. Dijon inhaled sharply, nostrils flaring with air. Parade time. His gaze was staring intently into the mirror, eyes flickering an unreadable expression. He couldn't help but see Bear in the desperate gaze that seemed to be his own. He would make her proud. He would be the change in his family. He would finally let her rest. He would...win. A smile crept upon his muzzle, suddenly feeling better about himself. Apparently dead sister baggage helps with nerves- Good to know..I think. The designer had adorned him in blue lights, draping down his chest and leg. Blue glasses tinted his vision. They also added large, similarly lit up hoops to his ears. Makeup was applied as well, some accessories also decorated himself. The ginger tabby gave him the last few touchups to Dijon. Adding spot concealment or adjusting his outfit every so often. A strangly proud smile cracked through the designers snout. " Y'know... Bear was the first tribute I ever designed for.." He trailed off, gaze searching through Dijon's amber eyes. Dijon swallowed dryly, a pained expression growing on his face. " ... " " Were you....sad...when she died?" Dijon asked, eyes narrowing almost suspicious if it was even possible to for capitol cats to experience grief. Tangerine's expression shifted to one that looked confused. "Well of course- who wouldnt?" He looked hurt by the question. " Im not a monster, Dijon." Dijon bit his lips and adjusted the last of his outfit, turning away from Tangerine and stood up from the vanity. " I hope so. " And just like that Dijon was in line to get into his chariot. Dijon's chariot is a masterpiece of fiery elegance. Crafted with a mix of dark mahogany and ebony woods, it is lit up by sapphire stained glass, mimicking a fire burning through the back of it, illuminated with sparkling lights. The wheels, inlaid with polished onyx, seem to roll effortlessly, leaving a trail of sparkles in their wake. It was perfect. The floor in which he would stand on was smooth and polished metal, glistening in the blue light. Dijon stepped onto the chariot, a solemn figure amidst the vibrant chaos of the Capitol's parade. His focus was seized by the azure glow of butterflies that graced his chariot, their wings reflecting the neon brilliance of the Capitol. "This could work-" He grinned, getting ready to roll out into the capitol. He quickly went over his plan, pacing around for awhile. " Okay! District 5! You're up! " A loud voice wailed, echoing through the backstage of the parade. Dijon gulped and narrowed his eyes. For Bear. The chariot started to lurch forward, blue butterflies staying intently on the chariot, scattered. And there he was. In the street. Lights erupted from the crowd, each of them seemingly having a lightstick in their paws. Showtime. With a silent command, Dijon released the butterflies into the crowd. Their ethereal dance captivated the spectators, a fleeting moment of beauty in the midst of extravagance. And then he spoke. "Hellloooo Capitol!" He said, plastering a grin onto his face. "I am Dijon of District 5-" "And I..I am here for revenge!" He called-out, simultaneously activating a concealed button on his bracelet. Suddenly, his whole attire erupted into a breathtaking holographic display. The radiance enveloped him in a fiery orange glow, intricately shaped like a bear--the very essence of his sister. The crowd gasped collectively, their attention undivided as the holographic animal encapsulated Dijon, a visual spectacle that transcended mere aesthetics. "May Bearclaw be put to rest-" He trailed off. "And I take the place she was fighting vigorously for" "Capital, I would never lie to you." "I will be your new victor. " He shouted, confidence oozing from his voice. The crowd erupted in cheers, hopefully he made a good impression. He sighed, the sight of the red curtains meant this was over. Oh wait. He forgot the Magnets. ".." The red curtains washed over him, but instead of being greeted by his designer, he was thrown into a sea of holograms. He narrowed his eyes, confused, and looked around. His gaze was met with one of sapphire, burning into his eyes. A seemingly real cat in the ocean of avatars. He grinned. I guess this was act 2. Unfazed, he spoke. "Behold, citizens of the Capitol!" His voice, a symphony of conviction, pierced the commotion. "In this luminous tapestry of dreams and ambitions, I am Dijon. Tonight, as I step into the spotlight, my presence becomes a brushstroke in the masterpiece of our shared destiny. For every heartbeat that resonates in this electrifying moment, I carry the echoes of a legacy, and with each stride, I unfold the story of undying determination. As the stage embraces my silhouette, remember me not just as a tribute but as a testament to the unquenchable fire that burns within every soul, igniting the very essence of our existence." [+]
His voice hung in the air, letting the words marinate in the capitol's brain. He stomped. The powerful magnets attached to his shoes turned on. " But in short." A dry chuckle. "I will be your next victor, Capital." And with that, he started to float in the air, the magnets slowly propelling him upwards. His arms stretched out, head tilted up towards the moon. He was flying. Gasps and cheers pierced through his ears, they seemed to be happily surprised. He looked down slightly, meeting his gaze with the only real cat in the crowd. Almost as if he were directly talking to him, his voice rang through the air. " I am Dijon of District 5." " And you'll be hearing alot more about me from now on. " - DAMN that took long music : my glorious king ye art: me outfit design: @--sammy and me