[Elijah]

Ah, Tokyo, the largest city in Japan. A metropolis with towers that reached the very skies, its streets teeming with cars and entertainment ever abundant in a place that never seems to sleep.

It was also full of people with money.

Not that Elijah was hard-pressed for it. His education in UAU was paid for by his dad in full, as well as his stay in the esteemed academy's dorms. Food, clothes, everything was covered by an ever loving father who wanted nothing more than for his son to avoid the struggles of capitalism. Honestly though, the freshman wasn't a fan of dependence.

So he chose to work for the money. Not by applying for a job of course, resumes and phone calls and interviews required too much effort. He had his own way of getting it.

Donned in cargo pants and a jacket with its hood obscuring his face, Elijah made his way down a street before parking himself close to the entrance of a mall. The setup was muscle memory; the amp was his seat and used as a guide to position the rest of his things, pedal board unpacked and placed by his feet, open instrument case up front and to the side.

Satisfied, the freshman sat on the speaker with his bass in his hands, taking the time to tune it and search for the right beat to follow. Only then did he really start to play.

Dante

[Dante]

[nospaces]

[newclass="#charactername"]--accent:#930000; --accent2:#FF5757; --tempimg:url(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/929933081832476683/1122367416748494958/image.png);[/newclass]

[attr="class","LOUDWRAPPER"][attr="id","charactername"]

[attr="class","LOUDHEADER"]

You're so sweet[break] but I like it loud[break]
Light it up yeah smoke em if you got em

[attr="class","LOUDPOSTENTRY"]

The summer markets here in Japan, they don't seem too different from the ones back home. A little bit more of a tighter squeeze than most alleyways, but that might have just been him. Overall it's a pleasant and peaceful environment, one Dante probably shouldn't feel comfortable in considering he shouts it out best in the back alley slums, but he's not here to bathe in the sunshine and order a triple-decker ice cream. No, he's scouting for other wayward souls and lost musicians like him, or rather, people who can compete with him.

Though through the rumblings of his mustang's engine and the murmur of the crowd, he soon finds, or hears, what he's looking for.

Instantaneously he can tell whoever's playing has some significant balance. It takes a heart-wrenching backstory and some real talent to slap-bass like that. He rolls to stop in front of the mall where parking is totally not allowed, but he's not about to spend hours looking for a parking spot and coming back to find that the busker's long gone. He can take a parking ticket- it's less important than seeing whoever's here. He strikes a match on his cigarette as he walks over and moseys on through the crowd to get a closer look. A few people give him some odd ganders- not that he blames them, as he looks like a renegade from some A tier rock-and-roll drama flick where the lead singer dies in a shootout. Slicked long blonde hair with the pair of dog tags, tight jeans and some irrelevant ancient r&r tanktop, and the sunglasses to top it all off?

Dante, you do not belong here and you know it.

Still, he doesn't want to steal this kid's thunder. He looks young, but he doesn't act it. He clearly knows what he's doing. Dante, being polite for once, will wait until he's finished this song.

[attr="class","LOUDBOTTOM"] @user

[attr="class","dijitalccredit"]✭ dijit

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[Elijah]

The American would find himself waiting for a while.

Not out of spite or anything. Why would it be when player and watcher were strangers to one other? The simple fact was Elijah was a performer, seamlessly transitioning from one song to another. He played like someone who lived and breathed music; like all he wanted in life was to move hearts and share his story through the chords he flew through. It was a lie of course. Whatever it took to make that green.

But the beauty of the human mind was people had an active imagination. No one wanted to match such skill with a selfish person. Those who were greedy had no talent; they used others' for their own gain. So surely a simple teenager with a bass was a good, kind individual.

Elijah paused his loop board to put all focus in his playing. A finale of frets to showcase his mastery over his instrument, his fingers glided over the strings like it was second-nature, and in the end he let the final note hang in the air. There was only a moment of silence before the applause came in.

Coins and bills were tossed in his case as the crowd dispersed, opting to continue their day rather than stick around for a possible encore. Which there would be, Elijah still had about an hour left before he'd make his way back to the campus. But the populace was always busy. He wasn't worried though. He'll draw a new flock in when he starts playing again.

He let himself dig into his bag for a bottle of water to drink, taking the needed break for what it's worth.

Dante

[Dante]

[nospaces]

[newclass="#charactername"]--accent:#930000; --accent2:#FF5757; --tempimg:url(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/929933081832476683/1122367416748494958/image.png);[/newclass]

[attr="class","LOUDWRAPPER"][attr="id","charactername"]

[attr="class","LOUDHEADER"]

You're so sweet[break] but I like it loud[break]
Light it up yeah smoke em if you got em

[attr="class","LOUDPOSTENTRY"]

Hell of a move. It was clear to Dante that this guy played his bass like it was a fifth limb that he had lived his entire life with, no questions asked about it, like they had never existed apart. Coming across a soul like that was a very rare occurrence- in all the other band members he had found and played with, not a single one of them had a shred of fire in their hearts that they used to play with. There was a certain amount of heart and soul you needed to play an instrument and get anything out of it, and their fires were akin to the deepest depths of the ocean. Not one bit of mind in any of them- and that's a part of why he went solo.

He's starting to have second thoughts now, but it's going to be a moment longer before Dante decides on anything.

The delinquent strikes a match against his boot to light the cigarette perched on his lips before he stalks up to the youth, taking a long drag before exhaling with smoke dancing on his lips as he spoke, sun highlighting his figure. "You've sure got a set of fingers on you, kid," Dante comments as he crouches down on one knee so he can get eye to eye with Elijah. "say, would you oppose to a few thousand more yen?" He glances back at his Mustang parked on the street, which has now been surrounded by another group of people taking photos of it. "Got my guitar and speaker over there. Won't ask for a dollar," he stands up, shoving his hands in his leather jeans pockets. "just wanna see what you're really capable of when we throw some more sound into the mix. Whadya think?"

[attr="class","LOUDBOTTOM"] Elijah

[attr="class","dijitalccredit"]✭ dijit

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[Elijah]

Elijah sighed and placed the bottle down when a shadow was cast over him. With his hoodie covering his face from the man's higher angle, all he'd see is some movement as the freshman's head tilted upward slightly in acknowledgement. A compliment sent his way. The stranger was fooled as the others were. "Thanks. Five of them are fake." Metal fingers shifted against strings to bring attention to the ruse he was playing. Not a real hand, therefore no skill was involved. It was just a mechanical arm he controlled. That was his belief at least.

When Dante crouched down to level himself with Elijah's head, two different coloured eyes stared back, with bangs covering much of the right side of his face and a scrunched up nose from the close proximity to the smoke. A sharp perception may notice the discolouration hidden behind the hair and relate the injury to the arm. Something traumatic happened to the young man. Not that he'd explain in the moment.

His gaze shifted to the car haphazardly parked some meters away, brows furrowing at the group surrounding it. "Are you famous or is your car that weird?" Granted it was a Mustang, which was not common in Japan. The American was a stand out as well with his appearance so maybe he just garnered a lot of attention regardless. Elijah turned back to him, curiosity piqued at the man's implied skill with a guitar. "But sure. I'm up for a challenge."

Dante

[Dante]

[nospaces]

[newclass="#charactername"]--accent:#930000; --accent2:#FF5757; --tempimg:url(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/929933081832476683/1122367416748494958/image.png);[/newclass]

[attr="class","LOUDWRAPPER"][attr="id","charactername"]

[attr="class","LOUDHEADER"]

You're so sweet[break] but I like it loud[break]
Light it up yeah smoke em if you got em

[attr="class","LOUDPOSTENTRY"]

He raises a brow at the display of metal, but ultimately doesn't decide to question it- not yet, anyway. There was possibly cheating at play, but Dante felt that he could discern if the student felt like what he was doing was just or not- whether he really felt what he was playing. It would made to be seen in the next few minutes, anyway. It certainly seemed like the student has his fair share of stories, based on his unusual appearance- not like the rockerboy could say much.

"Thing's vintage," Dante crosses his arms, offended that the state of the art vehicle wasn't recognised. "over a hundred years old. People who actually have taste will see that." He glances back at the muscle car, then to the younger boy. "Name's Dante. Let's see if you're as good as I think you are, or if it's just Robocop's magic fingers stripping people of their cash."

He grunts a harsh "move" to the people in his way, unlocking the trunk and fetching his guitar case and a mic stand from the selected assortment of musician's needs, along with the cables needed to hook up to the student's amplifier. Dante's heeled boots click on the pavement as he shoves past the crowd once more, earning a few irritated glares as he plugs in his mic and guitar, a bizarre looking thing with jaded green in the fretboard and body. He taps on the microphone's element and hears the resounding noise in response. Satisfied, he looks down to the student. "Y'heard of Dark Necessities, kid?" He asks. "Play that track. S' got a hell of a bass solo at the start. Show me what you got, and I'll sing."

[attr="class","LOUDBOTTOM"] Elijah

[attr="class","dijitalccredit"]✭ dijit

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[Elijah]

Elijah's eyes landed on the vehicle again as the man explained what it was. "I recognized it. My father's grandfather owned one." He could've said great-grandfather but calling him such when he never saw him nor had any biological relation to him struck the freshman as odd. The old man was his adoptive father's relative, not his. Simple as that. "At least you admitted that it's old." And there was the bluntness.

And also the sudden change in subject. "Hawthorne," was his reply to the introduction, sharing only his last name as he had with everyone else he met. A snort escaped him at the movie reference. "Robocop's appendage is serving me well as you can see." He gestured at the case and its decent amount of change. "Do what you want though."

He watched as Dante forced his way through the crowd to reach his vehicle and bring back his things, brow arching at his equipment. Even when already told of the man's setup he wasn't ready to witness it, already wondering how long they would stay here before the authorities kicked them out as the microphone was prepped. His attention shifted to the American himself, catching the question with a nod. "Yeah. I can play that."

Elijah even did one better and stood from his spot before he began to strum the starting chords, putting at least a bit of respect in Dante's bravery in confronting him. And for all his internal monologue of only playing out of greed, it didn't conceal the way he subtly bobbed his head to the music, eyes closed as he went through the motions not by pre-calibrated movements but by skill refined over many years.

Because he loved to play, once. He was still trying to, even if he didn't know it.

Dante

[Dante]

[nospaces]

[newclass="#charactername"]--accent:#930000; --accent2:#FF5757; --tempimg:url(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/929933081832476683/1122367416748494958/image.png);[/newclass]

[attr="class","LOUDWRAPPER"][attr="id","charactername"]

[attr="class","LOUDHEADER"]

You're so sweet[break] but I like it loud[break]
Light it up yeah smoke em if you got em

[attr="class","LOUDPOSTENTRY"]

There was the faintest bit of sincere happiness in Dante's usual shit-eating grin as he peered down upon Elijah as the boy played, recognising that even if Elijah didn't recognise himself, at least Dante could see the real talent that the student possessed. It didn't matter what anyone else thought at that moment— Dante was a crowd pleaser, but he was also a connoisseur of finding people who had true heart for their passion, especially those who played instruments. Even if he didn't find the allure of a pianist, he would appreciate it nonetheless.

He already knew he'd struck gold. He just needed to keep his excitement on the down-low.

As the introduction gave way into the bass solo and it was running through Elijah's fluent fingertips, Dante idly taps along to the beat, fingers drumming on the face of his electric guitar. Though when the lyrics come in and he leans up to the microphone, Dante starts to clap along with the beat.

Coming out to the light of day

We got many moons that are deep at play

So I keep an eye on the shadow's smile

To see what it has to say

You and I both know

Everything must go away

Ah, what do you say?

Spinning knot that is on my heart

It's like a bit of light and a touch of dark

You got sneak attacked from the zodiac

But I see your fire spark

Eat the breeze and go

Blow by blow and go away

Oh, what do you say?

At that last lyric, Dante slyly peers down at Elijah once more before continuing to strum at his guitar, entire body nodding along with the beat.

Yeah, you don't know my mind

You don't know my kind

Dark necessities are part of my design and

Tell the world that I'm falling from the sky

Dark necessities are part of my design

Stumble down to the parking lot

You got no time for the afterthought

They're like ice cream for an astronaut

Well that's me looking for we

Turn the corner and

Find the world at your command

Playing the hand

Yeah, you don't know my mind

You don't know my kind

Dark necessities are part of my design

Tell the world that I'm falling from the sky

Dark necessities are part of my design

The chorus gives way to an abrupt piano, Dante leaning back and simply listening to the melody as his eyes scan the crowd. As far as he can see, they seem entirely transfixed, some people even clapping along with the beat as he did. Fucking brilliant.

[attr="class","LOUDBOTTOM"] Elijah

[attr="class","dijitalccredit"]✭ dijit

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[Elijah]

Elijah was calm as ever as he plucked the notes, having no qualms with being the sole focus in the beginning. The bass was an under appreciated instrument; not nearly as flashy as the guitar but still had their merits in the right hands. He had only one of those, sure, but the prosthetic was holding itself up well enough.

It was when the voice accompanied the strumming that made the freshman tilt his head, hearing Dante's singing for the first time. Another point of respect given; he was good. His ways with the guitar was nothing to scoff at either. He opened his eyes just when the man looked down at him, prompting a raise of his brow in question. The American knew something but Elijah wasn't sure what. But he supposed that didn't matter.

His eyes eventually landed on the crowd, larger and more enthusiastic than it had been since he started performing on the street. Their excitement was electric; even the freshman felt it despite being devoid of emotion most of the time. They were clapping to their beat. Singing the lyrics of the song they were playing. Chalk it up to its popularity maybe, but it didn't change the fact that the two of them made it happen.

They certainly wouldn't get this much positive interaction if they were piss poor musicians.

Dante

[Dante]

[nospaces]

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You're so sweet[break] but I like it loud[break]
Light it up yeah smoke em if you got em

[attr="class","LOUDPOSTENTRY"]

Do you want this love of mine?

The darkness helps all to shine

Do you want it, do you want it now?

Do you want it all the time?

The darkness helps us all to shine

Do you want it, do you want it now?

Pick you up like a paperback

With the track record of a maniac

So I move it in and we unpack

It's the same as yesterday

Any way we roll

Everything must go away

Ah, what do you say?

Yeah, you don't know my mind

You don't know my kind

Dark necessities are part of my design

Tell the world that I'm falling from the sky

Dark necessities are part of my design

Ah, there it is. As the chorus ends and Dante descends into his crescendo of a guitar solo, it's almost too loud for his well-tuned ears to handle— but nonetheless, the quite literal electricity of his guitar is music to his ears, a harmonious symphony only attainable by two masters of their craft. For a kid, this Elijah had so easily fallen into step with Dante so effortlessly, almost like they had been both playing together their entire lives. Quite simply to say, staying in touch with Elijah is something he wants to hold onto, and not let go. After all, only artists can appreciate their art fully.

His worn and calloused fingers eventually leave the strings, and the last notes of the song fizzle out, the crowd holding its breath in anticipation as silence takes hold once more. There's nothing. Then there's everything— screaming, crying, clapping, not in terror of their lack of talent but in complete and utter appreciation of their performance. Dante only nods in satisfaction, his grin having never left his lips as he claps along with them, looking down at Elijah. As much as Dante wanted the credit, for all of his selfishness, the one and only thing he could appreciate in life was another musician of talent.

"Good job, kid." Dante says. "Wasn't expectin' that, I'll be honest with ya. Was almost like we've never not played together."

[attr="class","LOUDBOTTOM"] Elijah

[attr="class","dijitalccredit"]✭ dijit

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[Elijah]

And there was the electric guitar solo, right on cue.

Elijah lowered his bass and let himself listen to Dante play. It was loud, which was expected, but the skill was still there. The man knew what he was doing with the way he strummed like it was second-nature, drawing more cheers from the crowd as he did so.

It only got louder when they reached the end of their song. The cries and yelling made the freshman duck his head low, not used to the level of excitement his playing brought. Well. Their playing brought. He couldn't deny that half of the accomplishment was because of Dante, if not more than.

The clapping he heard right by his ear only confused him. Elijah turned his head, eyeing the man's hands as they made the affirming movement. It took a while for him to register the compliment, prompting him to blink before speaking in a low voice only the American would hear. "Thank you. You were good too."

He faced the crowd again. "I've never seen this many people be this involved."

Dante

[Dante]

[nospaces]

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[attr="class","LOUDWRAPPER"][attr="id","charactername"]

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You're so sweet[break] but I like it loud[break]
Light it up yeah smoke em if you got em

[attr="class","LOUDPOSTENTRY"]

Dante huffed. "Good music brings out the fire in people. It touches their souls in ways nothing else ever could." He looks around. "As far as I see, we've lit a good flame here. Joint effort." Dante shrugs, before groaning, realising that he was probably being the typical older-brother figure that Mark seemed so obsessed with being to him. Fuck, double fuck, triple fuck. He needs to get out of here before he asks if Elijah has a studio he can use and develops loving sibling syndrome.

Dante doesn't make any move to take the money thrown at them, simply walking forwards and pumping his fist in the air, quite obviously egging everyone on— the attention was payment enough for him. Without further ado, he retrieves his guitar and microphone stand, two-finger saluting at Elijah before walking back to his mustang. "Good session, was nice meeting ya or whatever. See ya around, kiddo."

Dante brushes off any personal get-to-know-you effort made by the civvies, only pausing when some random woman tips her his phone number. He leaves with a roar of his mustang, disappearing into the dying day. The night awaited him.

[attr="class","LOUDBOTTOM"] Elijah

[attr="class","dijitalccredit"]✭ dijit

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[Elijah]

Soul touching. Elijah expected the kind of poetic description of what they've done from the musician, but it didn't change how cliché it sounded to his ears. Fires alit in people's hearts. Lifting their spirits with their symphony. As if they did what they did for more than just to earn their pay.

Well. Dante did, certainly. He brought his guitar on a whim when he noticed the student play. But did Elijah?

It was hard to tell, now.

He eyed the man when he groaned, curious as to what he was thinking. Did he have more to say on the matter? Didn't seem to when he picked up his gear and was on his way out. Elijah nodded once in response to the salute, tilting his head afterwards. "See you." Would he? They were strangers in the end, happening upon each other only because of their mutual interest in music. He supposed it didn't matter now.

The freshman packed his bass as Dante drove away, having to pause multiple times before he closed his case so the crowd was able to throw more money in it. And there was quite a bit of it; much more than what he would've made on his own. He was eventually able to walk away, hollers and whistles sounding off his departure as he boarded the bus back to the campus.

Elijah wondered briefly if his next venture was ever going to be as eventful as this one.

Dante

[Fanthes]

[nospaces]

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✨MISSION SUCCESS!✨

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✓ Bravo! When are they playing a concert together and where can I get the tickets?! [break][break]

+ 5.000 EXP!

[break]
Dante - 10.250 // 15.250[break]
Elijah - 9.500 // 14.500

---

Tag: Elijah, Dante

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