prismatica | 001 POINTS | video | joint post with fineprinted

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001 POINTS | video | joint post with fineprinted

[ The video post flickers on to show two people, both looking rather different in demeanor. The taller of the two looks to have a scowl on his face, and eyes and hair a matching deep green. He’s not happy to be here, he doesn’t even feel comfortable leaving the apartment. Which is why he’s here with the shorter of the two boys.

It would’ve been hard to tell that the scruffy, blue-haired boy is the older of the two, but that’s probably part of his charm and it shows in how he addresses the network with a bright smile and a wave of his hand, as if he were a natural at this. ]

--Oh, I think we’re on! Hello, Lunatia! We’d like to introduce ourselves first of all: My name is Aoba Tsumugi, and this kind lad over here is my roommate! Ah, you should say hello too, Midorima-kun!

[ He gestures at the screen as smoothly as he could.

Midorima’s brows furrow before he’s even finished talking, looking mildly annoyed. What he’s annoyed about becomes apparent within only a few seconds as he doesn’t say hello and instead focuses in on correcting what he thinks was wrong with that sentence. ]

Who’s a “kind lad”? Focus on the task at hand.

[ Apparently, that’s all the greeting he’s bothering with. Tsumugi can only sigh a little before facing the screen again, smile still intact. ]

This is Midorima Shintarou, by the way. Seriously, kids these days… Um, but before I go off track, the reason why we’ve put this up is because we have one thing in common, and that is horoscopes. Luck, in general. Do you know there are apps here that tells you your daily fortune and what lucky item to bring around with you to ward off bad luck? Technology’s so amazing! Even though we’re from different worlds, it’s nice to know that there are other people who believe in them -- and that is why we are here today.

[ Midorima’s worried that Tsumugi’s going to go on for too long, so he chimes in with a much more direct demand of their audience over the network. ]

Respond with your astrological sign or birthday if you aren’t sure. We’re also looking to know what items are considered lucky in other worlds that may be incorporated into an apartment.

Y-You can just ask nicely them, you know! People wouldn’t know how to respond if you’re being demanding like that... [ why are tsunderes the way they are, man ] Anyway, it’d be very helpful for us to know everyone’s signs and birthdays to balance out of luck if it ever goes bad for a day so that we can stick with those people for a while… I’m a Leo and he’s a Cancer, if that helps.

Also! If anyone knows other forms of divination such as palmistry and tarot, that’d be greatly appreciated as well… I’m honestly more comfortable consulting with someone privately about my fortunes rather than rely on technology all the time, so let me know if it’s all right to approach you for regular sessions! I’ll pay with Chroma if I have to.

[ Midorima just decides to move on and end the video. He’s not going to give Tsumugi the chance to say goodbye. ]

We’re done.

[ And the video cuts out. ]

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[ He's going to be disappointed if there isn't a court and never forgive her.

Midorima looks around, using his eyes more than head movements. It seems she really did bring him to an athletics center of some kind. At least there's that. ]

Lead the way.

[Midorima stop being such a brat!!

Still, so far so good, so she starts to lead him to what appears to be a large building. She heard that was the gym, so hopefully that's a good place to start.]

Let's go here.

[The double doors were already slightly ajar, and there was the sound of balls bouncing. Yeah I'm leaving this sentence like that.]

[ Don't tell him not to be himself!!

Balls bouncing inside the gym is definitely a good thing. So is an indoor gym. He could deal with a street court, but he prefers inside. It's more private. He doesn't need complete privacy but indoor guarantees weather protection as well. It sounds like basketballs and not volleyballs or handballs or some other balls that might occur in a gym, so at least right now the gym is being used for what it should be. ~~Because basketball has crossed the universe, Space Jam is a fact.~~

Midorima still doesn't smile or even look enthused because smiling is not his jam. ]

Do they have usage fees?

[ Most athletics centers do.. ]

[BE CUTE AS WELL.

They probably could find a street court somewhere, but she just doesn't remember right now. Besides, Japan's finest (in highschool) sounds like he's aiming to be professional, so an indoor court might be more important to him. Also, she's relieved that it looks like there is a place.

Also, his face looks like it's jammed. Smiling might hurt him.]

I believe they do, but as I did not require use of the gymnasium, I have never checked. Let's go ask.

[She looks around. There might be coaches and other players training there, but she's not sure if they're the right people to ask. Any secretaries?]

At least, I hope they have a trial period as well, to see if it suits you.

[ He'll do whatever he wants.

He hopes it isn't expensive. He wants to play here already but he's not on a team here so he can't use a home court and he's not had enough time to research what teams exist here and frankly he wants Shutoku but that's not possible. ]

It would be a predatory practice not to, considering how much many athletics facilities can sometimes charge.

[ Which isn't a problem for him back home, but here...

Well, if he can show off during a trial period and get scouted then there won't be an issue. ]

[Bad, don't do whatever you want all the time, don't make them put the selfishness limit.

Still, she's feeling bad for him that if they stop him, he won't be able to play basketball! Sure, he could play streetball but it's not the same when it comes to a more professional level.]

Indeed. Otherwise, you can beat every single one of them here and prove that they might as well sign you up right now?

[She looks right up at him. If he gives her the okay, she'll negotiate this. Because she sounds nicer than he does.]

That's inevitable.

[ He is fully confident that he can do that, okay. Set him up, Sen. ]

[Time to be his de facto manager, which works out considering she's a politician. She straightens up, pushes her ponytail back, and walks with him to the coach.]

Hello, gentlemen. [And then they all look at him, amazed at his height.] My comrade here, Shintaro Midorima, is seeking a professional team. [And so starts a bit of a conversation, where without Midorima's established experience and name, he wouldn't be able to join what happens to be a "professional" regional team. Or at least a professional as one goes in this place.

Without experience, he'd have to go into tryouts like the rest of them, but it's a considerable time away.]

Then what if he can beat every single one of your players?

[Don't worry, boy, she got you. But also she's making sure that if he wins, the deal they broker with him won't cheat him either.]

[ Midorima doesn't want to get shoved onto the first team he talks to anyway. He wants his pick of the litter, which means he has to establish himself before he's scouted, so he looks a little annoyed when that's how Sen starts. A garbage team that won't put up with his attitude doesn't work for him.

That said, he's already decided to just crush them from the get-go, completely unnecessarily and in the most extra fashion. He's already figured it out in his head. ]

[You can't pick if you're not in a team, Midorima! There isn't a highschool for him to get scouted anymore. And he also needs demichroma. Don't be picky and selfish until you're legendary. See how they look at him? Just that he's big (and young). Although she doesn't look annoyed at the fact they underestimate him. Rather, that's what she prefers when it comes to war. Still, in the end, the rest is up to him, and she only requested them more nicely than he did. If he refuses, that's his decision. A bargain is only so there is one window of opportunity.

She looks up at him.]

It's going to be a war. They're putting more members on the team to go against only one of you. Can you destroy them?

[She's never seen him play before, but she has seen how he holds himself and how he walks. He'll be fine.]

I've never seen them play before, so I won't underestimate the possibility of loss, but I have my lucky item with me to compensate for my luck.

[ And you bet your ass he brought his uniform with him THEY'RE GOING TO AN ATHLETICS FACILITY HE WANTS TO PLAY. But he's still aware that he's better than most adult players who aren't in the NBA, so he likes his chances.

Even so, he begins unraveling his fingers in just about the most dramatic fashion, and it almost feels like there's a physical aura of athletic monstrosity emanating off of him as he gets serious. It's quite different from his normal demeanor, and one that professionals have picked up on before. ]

I'm going to change. You stand on the sidelines and make sure they set up the full court, not half. I want you on the bench, you'll hold my lucky item.

[ He can't bring a dog toy with him on court. ]

Edited 2019-07-18 07:27 (UTC)

I'm on your side, and I believe in you.

[That's very realistic of him, to understand that he could lose. However, everything that followed showed that he confidently believes that he won't be. since he mentioned his lucky item, and also, that he wants a full court. For someone who is playing by himself, that could be quite strenuous. However, if he's going to make a name for himself, this is his best bet.

She nods firmly as he starts to get really extra. She could sense that, that strange aura he exudes, as one who is acutely aware of certain flows of charisma would be. He's a showstopper, his athletic ability would draw attention. Weirdly, she's thinking he's cool. I don't make the rules, man.]

Understood. I'll be waiting for you and will hold the fort.

[She goes over to tell the team this as he goes to change. Of course he'd be prepared, she should've known. Meanwhile, the team clearly isn't taking them seriously now the challenge is many against one, so they're happy to have the full court and allow her to sit on the bench.]

[ She has a lot of trust for having just barely met him, but he's confident enough that he has an expectation of being believed anyway. He comes back out, dressed in his uniform. It's an odd thought that he's wearing it in an attempt to seek out a new team, but being able to play basketball regularly is important. They'll understand. He changes into his uniform and everything. When he walks back onto the court, he locates whichever bench Sen ended up at to hand over his lucky item. Or, well, set it on the bench beside her. She doesn't need to hold it, just keep it safe and present. ]

Did they set terms for points or would they like to play a full-length game?

[ ..A full 40 minutes seems a little excessive for this, especially if they're expecting 5-on-1, so he expects they'll have agreed to a set point minimum. ]

[When he comes back, she blinks at the sight of him in full uniform. It's a lot cooler than she thought, that is, his entire form dressed for the occasion, a real highschool basketball player ready to take on the entire country. Or team. Still, she picks up his lucky item and places it neatly on her lap, so now the dog toy can watch too. Wave at Midorima!]

First to 20 points. Maximum time of two quarters.

[20 points isn't really that much at all, but then they are thinking of giving him this handicap because it is 5-on-1. Do they all know that he can rack up 3's like apple picking? No.]

It won't take one unless their defense is impeccable or they figure out they'll need at least three players defending to prevent shots without my having another team member.

[ ..But he's also easily the tallest one there, so he's confident he'll gain the toss-up too.

He hates to perform like Murasakibara, but with the five-on-one set-up, his most effective strategy is going to be to stay beneath his own basket for defense. He can make the shots from there, then let the other team bring it back to him and steal it, rather than trying to fetch his own rebounds. Any repositioning he'll have time to do when they run back to fetch the ball. His strategy in mind, he takes his position on the court for the toss-up. The ref doesn't seem to think this is fair, but with Midorima's approval.. like, what is he going to say? No?

As he predicted, Midorima catches the toss-up and just flat-out shoots the ball from the half-court line. The ball achieves a ridiculously high arc to the point that it takes longer than any shot normally would, is completely unreachable, and ultimately touches nothing but the net when it goes through.

The other team looks.. honestly a little confused because there's no one even near their goal yet and the ball bounces out of bounds before anyone gets to it. What just happened??

Midorima pushes up his glasses. ]

Oh? Then...how do they say, "give them hell"?

[He's already got a plan brewing, from what he said, so she's going to trust him entirely. Her arms wrap around the dog toy, a little anxious because in the end, it's still 5-on-1. Anyone watching would think this is like hazing the new guy, even if he towers over all of them.

They all eat their words, later. Even her jaw drops, staring at what just happened. Confusion hits first.]

You...

[She quickly regains her composure and claps excitedly.] Three points! Seventeen more to go!

[ It's probably more than enough to mess with their heads, just making that shot without even batting an eye. But as they run to retrieve the ball, Midorima doesn't follow. He doesn't need to follow- they'll bring the ball to him. Midorima is fast, has a lot of stamina, and is excellent at defense. So as soon as they retrieve the ball, he's keeping an eye on it. If he moves too far to one side of the court, they can pass it and while he bets he could keep up with it, he waits until they approach the half court mark again to move. Which is going to mess around with their heads again-- if they could keep cool, they probably would stand a better chance, but the fact that Midorima seems to have let them pass before charging their attempt at a jump shot to steal it is a show of confidence on Midorima's part.

And then he makes his own jump shot from there, at what's approximately 3/4 of the court away from the basket. Again, nothing but net, and the ball is on the opposite side of the court from the entire team. ]

You're going to need to leave some of your team for rebound if you intend on scoring against me even once. My shot range isn't that short.

[ ...Yes, he just gave them advice. It sounds super condescending, but it'll definitely make it harder for him if it works because the entire team right now has to move back to reposition themselves on the other side of the court to even get the ball, while he's still on his side defending his own basket. ]

[It's just half a match, half a team, and one Midorima. And yet, Sen finds herself leaning on the edge of the bench, latching onto his dog toy firmly like it's her lifeline. There was something so impossible about Midorima's throws, that she's sure it's getting to her own head as well.

And she's not the one on the court. He oozes confidence, so much he can offer them advice. And of course, they take it, because victory and pride is on the line.

But watching here, she's not sure that would matter much unless they really truly overpower him. Those are three-pointers. It wouldn't take long for him to get there. Not to mention, did he just say his shot range isn't that short?!]

[ It does get to be more work for Midorima from that point onward and they do manage to get a couple of shots in. With the play more exciting, if more spread out, it also causes tension on their team. The two left for rebound and fetching aren't really getting to play so much as catch rebounds and return them to the rest of the team, which is causing tension... Especially when ultimately Midorima can just wait for their two-point shots to be made to fetch his own rebound, because he can shoot the three from immediately under the basket. The entire court is his range.

Ultimately, the score ends up being 21-14. Because while Midorima is very skilled, he is just one person so against a full team it's inevitable that they would get some points. But that's his score 5v1, so it's incredibly impressive.

At the end of the match, he does hold his hand out to shake their hand, even with all of them sweaty. At least everyone seems to have good sportsmanship, even if their morale is ultimately absolute shit by the time Midorima is done with them. ]

[The match goes on, and one has to admit, it's not bad how the other team is doing despite getting utterly crushed. Getting some points on Midorima is no easy feat, after all. Especially since it looks like their morale as dropped, their team synergy disappearing, because nothing could work on Midorima if they didn't think about this.

She starts to get into it, and while her cheers are nothing like those around her (others using the space, some people who started to flood in because they were told by their friends), she still does it. Go Midorima! Does he even have a chant? She wonders about that too. Dog toy even cheers for him, because she made it so.

Soon, his display of power, skill, and even sportsmanship is all over the network because nosy natives have devices.]

You were amazing, Midorima! [She calls out while he's shaking their hands. Her eyes do, however, side glance to the other team on the bench. In particular, their boss, who looks both distraught, and desperate. One knows that Midorima is a prize player and must be had. The other is, the state of the team. And even she knows that Midorima might have problems settling in like this.]

[ By the time that he gets back over to Sen, she'll be able to notice that he is much sweatier now than before the game. His jersey is sticking to his chest and showing off his muscles a little more than the baggy start. He pulls his shirt forward and wipes his face on the front as he approaches her. He needs to get his lucky item back before he goes to shower. He doesn't comment on the compliment. He knows he was amazing. ]

Talk to the owner while I'm showering. [ He holds his hand out for his lucky item. Return the dog toy please. ]

[That's not the body of a highschooler, dude, that's the body of a pro athlete. Did she expect this? Well, sort of but not to this extent. She clears her throat because the newly formed crowds did have a bit of attention seeking with their cheering (and whistling) when he comes over to get his lucky item and was wiping his face. That's fanservice. The prismals are dying over it.]

Very well, I'll see what they say. My, I wish I had a towel for you... [He's tired and exerted a lot of energy, it would be nice to dry up even a little before his shower, but alas. His hands are sweaty as well, so his poor dog would get wet. Since they're gatecrashers, in a sense, there are no towels for them here, so she fetches her handkerchief and wraps the lower half of the dog toy with it before placing it in his hand.] There, now it can stay dry. I'll see you soon!

[And she moves over to have a discussion with the owner.]

[ He gives her a nod, appreciating and understanding the protection of his toy. He's fine with this. He gives it a brief squeak, as if either saying thank you to Sen or checking if it's still functional, then goes off to shower, completely oblivious to any fanservice he may have been giving.

It's a good 20 minutes before he comes out again, cleanly washed and re-dressed in the clothes he arrived in. ]

[The gesture of him squeezing that toy is already cute. He can be cute! So she's going to work hard! Or at least listen to some of the offers that the owner is providing. She does negotiate that in the end, it's up to Midorima, after all, he caught much attention. So they're going to have to offer well if he wants to stay.

But she says this all pleasantly, to ensure that Midorima can still use the gym even if he says no, and they'll just pay like normal individuals.

When he returns, she excuses herself from the conversation for a moment to go back to him.]

How are you feeling now?

[ He's got his things in his bag still, just in case. There are lockers, but he doesn't have one, so there's definitely a sweaty stank coming from his bag. He'll have to clean it properly later. ]

Fine. I've been through much more difficult games. What did they say?

001 POINTS | video | joint post with fineprinted

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