video; @tsunpo

[atonality]

[ It starts like a 21st century video on a 21st century video app, with a guy in a funky get-up backing away from what can only be a camera lens. How? Why? Don’t worry about it. Worry instead about what’s going on: the guy, taking a seat on a plastic crate and pulling up a funky stringed instrument, one which he strums in one grand and dissonant swipe.

Got your attention? Good. That sounded terrible. He knows it did; it’s in the curl of his lip, and in the tip of his head like he’s looking at you, dear audience, challenge in every angle of his maddening face. Who wears sunglasses at night? This guy.

Pay mind, now. He’s begun to play. It isn’t a crazy crash of notes this time, though. This time, it’s harmonious when he launches into a song, plectrum a blur over silvery strings.

Well, what the hell.

When he’s done, without any warning, he points at the camera, at you, dear audience. ]

Are you tired of AI-generated media cluttering your feeds? Do you long for the spirit of music to grip your empty, human hearts once again? Do you wish to create something soulful for humanity to cling to before the next kaiju attack ruins your seasonal plans?

[ Another strum, a little threateningly. Twannng. ]

The time to create is now. Rise to the top as Neo-Tokyo’s new idol sensation. Start a band that the people will revere for the remainder of humanity’s tenure on this planet.

Allow me to help you.

Comments

[eyescar]

What?

[ Eyes boggling. ]

We have to go!

[atonality]

[ How to tell the naive pink kid that he was a wanted criminal and wanted criminals can’t just sashay into a karaoke parlour in Edo… ]

Do we?

[eyescar]

Yeah! We've earned it, haven't we?

[atonality]

[ A Thoughtful look passes over his face. Now, he could just say no and end it there, but the kid’s energy, it’s hard to turn away so easily. What a fresh little guy. ]

I suppose we have. What do you propose, then? In this, I must defer to you.

[eyescar]

We could book a room and invite people? There's probably a karaoke lounge somewhere.

[atonality]

[ Boy does he ever have Mixed Feelings on the matter, but ultimately it will come to the question he can never entirely avoid: what else does he think he’s going to do otherwise? ]

I see.

[ Does he? His shades don’t give a single damn thing away. ]

There’s usually food involved, isn’t there? Participants could be enticed by the presence of snacks.

[eyescar]

Yeah! We could get pocky, and maybe some other chocolate, and some drinks, too...

[ A plan is forming in the back of his mind, now. ]

It could be something nice, after how bad things have been...

[atonality]

[ ‘Bad’ is putting it lightly. How many dead, how many maimed? Transylvania rent the spirits of the outsiders. A night of chocolate and frivolity wouldn’t fix the morale problem, but it’d be a step toward something better than they have going on now.

Why does Bansai care? ]

Something salty to counter the sweet.

[ Leaning forward, elbow on his knee and chin on his knuckles. ]

In this age, it’s best to survey your guests to see what their preferred songs are so we can compile them for easier access.

[eyescar]

We can get a mixture of stuff.

[ He's making mental notes, he's planning to ask Katsuki, he's READY for this. ]

Maybe I can make a post about it? I can see what people are into.

[atonality]

That’s the spirit.

[ Why does he care? ]

Put your heart into it and the Outsiders will answer in kind.

[eyescar]

Yeah! You're right! People like it when other people are enthusiastic!

[ He's getting Ideas now. ]

You'll definitely come, right, Bansai-san?

[atonality]

[ Why should he care? ]

If you’re serious about this, yes. I will go along with you and this karaoke party.

[eyescar]

I am!

[ Listen to how excited he is, Bansei! ]

I'll figure it out, watch me!

[atonality]

Very well.

If you cannot find a parlour that suits your needs, I can see what I can set up with what is available.

[ Too excited. The kind of energy that sweeps people up in it. Eugh. ]

[eyescar]

I'll find somewhere! I'll pick a place with the best songs, and foods and drinks!

[atonality]

I eagerly await your choices.

[ Like he's eager to walk the plank. Goddamn teenagers... ]