Verse 1-Back To The Basics
Witday, 3rd Of Vermilheart, Essence Of Snowfall 2995 A.M., 9:50 Rise
The 13th Compass In Big Central, Compass-Star
NARRATOR-For Kayjay, going back to the basics was something he wasn’t at all used to. This was because he had never been to the basics to begin with. Weeks prior he had never had to throw a punch or swing his mallet to defend himself, the small scraps of his youth were mainly due to bullying; things few & far between once his sister got involved. Traveling back to somewhere you’ve never been is an odd feeling, but Violet assured him it was a necessity. She insisted that there was no real training until he actually placed his feet on the starting line. So for nearly two weeks Violet introduced him to the basics, getting him thoroughly accustomed to the beginning. He sat on the deck, legs crossed, eyes closed, goggles & hoodie set to the side. He struggled to keep himself still, his mind constantly wondering towards questions & snippets of information he had absorbed in the past. Violet sat across from him in the same position, much more still & focused, a state that was the complete opposite of what she usually displayed to the public.
Kayjay’s breathing was a mess as it tried to find a beat, he could subtly feel the Musik in the air around him, but that was it. He sat around it all. Violet’s breaths were steady & rhythmic, she was vividly aware of the Musik around herself, but it was also as if it was aware of her as well. She sat with it all. Kayjay could hardly hear anything at all besides the foot & Swansong traffic outside of the lot. Violet heard the Musik as it ebbed & flowed in the air. A boy who was nothing more than an admirer of Musik, but not a student quite yet. A woman was a pseudo Maestro of Musik, something gained through two decades of being a student.
VIOLET-(Unmoving, her hands firmly clasped together while still seemingly flexible) Ya’ gotta’ hol’ still & clear ya’ head, kid.
[VIOLET V. VELVETEEN-The Violent Violet, Female, Age 21, Job-Fighter For Hire/Pseudo Maestro, Status: Holding Still, Head Clear.]
KAYJAY-(Almost losing his balance, eyes still closed as he struggled to keep his hands from fidgeting around) Easier said than done…and had did ya’ know I was fidgitin’? Ya’ eyes are still closed, aren’t they?
[KACEY “KAYJAY” SMITH-The Fledgling Smith, Male, Age 18, Job-Part Timer, Status: Fidgeting, Mind Not Clear.]
VIOLET-I feel et in da’ Notes.
KAYJAY-Notes? Like…music notes?
VIOLET-(Laughing a bit as she slowly opened her eyes) Where do ya’ think they got da’ name from? ‘Kay, relax for now, lemme’ drop a lil lesson on ya’.
KAYJAY-(Opening his eyes & stretching out his legs) Whoo! Much better. So what are ya’ droppin’ on me, oh great Maestro Vi?
VIOLET-(A big smile naturally sitting on her face) Back when we were fightin’ da’ Den Of Serpents guys, why do ya’ think ya’ were able to avoid a direct hit from Vivica?
NARRATOR-Kayjay’s mind went back to the events that introduced him to Violet nine days ago, but was hit by the thought that Vivica, Rockwell & Viator all violently lost their lives the same day. He could hardly control the shiver running through him.
STATIC-Hey, don’t get too down about it, it’s kill or be killed out here & they did try to kill us.
KAYJAY-(Ignoring the Static & the thought of their deaths, choosing to focus on the fights) I can’t really explain it, it was like I could feel-no, it was like I could hear it. Where she was goin’ & how she was goin’ to approach. As my Crown Goggles gave me the readings of her Volume, I could jus’ figure out the pattern of it-
VIOLET-Not da’ pattern, da’ Rhythm. (Holding up three fingers with her left hand) ets da’ third Principle (Holding up two fingers with her right hands) of the second Element, Form. Musik is in all life & in da’ very air we breathe naturally. Dat Musikal energy is called Notes, they are faint & float & waft through da’ air so folks can’t see et & only Sonicnauts can actually sense ‘em. When our Musik is out of us like wit a Stage or jus’ basic Musikal aura it naturally comes in contact wit all da’ Notes in da’ air. This collision along wit da’ sounds of our Volumes brings out a sound dat trained Sonicnauts will try & listen out for. By followin’ the timin’ of ya’ opponent’s Volume along wit da’ sounds dat comes from touchin’ da’ Notes, ya’ can start readin’ their Rhythm. Da’ goal basically becomes out readin’ ya’ opponent & use their Rhythm to ya’ advantage, takin’ ‘em down wit a direct hit!
KAYJAY-(Eagerly taking notes on his Phonograph) So a Performance is jus’ two Sonicnauts tryin’ to hear each other’s Rhythms to go in for da’ win? Thinkin’ of it like that makes it sound so easy…but wait! Ya’ sayin’ I was able to do that against Vivica!? But how? I can’t even use my Presence or properly control my Volume.
VIOLET-Dat’s wut had meh so curious when I watched ya’ defendin’ against her. It was clear to see ya’ lacked da’ experience & even though you were barely defendin’, ya’ managed to avoid gettin’ hit. Afta’ havin’ ya’ meditate & do some basic sparrin’, I kinda’ get why ‘et worked out in dat specific situation. (Holding up all five fingers with her left hand) One: Ya’ trainin’ as a Soundsmith gave ya’ a sense of Rhythm even tho ya’ haven’t eva’ fought before, knowin’ when to hit some Tunelite acted as a cheat to knowin’ when to hit a person. Two: Ya’ Crown Goggles picked up da’ slack for ya’ lack of trainin’ since ya’ can’t hear Volume on ya’ own yet. Three: Ya’ natural love & appreciation for music boosted both one & two, makin’ it easier to keep hearin’ the Rhythm while keepin’ pace wit ya’ own. Four: Vivica was clearly a bit off her game, she was upset, stressed out & annoyed wantin’ to keep Eli happy & dat made her all da’ more easier to read. And finally, but most importantly, five: Ya’ told meh back when we first started trainin’ dat lately ya’ eyes have been seein’ odd lil balls of light floatin’ around durin’ fights & dat ya’ used ‘em to help betta’ read out how Vivica would move when ya’ finally landed a hit on her. Well…afta’ da’ trainin’ so far & dis quick lil lesson, wut do ya’ think those are?
KAYJAY-(His mind quickly came to an answer with all the pieces laid out in front of him) Oh…OH! They were Notes, right? Of course, that’s why they were floatin’ around durin’ all those Performances. They got swept up in everyone’s movements & Volumes. (His face instantly going back to confusion) Wait a sec, I thought ya’ said people can’t see them, unless Sonicnauts can with trainin’. No, that wouldn’t really make sense either, I’m not trained enough & there's no crutch to explain that one away.
VIOLET-(Nodding) A model student, you’re exactly right ‘bout dat. No Sonicnaut can see Notes, no matta’ how trained they are, so why is it dat someone like ya’self can?
KAYJAY-(Taking some time to consider it before shaking his head in frustration) I’m honestly at a loss here.
VIOLET-No worries, dats why we’re back to da’ basics. Normally when folks train to be Sonicnauts they begin workin’ on their Album, their fightin’ style, as they slowly work their way up through trainin’. Now ets not unheard of for some folks to start Elements in different orders than listed, but skippin’ certain elements entirely is a no-no.
KAYJAY-I see, so I somehow missed some things?
VIOLET-(Nodding slightly) Weeeeell…yes & no if I’m correct ‘bout ya’. Generally, Sonicnauts usually start with da’ first Element, Core. [Presence, Stage, Volume & Soul] From there they directly move into da’ second Element, Form. [Choreography, Melody, Rhythm & Flow]. As they’re trainin’ in these two, they are slowly weavin’ in Principles from the fourth Element, Style [Instrument, Audio Arts, Tools & Covers], in order to actually put the Principles they learned from Elements one & two into Practice. Once they have all dat secured, they begin workin’ on da more advanced Elements. Da’ third Element, Method [Lyrics, Remix, Technical & Deluxe] & da’ fifth Element, Ability [Song, Talent, Hit Record & Zenith]. Ya’ still are only wit Core & Form wit some basic substitutes when it comes to things from Style. Da’ issue is ya’ missin’ thangs from all three of ‘em, yet ya’ still were able to pull certain thangs off dat should be impossible. Da’ real crux of dat comes from ya’ being able to see Notes, somethin’ else dat should be impossible. We can’t have two thangs dat are impossible be possible, so there has to be somethin' ‘bout ‘em we’re missin’. A Principles dat ya’ missin’, but actually not missin’.
KAYJAY-(Looking extremely confused) I uh…huh?
VIOLET-(Laughing as her smile grew wider) No need to fear! Violet V. Velveteen is hur wit da’ ansa’! Es jus’ process of elimination. We can take Method & Ability right off da’ table, they’re too advanced for ya’ to know anythin’ ‘bout naturally & they also wouldn’t really lead to ya’ seein’ Notes. Maybe Talent, but ya’ wouldn’t be able to do dat without a Presence, so we can safely rule et out. Ya’ have an Instrument wit da’ mallet, a Tool wit da’ Crown Goggles. Audio Arts are jus’ hand to hand combat skills, so dats out. Covers would actually have to be learned so dats out. Ya’ did some Rhythm stuff, but Choreography & Melody would have to be learned & practiced, so dats out. Flow is somethin’ ya’ only achieve from havin’ experience in Choreography, Melody & Rhythm, so dats out. Volume is jus’ da’ control of ya’ powa’, somethin’ ya’ don’t have total mastery ova’, but still somethin’ we can rule out. A Stage is somethin’ dat represents ya’ Soul, so dats out. Ya’ Soul…is ya’ Soul…so naturally dats out. And dat leaves us wit only one option…Presence.
KAYJAY-(Eyes growing wide) Presence…(He could feel an intensity swelling up inside him) ya’ sayin’ that me seein’ Notes is my Presence? That’s what it’s been all this time?
VIOLET-(Shrugging) Weeeell…yes & no again. I don’t think dat seein’ da’ Notes in itself is ya’ Presence, but more so an aspect of ‘et. Ya’ didn’t start fightin’ until da’ 15th of last month, so dis would be da’ first time ya’ Presence would actually start makin’ ‘etself known. Ya’ also haven’t been able to keep ya’ Volume or Stage up for long periods of time yet, so I’m guessin’ dats why ya’ only have been able to notice da’ Notes during a Performance. Ets kinda crazy, but when ya’ really consider what’s happened to ya’ in these last few weeks, et kinda checks out.
KAYJAY-(Feeling a bit of pride) No, I think I get it & I don’t know how to explain it, but…it feels like the right answer. Geez, Maestro Vi, you’re kinda a secret genius.
VIOLET-(Playfully shaking her head) Nah! I jus’ got good trainin’ & I’ve always jus’ sorta had an intuition for dis kinda stuff. But thank ya’ for da’ compliment none da’ less.
KAYJAY-Of course. So um…do we really need to still start from the basics then?
VIOLET-(Cartoonish nod her head) Duh! Dat should go witout sayin’, kid. Ya’ have some interestin’ quirks, but dat alone won’t get ya’ to da mountain top. Ya’ can’t expect to be dropped off half way up da’ climb wit barely any equipment & survive to da’ peak. It all starts at base camp, ya’ prep for da’ climb, then ya’ slowly start makin’ ya’ way up. Ya’ learn ‘bout all da’ tools you’ll need while also gainin’ some incredible skill wit da’ gear ya’ have natural talent wit. (Big smile) Trust ya’ Maestro!
NARRATOR-Before Kayjay could reply, his Phonograph vibrated. Marrijane had arrived.
Verse 2-Threes A Team
Witday, 3rd Of Vermilheart, Essence Of Snowfall 2995 A.M., 10:15 Rise
The 13th Compass In Big Central, Compass-Star
MARRIJANE-(Slightly nodding her head in approval) Well, a piece of a Presence is better than no Presence at all. Congrats, it's definitely a start.
[MARRIJANE-The Scarlet Girl, Female, Age 17, Job-Amateur Musician, Status: Approving Of Violet’s Thoughts Of Kayjay’s Presence.]
KAYJAY-(A smile lighting up his face) Right!? Now I actually feel like I’m well on my way!
MARRIJANE-Just don’t get ahead of yourself.
VIOLET-Awe, let ‘em dream big! It’s good for morale.
MARRIJANE-(Rolling her eyes) But it’s not good enough for reality. He’s still got a long way to go.
VIOLET-Can’t argue wit dat. (Her tone oozing positivity) But wit folks like us by his side, he’s on da’ fast track, anotha’ thang ya’ can’t argue wit.
MARRIJANE-(Looking even more annoyed with her) Yeah, sure. Just keep doing the one job we got you here for, ‘Maestro’.
VIOLET-Awe, don’t be like dat, Marri! We’re all homies at dis point now, right?
MARRIJANE-We are not friends, we are associates at best. And for the last time, it’s Marrijane!
KAYJAY-(Sighing) Can we please all jus’ play nice for one day please? Marri…Marrijane, what’s up for today’s bounties?
MARRIJANE-(Letting her irritation fade) I’m done with all that for the day, I would’ve just called & told you, but I had to see if Jobber had anything for me anyway. You’re off the hook today, I’m going to gather some intel about this all but certain serial killer.
KAYJAY-(Eyes growing wide with curiosity & anger) Hey, I thought we agreed ya’ wouldn’t shove us to the side to jump into danger on your own. Ya’ already tried it back with Den Of Serpents. Don’t make me have to follow ya’ around in secret again.
MARRIJANE-And I thought I told you I was used to danger on my own long before I met you two. It’s not even a situation like that anyway, I’m just going to some of the more recent crime scenes for any clues or information people can give me.
KAYJAY-Ya’ think the police already haven’t done that?
MARRIJANE-(At the same time as Violet) Cops aren’t worth a damn.
VIOLET-(At the same time Marrijane) Cops ain’t worth a damn.
NARRATOR-The two quickly locked eyes, Violet gave a wave & a smile, but Marrijane’s only reply was a deep sigh. A small smirk formed on Kayjay’s face.
KAYJAY-See, you two should get along easily.
VIOLET-Looks like ets a one way street at da’ moment.
MARRIJANE-(Ignoring the both of them as she turned her back exit) Okay, I’m going to head out & get to work now. I’ll hit you up if I get any interesting info, if that’ll get you to stop worrying about an experienced Musician’s safety.
KAYJAY-Hold on, if it’s jus’ info & clue gatherin’, I don’t see why we can’t tag along with ya’. I wouldn’t be in any danger & I’ve been helpful before, right?
MARRIJANE-(Looking back at Kayjay) Well, you’re one thing with liabilities aside, but her…she’s a whole other story.
NARRATOR-They both looked over at Violet who was practicing her basic forms & stances as she hopped around in a way that playfully imitated a bunny, her Presence activated. She could feel their eyes on her & she gave them a goofy nod & wave before taking a swig of her carrot beer.
MARRIJANE-(Whispering) Be real with me…you figured out all that stuff with your Presence & process of elimination & shit, right?
KAYJAY-(Shaking his head as he whispered back) Do ya’ think I would need a Maestro as badly as I did if I could jus’ always do that? Come on, she could be a huge help, ya’ never know.
MARRIJANE-That’s the problem, I NEVER know what she’s going to pull next.
NARRATOR-They looked over at her again as she cracked open another beer with her teeth. She took a big gulp from it before she started bouncing high into the air off her large feet.
MARRIJANE-How many beers has she had since the training session today?
KAYJAY-(His eyes pointed straight down at the deck) Uh…about 6…at least.
MARRIJANE-(Quickly shaking her head as she turned to leave) Uh-uh! No. Nope.
KAYJAY-(Holding on to her arm, trying to stop her) Marri! Come on! Jus’ give it a try! One try!
NARRATOR-She stopped. His grip wasn’t strong enough to keep her from moving, but she noticed that Kayjay was a little harder to drag along. He hadn’t put on any weight or muscle, but his footing was more intentional & deliberate. She then looked at Violet, now doing flips high in the air as she drank. She shrugged off Kayjay’s hold, but turned to face him again, taking another breath to calm herself.
MARRIJANE-Okay, fine. You both can tag along, but you both need to keep the chatter to a minimum unless you really have something to contribute.
KAYJAY-(Nodding his head in big swinging motion) Awesome!
VIOLET-(Suddenly standing beside him with a fresh, unopened beer) Agreed! So where do we start, Marri?
KAYJAY & MARRIJANE-(Both startled) Shit!
VIOLET-(Her rabbit ears slightly twitching in the breeze) Wut? Forget muh rabbit ears can hear stuff real good? No hard feelins by da’ way, I’ll be sure not to let these big feet step on ya’ toes. Heh. (A big smile formed on her face, revealing her fangs)
MARRIJANE-(Shaking off her shock) Well, as long as we’re on the same page, let’s go see Jobber & find the best crime scenes to look at. I told him I’d actually check in with him after I updated you.
NARRATOR-The trio headed to Jobber who was sitting in his usual spot. He was reading his paper & scarfing down a burger.
VIOLET-(Big wave) Yo, Jobba’, what it do!
JOBBER-(Small smile & nod) What it do, Vi, lively as always. (Eyes shifting over to Kayjay) How’d the training session go?
[JOBBER-The Luckiest Unluckiest, Male, Age 42, Job-Swansong Lot Owner/MP3 Information Broker, Status: What It Do?]
KAYJAY-(Slight nod & smile) It’s goin’. Looks like I actually have a direction to go in now.
VIOLET-(Patting him on the back & almost knocking him over) Baby steps on da’ way to grown up steps. I’ll get him up to snuff soon enough.
JOBBER-(His face back to it’s normal blank expression, his tone blunt) I don’t doubt you guys. I can feel a lot of promise in the kid.
STATIC-Hah! Promise? Where?
KAYJAY-Th-thanks, Jobber.
JOBBER-(Looking over at Marrijane) Told you that you wouldn’t be able to shake them today.
MARRIJANE-(Scoffing) Oh, fuck off before I shove my sword down your throat along with your burger. Now did you gather up the info I needed while I went to get them or not?
JOBBER-(Sliding a folded up sheet of paper under the glass of his booth) Hold on to that page of the paper, it was quite the interesting read.
MARRIJANE-(Taking it & placing it in her jacket pocket) You know a girl all too well Jobber. You still remember how much I love reading the community section.
VIOLET-(Whistling) Goin’ da’ old analog route, nice. Seein’ dat a lot less often.
KAYJAY-I think they do it to avoid any pryin’ eyes in the cyber security scene finding out. Jobber is an official MP3 Information Broker, but I guess he sometimes gives info he shouldn’t from sources on the Jongleur side of things.
JOBBER-(Thumbs up) Good catch, kid, that’s pretty perceptive of you.
KAYJAY-(Shaking his head as his eyes looked away from him) No, it’s nothin’ crazy. I jus’ remember seein’ somethin’ similar in some spy thriller show I watched years ago. It wasn’t very good, but I remember them sneaking information in ways that avoided the latest M-shard tech & got curious about it. Looked it up online for a bit & found out it was kinda true.
VIOLET-Talk ‘bout dedication.
MARRIJANE-Yeah, instead of that crap rotting his brain, it makes him double down into looking shit up. He’d sure be fun at a house party seven hours in. Now let's get going, we should be able to catch the P.T.S down to the Southeastern District.
KAYJAY-Why there first?
MARRIJANE-It’s the most recent, murder just happened there the other day & it’s the one that finally has people really shaken up around the capital. We can get the freshest bit of insight & clues from there & then work our way through whatever Jobber gave us as our best course of action.
KAYJAY-(Looking out at the lot exit, seeing noticeably less foot traffic than usual, but even more Swansongs driving or flying by) Yeah, people don’t even want to come during the day as often.
VIOLET-(Nodding) Eh, can’t do much ‘bout dat ‘til they catch da’ guy. Fear es a scary thang.
MARRIJANE-(Stepping out of the lot) Wow, so profound, Violet. Let’s move.
KAYJAY-(Following Marrijane out as he waved to Jobber) See ya’ Jobber. We should be back before it gets dark out.
VIOLET-(Saluting Jobber) Catch ya’ lata’ Jobba’!
JOBBER-(Focusing back on his newspaper) Good luck!
NARRATOR-As the three hit the streets, Violet snapped her fingers as she came to sudden realization.
VIOLET-Oh! How could I forget ‘bout dat. When I was tellin’ ya’ ‘bout all da’ reasons ya’ managed to get da’ uppa’ hand on Vivica, I only said five thangs. There’s definitely a sixth.
KAYJAY-Really? What is it?
VIOLET-Luck! All da’ skill & experience in da’ world can’t eva’ be full proof, there are always times where a lil’ sprinkle of luck can work in ya’ fava’.
MARRIJANE-(Snickering a little) Pretty ironic that Jobber of all people made you think of that.
KAYJAY-Hm?
NARRATOR-Kayjay wanted her to elaborate, but she didn’t expand on it so he decided it wasn’t deep enough to ask about.
Verse 3-Get A Clue
Witday, 3rd Of Vermilheart, Essence Of Snowfall 2995 A.M., 11:23 Rise
Southeast District In Big Central, Compass-Star
NARRATOR-After a short ride, the three reached their destination. The Southeastern District had a charm all its own, a street culture hot spot. Kayjay was greeted with parks hosting breakdancing battles & impromptu concerts, speakers blaring hard beats made straight from someone' s basement. Graffiti stuck to the walls of almost every building, not to signify turf, but to distinguish what each business had to offer. Local food markets, clothing shops, gear stores, each had their own color & art style to represent them. Marrijane shook her head as she watched his eyes grow bright & wide, a sight she had gotten used to when it came to his reactions. She felt a slight smile form on her face, but she forced it away to avoid the slighter headache she was feeling.
MARRIJANE-Yeah, I won’t blame you for being caught in the awe of this place, it stands out a lot with people our age with no family around.
KAYJAY-I’m jus’ surprised the Orchestra would allow a place like this to exist. I can get bits of turf within Districts here & there, but the whole S.E. District.
MARRIJANE-It used to be just a different offshoot flavor of the other Districts, kind of just a generic spot as a place holder. When a lot of younger adults started making their way to Big Central, they found the most space here & slowly started making it their own. The Big Central Orchestra was planning on doing some sort of clean up project years back, but when they saw how beloved a community the place had become & how Label neutral it was out of respect, they ended up letting it rock as is.
KAYJAY-(Eyes still scanning over the area, his head bobbing in sync to almost all the music blaring around in the area) This is so cool. Why didn’t ya’ have me live out here?
MARRIJANE-Well, even if we ignore the fact it's easier & cheaper for you to live in your Swansong, there’s the big factor of street cred & clout. It is Label neutral & most folks are cool out here, there is just certain lingo & culture that your country butt wouldn’t be in the know of. It could get you in trouble with the wrong people & bring about one of the rare acts of heavy violence out here. I’m also sure you & that goofy ass smile would’ve got you into a lot of unnecessary trouble.
KAYJAY-(His eyes expressed nervousness, but his smile formed up again) Yeah…probably for the best…
MARRIJANE-Glad we’re on the same page. The crime scene isn’t very far from here, so let’s get right to it-(Looking around) Where the hell did the rabbit girl go?
KAYJAY-(Pointing at one of the nearby parks) Already makin’ herself at home.
NARRATOR-The two watched as Violet was in the center of a circle of locals, breakdancing & flipping around on top of cardboard boxes. [Making sure not to activate her Presence] Marrijane sighed as she went to drag her out, Kayjay simply along for the ride. They got back on track & hit the crime scene, a taped off alleyway between a bright red & neon green building. It was a textbook crime scene, three chalk outlines, blood splatter patterns still well preserved. Marrijane took a look around the area, making sure there weren’t any police around.
MARRIJANE-Okay, looks like we’re in the clear for now. (Throwing up a peace sign) Violet, make use of those ears. If you hear anyone sneaking up, let us know.
VIOLET-(Her rabbit ears growing out from her head as she gave a thumbs up) Got ‘et.
MARRIJANE-(Looking at Kayjay) Keep those goggles on, country boy, it’s time we put all the random info in your brain to work too.
KAYJAY-(Fumbling around as he nervously put his goggles on) I’ll uh, I’ll do what I can.
NARRATOR-Marrijane nodded as she handed both of them pairs of disposable black gloves. She then climbed through the police tape & began her search for any clues, Kayjay & Violet following suit. She got as close to the chalk outlines as she could without actually touching anything.
KAYJAY-(Looking at the blood stains briefly before turning his attention elsewhere) They, uh…they already took the bodies…is there really goin’ to be anything else to check out?
MARRIJANE-(Still focused on the outlines) They aren’t done with the scene yet, they’ll be back to search for more information after they realize they have no clue what they're doing. That’s just how the cops roll. Besides, bodies aren’t the end all, be all to stuff like this.
VIOLET-(Patting Kayjay’s head softly) Es a lot to take in, especially when ya’ keep gettin’ glimpses of how crazy thangs can get, but jus’ breath like I’ve been teachin’ ya’.
KAYJAY-(He blushed realizing it was so obvious how uncomfortable he was) Sorry. Thanks, Maestro Vi. (He did as he was told, his slow breaths leveling him out.) I’ll see if I can find anyin’ around the perimeter then…(Adjusting his goggles with the nobs on the side of his headphones)
NARRATOR-While he was doing that, Marrijane was already getting a glimpse of the bigger picture.
MARRIJANE-Whoever did this was either in a hurry, or just doesn’t really know how to fight.
KAYJAY-(Still fidgeting with his goggles) How can ya’ tell?
MARRIJANE-The blood. There is a lot of it & judging by where it is within the outlines & the area around the outlines, it was a bloodbath. That can happen from one cut if you know where to strike & have someone bleed out, but there's so much splattered all over the damn place. The killer probably creeped up fast & hit hard, but wasn’t skilled enough to land clean killing blows.
VIOLET-Could be da’ type dat likes watching their victims suffa’. They knew wut they were doin’ & wanted to enjoy ‘et.
MARRIJANE-Nah, I don’t think that’s the case this time. According to some of the information Jobber gave me, people in the area the night of murder heard screaming from the victims & quickly went to check the scene. It was a large group who were heading back from a late night hang out, so my guess is that they scared the killer off with their numbers. It took about a minute for them to get to the alley from when they first heard the screaming. If the guy is that quick & strong enough to handle at least three street guys on their own, then they would probably have just gone for the cleaner kill to begin with, especially if they knew more people were approaching. All power, but no skills isn’t rare for Jongleurs in Big Central. Power in the form of combat, money & influence are the big sellers out here.
VIOLET-Jeez, dats a scury thought. Untapped potential like dat being used for stuff like dis.
KAYJAY-(Trying not to groan in disgust as he kept looking around the perimeter) There are really some crazy people in the…world?
NARRATOR-He stayed focused on one the few patches of weeds & grass growing from the cracks in the concrete. Something stood out from the mostly green patch. He zoomed in with Crown Goggles to get a better look. Red. A deep stroke of red hidden in the greenery. He got closer to inspect, reaching into the shrubs as he pulled something inorganic out.
KAYJAY-(Holding it up for the girls to see) Hey…I found somethin’. (His goggles beeping as they identified the substance) It’s some old chunk of plastic…but it’s covered in…blood. A lot of blood.
MARRIJANE-(Quickly heading over to him) Yeah, that’s definitely blood, nice find. (Grabbing the blood soaked plastic from him) Didn’t know those goggle headphone things could identify materials, nice little trick to have.
KAYJAY-(Trying to control his breathing again) Yeah, it helps when Soundsmithin’ with multiple materials. But do ya’ think this might be a piece of the murder weapon?
MARRIJANE-Honestly, hard to say, this looks like a piece to a plastic container, but it’s completely dull. The victims were stabbed & slashed up, there wasn’t any blunt force involved from what info I have.
STATIC-Scary wild shit, ain’t it?
KAYJAY-(Calming down his breathing in full) Maybe they cracked off a chunk of a plastic container, used it & this part of it broke off.
MARRIJANE-(Shaking her head) You’re thinking outside of the box, I’ll give you that, but I don’t really buy that either. They could’ve found a bunch of sharper objects more practical than breaking off a piece of plastic. I also assume that if he was just using a throw away piece of plastic, he would leave the main piece here too, but there are no reports about it. (Looking at the chunk closely) Still though…this piece alone couldn’t have done it. We’re missing a piece to the puzzle & it isn’t the rest of this plastic.
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KAYJAY-(Trying to fill in the gap) I don’t really know what that could be-unless it’s a problem like mine!
MARRIJANE-You’re going to have to be a little more specific, we got a list of things you need to be working on.
KAYJAY-Okay, I’ll ignore that shot for now, but ouch. But it’s Presence. Vi was jus’ tellin’ me how the missin’ piece to gettin’ a better footin’ for combat was gettin’ a grasp on what exactly my Presence is. What if it’s not the plastic itself that’s the murder weapon, but-
MARRIJANE-The plastic being used as an Instrument to use their Presence. If we consider that then it would make more sense that this was what did the deed. (Looking more judgmental) But then how does this murder match up with the one at the gym? They’re completely different murders…
VIOLET-(Ears twitching) Op! We’ve got company comin’, sounds like police Swansongs.
KAYJAY-You’re hearin’ is that detailed?
VIOLET-(Pointing at both her ears) Do ya’ see how big these thangs are?
MARRIJANE-(Placing the chunk of plastic into a small baggy before putting it in one of her jacket pockets.) Yes, they’re freaking huge, now jump us out of here, please.
VIOLET-(Nodding as she quickly stretched) No worries!
NARRATOR-She grabbed Kayjay & Marrijane, holding them both tightly before springing off her feet & launching them all over one of the ally walls. The police would arrive back at the crime scene about a minute after that, none the wiser to the three being there. Once they were a good enough distance away, Violet brought them back down to street level, her rabbit-like features sinking back into herself.
KAYJAY-Was it really okay to take evidence like that?
MARRIJANE-I mean technically…no, but it’s not like the cops are going to be finding it & figuring this mess out. If a Soundsmith apprentice could find it in a couple of minutes of looking around, it’s kind of embarrassing that they weren’t able to on their first pass.
KAYJAY-Well I guess I can’t argue with that, but what if we get caught or somethin’?
MARRIJANE-You gotta’ be able to take more risk or you won’t get anywhere in Big Central or the rest of the Philharmonic for that matter.
KAYJAY-(Sighing) Guess that goes along with not romanticizing the section…I’ll get used to it.
MARRIJANE-(Sighing in response) Tough break, this is just how the world spins.
VIOLET-(Trying to break the tension) So, where to next?
MARRIJANE-Luckily for us, our crime scenes roll along in order of how recent they are.
Verse 4-Not Matching Up
Witday, 3rd Of Vermilheart, Essence Of Snowfall 2995 A.M., 12:40 Set
South District In Big Central, Compass-Star
NARRATOR-South District lived up to being on the exact opposite end of North District, being everything its counterpart wasn’t. A culmination of S.E. & S.W. Districts with a squeeze of violence & shady business for good measure. Crime was at its peak here more than anywhere else in Big Central, both on a street & at a business level. Due to this, the Jongleurs higher up kept out of any real legal trouble since the ones at the bottom always took the fall. It was essentially a dirty, grimy slime bag in a designer coat. Kayjay made sure to stick close to Marrijane & Violet as they exited the P.T.S, feeling a deep unease he had only felt once prior & that was when they first encountered Thursday.
STATIC-Damn, that shit sure is thick in the air around here. Maybe it’s because there are so many more trouble makers around here.
KAYJAY-Yeah, it’s probably the only way they’d match up to the feeling Thursday gave off.
STATIC-Heh, I think ya’ met ya’ match here. I’m sure everyone around the block can hear your skinny ass leg rattlin’.
KAYJAY-I know…but I won’t run. I can’t run away from it. But damn, this is makin’ me feel awful.
NARRATOR-As he tried to keep himself from falling apart, he felt a strong grip keep him from spilling into a gutter.
VIOLET-(Patting his head again) Hey, ya’ feelin’ okay? Dis place got ya’ dis rattled?
KAYJAY-(Breathing deep as he tried to gather himself) Yeah, I don’t know what it is exactly though.
VIOLET-Could be dat ya’ jus’ a lil’ more sensitive to otha’ Volumes afta’ da’ basic trainin’ I’ve been puttin’ ya’ through. Ya’ still not used to ‘et yet, so ya’ body is tryin’ to catch up.
KAYJAY-(Sighing) Yeah…yeah, you’re probably right.
MARRIJANE-(Trying to hide the concern on her face as she kept moving forward) Well, we shouldn't be here too long, let’s get in, get the information we need & get the hell out of here before someone tries to start a fight. The next crime scene is at a local bar around the corner from here.
VIOLET-Yep, Fall Out Ya’ Chair comedy club. Ets probably da’ only real neutral zone in the South District since everyone goes there to laugh & relax wit a drink. I go every now & then before I head home & hit da’ hay afta’ a long day, at least until dis murder stuff hit there too.
MARRIJANE-Oh, right, you do live out here.
KAYJAY-(Surprised) Ya’ really can stand livin’ here, Maestro Vi?
VIOLET-(Reassuring nod) Yep, yep. Ets what I gotta’ deal wit since I’m still a pretty wanted Jongleur. ‘Ets also more than accommodatin’ for meh while I’m on muh pilgrimage (Only sounding a bit more serious in that moment before she was back to her usual self) But, hey, da’ rents pretty dirt cheap.
STATIC-Oh! She’s keepin’ secrets!
KAYJAY-If you say so…
NARRATOR-They reached the bar, the cleanest & most touched up building in the district. Its neon signs & theatrical lights were strangely welcoming sight in a district built on being under the table. Once Marrijane & Violet announced who they were specifically, staff got out of their way to investigate. The deed had been done in the staff men’s room deep into the back of the club.
MARRIJANE-How does a murder like this even work?
NARRATOR-She, Violet & Kayjay were looking around the bathroom, built for one person to use at a time with a single toilet & sink. Most of the blood had already been thoroughly cleaned & nothing was in need of any repair.
KAYJAY-The only way in is the one door that leads inside, right?
MARRIJANE-Yeah, unless there’s some secret entrance in here they haven’t told us about yet. If that’s the case, then the killer followed him in here, did the deed & left before anyone discovered the body. I doubt the killer could even get in the club though.
KAYJAY-Really? This place seems like the hang out for Jongleurs.
VIOLET-True dat, but da’ owners of dis place run a pretty tight ship ‘round here. Ya’ can’t jus’ be any guy & walk on in. Ya’ either have da’ connections, have business dat security should know ‘bout ahead of time, or prove ya’ worth in a show of force. If they did dat though, we’d definitely have some folks know wut a guy like dat would look like & he’d already be a top suspect.
MARRIJANE-Not to mention the guy that was killed was actually a pretty popular comedian. Controversial as hell, but they probably eat shit up like that here. From the info I gathered, he had security with him, his main guard was the one that found the body when he noticed how long he was taking. So…how’d our killer manage to get in & slice the victims throat & wrist with such incredible precision?
KAYJAY-(Quickly eyeing the bathroom again) He couldn’t have. There’s no way in other than the door.
VIOLET-(Pointing high up at the wall of the bathroom across from the door) Hey, I thought I heard da’ outside a lil’ clearer than I should in hur. Bingo, we got anotha’ way in.
NARRATOR-Kayjay & Marrijane looked up at the small window she was pointing at on the upper wall.
MARRIJANE-They probably have that window up there to air this bathroom out better, but…a person can’t fit through that, it's way too small. They could get an arm or a leg in at best.
VIOLET-Yea, but wut ‘bout wut da’ two of ya’ were talkin’ ‘bout back in S.E. District?
KAYJAY-Hm? Oh, that could be possible. If they could fit in just one arm, their Presence could have helped them do the work without havin’ to actually enter the bathroom.
MARRIJANE-(Still sounding skeptical) Yeeaaah…unless their Presence is stretching, that’s kind of a reach. Jobber’s info stresses how clean the cuts were on this guy, even if their Presence allowed them to strike from a distance, they would have to be incredibly skilled to do it without the victim making any noise to alert his guard beforehand. It just doesn’t quite stack up-oh shit, wait a second.
KAYJAY-What? What happened?
VIOLET-Figa’ somethin’ out?
MARRIJANE-The cuts on the victim here were clean & precise, but earlier with the ones in the alley way…(She began to look annoyed) Come on, lets hit S.W. District next, I want to see if it’s going to follow the pattern.
KAYJAY-Wait, what pattern?
MARRIJANE-Think about it on the way & you’ll come to the same conclusion as me.
NARRATOR-As she was about to swing open the door, it was instead done by someone on the other side, a larger man with a bald head, an eye patch & an old gray suit. He was smoking a cigar & he looked annoyed to see the three of them.
EYE PATCH MAN-Well shit, looks like my guys weren’t lying to me. (Sounding more upset) So tell me, what the fuck are The Scarlet Girl, The Violent Violet & a fucking nerd doing in my club!?
NARRATOR-Marrijane looked at his eye patch, her head blistered in pain, her left eye twitched.
MARRIJANE-(Her Musikal aura blazing around her as she easily shoved the man out of her way) Fuck off!
NARRATOR-The Eye Patch man slammed into the wall & smacked the floor on his back. In response to all the commotion, the suited men in the club at the time got up to check. They were instantly scared off by Marrijane stomping out. They didn’t try to make any other moves while Violet gave them the glare of a wild animal, Kayjay still just hanging on for the ride. It wasn’t until they were back around the corner from where they came that Marrijane finally seemed to calm down. As they all stood at the P.T.S stop, she looked over at Kayjay & Violet
MARRIJANE-Sorry…just…sorry. Can’t really explain why I did that, but I just felt…I don’t know, but still, my bad.
VIOLET-(Sipping from a beer bottle) No worries, gurl.
KAYJAY-(Nodding in agreement) Yeah, I don’t know the details, but-(Looking at Violet) Did you swipe that from the bar?
VIOLET-Not like they could stop meh.
KAYJAY-Uh…(Focusing back on Marrijane) Marri, we don’t know all the details, but we don’t need to know right now I think. You’ve been nothin’ but helpful to me since we met, so I don’t have a reason to question ya’ on stuff.
VIOLET-(Finishing off her beer) Wut he said. I want us to be cool, but I don’t want ya’ to feel like ya’ gotta spill ya’ guts to meh right off da’ bat. We all got stuff we keep close to da’ chest, right? We’ll jus’ talk ‘bout ‘et lata’, yeah?
MARRIJANE-(Feeling a bit of warmth & comfort in her heart, enough for her to ignore that her head was still aching) Thanks…for that I’ll let the Marri thing slide for now.
KAYJAY-Hah, deal. Oh! But back on topic, I think I get what you were thinkin’ about with the crime scenes. The pattern.
MARRIJANE-Is that right? Well let’s hear it.
KAYJAY-The pattern is that there isn’t a pattern.
MARRIJANE-(Small smirk on her face) Yeah, close enough.
VIOLET-Hey, I think I’m da’ only one out of da’ loop on dis one here.
MARRIJANE-I’ll explain once we’ve checked the next crime scene.
NARRATOR-The three then saw their P.T.S arriving & were soon off to S.W. District.
Abandoned Home In Southwest District In Big Central, Compass-Star 1:30 Set.
NARRATOR-The three stood in the same room Viator, Vivica & Rockwell had been found dead in only a few weeks prior. Most of the scene here had not been cleaned too thoroughly due to it being a place no one would be inhabiting anytime soon. Blood stains & deep slanted lines carved into the walls at random were left behind. Kayjay looked around the room, feeling a strong discomfort in knowing who was killed inside those same walls. Violet made sure to help him with his breathing as she looked around more seriously.
STATIC-Look at ya’, a nervous fuckin’ wreck, hah!
KAYJAY-(Breathing deep) It’s different…when it’s people you’ve actually known…
VIOLET-(Still patting his back as she spoke to Marrijane) I get ‘et now. First some sloppy, violent stabbins’, then precision cuts made to kill & now with dis…they had been almost sliced to pieces more precise than da’ first, but way more random than da’ second.
MARRIJANE-Exactly…it’s not matching up at all. It never has.
Verse 5-Contrast, Or…
Witday, 3rd Of Vermilheart, Essence Of Snowfall 2995 A.M., 2:50 Set
Central District In Big Central, Compass-Star
NARRATOR-Kayjay’s first time in the Central District would’ve been much more enjoyable if it wasn’t for the circumstances that brought him there. The most he was able to really get any excitement out of was the central crossing. It was a huge square of street around all the most popular places to visit in the Section. People were constantly crisscrossing past each other in an organized chaos that was nothing like the West District’s hustle & bustle. Even with people stopping to casually chat, take a picture, or set up food stalls, no one seemed to bump into each other. It was the routine & essence of Big Central in its truest sense, meaning any unease that was beginning to spread throughout the capital was condensed & magnified here. Kayjay & the girls could hear the whispers between people talking about not staying out too late. They took pictures in order to let their loved ones know they were currently safe. They ordered their food to go. They still didn’t bump into each other, but it wasn't because of routine, it was because they couldn’t trust anyone they didn’t know. It was enough proof for the team to be confident in their continued investigation.
Marrijane led them to the next crime scene, stopping in front of a large & fancy looking building that towered upward a good deal of floors. ‘BIG CENTRAL’S BIG GAINS GYM’, was plastered high up on the building in bold black letters. As they began climbing the short set of steps leading to the main entrance, someone was stepping outside. A man in his mid 20s with short black hair, workout gear still on as he secured his duffle bag. As he watched them ascend he looked down at the floor shaking his head.
GYM GUY-I can’t really tell you anything more than I’ve already told the cops, Musician.
MARRIJANE-(Reaching the top of the steps & quickly moving closer to him) Fine with me, that’s already a lot more than the cops will give me. I’m going to assume you’re the one who found the body.
GYM GUY-(Looking up at her) Yeah, I’m Cliff, I work here, actually.
MARRIJANE-Marrijane, Amateur Musician.
CLIFF-Wait, Marrijane? Like Marrijane The Scarlet Girl!?
MARRIJANE-Yeah, I guess. It’s not like I came up with that title myself or anything.
CLIFF-I’ve heard pretty impressive things about you, I mean, most involved in anything having to do with Musicians & Jongleurs do. A lot of Musicians come to work out & train here, your name gets tossed around.
MARRIJANE-(Actually thrown off by this) Wait, seriously?
CLIFF-(Nodding) There isn’t any other Marrijane The Scarlet Girl, is there? Look, I was actually heading home, but I can at least tell you what I know & let you take a quick look at where Anderson was…you know.
MARRIJANE-Oh, well shit, that was easier than expected.
VIOLET-(Smug grin) Es cuz someone es gettin’ pretty damn popula’!
KAYJAY-(A smile on his face) Wow, your name is really startin’ to carry a lot of weight ain’t it, Marri?
MARRIJANE-(Rubbing her forehead) Would both of you just shut the hell up?
CLIFF-(Looking at Kayjay & Marrijane) Uh…who are these two?
MARRIJANE–(Glaring at the two) Just some country bumpkin Trainees, don’t mind them.
CLIFF-(Nodding as he invited them into the gym) Got it, come on in then.
NARRATOR-He walked them past the main lobby & led them to where the storage rooms were. It was quiet, something that made sense being so secluded from the gym’s main facilities, but Kayjay couldn’t help having his imagination run a bit wild. Thinking about how the victim was snuck up on & struck down so quickly, violently & easily. How shocked he must have looked, how terrified he must have felt. It made him feel the same sense of a knot tying in his stomach from earlier when they were in the South District. He wanted to avoid complicating things, so he made sure to focus on his breathing as he walked in the back of the group. He could feel his discomfort easing up, almost believing he could feel Marrijane & Violet trying to comfort him without even looking his way. Cliff finally opened the door to one of the storage rooms, empty besides a few old weights sitting around.
CLIFF-Me, Anderson & a couple other people working that shift were closing up for the night & had just wrapped up our final checks. We all exited the building at the same time, but Anderson had forgotten to lock up this storage room from when he put some weights in here earlier that day. We all waited for him outside since it should’ve only taken a few minutes, but after ten minutes passed, we were getting annoyed. He was always doing extra work, even when he wasn’t getting paid for it, so I went in to drag him out & that’s when I…(his words left hanging as he tried not break down. Pointing at the floor in the storage room.) That’s when I found him on the floor. He was already dead. Eyes wide & blood shot, mouth hung open. I wasn’t sure what happened at first because…because there was no blood or anything like that. Then I saw the holes, two of them, kinda looked like someone trying to make it seem like they chomped him on the shoulder. The holes were clean & deep…but there was no blood. Just a strong smell. Like when you mix bleach with a bunch of floor cleaner & disinfectant. It was so strong in this little room…just oozing off of him in here.
KAYJAY-(Feeling his stomach sink) Oh Muse…
STATIC-Yeah, I can definitely see why Marri wouldn’t want ya’ squeamish ass workin’ with her on this.
NARRATOR-Marrijane was too wrapped up in listening for clues & Kayjay was too busy feeling sick to notice how silent Violet had been this whole time. She stood still at the doorway of the room, listening to Cliff with a straight face.
MARRIJANE-(Arms crossed as she looked around the room) And then that’s when you called the police, right?
CLIFF-(Trying to compose himself) Y-yeah. That’s all I’ve got to tell you.
MARRIJANE-(Nodding, serious tone as she kept looking around the room) Yeah, I understand. Sorry for pushing you into having to remember that. I think we got enough information here to confirm an idea we’ve got about all of this.
CLIFF-(Quickly looking up at her) You have a suspect then!?
MARRIJANE-(Swiftly shaking her head) Can’t say I do, but getting the specifics of the crime scenes is helping us form some kind of idea to pursue more specific possibilities. I can’t really say much more than that. I don’t want to get your hopes up just yet & I want to avoid any potential info leaking around…as hypocritical as that sounds.
CLIFF-(Nodding softly, a disappointed frown curling up on his face) No, I get it. Still, thanks for taking the time to look into this. Keep me posted on things, yeah?
MARRIJANE-Sure, we can do that much for you. Come on, you two, let’s get going. There’s still one more spot we have to check out-
NARRATOR-Violet stepped forward & gave Cliff the tightest hug she possibly could, much to his surprise, along with Kayjay & Marrijane’s audible gasp.
CLIFF-(Blushing) Uh…thank you ma’am?
VIOLET-(Her voice much softer than usual) We’ll find whoeva’ hurt ya’ friend. I promise ya’ dat. It may take some time, but I promise ya’ we will.
CLIFF-(Face shifting from red to blue) Thank…you…ma’am.
KAYJAY-(Gently tugging on her shirt sleeve) Uh, Maestro Vi…ya’ might wanna let that guy breathe…
VIOLET-(Quickly letting Cliff go from her grip) Oh! Muh bad, muh bad!
CLIFF-(The color in his face returning to normal) Oh…it’s uh…it's cool. You’re pretty damn strong…and soft…and smell like sweet wine.
VIOLET-(Big smile) Welp…I work out, I moisturize & I drink wine!
MARRIJANE-Yes, muscles head, we know you like to drink, now let’s move!
NARRATOR-The three left the gym & began to make their way towards the P.T.S stop.
MARRIJANE-So what the hell was that hug about? Just felt like getting a sad man flustered?
VIOLET-(Looking much more positive than earlier) Nothin’ like dat. I jus’...dat Anderson guy seemed like a good dude, wantin’ to train folks to be stronga’ & defend themselves…but it’s sad no one was there to protect him. I get what it’s like….feelin’ like ya’ let a friend down & I know a hug does at least a lil comfort.
KAYJAY-Awe, Vi. Ya’ really are an amazin’ person.
VIOLET-Naaah! I’m jus’ a gurl.
MARRIJANE-Yeah, very cute, but why are you making promises you can’t keep? We don’t even have any suspects.
VIOLET-I know, but ya’ did say we pretty much confirmed we got a solid idea ‘bout somethin’. I got faith in ya’, Marri!
MARRIJANE-You can have all the faith in Marri you want as long as you don’t put it in ME.
KAYJAY-Well, we did confirm it right?
MARRIJANE-We still have one more crime scene to check in the North District, but after the four we’ve seen so far, it be dumb to think we’re wrong. Each crime scene was so distinctly different. Location, Instruments, state of the bodies, all of it. The only thing that was the same about all of them is the fact they happened at night. All between the hours of 10 Set & 1 Rise.
VIOLET-So nights da’ only link? How are folks so sure ets da’ same killa’ then? These could really jus’ be all unrelated, right.
KAYJAY-Yeah, but I mean…that would be way too big of a coincidence wouldn’t it? All these murders have been happenin’ almost back to back off each other since they started. The pattern and rate of them really makes them seem related, but the crime scenes are so distinct from one another.
MARRIJANE-Both things are true.
KAYJAY-What do ya’ mean?
MARRIJANE-Think about it for a second, country boy. Yes, the murders are almost certainly related, they all just suddenly started happening at the same time. Still, we also can’t deny that the murders are too unique to be from one killer, so what does that mean?
VIOLET-Both are right? But they contrast from each otha’ don’t they?
KAYJAY-(His mouth slowly forming into a smile & his eyes grew wider) When you lock your mind in on thinkin’ that there HAS to be one killer, yeah, they don’t match. But if ya’ let that go it becomes clear what the answer is. (Looking at Marrijane) There are multiple killers…workin’ together.
MARRIJANE-(Nodding with a slight smirk) So I’m not crazy for thinking that too?
Verse 6-Just Breath
Witday, 3rd Of Vermilheart, Essence Of Snowfall 2995 A.M., 4:19 Set
North District In Big Central, Compass-Star
NARRATOR-The team stepped away from the stoop of one the many luxury apartment buildings the North District had on display, the front door to the building slowly closing. As they began to make their way to the P.T.S stop, not a single one of them said a word. All of them had a straight face, all of them lost in their respective thoughts. It wasn’t until they hit a left at the corner that somebody finally spoke up.
VIOLET-So dat was by far the worst fuckin’ one we’ve heard so far, right?
KAYJAY & MARRIJANE-(Shaken tone) Yes.
VIOLET-How’d they get into the buildin’ if no one coulda’ let ‘em in?
MARRIJANE-We don’t know.
VIOLET-And like…da’ body. How is it dat like…traits from da’ otha’ murdas’ were on dis one? Is et really jus’ one killa’, or did all of da’ killas gatha’ in dis one guy’s house?
KAYJAY-We don’t know.
VIOLET-Jus’ wut da’ heck es goin’ on wit dis guy? Or…these guys?
KAYJAY & MARRIJANE-We don’t know, Violet!
VIOLET-Sorry, sorry…I jus’ can’t let all da’ questions jus’ linga’ in muh head like dat…
KAYJAY-I know what ya’ mean, my mind is racin’ tryin’ to figure all this out.
MARRIJANE-Well, don’t go & hurt yourself thinking about it right now. We don’t have nearly enough to figure all this out. What we do have is enough information to put part of the puzzle together. We need to get to actually sit down & lay it all out, that way we can have some better guesses at where other pieces connect.
KAYJAY-(Still clearly trying to think of a solution regardless) And hopefully where to find them.
VIOLET-(Clearly not sure of anything that they had) I guess…but hey, I’m still wit ya’ on dis one.
NARRATOR-Marrijane looked over the two, seeing how sincere they were being & feeling how much they really wanted to help. She shook her head.
MARRIJANE-You guys don’t have to keep helping me, you know. You’re not Musicians & you’re not obligated to potentially risk your lives just to chip on this.
KAYJAY-(Confused) But…why wouldn’t we help?
MARRIJANE-Why would you? It’s not like we’re actually friends or anything like that. Unusual circumstances just got us all acquainted & we’re able to mutually benefit from each other. This goes beyond those benefits…what?
KAYJAY-(Eyes wide with surprise with a bit of sadness as they shook slightly) What do ya’ mean we aren’t friends? Sure, it hasn’t even been a full month since we met, but after everything we’ve gone through already…I jus’ assumed…that we…that clearly we were
MARRIJANE-(Cursing herself as she looked into the Soundsmith’s large, pouting eyes) Ah, shit…Kayjay…
VIOLET-(Pouting too, activating her Presence to have her rabbit ears droop) Ya’ know, I thought we were already really good gal pals too.
MARRIJANE-(Rolling her eyes) Girl, you know good & damn well that won’t work on me…(Sighing) Never thought I’d piss off a rabbit & an owl. Two mythical animals at the same time.
KAYJAY-I know that ya’ aren’t used to friends or a team or anythin’ like that & I won’t push on why that is. But I will push on being here to back ya’ up.
VIOLET-(Nodding) Yep, yep, same hur! Whetha’ ya’ like et or not, big Vi is bringin’ all her good vibes!
MARRIJANE-(Smirking with a slight laugh) Yo guys are too much…but I’d be lying if I said I totally dislike it. (Feeling her head starting to hurt again, but she shrugged it off) Look, it’s just something I still can’t even quite explain yet, but when it comes to the idea of friends I just…I don’t know.
VIOLET-Then we won’t be friends! For now at least.
KAYJAY-Wow, ya’ let that go surprisingly fast.
VIOLET-(Wiggling her finger) I don’t let a thang go! Eva’! We don’t have to call ourselves friends for now, so instead we’ll call ourselves Bandmates!
KAYJAY-Being Bandmates would mean that we have formed a Band together, but Marri is a Musician & we’re not.
MARRIJANE-(Feeling her headache lighten up) I mean, we don’t have to actually all be in the same work field to be a Band, we only need a common objective & unified agreement between all Band Members.
KAYJAY-(Looking over at her, his eyes wide once again) So…does that mean ya’ agree?
MARRIJANE-Well…yeah. For now at least.
VIOLET-Es decided then! We’re Bandmates wit a common goal of solvin’ dis mystery, so now ya’ can’t get rid of us.
KAYJAY-(Smiling at Marrijane) For now at least, right?
MARRIJANE-(Scoffing, but smiling back) Fine.
VIOLET-Oh! If we’re a Band, then we need a Band name.
KAYJAY-(Looking lost in thought again) Let’s see…what should it be then…?
MARRIJANE-We can think about that later when we get back, let’s just get off the street.
FAMILIAR VOICE-Band Name? How about Dead In The Street!?
NARRATOR-Two Volumes quickly shot up like a rocket before Kayjay’s goggles could even beep. He was barely reaching for his mallet as Marrijane & Violet were ready to counter their attackers. Just before a mustard yellow aura fist could even graze Violet, she sent it spiraling into particles with a snap kick. The gleam of a blade traveling along a pale blue strand honed in on Kayjay, but Marrijane pushed him aside & swatted the attack away as she drew her sword. Kayjay stood behind the two girls as they stared down their opponents.
TANK-(His stage flexing behind him as he started approaching Violet) Awe damn, I thought we really had them that time. Maybe you shouldn’t have yelled just before, Razor.
[TATE WELLS-The Tank Thumb, Male, Age 23, Job-Five Fingers Gang Label Muscle, Status: Sneak Attack Failed.]
RAZOR-(Preparing his gummy substance for another knife attack) Oh, shut your big ass up! What do you know!?
[ROAMAN HATTER-The Razor Ring, Male, Age 29, Job-Five Fingers Gang Label Pickpocket, Status: Yells Too Much.]
VIOLET-Who they be?
KAYJAY-The Five Fingers Gang, they’re a small time Label if I remember correctly.
MARRIJANE-(Sword covered in flames) They’re a pack of lame asses who can’t accept an L.
VIOLET-(Nodding as she approached Tank) Damn, too bad. Was hopin’ for a good fight.
NARRATOR-Tank charged in upon hearing the insult, both his hands ready to deliver muscular aura punches. Violet actually looked sad & a bit annoyed as he slowly stomped towards her, his size failing to impress her even slightly. As he prepared to throw his pouches, he gasped. Violet’s right fist dug deep into his gut before he could even try to think to block it. He stumbled back holding his stomach, struggling to catch his breath. Violet smirked, driving her knee into his chest & knocking him on his butt. As he struggled to get back his feet, Violet just watched.
VIOLET-C’mon! Do a lil’ betta’ to make et a bit entertainin’. I even used muh off hand & leg to make sure I didn’t jus’ one shot ya’!
NARRATOR-While Violet continued to play with her food, Marrijane was slowly cooking hers. She easily deflected each one of Razor’s knife attacks, no matter what angle he slung the gum like substance in. She wasn’t bothered by his mediocre offense, but something was still indeed nagging at her.
MARRIJANE-(Thinking) He isn’t trying to hit me at all, is he? (Glancing over her shoulder at Kayjay, who had his goggles on & his mallet in his hands as he observed.) Really? What’s his beef with him specifically?
VIOLET-(Push kicking Tank away from her as he tried to get in close to strike) Ya’ noticed too huh, Marri!?
MARRIJANE-(Swatting another one of Razor’s attacks away) Yup. What’s up with you, Razor? That beating you got a few weeks back rattle you that much? You want to attack the weakest link of our Band, because you think that’s the only win you can get.
RAZOR-(Veins forming in his forehead as his stage grew larger & more intense) Shut up! I’m just saving you for the boss man! While Tank keeps that Violent Violet freak away-(Tank’s pained screams & gasps were very clearly audible behind him) I’m going to take out the kid who thinks it's fun to get involved in street politics!
NARRATOR-Marrijane didn’t have to look to know what he meant. As Kayjay observed all the fighting, his smile was slowly growing larger on his face as he clutched his mallet tighter. Marrijane prepared to bring the heat to Razor, her sword’s flames growing more radiant as she rushed him. Razor released his next attack, more gummy strands extending from each of his fingers, all of them with a blade attached. Marrijane was caught off guard, but she didn’t stop her approach, swinging her blade with a grateful aggression as flame sputtered through the air.
MARRIJANE-(Downward swing, severing a strand easily) Split! (Horizontal swing, swatting a strand away as it burned) Slash! (Upward swing, cutting the strand up the middle) Split! (Diagonal swing, carving across the nearest strand) Slice! (Follow up diagonal swing on a strand about to pass her by) Slice! (Stabbing through two strands at the same time) Stab! (Her sword gliding across another strand) Slash! (She prepared to cut down the last two, but Razor had made sure they were separated far from the rest of the pack, one from each of his ring fingers) Shit! Don’t tell me they were all a damn distraction! (Watching the last strands carrying blades right towards Kayjay) Kayjay! Head in the game!
VIOLET-(Her leg shooting straight up as her foot rocked Tank’s chin) Don’t even worry ‘bout et, Marri! (Grabbing Tank by his ponytail before he fell over) He’s been practicin’ his brethin’ all day.
MARRIJANE-The hell does that even mean!?
NARRATOR-As the blades swung in on Kayjay, dancing closer together, he watched them closely. His breathing at a steady pace.
KAYJAY-(Thinking) Jus’ breath…jus’ breath. Jus’ like when everythin’ else today became too much…center ya’self…find ya’self…(As he kept breathing, he began to see the Notes in the air around him.) There it is! I may not know what my Presence is…but this feelin’...now jus’ breath steady &-
NARRATOR-Smack! As the two blades met at the end of their arcs to stab him, Kayjay had swatted them away with a single swing of his mallet. His Stage had once again formed around him, but it wasn’t just for a flash. It remained strong & true as Kayjay continued to breathe steady. Violet had a big smile on her face as she gave him two thumbs up, Tank slumped over her left leg as she shook him off. Marrijane was shocked, but nodded in approval, a look of respect in her eyes. Razor only looked more upset, being countered yet again by a complete novice. He began to gather his Musikal aura for another barrage, but it was already too late. Marrijane had closed the gap between them, her flames brushed across his shirt gently.
MARRIJANE-(Sheathing her blade as she turned her back on him) Sizzle.
RAZOR-Wait, what the hell did you just-(Flames ignited on his shirt & shrouded his whole body) Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-Wait, this isn’t actually burning me. What’s going on?
MARRIJANE-My Presence generates flames that are fully under my control, I can choose what they actually burn to an extent. I just did that to distract you from this.
NARRATOR-She stepped to the side as Kayjay had run straight at Razor. He swung his aura covered mallet, sweeping up all the Notes he could see around him as he did. Razor was unable to prepare a counter attack in time, feeling the crushing blow of the mallet slamming into his chest. His mouth hung open to gasp, but it was cut short as he felt the collected Musikal aura hammer into him as well. He flew through the air before landing on his back, completely unconscious. Kayjay’s Stage faded, his aura returning into his body as he began to catch his breath.
MARRIJANE-Looks like that training is actually starting to bear some fruit.
KAYJAY-(Breathing in deep before speaking) I mean…I still have to focus & think about keepin’ my breathin’ steady & I think I’m still usin’ too much Musikal aura on impact…
VIOLET-(Patting his back proudly) Progress es progress! Good work.
KAYJAY-I guess I kinda get what you were trying to tell me this mornin’. I have to start at base camp & get my equipment ready, then I can start climbin’ up the mountain. Get the Stage out first, then maintain it, then use it. I can’t rely on fight or flight to get through every situation, I have to take control of it. And I can’t take control of it until I have control of the basics.
VIOLET-Now ya’ gettin’ et! Now we jus’ gotta’ make sure ya’ can do ‘et on command.
MARRIJANE-Well, I guess this means I owe you an apology. As crazy of a drunk as you can be, I can’t deny that you’re actually a pretty solid Maestro.
VIOLET-(A big smile on her face showing off her fangs) Awe! Ya’ really mean et!?
MARRIJANE-(Sighing as she started digging through Razor’s pockets) Yeah, now don’t make it weird or I’ll take it back. And it’s Marrijane, don’t think I haven’t heard you guys saying it wrong.
KAYJAY-Uh…Marrijane, what are ya’ doin’?
MARRIJANE-Like I told you back when I first ran into them, their bounty just isn’t worth the paperwork. (Pulling out Razor’s wallet & swiping all his Koin) But I’d still like to be paid for the hassle.
KAYJAY-Wow…I really thought you were cooler than this.
MARRIJANE-(Putting the Koin in her Koin purse) Oh, hush up & search Tank too.
VIOLET-(Walking back over to Tank) I’m on et!
KAYJAY-Maestro Vi! Don’t jus’ go along with it!
NARRATOR-After some unexpected pay, the investigations concluded for the day & the new three piece Band headed back to The 13th Compass.
TRACK 005 END
TUNE IN FOR MUSIKAL TERMS
Band-A Band is any group of Sonicnauts that travel and/or work together in order to achieve individual & unified goals. Bands mostly are formed by Musicians to make work easier, but some form within Orchestral Spectral Forces & even between general Sonicnauts with like minded goals.
Bandmates-Members of a Band...duh.
Band Name-The name of a Band…DUH!
Musikal Elements-The 21 principles of Musik that Sonicnauts study to become official. The concepts are split into 5 sections, better known as Elements, with the 21st principle, the Album, at the center. Think of it as a hand, each finger an Element & the palm as the Album. The 5 Elements are: Core (Presence, Stage, Volume, Soul), Forms (Choreography, Melody, Rhythm, Flow), Methods (Lyrics, Remix, Technical, Deluxe), Style (Instruments, Audio Arts, Tools, Covers) & Abilities (Songs, Talent, Hit Record, Zenith).
