the drag race is over, there will be one last big blow-out party to see Pride Month out. The day after The Vogue will remain closed for the first week of July, so the staff take a well-earned break.

Comments

Zulius | Centaurworld | OTA

[bebest]

[ This is a big month for Zulius. It's the busiest month of his business year! It takes months of planning and work, and he loves it. He loves parties too, of course, which meant declining the invitation of Venti's weird ex (and the potential spilt tea he'd be missing) a heartbreaking choice. If Jareth had picked any other month, he would have been there. With bells on!

But he hadn't, and it turns out Venti's ex is a petty little bitch. Zulius was not amused to wake up to find his voice gone. The guy had pulled a Sea Witch on him and he hadn't even signed a sketchy contract to get some fancy human legs out of the deal. But voice or no, Zulius has work to do- and so he goes about his perfectionist tight-ship running of the Vogue as best he can.

He's armed with a dry-erase board and a pen. And when he needs your attention, he stamps his forehoof with a solid CLOP on the ground, before scribbling down what he needs, showing turning it to you. ]

What ARE you doing with that fabric?

[blessed_bonds]

[Arceus pauses in the middle of rubbing a piece of sparkly blue cloth against their face to look at Zulius's notepad. Then at the cloth in their (currently existent thanks to their angelic form being more humanoid) hands. Then back to Zulius.]

< Testing how it feels against my skin versus my coat? It would be a problem if it keeps catching or itches. >

[hoshikiri]

[Takame was well used to Zulius' perfectionist nature and was a good little gay soldier following every one of Zulius' strict demands.

He had been busy with others, however, so Takame was helping other folks out until his boss finally approached him about the fabric.

... And wrote on a board about it.

Takame looked at the board. Then the fabric. Then Zulius then the board again then Zulius again.]

... 'Tis an obi I've folded and am holding for one of the performers. I believe they wished to be kept anonymous for now.

[Tsukuyo-something was their performance name? Tsuki-something, he'd heard. Anyway, he tilted his head.]

If I may ask, is there a reason you are not speaking?

Lyney | Genshin Impact | OTA

[felyney]

Born to Be a Queen - Backstage

[Lyney himself is a long-time performer, so backstage is very, very familiar for him. The drag thing is a bit new, but he's honestly thriving. Bouncing around, humming, experimenting a little with accessories in front of a mirror, just thriving. He'll be bouncing around between contests, so hit him up!

(His first outfit is a dazzling rainbow of gems and sparkles, looking something like this, though with cats instead of turtles.]

Songbird

[Perhaps it's because he's gotten more memories of his past life or just because it's been stuck in his head since he streamed it when it came out, but Lyney chose something a bit less bombastic for this challenge. His pronunciation is pretty good for a guy who hasn't taken French since high school. The outfit for this one even matches it being a bit less flashy.]

The Vogue

[Look. He's a theater kid. He loves it here and will be hanging around even when the contest isn't on. He'll be dancing, chatting, and just being a social butterfly!

At one point, though, he looks at the Progress Flag Challenge.]

If it wouldn't knock me out...can I order just parts of the flag?

The Vogue

[bebest]

[Zulius, still muted, slides over with an amused smile. He pulls out his message board, scribbling on it, before holding it up to Lyney. ]

OFC! The drinks are totes still just there if you want certain ones. The challenge is just for the crazy people who wanna have their pic on the bar! Which honestly, it probs would know most people out so it's super fair!

Born to Be a Queen - Backstage;

[ganymed]

[ Ganymede is here as well, kind of just looking around...maybe he has just arrived, who knows?

He has some clothing in his arms - the dress and all, bunched together with other things, mildly, with the heels underneath that. It's a struggle, but boy he is making it happen. ]

...I guess I'm not too late for things?

ragna mercurisson | blazblue | ota

[centralfiction]

i. is this euphoria (backstage)

[Why in the blue hell did Ragna AGREE TO THIS SHIT???

There was so much damn work put into this whole thing, he's never performed anything before and never wanted to!! But NooOOoOoOoOo, Jun just HAD to strong arm him. And he didn't have the heart to back out with Harumasa being sick to boot. Ugh...

Times like this he wished he had his old right arm and its Concealment Ars so it wasn't as much work to sneak backstage to prep. Most of the people helping with that don't recognize him at least given he regularly avoided the Vogue.

But you might find some weirdo in a black hoodie sneaking around backstage with a bag that his get-up is folded in.]

ii. the loreen song not the kendrick one (preparation)

[Ragna or "Tsukuyo Yamato" as he was SUPPOSED to have a ~drag name~ or whatever, managed to get his outfit on without issue but struggled more with the wig and hair accessories. He also held a very pretty fan in his lap.

That was to say nothing of his make-up which he desperately needed someone else to help him with. Whoever took up that dubious honor would have the fun of hearing him either complain or start panicking low key.

He will not be speaking English at this time, thank you, prepare to learn a lot of colorful words in Swedish until he's snapped out of it.]

Fuck, fuck, fuck, shit, goddammit, why did I agree to this, fucking Jun, fucking Harumasa.

iii. not the tv show either

[Ragna cannot fucking sing. He's only doing the Lip-syncing shit and there's a fair chance someone had to push him onto the stage to do it.

And it's likely what he chose to sync to may well give him away to certain people who know his secret guilty pleasure of Eurovision. Sure people might know the original song, but who else is gonna go with something niche like its 2013 remix?!

Anyway, the moment he finished with that he practically bolted off-stage leaving a cartoon smoke cloud behind his feet and just kind of had to disassociate for a moment behind the curtain.]

Jesus... FUCKING Christ...

iv. he's going do-do-do-do-do-downnn (wildcard)

[Find him at the bar face down, wig still on, more comfortable clothes too and a drink set right next to him because he's had enough of performancing for the next one to four years he's got left to live.

This is your wildcard option.]

iv

[threebetrayals]

[He is so glad he got a wild hair and came to the Vogue along with Shio, holy shit.

He's just gonna sit down next to Ragna, leaning on the bar and giving him a Look.]

iii

[bebest]

[ Zulius was absolutely delighted to see Ragna enter. He never thought the guy would actually do it, and here he is! On stage! Doing the thing. Ragna's hopes for anonymity sure don't work with Zulius, poor bastard. And he's GOOD!! Zulius is so impressed!

As Ragna is having a moment behind the curtain, Zulius trots over with a grin. He claps his hands and then scribbles on his white board: ]

Grumpus!!! You did it!! That was FABulous! I knew you could do it! And GASP, I did NOT know you were a eurovision fan too!! GURL we have GOT to have a eurovision party next time! It'll be so much fun!!!

ii

[venti_late]

[Ragna's salvation arrives in the form of his god floating into the dressing room. Literally. Last year, Venti had been more femme in his outfits, and this year he's decided for a more masc look. There's a wide grin on the bard's face as he sails over to his North Wind.]

Is that a Squall in distress that I hear~? I could do your makeup if you like!

iv

[life_ethereal]

[Harumasa has decided to not tell Ragna he's going to be here in the audience during the performance. Honestly, he's very excited to be in his first drag show even if he's not a contestant this year. To his credit, he's dressed to the nines, showing off his shoulders and curves with confidence. To accentuate his waist, Harumasa wears a gorgeous, golden belt. His left ear no longer has his iconic ear stud and instead a butterfly chandelier earring dangles delicately from it. Completing the theme of his look are his acrylic nails painted to look like monarch butterfly wings, and his high heel shoes are gold with butterfly wings fanning out slightly. The wig he's wearing is almost exactly the same shade as his natural hair, but longer. The hair cascades over his shoulders to make them look softer and the ends curl slightly at the bust. The makeup Harumasa has on matches the colors of his outfit and make his eye color even more noticable.

After his friend's performance, he goes to see if he can find him. It's not hard, really. Harumasa can see the little rain cloud above Ragna's head from a mile away, honestly. With a grin, he takes a seat next to him at the bar. Pitching his voice to be more feminine, Harumasa immediately gets to teasing him.]

Yamato-sama was absolutely stunning on stage today~! I couldn't keep my eyes off of you, hehe!

[Okay, okay, he'll go back to his normal voice. He's had his fun by possibly jump scaring Ragna.]

No, but kidding aside, you were great up there. I'm glad I got to see it!

II

[whiteshroud]

[Man it takes forever to get around town when you don't have teleportation. Jun did not miss that. He had texted he was coming to help them get ready (leaving out any mention of Harumasa - that's a surprise tool for later)- but Jun is late when he runs into the backstage. He's not going on today, but he still dressed up- wearing a blue dress, a white wig with blue ombre that's stylized with ornate butterfly clips, blue butterfly acrylic nails, and a pair of matching blue heels that he's running very comfortably in]

Ah- sorry I'm late Yamato! I got held up by traffic.

[He'll head over to Ragna, intent on checking out on what his drag daughter needs]

How we doing?

Dan Heng | Honkai: Star Rail | OTA

[heng_like_a_dragon]

A: Backstage Pass

[After some consideration, Dan Heng has decided that he liked performing in drag enough to try it again this year! He's mostly in it for fun rather than for profit, but he's not going to say no in the unlikely scenario he wins. That's definitely money he could use in the future.

In fact, he actually sends Jun some texts of his progress for this year's reappearance of Empress Ying Fenghuang. Whether they're competing against each other or not, Jun is the one who introduced him to this art form and he wants to show them in Dan Heng's version of excitement, which is heavily muted and still very resting bitch face. The only ones he's been keeping the outfit a secret from are his partners, but he's told them that he'll be participating in the drag performance.

Dan Heng can be found backstage getting prepared. However, he's also willing to help out anyone who looks like they're struggling. Whether it's makeup or hair or just zipping you up, Dan Heng's got you.]

Is there anything I can help you with? My own preparations are almost done, and I still have time before I need to finish up.


B: The Empress Returns

[Empress Ying Fenghuang is appearing on stage with newly done-up hair, a gorgeous dress, and a beautiful belt to invoke images of fire Pokemon. This year, she's participating in the Songbird Challenge and has chosen to sing a cover of Hex Girl. Honestly, she kills it. Dan Heng doesn't sing very often, but it's clear that there's genuine skill at play. The Empress also participates in the Choreography and Lip-Sync Challenges.

At the end of the show, she goes backstage to touch up her makeup and fix her hair before mingling with the crowd. Empress Ying Fenghuang is notably more relaxed this time around compared to last year, owing to Dan Heng feeling much more used to what's expected. Instead of a fan like last year, she has acrylic nails to complete the look and showcase her confidence.]

I hope you all enjoyed my performance this year. I may have found my Emperors, but I wanted to see how well they would handle me in all my glorious freedom. I'm not one to be demure.

[No, "demure" is definitely not the word one would use to describe Empress Ying Fenghuang.]


C: Wildcard!

[You're free to run into Dan Heng anywhere in the Vogue or Empress Ying Fenghuang at any point during the drag show!]

The Empress Returns

[bebest]

[Zulius absolutely loved Empress Ying Fenghuang when she first arrived and the same remains true this year. As she finishes her performance, he is waiting in the wings, clapping his hands together and looking utterly delighted! He still can't speak, so he's pulling out his message board to scribble on it: ]

Darling!!! That was inCREDible!!! Your drag game has reached WHOLE new heights in a year! I'm totes gagged!!! You should be so proud of yourself!

B

[unreachableside]

[Demure is absolutely not the word. But, it's still incredible to see how much Dan Heng has flourished in the past year.

When Empress Ying Fenghuang rejoins the crowd, Blade appears at her side and gets on one knee (familiar, huh). This 'emperor' is dressed humbly enough, only wanting to match and not embarrass her if he's escorting her somewhere. He's wearing black hanfu with red embroidery and his hair loosely pulled back with a cherry blossom hair stick and a teal ribbon. The celestial earring Jing Yuan gave him dangles from his ear.]

Your Majesty, I am left speechless by your beauty once again.

Backstage Pass

[whiteshroud]

[While Jun had to pull out of the competition again this year, that wasn't going to stop him from coming to see everyone else perform. He'd been thrilled to get Dan Heng's texts on his progress, happy to see that last year had motivated him into doing this again. Spreading the love of the art had been Jun's ultimate goal honestly.

At some point before the show, Jun will find a way to slip into the backstage to track Dan Heng down and wish him luck. He's wearing a blue dress and a stylized wig to go with it. He gasps in delight when he sees the Empress in her full regal]

Maple, the photos don't do it justice - you look incredible!

Patrizio Fugo (Pannacotta Fugo) | JoJo's Bizarre Adventure | OTA

[infezione]

Born to be a Queen - Design Challenge
[Fugo seems to be having a bit of a Time with the challenge--not with the design itself, no, no, that's been squared away easily. Rather, this bit of trouble seems to come from actually putting the outfit together. He grumbles as he sorts through different types of fabric, examining each one carefully while consulting his sketches.]

No, that's not gonna work either, damn...

[Maybe he could use a little help.]

Born to be a Queen - Everything Else
[Stella Strega, looking more like an elegant witch rather than last year's "magical princess", is clearly feeling more daring this year. She picks a rather playful song for the Songbird Challenge. Her dress for the Design Challenge is based on a Minior, initially based on the meteor form but with a tug or two in the right place and a twirl, becomes a dress inspired by the shiny version of its core. She participates in the Choreography Challenge and Lip Sync Battles. She even decides to participate in Snatch Game (choosing to impersonate Alex Guarnaschelli) this year, instead of opting out like she did last year. (As for the actual impersonation skills... well, that's something Fugo can work on for next year. There was a valiant attempt, at least, and it wasn't terrible!)

Stella's happily mingling afterward (back in her original dress and hat), composed and graceful despite the clear undercurrent of nervous energy.]

Ahh, parts of that could have gone much better... [Snatch Game. She mostly means Snatch Game.] But that's certainly a learning experience for next year, I suppose...! I did pretty well otherwise, if I do say so myself.

And Everything Else (wildcard)
[Honestly, Fugo spends a lot of time at the Vogue this month. He's not really one for doing much dancing, but he spends a considerable amount of time at the bar with various mocktails. He's clearly open to conversation, at least.]

Design Challenge

[bebest]

[ Zulius might be the one judging, but it doesn't mean he won't be around to help people when they really need the help to get their outfits on point. If he helps EVERYONE then no one can accuse him of favouritism, right!

And so he trots over to Fugo as he struggles, scribbling on his little message board and holding it out for Fugo to read.]

What's up Sweetie? Can mama Zu help?

sampo koski || honkai star rail || ota

[anyprice]

->> Design Challenge || OTA

[ Sampo's a skilled man in many ways, but sewing his own clothing isn't top on that list. However, with enough help and borrowing a few choice accessories out of a certain gold man's jewelry box, he's managed to come out on top with an outfit that's very different from his usual style of wear when he takes on his well-loved Bhrugel Poisson persona.
Today, he's Lady Greybridge and he's brought along a little friend to tie along the whole look, who will twirl and dance with its little skirt along with Sampo when he turns and dances demurely for his part of the show.

Once he's off stage, he's going to be a busybody of course, coming up to anyone else who's gone with the design theme to fawn over their outfit, or ask if they'd like some nice photos. He does them professionally--and he'll even do them-- ]

Free of charge today, Darling, of course! Why would I charge a fee for such beauty like this? On a night like this!

->> Unplanned Encore - || OTA

[ And then there's an incident that makes not only one--but two of the participants have to leave near the end of the show. Does Sampo know either Jun or Harumasa? No. Not at all. Seen them around, sure, but there's absolutely no reason for him to think quick on his feet.
To quickly pull out the outfit he hadn't planned on using tonight out of his pocket dimension--and make a quick change as he'll give Zulius a wink and a whisper of 'I got this, my friend'--as Madame Bhrugel Poisson will make an appearance after all. He'll keep the crowd going for a while, doing a bit of improv on Lucy Darling style crowd-work until the next queen or king is ready, where he'll flounce off stage with a dozen blown kisses, settling backstage with a low sigh in the back of his throat. ]

--Are those kids gonna' be okay? They kinda' left in a rush and all.

Unplanned Encore

[bebest]

[ Zulius likes Sampo a lot. The guys has a vibe that Zulius very much jives with and he always finds him a delight to be around. He knew Sampo would bring one heck of a performance to the show- but when he steps in for Jun and Harumasa? Well, that just cements Zulius' mind that Sam? Is a Grade A kind of person.

He watches the performance with a grateful grin and as soon as Sampo's backstage, he's trotting over, clapping his hands. He pulls out his message board to scribble on: ]

That was amazing with a capital A! Babe, I CANNOT thank you enough for stepping in. I was totes worried there'd be a hole in the entire production. I've dealt with last second yikes-es before, but this was a big one. You are a LIFE saver!

[Ah, but the kids. It is a worry. Zulius' ears pin back as his smile fades. ]

I hope so too. I'm gonna check in after. I know Jun has SERIOUS stage fright, so IDK if that was part of it? I was really rooting for him this time, too, poor kid :(

Ganymede | Olimpos | OTA

[ganymed]

I. I Am What I Am;

[ Ganymede manages to show up to the Vogue at some point - in actuality, it isn't the first he has managed to show up in such a building in the first place. Indeed, it's a place he has been to before, though usually to see some performances, or consider it as a possible area of employment. If only not to go through with it just yet...if he managed to get attached, and then taken away from it because he thought everything was fine, it'd be more devastating.

But, right now, such worries are further at the back of his mind. He is a wallflower at best and he doesn't come often before the main event kicks into high gear. Rather, he enjoys a drink, and watches people more than not, or just hangs around for the good vibes. It's fine...he's not speaking up first, though. ]

II. Born To Be A Queen (Arrival);

[ Well, Ganymede arrives for the drag competition, where others have doubtlessly decided to also busy themselves with by attending, and he's heading to the dressing room to get set up. Because, well, he thinks it'll be easier for him to slip by those who have mostly already become prepared or whatnot.

Quietly, he walks out, makeup and all in a purple and black dress, saddled with black tights, fitting indigo-colored heels, a bit of jewelry and gloves. There is even a lavender colored rose set upon the dress itself - made to look like a real one. Then, he freezes because there is a lot of people, and he doesn't know where to head to next. So, whoever is nearby gets a quick question: ]

...Excuse me, where do we even go for the events?

III. Born To Be A Queen (Design Challenge);

[ Ganymede does actually consider himself interested in clothing designs and fashion - though he certainly never advertised it. He's putting together flashy concepts, but based upon what he has witnessed the day before, and his stay here, he thinks that there does need to be a balance to make it all pop. So there are some neutral colors added, with him raising a gloved hand to his chin, brows knitting together in thought, muttering: ]

Making it appealing for all eyes...it's hard...

[ But, apparently here he isn't getting pessimistic. Seems that he's stirred up to try his best! He really thinks that others might be better at this than him in the end, though (though it could be worse, he's still sure he'll bomb the Snatch Game.) ]

IV. Born To Be A Queen (General, two prompts for separate event);

[ It has honestly been thousands of years since Ganymede has taken to a stage of some sort - or performance. But, even so, he hasn't exactly been keeping from doing his best, here. Yes, he participates in the Choreography Challenge like others do, and even if he has to gather people together for a dance, he forces himself to expand his horizons to manage that much. He just ensures that the designed choreography is to his standards - of a person whose dance skill has not eroded with time. He's getting really into the planning process, and even already planning to cover in cases of contingencies - but in the end, a dancer does what they do best:

They dance.

It is easy enough to see that best represented here, but also the Lip-Sync Battle. The song is chosen for its accordingly, and of course, Ganymede commits to every ounce he can in regards to lip-syncing. Yet, his true skill is shown in the art of a performer - a dancer, who goes all out, imagining instead that the people in front of him are those in Troy. A smile reaches his lips as he soars, a rare brightness in his eyes as he uses every ounce of his natural talent here he has, flowing, yet not withholding in spectacular movements, giving it his all. Then, of course falls to the ground bombastically yet gracefully at its end, dress fluttered as he goes down. He thinks...he's still got a long way to figuring things out, but ultimately, he's here, and having fun. Which is what matters most. ]

V. Born To Be A Queen (In Media Res);

[ When he's either done or perhaps even skipping past a few options, Ganymede can be seen off to the side, sipping some kind of orange juice, watching people's acts or performances. It's a little hard to tell what kind of emotion is on his face - tending towards neutral. In fact, he even opens his mouth to... ]

...What do you think?

[ ...ask such a thing simply. Of the performances, perhaps, of the people making them; of maybe anything. It can be interpreted any way, but his expression is contemplative. ]

VI. Wildcard;

[ Want to create a scenario that isn't one of the above or do something entirely random? Hit me up uwu ]

Design Challenge

[bebest]

[ Zulius is flitting around, helping everyone out if they start looking a little too lost and overwhelmed. He still doesn't have his voice, so when he comes to Ganymede, it's with a message board, which he scribbles on as he nears him. ]

Hey sweetie! You doing okay? Do you need help?

edward kenway | assassin's creed

[jackdawvision]

[one: shots shots SHOTS—]

[Edward's not participating in the drinking challenge this year. On top of practicing how to walk around in Christine Daae's heels, he's dedicating a lot of time to figuring out how to move in her dress, so instead of joining in on the drinking and embarrassing himself by tripping over the skirt and falling on his face, he hops up onto a barstool in one of Christine's outfits and settles there, nursing a single iced tea and chatting with people.

Once, he pulls at the collar, glances down, and frowns.]

Where did that locket go...? [He's silent for a moment, then shakes his head.] I must've left it at home. Right?

[two: music of the night]

[Last year, Edward went as Hedwig. That had been a pretty intensive performance, stunts and all. This year he's coming to the drag competition with a less physically intense performance but a gleam in his eye and a song in his heart.

He's going to kill it out there, he knows it. He has experience at singing! He's good at singing sea shanties, surely that means he's good at playing an opera singer, right? Surely this means he can do Christine's parts in All I Ask of You just fine, right? Right?

Yeah, if you've been working at the Vogue in the run-up to this competition, the fact that he can even hit most of the high notes at all is a product of hard work that you've had to hear for the past few weeks. It's an improvement over when he started out, when it became very clear that sea shanties and rock songs aren't quite as similar to operatic singing as he might've thought. As soon as the song's done and he's bowed to the audience, he comes off-stage and winces.]

Agh, these heels. Hedwig was easier, her skirt wasn't half as voluminous as Christine's. [Just gonna slump into a chair and start taking the heels off.] Think I did well on that song, though.

[...that might be debatable.]

music of the night

[bebest]

[ Zulius has been quietly dreading this. He's been here to hear every singe time Edward decided to practise, and while things are definitely better, an opera singer he is not. But Zulius loves his dear besties and so he has been as supportive as he can be! And you know what? It wasn't a car crash! He grins as Edward comes offstage, scribbling on his little memo board and holding it up. ]

That's because Hedwig has big dance numbers while Christine just kinda stands there. Hedwig needs WAY more manoeuvrability. But your pulled off the dress well anyway!

[ He's just. Not mentioning the song. ]

Jun Nightroad | Tokyo Xanadu | OTA

[whiteshroud]

[While Jun had to drop out of the competition (and for anyone who asks, he'll claim it's due to his own stage fright), he did dress up for the occasion- wearing a blue dress, a white wig with blue ombre that's stylized with ornate butterfly clips, blue butterfly acrylic nails, and a pair of matching blue heels. It's meant to match Haru's look, just in contrasting colors, if anyone manages to catch sight of both of them. ]

I. BACKSTAGE
[Are you a queen that has found herself in over her head with getting ready? Don't worry, Jun is here for you! Leading up to the show, Jun is in the backstage area- ready to help out with applying make up, adjusting wigs, and last minute fashion help. He's cheerful as he does so, doing his best to be positive and supportive to the girls]

Don't worry, you're looking great! Let's just do some finishing touches to make you really shine, okay?

II. AUDIENCE
[Once he's done all he can to help the competitors get ready, Jun slips out of the backstage and back to the audience. He's most easily spotted at a table booth that he grabbed with his siblings, watching and cheering the performers on.

Come sit down and start a conversation, Jun's in a really good mood today, so he's happy to talk]

backstage

[bebest]

[Zulius isn't competing in this, obviously, but he's still wandering around backstage like a mother hen, trying to make everything run as smoothly as possible. He's honestly delighted to see Jun here. Jun truly loves and understands the craft- his stage fright might be one of fates cruellest jokes, in Zulius' opinion. Jun could go SO far if the universe didn't afflict him with this. Tragic, really.

But he's so happy to see Jun helping out, once he's finished helping out the latest queen, he wanders over, scribbling on his little memo board. ]

Looking stunning as always, Honey! I LOVE the motif! She's so graceful! Perfectly put together as always! Thanks for helping out, SUPER 'preciate it!

Ghilley Adair | FFXIV OC | ota!

[tonberrykin]

one. I'M NOT A FIEND I'M NOT A FIEND - backstage

Patricia, I'm gonna need you and Rebecca to figure out what your problems are and work together. You're supposed to be loving sisters.

[ Ghilley is... talking to his chest. Or more specifically, to the chest plate that he's currently trying to ratchet into place as his fake boobs seem bound and determined to take his breastuation in two different artistic directions.

for someone who claimed he was too shy to be in public in front of people, Ghilley sure is really comfortable being 80% naked in the backstage prep areas as he gets his face on, full pink glitter beard included because it'll be a cold day in hell before the chin strap comes off--but if you need a helping hand getting yourself put together, he's here for you babygirl. you're just also gonna have to deal with 40% ass cheek until he's done with his undercarriage building. ]

two. (that's exactly what a fiend would say) - lip sync realness

[ have you ever thought 'I'd like to see what a Poke Lass uniform would look like if it was worn by the bubblegum hyperpop offspring of Hatsune Miku and Ironmouse?' Ghilley is a vision in pink and blue in his miniskirt and cotton candy demon wig. he's short and stocky--he will never have the legs or silhouette for Queen, but he can pull off Nightmare Pixie Dreamgremlin with Big Tits just fine. he knows you people are into that. and his winged eyeliner could kill a man if the sparkly molotov cocktail didn't get him first.

when it's time for Ghilley's lip sync he's happily trotting out with his helpers and a prop--for anyone that lives with Ghilley, Ghilley does not own a Spheal, but that sure is a Spheal in a cheerful pink tophat and Mochi the Great White Tsuchinoko, who's giving his best Seel realness with a horn on his forehead and no legs. the prop is a shiny blue boombox that he sets down so that Mochi can hop up on it at the stage corner while the Mystery Spheal pats at it with a cute widdle flipper.

Ghilley starts his lip sync with a perfectly normal song and a fun little dance to go with it. he clearly spent a few sleepless nights learning how to do good, convincing mouthshapes, he's lookin' fly and feelin' coordinated--

and then the boombox 'explodes' with a paff of white powder and the music cuts off. Mochi sneezes. the Spheal appears to be mildly dusted with babypowder. ]

Oh, uh, hold please, lemme talk to my tech crew--

[ and then he's trotting over to 'confer' with the Orb Twins. Spheal pats the boombox faster. Mochi rolls off of it with a squeak. with a dramatic sigh, Ghilley rises and shrugs. ]

I guess you get what you pay for, but lucky for us, the internet didn't raise no fool, and I came prepared [ dramatic pose! ] with a backup!

I think, given our modern society and how often werewolves, therewolves, and rude old people with bad haircuts are a problem, that it's important that every man, woman, ambiguous squiggle, and Dave at the bar--hi baby, love the vest--know how to protect themselves! So I'd like to show you a few tips and tricks with the help of a Mysterious Assailant--oh, Mysterious Assailant~!

[ for all four inches that Ghilley's gained with platform shoes, Wrio the wolf-mask wearing Mysterious Assailant wore his usual platform shitkicker boots so Ghilley's still barely eye to eye with the man's (generously displayed and lightly glitter-dusted) nipples. the Mysterious Assailant looks like a Team Rocket member took an unfortunate left turn at a Hot Topic and ended up in the kind of skinny jeans used to summon some sort of Old Scenekid god, and also he's just. not wearing a shirt. like you do. ]

Now always remember to sing!

[ and thus we hit part two of the lip sync where Ghilley's three AM forays into old movie quote compilations gives him a whole routine to work through, but... well. Sandra Bullock is a very tall woman in very tall shoes with a man her size. Ghilley is stealing four inches of height for all the good it does on a man who's in the upper 6', and his recreation of the self-defense tips reflects it. he waves the assailant down so he can elbow him in the nose, 'stands' on his instep with both feet while holding a bicep to steady himself, and when it comes time for 'g', well... you don't punch art. especially art in a committed relationship.

afterwards, Ghilley takes a bow. ]

Thank you, thank you--team, let's Rollout! [ and then Spheal activates like a sleeper agent, beginning to orb up and spin in place as Ghilley 'seems' to realize something. ]

... oh hell. Cheese it, Mysterious Assailant!

[ and then he just fireman carries the full man up over his shoulders, the Glory of Meropide pointed towards the audience as Ghilley takes off in his heels stage right, pursued by a Spheal rolling at a surprising speed with Mochi bouncing up the rear. ]

three. YOU'RE KILLING ME, KILLING ME - wildcard

[ if you need a neon helper for group events Ghilley's quick on learning choreography even if he doesn't know the difference between larboard and starboard without holding his fingers up in 'L's. otherwise, after his lip sync and general show participation, he's gonna go find a place to cool off and have a gay celebratory cocktail in that his ankles aren't broken today. ]

Two

[whiteshroud]

[Jun was in the audience for this performance and........ never has he been so glad to convince someone to do drag as he was right now. He KNEW Ghilley was capable of throwing on a good show, but this was on a whole other level. This wasn't just a performance, it was an EXPERIENCE.

So you better believe he's cheering and clapping the whole time, it's enough that he'll even raise his voice to be heard over the final applause]

Haha, that was incredible! Way to go, Ghilley and Mysterious Assailant!

[Who...he has a good idea who that might be, but he's keeping his mouth shut]

Maxima Priscus | FFXIV | OTA

[moderni]

Backstage

[Since it's his first time doing anything remotely like this, Maxima's chosen a pretty simple look, based on costumes from Les Miserables which Jun has recently introduced him to.]

...Have you seen a rather dramatic hat, with feathers in blue, white, and red? I wouldn't think I could have misplaced it, but...

Songbird Challenge

[He's clearly nervous to be getting onstage, but he's been practicing since he decided to join the competition. And the song he's chosen is one that fortunately starts pretty quiet and simple, giving room to get more into the performance as the drama escalates. He's not the best singer, but there is something of real emotion there.]

Cooldown

[Afterward he's settled himself at the bar with one of the stronger cocktails on this month's menu. The hat has gone missing again, but he's still wearing the dress from his performance - it's pretty comfortable to move in.]

That...could have gone worse, I think?

cooldown!

[poisontippedcure]

[Look Max, it's a drinking buddy! Rose has been here the entire time, cheering him on from the sidelines.]

What do you mean, "could have gone worse"? You were amazing!

Cordelia "Lia" Brooks | Original | OTA

[blossominghopes]

Before
[Lia, for her part, seems to be completely in her element at the show despite having never actually done drag before, both backstage and on it. As one Count D. Nos Feratu, getting ready was fairly easy, so a lot of her time is spent backstage flitting this way and that.

Anyone looking particularly lost or struggling gets Lia approaching, cane tucked under one arm.]

Hey, need help with anything?

After
[Honestly, Lia has a pretty good time doing the show! She opts out of the design challenge, but she's clearly having fun with the choreography challenge, the lip-sync battle, and the songbird challenge (and that sure is a song choice when she does that last one). Where she really shines, however, is Snatch Game, where she's having the time of her life impersonating Justin Timberlake.

Afterwards, Lia isn't doing so much direct mingling as just planting herself by the bar, she needs a bit to relax after that. If anyone approaches, she lifts her mocktail with a grin.]

That was a fantastic showing all around for everyone, huh?

after

[felyney]

It was.

[Lyney spots his fellow second-place winner and slides into the seat next to her.]

Congratulations, Count~!