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Description
“Ignis, would you ever do something like that with me?” asked Indra, while they walked home from a concert.

“Huh? Like what?” asked Ignis.

“You know, a performance?” she answered.

“Love, I think I’m past those days. Appearing before the camera for anything other than political matters never has bode well for me,” Ignis admitted, feeling almost embarrassed.

He reluctantly spent much of his life in the spotlight. Even long after those days serving as a Royal Guard. He’s grown weary of it. Those lights are blinding and painful.

Indra sighed, “awe, not even once?”

Implying that she would love for him to appear in her biggest performance since passing off the crown as Carnival Queen. Where Ignis stole the show with his grand marriage proposal. Essentially sweeping the world off its feet with hers.

“It’s better that I remain in the shadows,” he confirmed.

Ignis continued, “it is with regret to inform you that due to our conflicting schedules, I won’t be able to make it,” crushing Indra’s heart.

Indra understands that schedule conflicts happen and is going to be doing it alone.
Indra sighed and accepted his decisions silently.

“Right. I’ll be sure to tell you how it goes,” Indra said as she tries to hide the disappointment in her voice.

Ignis felt it all in his chest but there was nothing he could say or do to console her. Instead he stops walking, turns to kiss her, and tells her she’ll be amazing.

All of Lucii will be watching or listening, even if they can’t make it into the stadium.

—————————————————————-

It was the day of the show. Indra was as nervous as the day she performed the first time for Carnival. She did it once and many times after. She knew she could do it again.

Indra was in her dressing room doing last looks. She left her hair natural and not straightened. She wore black pants, shoes, belt, sweater, leather gloves, and tie. A member of the dressing crew slips into the room with her custom glittery red blazer. She could feel the weight but it moved gracefully when she turned around. The weight of the glamor was almost comforting.

“Don’t forget your glasses, madam,” said another crew member. Holding it out for her take.

“Thank you,” Indra smiled.

She takes the glasses and turns to look into the mirror, and she slides her shades on. Completing the look for this one time 15 minute show.

Over the walkie talkie, it can be heard, “we need her on stage in 5.”

Indra flips on the collar of her blazer, takes a deep breath, “ok. It’s time, let’s go!”

With armed guards, stage hands, and staff she is escorted to the first stage. Her earphone is turned on and she is handed the microphone.

“Good luck out there,” the stagehand whispers.

“Thanks, I’m going to need it,” Indra whispers back playfully.

Throughout the stadium the announcer can be heard.

“Welcome everyone to our first halftime show! Featuring the incredible, Indra Bankole!”

The massive stadium went dark and silent. A hush fell upon the crowd that was waiting for the show to begin.

A familiar melody begins to play and the neon stage lights up. Indra sits in a replica of the Regalia with a neon 3D backdrop of Insomnia. She gets out and sits on a nearby platform.

There a performer in white with red neon eyes dangles by a thread. A choir can be heard below. He descends to the stage below her. Where he joins hundreds of them on another neon lit stage of the city. All performing in perfect sync to the music. Their glowing red eyes blinking as they danced. The lights flashing to the music as the stage separates in the middle.

Indra is now standing in the golden lit room between the platforms with her hands up, hyping up the crowd. The crowd goes wild as golden fireworks launch into the sky.

In her chest voice, she begins to sing.

“twenty racks, a table cut from ebony…”

Walking back and forth on the stage, moving her free hand to the music. Occasionally taking a dance break in between verses. She’s not dancing for her life this time. She can take it easy and have some fun.

A drum line begins as they transition to the next song. The choir in white behind her on the multiple tiered stage continues their dance and doubling as backup singers.

“You said, keeping our business on the low-low…”

The stage parts again as they transition into another song. Indra continues to perform as she goes through a lit up golden maze. The backstage performance being shown live on the big screen.

“He told me don’t worry, about it…”

This time the area is raided by numerous masked dancers in the same outfit as her. Without the glitter this time. Crashing into her and each other was part of this performance as she continues to make her way to the next stage.

A massive moon rises above the staged city upon a screen. Indra finally appears on top near a neon replica of the Citadel. The camera now faces behind her as the other side of the stadium launches fireworks in tune with the music.

In a slightly higher tone, “you’ve been scared of love and what it did to you…”

Onto another transition and she continues in a sadder tune, “I don’t know why, I run away…”

This time next to a band member with a lit up electric guitar she continues. Catching her breath between moments she breaks character to dance a little.

The stage goes dark again in transition to another song. Indra re-appears below the neon city stage. The dancers in white are now wearing black. They pull out instruments and begin to play while dancing. This song will be an orchestral performance.

“You know you’re perfect, the way you work it…”

Indra dancing a little more to this beat. The performance is going off without a hitch so far. She’s slowing it down and dragging out the words. Playing really dramatic for this song. The crowd could feel every bit of it. Cheering as she goes, only to be drowned out by the music. Showcasing all her tones high and low as she mentally prepares for the last part of her performance. The lights go out again, only one spotlight remains on. Her silhouette highlighted as the last tune fades out.

On the grass below were hundreds more of masked clone dancers. They began to march and dance to the beat. It was mesmerizing to everyone in the stands. They stood in formation as the next song began. Leaving extra room in the middle for Indra to walk between them. Their hands lit up now.

Marching forward as Indra joins them singing,
“This is fun to me…”

Raising her hands and grooving to the music as the crowd goes wild again. The base drops and Indra pretends to be swept away with fake drunken movements. Then skipping as she sang the next verses. This moment takes her back to those days of leading her band to victory during Carnival. It was nostalgic and she was reveling in this moment.

The formations would break and change as she continued to sing. The most chaotic parts being the chorus. Finally, she performs her most popular song at the moment. While fireworks continue to launch non-stop.

The camera zooms in for Indra’s closeup as she sings the last line. All the clones were now lying on the ground around her as the firework show continued.

Indra basks in the moment while she comes down from all the excitement. The energy in the stadium was electric and overwhelming. She also realized how winded she felt. She’s not exactly in the same shape she was last year.

In an unplanned moment, a clone stands up behind her. He runs towards her from behind and grabs her waist to pull her close to him. Before Indra had the time to get mad he pulls off his mask, drops it to the ground, and puts his glasses on.

It was Ignis and the entire crowd erupts. He was a little sweaty from all that choreographed dancing and marching under the bright lights.

Indra screams because she’s surprised. She stopped herself from crying and begins to laugh uncontrollably. The camera was still on both of them now, projecting the moment on the big screen.

“You look amazing!” Indra shrieks in his ears. It was so loud in there that yelling in each other’s ears was the best way to communicate.

“Thank you, love,” said Ignis. Basking in this moment with his fiancé.

Knowing full well he’d been practicing and rehearsing with the dancers all this time. Of course he knew how to march, but learning how to dance while doing it was a challenge. They were incredibly kind and patient with him. Not something he’s used to when it comes to dealing with the public.

“I’m so happy you made it!” Indra shouts.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world, love,” said Ignis.

Just like that day of the proposal, they kiss and turn to face the camera. Laughing as it pans away from them and the stadium goes dark one last time.

It was a memorable performance that was full of moments that will be talked about for a few months. People will be watching it over and over again to see if they could spot Ignis in the sea of clones. Fans also theorized that the song choices were based on her relationship with Ignis. Or was it just songs her fans loved the most? The press will have to follow her up about that later.

Happy Halloween!

——————————————

I suppose it’s pretty clear what the inspiration behind this piece was. I’ve made pieces before that were inspired by Blinding Lights and on the announcement of The Weeknd performing at the Super Bowl, which was surprisingly accurate. I didn’t make one inspired after the performance. Since the last pieces were drawn, I wanted to do this one in 3D. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but The Weeknd has inspired me so much to begin creating art and sharing this story during the pandemic. It’s amazing that I’m still going now. I needed to give him a proper salute.

At this point in the story Indra’s singing career was starting to take off. She doesn’t perform often but she couldn’t turn down an opportunity to sing at the venue where her life changed more than once. From her first Carnival road march, then her return as Queen to hand the crown off to another, and was followed by Ignis’ proposal that same night. She knew she had to return one more time and a little more casually. She slowed down on the extreme fitness because she wasn’t going to be doing Carnival anymore. She’s not out of shape but not the same as she was for the last 3 years.

During Indra’s slow rise to fame, she spent a lot of it side by side with Ignis working with his ideas. That’s why she felt compelled to ask when will he do something with her for once.
Ignis who is full of surprises decided not to tell her what his plans were. Indra asking him meant turning her down. He couldn’t risk blowing his cover. He was practicing and rehearsing the whole time with a small dance troop in between work and spending time with her. Claiming he was at the gym when he was really dancing. Not sure if I should make an art based on this but it is a fun idea now that I think about it.

In my story Ignis can dance even though he’s blind. He’s already military so we know he can march. It’s a given he could do the routine on the grounds during the last part of the performance in my opinion. So I planted him there. I’m sure Indra is tired of Ignis stealing the show all the time so I’m sure she didn’t mind doing it alone despite asking him to join her.

I modified and chose certain lyrics from the actual performance that matched the story. Some she’s were turned to he’s and etc. though she did date women before this was all about them. The fans were right. I tried to add glitter to her jacket but it doesn’t show very well in the final render but she was the centre of attention here.

For those not sure how or why there’s a stadium now. It was constructed in Lestallum as a stage for the Carnival’s final stop. Since then it’s been used for many other events like concerts, music festivals, games, etc. Lestallum has become the new hot spot for fun and gathering. Seeing how it’s a direct source of power and energy, it’s the perfect location for endless fun. All these investments lead to its revitalization, benefitting everyone that lives and works there. Lestallum is the new fun place for youth to gather. This scene is canon in my story as well.

Anyway, since they were technologically in cosplay for this piece. It felt right to post this one for Halloween. It’s one of my new favorites as it turned out almost exactly how I imagined it.

Have a fun, safe, and Happy Halloween!

Description
“Ignis, would you ever do something like that with me?” asked Indra, while they walked home from a concert.

“Huh? Like what?” asked Ignis.

“You know, a performance?” she answered.

“Love, I think I’m past those days. Appearing before the camera for anything other than political matters never has bode well for me,” Ignis admitted, feeling almost embarrassed.

He reluctantly spent much of his life in the spotlight. Even long after those days serving as a Royal Guard. He’s grown weary of it. Those lights are blinding and painful.

Indra sighed, “awe, not even once?”

Implying that she would love for him to appear in her biggest performance since passing off the crown as Carnival Queen. Where Ignis stole the show with his grand marriage proposal. Essentially sweeping the world off its feet with hers.

“It’s better that I remain in the shadows,” he confirmed.

Ignis continued, “it is with regret to inform you that due to our conflicting schedules, I won’t be able to make it,” crushing Indra’s heart.

Indra understands that schedule conflicts happen and is going to be doing it alone.
Indra sighed and accepted his decisions silently.

“Right. I’ll be sure to tell you how it goes,” Indra said as she tries to hide the disappointment in her voice.

Ignis felt it all in his chest but there was nothing he could say or do to console her. Instead he stops walking, turns to kiss her, and tells her she’ll be amazing.

All of Lucii will be watching or listening, even if they can’t make it into the stadium.

—————————————————————-

It was the day of the show. Indra was as nervous as the day she performed the first time for Carnival. She did it once and many times after. She knew she could do it again.

Indra was in her dressing room doing last looks. She left her hair natural and not straightened. She wore black pants, shoes, belt, sweater, leather gloves, and tie. A member of the dressing crew slips into the room with her custom glittery red blazer. She could feel the weight but it moved gracefully when she turned around. The weight of the glamor was almost comforting.

“Don’t forget your glasses, madam,” said another crew member. Holding it out for her take.

“Thank you,” Indra smiled.

She takes the glasses and turns to look into the mirror, and she slides her shades on. Completing the look for this one time 15 minute show.

Over the walkie talkie, it can be heard, “we need her on stage in 5.”

Indra flips on the collar of her blazer, takes a deep breath, “ok. It’s time, let’s go!”

With armed guards, stage hands, and staff she is escorted to the first stage. Her earphone is turned on and she is handed the microphone.

“Good luck out there,” the stagehand whispers.

“Thanks, I’m going to need it,” Indra whispers back playfully.

Throughout the stadium the announcer can be heard.

“Welcome everyone to our first halftime show! Featuring the incredible, Indra Bankole!”

The massive stadium went dark and silent. A hush fell upon the crowd that was waiting for the show to begin.

A familiar melody begins to play and the neon stage lights up. Indra sits in a replica of the Regalia with a neon 3D backdrop of Insomnia. She gets out and sits on a nearby platform.

There a performer in white with red neon eyes dangles by a thread. A choir can be heard below. He descends to the stage below her. Where he joins hundreds of them on another neon lit stage of the city. All performing in perfect sync to the music. Their glowing red eyes blinking as they danced. The lights flashing to the music as the stage separates in the middle.

Indra is now standing in the golden lit room between the platforms with her hands up, hyping up the crowd. The crowd goes wild as golden fireworks launch into the sky.

In her chest voice, she begins to sing.

“twenty racks, a table cut from ebony…”

Walking back and forth on the stage, moving her free hand to the music. Occasionally taking a dance break in between verses. She’s not dancing for her life this time. She can take it easy and have some fun.

A drum line begins as they transition to the next song. The choir in white behind her on the multiple tiered stage continues their dance and doubling as backup singers.

“You said, keeping our business on the low-low…”

The stage parts again as they transition into another song. Indra continues to perform as she goes through a lit up golden maze. The backstage performance being shown live on the big screen.

“He told me don’t worry, about it…”

This time the area is raided by numerous masked dancers in the same outfit as her. Without the glitter this time. Crashing into her and each other was part of this performance as she continues to make her way to the next stage.

A massive moon rises above the staged city upon a screen. Indra finally appears on top near a neon replica of the Citadel. The camera now faces behind her as the other side of the stadium launches fireworks in tune with the music.

In a slightly higher tone, “you’ve been scared of love and what it did to you…”

Onto another transition and she continues in a sadder tune, “I don’t know why, I run away…”

This time next to a band member with a lit up electric guitar she continues. Catching her breath between moments she breaks character to dance a little.

The stage goes dark again in transition to another song. Indra re-appears below the neon city stage. The dancers in white are now wearing black. They pull out instruments and begin to play while dancing. This song will be an orchestral performance.

“You know you’re perfect, the way you work it…”

Indra dancing a little more to this beat. The performance is going off without a hitch so far. She’s slowing it down and dragging out the words. Playing really dramatic for this song. The crowd could feel every bit of it. Cheering as she goes, only to be drowned out by the music. Showcasing all her tones high and low as she mentally prepares for the last part of her performance. The lights go out again, only one spotlight remains on. Her silhouette highlighted as the last tune fades out.

On the grass below were hundreds more of masked clone dancers. They began to march and dance to the beat. It was mesmerizing to everyone in the stands. They stood in formation as the next song began. Leaving extra room in the middle for Indra to walk between them. Their hands lit up now.

Marching forward as Indra joins them singing,
“This is fun to me…”

Raising her hands and grooving to the music as the crowd goes wild again. The base drops and Indra pretends to be swept away with fake drunken movements. Then skipping as she sang the next verses. This moment takes her back to those days of leading her band to victory during Carnival. It was nostalgic and she was reveling in this moment.

The formations would break and change as she continued to sing. The most chaotic parts being the chorus. Finally, she performs her most popular song at the moment. While fireworks continue to launch non-stop.

The camera zooms in for Indra’s closeup as she sings the last line. All the clones were now lying on the ground around her as the firework show continued.

Indra basks in the moment while she comes down from all the excitement. The energy in the stadium was electric and overwhelming. She also realized how winded she felt. She’s not exactly in the same shape she was last year.

In an unplanned moment, a clone stands up behind her. He runs towards her from behind and grabs her waist to pull her close to him. Before Indra had the time to get mad he pulls off his mask, drops it to the ground, and puts his glasses on.

It was Ignis and the entire crowd erupts. He was a little sweaty from all that choreographed dancing and marching under the bright lights.

Indra screams because she’s surprised. She stopped herself from crying and begins to laugh uncontrollably. The camera was still on both of them now, projecting the moment on the big screen.

“You look amazing!” Indra shrieks in his ears. It was so loud in there that yelling in each other’s ears was the best way to communicate.

“Thank you, love,” said Ignis. Basking in this moment with his fiancé.

Knowing full well he’d been practicing and rehearsing with the dancers all this time. Of course he knew how to march, but learning how to dance while doing it was a challenge. They were incredibly kind and patient with him. Not something he’s used to when it comes to dealing with the public.

“I’m so happy you made it!” Indra shouts.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world, love,” said Ignis.

Just like that day of the proposal, they kiss and turn to face the camera. Laughing as it pans away from them and the stadium goes dark one last time.

It was a memorable performance that was full of moments that will be talked about for a few months. People will be watching it over and over again to see if they could spot Ignis in the sea of clones. Fans also theorized that the song choices were based on her relationship with Ignis. Or was it just songs her fans loved the most? The press will have to follow her up about that later.

Happy Halloween!

——————————————

I suppose it’s pretty clear what the inspiration behind this piece was. I’ve made pieces before that were inspired by Blinding Lights and on the announcement of The Weeknd performing at the Super Bowl, which was surprisingly accurate. I didn’t make one inspired after the performance. Since the last pieces were drawn, I wanted to do this one in 3D. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but The Weeknd has inspired me so much to begin creating art and sharing this story during the pandemic. It’s amazing that I’m still going now. I needed to give him a proper salute.

At this point in the story Indra’s singing career was starting to take off. She doesn’t perform often but she couldn’t turn down an opportunity to sing at the venue where her life changed more than once. From her first Carnival road march, then her return as Queen to hand the crown off to another, and was followed by Ignis’ proposal that same night. She knew she had to return one more time and a little more casually. She slowed down on the extreme fitness because she wasn’t going to be doing Carnival anymore. She’s not out of shape but not the same as she was for the last 3 years.

During Indra’s slow rise to fame, she spent a lot of it side by side with Ignis working with his ideas. That’s why she felt compelled to ask when will he do something with her for once.
Ignis who is full of surprises decided not to tell her what his plans were. Indra asking him meant turning her down. He couldn’t risk blowing his cover. He was practicing and rehearsing the whole time with a small dance troop in between work and spending time with her. Claiming he was at the gym when he was really dancing. Not sure if I should make an art based on this but it is a fun idea now that I think about it.

In my story Ignis can dance even though he’s blind. He’s already military so we know he can march. It’s a given he could do the routine on the grounds during the last part of the performance in my opinion. So I planted him there. I’m sure Indra is tired of Ignis stealing the show all the time so I’m sure she didn’t mind doing it alone despite asking him to join her.

I modified and chose certain lyrics from the actual performance that matched the story. Some she’s were turned to he’s and etc. though she did date women before this was all about them. The fans were right. I tried to add glitter to her jacket but it doesn’t show very well in the final render but she was the centre of attention here.

For those not sure how or why there’s a stadium now. It was constructed in Lestallum as a stage for the Carnival’s final stop. Since then it’s been used for many other events like concerts, music festivals, games, etc. Lestallum has become the new hot spot for fun and gathering. Seeing how it’s a direct source of power and energy, it’s the perfect location for endless fun. All these investments lead to its revitalization, benefitting everyone that lives and works there. Lestallum is the new fun place for youth to gather. This scene is canon in my story as well.

Anyway, since they were technologically in cosplay for this piece. It felt right to post this one for Halloween. It’s one of my new favorites as it turned out almost exactly how I imagined it.

Have a fun, safe, and Happy Halloween!