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[Livestream] XNBC's Harmonious Night; Two!
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| > [User "IKU" has joined.]
| > "1 connected, commencing stream!" shows at the bottom corner of the screem; scrolling as the void of blacks are replaced with the landscape of the city, recorded through a camera with mediocre quality.
"Hmh. One connected, I see. Well, let's enjoy the night then, sole viewer!"
> A robotic female voice can be heard positioned right behind the camera.
> Not before long, a Lilim appears on screen. She is seen pulling a deck full of instruments with her.
| "I.. I thought this would be— lighter!"
> She drags the deck at a snail's pace, moving akin to a loading bar. Seconds later, she centers herself in the frame of the recording while setting her instrumental deck ready.
"Oh! And welcome to those watching anonymously as well!"
> She speaks with a glee in her voice. Once she finishes setting up, she looks at the camera and waves. There is a faint smile, but her old frame isn't capable of showing one properly.
| "Let's play a piece and have a talk, shall we?"
> The Lilim looked around for a while, confused about something. She nervously chuckled before she goes offscreen briefly, appearing with a stool in her hands.
"Sorry. I tend to forget the details."
| > She positions the stool and sat on it. Her hands ready on the piano part of the deck.
"Alright. How about… hmmh. I'm not feeling any complex mood today, so let's go with—"
> A tune began playing as her finger glides through the piano effortlessly. 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' shows at the bottom of the screen, indicating the music being played.
| > [User "M3RCY" has joined.]
| "Oh! Did someone join the stream?"
> The Lilim was taken by surprise, but her hands didn't stop playing the melodies. She took a careful glance at a screen on her deck.
"M3.. M3RCY..— Well, welcome to the stream, M3RCY! I hope you have a fine night here!"
> She merrily nods while smiling at the camera.
"Mhm. I've never been fond of Mozart, but Nachtmusik does highlight the likes I have for his works."
> After her comment, the only sound that fills is the reverberating piano.
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Thank you for the warm welcome, Ma'am. How does the night treat you?"]
| > The Lilim notices the message shortly after she finishes last movement of the piece; effectively ending the music. It took her a moment to read the message but she looks ready to respond after reading it.
"As the landscape portrays, the night has been wondrous for me! Thank you for asking!"
> Without even guessing, it's clear that she is in a good mood.
"Though, I do wish I could have started this stream much earlier. Oh well! We are already here, so no point complaining."
| > [User "M3RCY" says "That's true, I'm glad to see someone streaming this evening. Will you be taking requests for pieces, ma'am?"]
| "Gladly!"
> The Lilim immediately responded, taking not a single pause between the words she read.
"I'm not.. uhm.. good at playing the piano, but I'll attempt playing what it is that you request!"
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Nonsense, you're at least above average. Could you try Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre? It is coming up on Halloween, and it's quite the fun song."]
| "That is a good pick for an atmospheric music, M3RCY! The piano will not suffice for this; the Devil's chord is only fit for the violin, after all!"
> She stood up, from her deck of instruments, she takes out a violin. Her piano, on the other hand, is left playing by itself.
"The piano playing by itself is a horror trope to have in a Halloween as well."
> The opening harps of the song was covered by the piano, and then a solo violin was strung by the Lilim.
| > The mystically festive song dances through its melodies. The violin sharply ascends, playing an eerie tune.
"This piece raises the dead; the skeletons from the grave belows. I have always found it to be a jolly and ghastly song."
> Throughout descending scales of the main theme, the piano kept a steady pace of the tune, covering what the violin couldn't.
"To think that Death is such an avid violin player.."
> She snarkily remarks, continuing to play her part.
| > [User "M3RCY" says "That is a good party trick, and I was hoping you'd branch out to the full instrumental suite for this, glad to see you found away. Do you mind if I ask you a personal question while you play, ma'am?"]
| "If the microphone can pick up my voice, then sure!"
> Between the multitasking, it seems that reading is the one that taxes her the most. It took her a few glancing as she kept her focus rationed on the violin and the message.
"I'm doubting the ability of my mic though!"
> She says in a slightly louder volume, but it was drowned out in the appearance of the repeated ascensions of the piece.
| > [User "M3RCY" says "You're coming in just fine. The question that I have; being a DT-01 myself, is that what model are you?]
| "Let's see.."
> As the piece tapers down, the Lilim took the chance to properly read the message. Although it wasn't long before she had to put proper attention to the violin again.
"I believe I'm based off of a knock-off model of DT-01d, but my frame is repurposed from a much older model. I'm sure if the lights are shining more, you can see the corrosions on the frame."
> She replies, albeit slowly compared to the swiftly ramping tone.
| > [User "M3RCY" says "How unfortunate, have you considered perhaps getting a remodel? I'm sure it'd be much more comfortable, and aid to better motor control.. Like you need to work that Violin."]
| "Most definitely, that is true—"
> Before her words end, she had played the very end of the piece; ending it with a synchronised descent of the piano and the violin.
"That is certainly true. I used the frame solely for preferences, though! I can have it upgraded, but I spent the last digits of money I had to install a new battery. My old one required constant charging and weekly diagnostic repairs."
> She puts down her violin moving her, or rather, adjusting her arms afterwards.
| "But this is no place to complain! I'm happy with my frame and if my limbs started degrading, I can always upgrade to third-party parts and modifications."
> She says, hinting an attempt at assuring her viewers.
| > [User "M3RCY" says "That's true, how about you pick your next piece when you're ready? Until then maybe you could ask me something if you want."]
| "That is a great idea. Let's make this a conversation about all of us."
> The Lilim goes back to the piano stool she had used earlier, once again, positioning her hands on the piano.
"I do have a tinge of doubts here regarding, well, Lilims in general. You see, this is my first year.."
> She pauses before deciding on a song. The name displays on the scrolling text again, though now it reads 'William Tell Overture: End.'
"—Ah, sorry I didn't have any other piece in mind."
| > She began playing the recognisable melodies of the overture. Pompous and festal — the attribute of the piece is flown clearly from the way she plays it.
"... Back to what I was saying; while this is my first year, I have been loaded with memories of sorts. I'm not sure who put this particular memory chip in, but I'm well aware that these may not be my memories."
| > [User "M3RCY" says "That is pretty odd, they probably aren't.. I've been around for a few years, doesn't seem to be that bad of a life to be honest, though work keeps me busy, was in a helicopter all day helping clients out of Downtown."]
| "Oh! Was it due to the amnesia cases in Downtown? I heard that they have.. uh, lockdown? I think it's lockdown. I haven't been checking the news lately."
> The Lilim's hands took no effort to glazing through the fast-paced rhythms of the music — even though she paid almost no attention to where her hand lands, the music plays as though she devoted her full working memory to it.
"Either way, I hope you safety on your job! I know how dangerous the city can become in these days."
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Those are due to a rogue AI, yes. Downtown is facing some riots so some clients wanted out, and we also had to deal with some violent people trying to destroy private property, so it was an eventful day. Today was the last day I have to work until after this is over, so that's nice."]
| "Ah.. thank you for the hard work then! Who knew those are enough to boil down a whole district.."
> The Lilim ends the overture in a last sharp tune. The rests her hands for a moment while trying to adjust the mic on her deck.
"Test… test…"
> Her voice is relatively clearer now, but there is a clear sound of static and noise accompanied by the change.
"Hmh. Anyway, was it as bad as people making it seems? The amnesia was widespread, so I thought it would cause a rampant."
| > [User "M3RCY" says "It is pretty bad, yeah. It's caused a lot of discomfort to people, apparently caused some humans to spontaneously combust, I figure that was just it messing with nanomachines."]
| "S-spotaneously combust?! As in.. they started mysteriously burning?"
> She makes an 'explosion' gesture with her hand, attempting to clarify her point.
"That's.. that's scary right there. Humans don't run on petrol fuel; the thought of them suddenly bursting out fire…"
> Another music plays after the Lilim sets her hand on her piano again. Trying to accompany the chat, she plays 'Pathetique; Sonata Op. 13' — as written on the screen.
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Apparently, there was no listed cause but I think Nanomachines would be the thing to do it. The AI is downright malicious, so I suggest you let all your unknown calls hit the answering machine."]
| "Duly noted. I'll try to keep myself safe."
> She quickly remarked. The piano jolts into liveliness as the music approaches its second movement; one that is less somber and sluggish.
"This city truly is a marvel when it comes to generating chaos. I'm not sure how long it can stay calm, if ever, that is."
| > [User "DUKE" has joined.]
| "Woah! Welcome! Thank you for joining the night with us, DUKE!"
> The notification of a joining user made her lose the tempo for a short while, but she quickly regained it, and even started amping her movements.
"I love this song as a background music personally, by the way. It always have the right 'idlic' tone to it. It's not too melancholic, but it fits most situations well."
| > [User "M3RCY" says "It's a nice song, certainly a nice break from listening to the chiptune, electronica and vaporwave that's been on the radio recently."]
| "Certainly! As much as I like those genres, sometimes there is nothing that can equal the warmth of orchestral instruments."
> The Lilim smiled, befitting of the music playing alongside her.
"I wish I can sing well, but my voice modulator isn't on par with a CH1A or even a regularly maintained DFC. Ah… if only."
> She continues playing the piano. Closing her eyes every now and then as to try and immerse herself.
"The night vista and sound of the city is beautiful, isn't it?"
| [User "DUKE" says "I totally agree with M3RCY. And this is exactly the music that I need tonight."]
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Definitely a nice night, hopefully you can afford a resolution upgrade with your camera, I have a good view off of my roof however, so it's fine as is."]
| > As she reaches the end of the piece, she plays one last ending tune before rapidly pulling her hands up and blowing air on to them.
"Ow. Sorry, my hands overheated there. It's definitely in the high eighty degrees now."
> While waiting for her hands to cool, she reads the two new comments, showing a smile as she finishes.
"Thank you DUKE! I'm glad you enjoy the melody we have here! I hope you have a comfortable night."
| > She tries to move her hands again, but goes back to putting it up and letting the air cool it.
"Still heating! So… indeed! I'll need a new camera. This one I was given to by my guardian. I think I had a better camera, but I forgot where it was... Well, at least you can see me even though it's not at the greatest clarity!"
| > [User "DUKE" says "Don't worry, due to my shitty equipment here, it wouldn't make any difference which camera you got. Can't stream in better quality anyway. (^_^)" At least the sound isn't lagging."]
| > [User "M3RCY" says "It's perfectly fine for a music stream, the sound is on point, so that's all that really matters."]
| > The Lilim attempts to push some air into her hands, but her attempts was futile as she is still left with a heated hand.
"That is good to hear. So, maybe I should bail out of the camera upgrade and pick up a better microphone first? What do you viewers think of that?"
> Since there was no music to accompany the stream, the city's loud activities can be heard as a background noise — from cars honking to the distant sounds of various machine.
| > [User "DUKE" says "Actually, your stream is already great as it is. But yeah, as you're mainly playing the piano, you should go for a better microphone, some time. Your current one isn't bad though...just recording too much of background noises when you're not playing or in pauses/more quiet moments in a song."]
| > [User "DUKE" says "Btw, are your hands alright?"]
| "Background noise? I thought I handled that—.."
> The Lilim tries moving the microphone, slightly closer to her this time, reducing the noise but not by a huge margin.
"... I'll need those uhm.. what do you call them again? Those fiber-like things covering the microphone.
> She then jerks her hand in a rapid motion, effectively feeling it back to a normal temperature.
"And my hands? They do this sometimes. They heat up when I try to play the instruments for too long."
| > [User "DUKE" says "Pop filters~ Are there cooling upgrades for your hands? I'm not very familiar with Lilim technology..."]
| > The Lilim read the message while readjusting her hands for the final time, resting it on the piano before playing a simple 'Ode to Joy.'
"There are modifications for that. However, the frame I use makes it impossible to fit in any bulky modifications."
> The playful tune of the song complements the faint city's noise. Her bright voice accentuates and doesn't drown amidst the many source of sound.
"Also, those noise reduction fibers are called filters? Today I learnt!"
| > [User "DUKE" says "I think so. At least we seem to talk about the same things. ^v^ Oh, 'Ode to Joy'! My favourite piece!"
| > [User "M3RCY" says "You should probably keep a bucket of ice or something on hand, just a suggestion, also this song.. It actually was the first song on the first time I went to a Symphony, good memories.]
| > Merry and joyous, as the name of the piece suggests — the atmosphere surrounding the stream has turned to just that.
"Such a happy song for a charming night.."
> The Lilim smiles as the tempo of the piece fits that of an innocent-like tune.
"Ah, M3RCY. I read the ice suggestion. Unfortunately, my frame cannot withstand the ice. The ice seeps into the circuitry below and.. uhm.. let's say it doesn't and will not go well. Thank you for the suggestion though!"
| >USER [FAL45:12:52:XX:LS] HAS CONNECTED FROM (UNKNOWN)
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Dry Ice. And look at that, FAL is here. I didn't think murderous, amnesia causing rogue artificial intelligence enjoyed the classics. It may be a good idea to close the stream if it sticks it's nose in too far."]
| >>416075
>[User "LS" says "Oh, and to think I would meet you here, how goes life mister percival?"
| > [User "M3RCY" says "I have a habit of running into you too frequently. I appreciate the free income the disaster is giving me, but I'd prefer it if you just went and fucked off somewhere else."]
| >>416125
[>USER "LS" says "I'm sorry, but I cannot affoard to move on, but do not worry once I have attained what I needed I will leave this city, its only a matter of time really"]
| > Between the chatter of LS and M3RCY, the Lilim has tried to, subtly but slowly, change the music from 'Ode to Joy' to 'Moonlight Sonata.'
"M-my. Welcome there, uhm.. LS? I'm going to use the name in the chatlog. I see you two know each other at a… personal? I wouldn't say personal, but that does look like it."
> After commenting, she sticks close to playing the piano; seemingly not wanting to disturb the two.
| > [User "M3RCY" says "LS happens to be the sentient FAL terminal who's been causing the amnesia outbreak, and subsequent deaths. I wouldn't say I know them."]
| > The piece has reached its third movement; the very well-known movement of Moonlight Sonata — one that, for the most part, is rapid, exhilarating — an incline over the previously tamer movements.
"You two seemed close… I just.. well, in all honesty, I simply don't expect someone with such track record to be in my stream."
> The Lilim, having taken a chunk of her focus to the piano, pauses as she hoops over the melodies gracefully.
"... Well, as long as everything is a-okay…"
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Assuming that FAL doesn't try and interfere, it's sort of harmless here, at least."]
| "If you say so!"
> The Lilim continues playing the broad, aggravatingly timid melodies of the piece. The fast pace combined with the jumps does make the night a tad more adventurous.
"This city is home to a lot of things—"
> She cuts herself short as she attempts to maintain the same pace of the music.
"—And a lot of them does seem to be like a cactus. They're neat in their own way; but sometimes they're best observed."
> The piece continues playing in the background.
| > [User "M3RCY" says "True, it'd suck to not be just 'observing' FAL. Speaking of observation, the stream has been wonderful so far."]
| > The Lilim ends the piece as it reaches the very last note. She exhales before looking at the camera; a mixture of a proud expression and a happy smile is seen even through her near-emotionless frame.
"Phew. These still tire me from time to time."
> She pauses, turning from her stool to see the landscape behind her before reading the new comment written on her stream.
"I'm happy you enjoy my performances, M3RCY! It has been a pleasure playing for every one of you tonight!"
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Of course, it's been a pleasure watching."]
| > The Lilim stands up and stretches her hands. She looks at her instrumental deck and takes out the violin, strumming a chord while looking far off to the city.
"Let's see.. Hmm… let's stray off from the classics for this time."
> A note is played and the scrolling text shows the song she is playing: 'Gwyn, Lord of Cinder.'
"It's a song to parry the burning, walking chaos of the city — and second last piece we will play today."
| >[User "nC" has joined]
| "Welcome to the night, n.. uh.. nC. Right. I almost stupidly read that as 'nO' for a reason."
> The Lilim chuckled while she keeps the violin performance to a thrill. Her eyes often dart to the side of the camera, seemingly trying to track something off screen.
"We have lots of new eyes arou—"
> Her voice was abruptly faded by the sound of a strong wind, but it soon returns back to its volume.
"Woah, a plane just went by. Is the mic still okay there? Test.. test.."
| > [User "DUKE" says "Don't worry, everything's fine."]
| > The Lilim cuts her performance short, trying to adjust the microphone on her deck before reading the new message.
"Oh! Everything is fine? I'm sorry about that! I didn't expect any plane to fly by so soon."
> She puts up her violin again, preparing to play a new piece.
"Well, since this is the last slot, I'll take a break first. My eyes are feeling fuzzier than usual here. Anyway..."
> She sits down, storing the violin back to the deck.
"Let's have a heart-to-heart chat!"
| > [User "DUKE" says "Sure. So, what is it that you have on your heart?"]
| "Lots of things. I play music to uncloud my thoughts, but there is only so much a C major can do."
> The Lilim smiled at the camera.
"I mean, I'm not forcing all of you to help me here! I just want to express a little bit about myself."
> She adjusts the microphone, putting it closer to her to increase the audibility of her voice.
"So, uhm.. well. I have been feeling doubtful lately. What do you usually do when you're yearning for something you can't have anymore?"
| > [ User "EDN" has joined ]
| > [User "DUKE" says "Hm. A question as deep as abstract. If you can't have anything and can't change this situation by yourself, I don't think there is much you can do about it except accepting it, as hard as it might be. We use to have the illusion about technology giving us more control of our lives with all these fancy augmentations and stuff. But we'll probably never control it 100%. What is it you strive for and can't have?"]
| > [User "M3RCY" says "Depends on the context, if it's an object, I usually forget about it, if it's a person, usually the same, however I like to remember the good times I had whilst I was able to be in contact with whatever or whomever it was. Duke says some wise, deeply philosophical words whilst I probably just follow Occam's Razor.]
| > [ User "EDN" says "...I'm not 100% on the context of this conversation. But most emotions tend to be translated into music for me. The chords of desire and frustration are those that my Kinetic-Chargecaster knows well." }
| > The Lilim was surprised, but at the same time, elated, seeing the responses made in the comment of the stream. She had waited before responding, drifting her attention every now and then.
"All of these are thought-provoking in their own way. Thank you! I'm not sure what to say to further the conversation, but that'll make me sound like a helpless person."
> She takes a deep breath then continues.
"Everyone has their own way of handling this 'feeling', after all."
| "As easy as I may have been to forget. I suppose all this time, wishing for time to tick back is impossible."
> She shot a saddened look, but quickly wipes it away.
"Sorry! I'm rambling. This is a conversation, I shouldn't be the one taking all the talking."
> Standing up, she takes a wooden baton and positions herself further away from the instrumental deck.
"Let's play our last song!"
> She says in a shout. She is ready to conduct the last piece of the night.
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| > A blank black fills the screen of the viewers. A scrolling text down at the bottom portion of the screen, it reads "Five seconds before the stream starts, Houston!"
> As per usual, there is an optional username registration box close to the scrolling text; indicating the stream is open for live comments.
> Music plays in the background. It's a harpsichord rendition of the song 'Hopes and Dreams.'