On Air Appraisal [Source Files + HD + Story]

Thank you everyone for voting in the popularity contest! I decided to write a short story about the in universe award show to announce the winners. I'm going to do this again next year, to what extent who knows. But for the first one, I wanted to have a bit of fun.

First Annual Salem Outlets Popularity Contest Award Show

“Welcome to the First Annual Salem Outlets Popularity Contest, located in the Demiurge county Phy-factory Theater. I’ll be your host for the night, Moe Delaugn.” The crowd hushed as the seating lights dimmed and the stage lights began its show. ”This program is brought to you by eroə, bringing you high fashion at low costs in all shapes and sizes. Designed by those in cutting edge fashion, eroə makes sure you’re looking your best twenty-four seven. They’ve recently introduced the Hayasa Activewear line. Plus-size activewear that fits, conforms and comforts the body whether you’re working out or you just want to show off a bit of skin. It’s not just clothes, it’s eroə.”

“Kind of an embarrassing ad read don’t-cha think, Fae?” Raera nudged his scowling coworker in the arm. 

Faeona closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. Just thirty minutes of this bullshit… You’re getting paid for it… I hope.

“And, brought to you by Soup’r Sammies. Better than your mother’s home cooking, but with the same warmth that shakes your core. Five star quality at one star prices. With local award winning chef Sagora Capodura located in the Salam Outlets’ Soup’r Sammies, you know the food is out of this world. Why eat soup, when you could eat something Soup’r at Soup’r Sammies.”

“Ah it’s not that many awards.” Sagora blushed, turning to the shy woman beside her. “I’m glad they think so highly of my cooking though.”

“I think your food is worth every remark, Ms. Capodura.” Omi turned up the music in her headphones a bit louder to curate her own soundtrack to the event.

“Now, without further ado, let me announce the third place winner of the First Annual Salem outlets Popularity Contest!” A projector whirled up as the mall’s logos halted their hypnotic motions. A graph with three bars popped up in the center stage with the names blurred out. “Everyone who was written on the ballot had someone else write them in in order to participate in the contest. Meaning that this was a fair contest! Surprisingly everyone on the list gained a substantial amount of recognition, but our third place winner was someone that stands out in particular.”

A picture of Faeona that was taken while she was working appeared center stage. “Faeona, the manager at eroə is a fantastic example of a quality employee who has nothing but the most positive interactions with the mall goers. Her radiant smile shines bright to anyone who visits her and her can-do attitude shines brighter.”

“Kill me, kill me, kill me.” Faeona sunk into her chair as the spotlight shined on her. She faked as much of a smile as she could as Raera was star struck.

“Fae, oh my god!! You’re so cool!” Raera shook Faeona’s arm as she was helpless to stop it.

“For third place, Faeona will receive a commemorative placard as well as a two-hundred and fifty dollar gift certificate valid for various stores in the Salem Outlets. Thank you again Faeona, for being one of the best model mall staff!” As soon as the spotlight was off her, she walked out of the aisle and left the building. Raera, thinking she was just going to use the bathroom, stayed behind to enjoy the rest of the show.

As Faeona left she saw Synthia smoking a cigarette. “Hey, I think you might wanna get in there, Synth. Second place is about to be announced.”

Synthia stomped out the butt and saluted Faeona. “It’s cool you got third place, at least that’s what you told me before this clown show started.”

Faeona laughed, “Are you serious? You know this is just some ad fest consumerist bullshit. It’s all rigged. I would have ended up in one of the positions no matter what.” She sighed and gave Synthia a hug. “Thanks though.”

“Well if it makes you feel better I didn’t vote for you,” Synthia smirked, releasing from the warm hug.

“Oh yeah? Your girlfriend, right?”

“Not yet…” Synthia looked at the packed parking lot and back at Faeona, wistfully. “She’s just different you know.” She turned around and pressed in the door handle. “Speaking of– why don’t you just sit next to us? Leave your little pet behind for a bit. It’s not like you were going to actually leave, right?”

With a bashful nod, Faeona follows Synthia. “I like you too much to say no,” Faeona giggles with a playful slap of Synthia’s ass.

“Now, our second place winner is a rather silent appreciator of the Salem Outlets. She had quite the public outcry after her announcement on the ballet. Between her charming looks and her supportive friends–” A picture of Ilyth sitting on a fountain bench appeared on the center stage slideshow. “Ilyth Cubi! More than a window shopper, Ilyth spends her time making friends with all of the various staff amongst the mall!” The spotlight highlighted Ilyth sitting next to Synthia.

“That spawn got second place!?” Catalym’s nails dug so deep into the armrests that her nail polish started to chip.

“Catacat…” Persephone delicately placed her hand on Catalym’s forearm and ceased all tension.

“Oh. Sorry, Ms. Persephone…” Catalym’s face turned crimson as she straightened her back. Persephone only answered with a warm smile.

“For second place, Ilyth will receive a commemorative placard and a five-hundred dollar gift certificate valid for various stores within the Salem Outlets. Keep showing us the value of treating the employees right, Ilyth!” The spotlight snapped off of her as she finally exhaled.

“Seems like sis is doing something right. Not really used to being in the spotlight though” Evelyn scratched at her exposed cleavage that was bubbling out of her corset.

“Can you blame her? Not everyone is fit for show business, love.” Ashley nuzzled his head into Evelyn’s neck. “Although if she was half as much of a showman as you, she could be cut out for the limelight.” Evelyn tightened her grip on Ashley’s hand and gave it a kiss.

“Our first place winner is backstage, ready to reveal herself and give a speech of her own. You might know her as the shadow of Salem Outlets, but she knows you as a friend. As much as she gets tossed out, we recognize her value as a member of the Salem Outlets community and treat her as family.” Appraisal’s toothy smile appears center stage.

“You’d think she’d be disqualified for almost getting into legal trouble constantly, right?” Yumian turns to Tura, whose smile is beaming.

“She’s practically the mall’s mascot, Yumi. Also probably the most recognizable name on the ballot for sure.” Yumian agreed in silence.

“Come on out, Appraisal! Let everyone know what it’s like to win the First Annual Salem Outlets’ Popularity Contest.” Appraisal slid out from backstage to roaring applause. Her usual outfit had been upgraded into something more elegant, to her standards anyways. Her tank top had been replaced by a tube top that covered a sleek black sports bra with visible straps. The breast pads she usually wore to boost her chest size were tossed aside showing her naturally flat cup size. She donned olive leather opera gloves that shined in the hot spotlights, detailing all of the intricate folds. Finally, her sweatskirt tightly conformed to her incredibly bottom heavy physique, hugging the middle of her round stomach. With her wielded microphone glittering, she flashed everyone her signature smile and started her speech.

“You know, when they said I was the most popular person in the mall I thought they were going to send me home again. Then again, I should have known I wasn’t homebound thanks to their uncharacteristic smiles.” Appraisal chuckled, the audience laughing in unison. “I’m kidding, the security staff at the mall are all sweethearts. The moment they learned my name it’d been a few weeks since I knew theirs.”

“I always forget how good she is at speaking.” Yumian chimed in. “Just thought she was, you know… Cause she’s usually in the background.”

“All she does is talk to people, Yumi.” Tura ruffled Yumian’s greasy hair. “When you do nothing but go outside and socialize you become good at talking.”

“Before I start talking about myself I want to highlight the beautiful women who placed after me. Faeona, the lovely manager at eroə is probably one of the most attractive women I know. There’s a reason she’s also a model for the company that keeps her chained behind the desk. And I know your plucky sidekick is a pain in this ass, but can you blame him for wanting to be your friend? At least, I think he already considers you his best friend in the world.”

“Go Faeona!” Raera shouts from the crowd. Faeona blushes and grumbles beneath her breath.

“And Ilyth… Your sister, Evelyn, is a powerhouse. If she’s the sun, you’re the moon. Despite your differences, your places in the world are important. Talking to you changed the way I view families, broadening their definition and the complexities they can carry. Keep being the person you strive to be, but never forget you still have those who brought you here.”

Ilyth’s eyes were red with tears, grasping Synthia’s hand as hard as she could. “You kick ass,” Synthia kept repeating words of encouragement, only bursting the dam more.

Music slowly filled the theatre as Appraisal continued to talk. “I deserve this award as much as any of you.” She powered through the que. “Your lives are worth documenting as much as I live my own. Every day I wake up and feel excited to visit the Salem Outlets, learning more about every single one of you, my friends. To think I’m someone who should win a trophy for just existing and being who I am naturally is beyond words. I accept myself as the winner of this contest, to not insult those who put their heart into mine. But know that I didn’t vote for any of you, because in my mind you all deserve first place and to have your own stories be heard.” 

Appraisal searched the crowd for someone. “I want to thank someone in particular for helping me be presentable today. My favorite person to talk to, my best friend, Audrixtura. When I told her that I won she cried and hugged me as tight as she could. I could feel my back straighten out!” Tura laughed, spitting tears into a tissue. “Next year, when this contest is live, It’d be great to see her given the opportunity to be up here embarrassing me as much as I have to everyone else. Thank you, Salem Outlets, and thank you everyone in the crowd for your appreciation.” With a bow, Appraisal shuffled back off stage, the music now on its fourth loop.

“And thank you Appraisal for being this year’s first place winner of the First Annual Salem Outlets Popularity Contest! For winning, Appraisal will receive a trophy as well as one-thousand dollars cash. Thank you everyone for participating, voting and showing up to this wonderful show in the Phy-lactory Theatre located in Demiurge county. Have a wonderful rest of your night, and don’t forget to check out eroə and Soup’r Sammies in the Salem Outlets.”

“So did I win?” Kazumi’s voice echoed from her partner’s speakers.

“No, dummy. They would have told you if you won before the contest,” Kazumi’s partner chastised her playfully. 

Kazumi huffed, “What was the point of even coming then…”

“You didn’t come and you weren’t even here for most of the show anyways,” They laughed getting up from their seat and switching it to a regular phone call.

“So who won anyways?”