story
HD ▽ Auntie? You mean... ▽
HD ▽ You're the Director's nephew?! Wowie!!! :oO ▽
That's the extent of your first interaction with Heidi Costello. Once you heard that your beloved aunt had started hiring honest-to-god entertainers, you just had to sate your curiosity. See what poor sap she's tricked into joining her in her world. Part of you wondered if she did it just to lure you in; you wouldn't touch the place, otherwise.
HD ▽ It's nice to see you again, cat-prince! ▽
HD ▽ Did you like my story? :oD ▽
Who you didn't expect was a mini-version of her. A bite-sized cupcake sitting parallel to its enormous, triple-tiered counterpart.
ML considering that i felt very catered to? of course i did!
ML have you used that cat character before?
HD ▽ Nope! But I got inspired after seeing that Specter of yours! ▽
A tug from inside, and out comes just who she was looking for. The Cheslyre jumps onto her shoulder and nuzzles her, inciting gleeful honks and giggles.
HD ▽ It's you! I could've had you on stage, you know! ▽
HD ▽ Then everyone could've seen your great smile, rather than hearing it from me. ▽
ML mmm. i think you did a fine job painting a picture.
She's a genuinely talented thespian with a flair for rhythmic emphasis at exactly the right points. Comedy may be her field, but performance at large wouldn't be a bad calling.
HD ▽ That'd be a great idea, wouldn't it? ▽
HD ▽ My Tweedos are perfect for gags, but working with another Specter? ▽
HD ▽ We could had you disappear on cue... sing at the right moments...! ▽
ML la ha!
ML i wouldnt have too much hope on training this one.
ML ol calliopes an improvisor at heart. no script or routine can tame her. ;)
HD ▽ Really? Aww. ▽
HD ▽ If you're ever feeling up it, I'd love to have you, little guy! :oP ▽
The clown pouts and continues to pet the creature. Eventually, it bats away her hand and leaps through the air once more, landing on your shoulders now. They circle around your head until only their swishing tail remains. And soon, that disappears, too.
HD ▽ Are you planning on riding anything, today? ▽
ML im fine just where i am.
ML im more interested in the live entertainment then any of these death traps.
HD ▽ They aren't dangerous! ▽
HD ▽ Lady Ōshiro has made sure they're as fit as a fiddle, for all shapes and sizes! ▽
ML suuure about that? bet your life on it?
HD ▽ Abso-posi-lutely. ▽
You click your tongue. There wasn't even a moment of hesitation in her answer. Auntie could tell her to act as a crash test dummy and she'd cartwheel over to the nearest roller coaster.
So, as the both of you start wandering - an 'esteemed guest' and his 'exclusive tour guide' - you elect to change the subject.
ML ive been meaning to ask...
HD ▽ You want to hold a concert here? :o) ▽
ML no offense didi.
ML but if you put me on a mimi branded stage im hanging myself from a lamppost. ;)
HD ▽ Gee willikers! Just a simple 'no' would do! :o( ▽
HD ▽ (Even though we'd love to have you... I know the Director would!) ▽
ML doubtful. im as controversial as they come.
ML id soil the wonderful sanitized image shes built for herself.
ML its actually for your benefit that im turning down the opportunity. ;)
HD ▽ Hmm... I guess. ▽
HD ▽ Wait a second! You were going to ask something! ▽
HD ▽ What was it? ▽
ML you reeeally want to know?
HD ▽ Don't keep me in suspense! Tell me! :oO ▽
ML if you insist.
ML sooo. did you ever want to do something else before this?
Her skips pause, but with a thoughtful expression, she continues bouncing. Maybe it helps her think.
HD ▽ Heidi before Mimiland? ▽
HD ▽ It all feels so long ago, to be frank! ▽
HD ▽ But if I had to give an answer... I wanted to be a lot of things! :o) ▽
ML hmm. is that the pr answer or the heidi answer?
HD ▽ The more you ask that, the more I'm thinking you don't trust Heidi at all! ▽
HD ▽ What would she get out of lying? :o/ ▽
ML people who work for big places are taught to say the right things.
ML sooo you learn to double-check.
HD ▽ That's a load of fluff. ▽
HD ▽ You only gotta check once! Because it's true! ▽
HD ▽ Little Heidi tried lots of things, because she liked doing lots of things! ▽
HD ▽ A teacher, a hat-maker, a party planner, a croqueter, a writer... ▽
HD ▽ A puppeteer, a poet, a comedian, a furniture salesman... ▽
ML how about music?
HD ▽ Huh? ▽
ML you have a decent voice. and good stage presence obviously.
ML id be surprised if in that motley of careers you never considered it.
Her hops lessen to the point where she's just walking by your side. She's puffing her cheeks out, but she doesn't seem upset. Just expressing out of muscle exercise, you suppose.
HD ▽ Heidi's voice is good for a lot of things. ▽
HD ▽ But it can be too much. ▽
ML la ha ha! i knew it!
ML little heidi did want to become a singer. she just didnt have what it took.
ML thats the industry for you.
HD ▽ Har-har. Says the big fancy musician. ▽
ML oh you think just because ive made it big i dont know how it feels?
ML well. youd be right.
ML i shouldnt have any reason to complain because im sooo successful.
HD ▽ Bleh. :oP ▽
You hum, placing your hands behind your head.
ML you know... ive talked a bit with the new guy.
ML the blue one. funny looking outfit.
HD ▽ I think it looks nice! ▽
ML riiight.
ML anyway. hes got the same deal as you.
ML totally clams up whenever you ask for even the most basic background details.
ML i dunno if its part of your contract to commit this much to your role here...
ML or if youre both just that desperate to keep secrets.
Seems like that hit a sore spot. She meets your grin with a frustrated frown.
HD ▽ Heidi's... the happiest she's ever been. ▽
HD ▽ Mimiland has brought the best out of her! ▽
HD ▽ So, what are you trying to say, huh? ▽
HD ▽ Just because you beat her, and - and - they didn't want someone like her - ▽
HD ▽ Is that what you're really here for? To rub it into her face? ▽
ML nope.
HD ▽ Then what? Why bring any of it up??? ▽
ML curiosity!
ML now im nice and sated. thanks for that. ;)
HD ▽ You're honk-ing welcome! >:o( ▽
She huffs and stomps away. But she's not one to hold a grudge. She's entertained your company up until now, after all.
Nevertheless, you call out to her, just before she goes too far.
ML its a good voice.
ML it wouldve been a shame to forget it. thats why i havent.
You'll drop by again soon. After all, there aren't too many pleasant memories from those days. As fleeting as it was, that bright smile in the audition room was one of them.