[closed] To stand out above the crowd, even if I gotta shout out loud

[oathkeeper]

Who: Sora & Izumo, Sora & Demyx
What: Izumo needs to ask Sora some questions about a certain pesky Norse god. Sora and Demyx do Prayer #27 A Prayer for Entertainment
When: June 25/June 26
Where: The Double Cross Bar, The Near Shore
Warnings: Sora and Demyx do Prayer #27 A Prayer for Entertainment...


[Sora & Izumo; June 25]

[After contacting Sora about something Izumo wanted to talk about, Sora finds himself heading to the bar to meet up with the shinki. He’s been to the bar before but it still always feels kind of strange to be walking into one at his age.

He peeks his head in and calls out.] Izumo? It’s me, I’m here!

[Sora & Demyx; June 26; Prayer #27]

"The last time we held this event, it was a dud! The singers were so off-key dogs howled and the dancers couldn't keep a beat if a drum hit them in the face. I can't possibly get a major deal in the entertainment industry if the other acts are so terrible the talent scouts leave early!"

[This kind of prayer required a certain kind of flare. Who better to call upon for a hand on this prayer than one of the most musical people he knows? Shinki or not, Demyx still has the skills and talent for this kind of thing. It would be a piece of cake!

They’re near a stage that is currently holding the musical event. An event that has some big hot shots in the area, indeed. Play your cards right and you might make them notice.

Their job today is to help a certain someone get noticed. What did that mean? Sora and Demyx being the best dang back up a person could ask for. The teen who prayed looks spunky and full of attitude, albeit a little nervous, stands ready to take the stage. Hopefully they can help him get noticed.]

So, I’m guessing you’ll want to play the live music. Me, I’ll do some vocals and whatever else!

[Dancing and singing? It’s gonna be Atlantica all over again. He's stoked.]

Comments

/drops this here

[toremainbehind]

I'm here.

[Izumo steps out from behind the kitchen, drying his hands with a towel. As he places the towel somewhere behind the counter, he walks over to Sora.]

Want anything to drink? No alcohol, though.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora gives a wave and steps in. He then grins, tilting his head.]

What? Not even a sip?

[He's joking, he doesn't drink at all, even if he did have the option to do so, he wouldn't.]

[toremainbehind]

If you want, sure. I just don't want to handle you being drunk.

[He teases right back, but gestures for Sora to come sit at the bar.

Even so, Izumo leans against the counter.]

Don't tell Roxas I gave some to you, though.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora laughs with amusement, shaking his head. He comes over to the bar counter and hops up on a stool.]

Nah. Roxas said being drunk gives you a giant migraine the next day and you feel super sick if you drink too much. Plus, he hates drunk people. So I'll pass, that doesn't sound very fun to me.

[But it does occur to him...]

Technically, I've been drunk one time. Just once. But it was because of magic.

[toremainbehind]

Roxas has a good head on his shoulders.

[He tilts his head to the side.]

Some magic exhaustion then?

[Izumo's wildly guessing, but it makes sense to him in his own way. But he's stalling, and knows he might as well ask Sora about what's been bugging him.]

Ah, about the reason why I've asked you to come.

[oathkeeper]

Cherry blossom trees made people drunk here once.

[Sora laughs but then leans his arms on the counter top. Right, Izumo wanted to talk about something.]

Yeah, what's up?

[toremainbehind]

I'm glad I didn't experience that then. [It was very brief before he escaped the cherry blossoms.

There's a brief moment of silence as Izumo doesn't answer right away, a quick scan to ensure no one was in—he had called Sora in before opening hours—but he could never be too sure.

Finally, he sighs.]

What do you know of a god named Loki?

[oathkeeper]

[That moment of silence has Sora on the edge of his seat. This suddenly seems super serious and sort of like Sora has to keep secrets. He even leans in when Izumo looks around.

But then...]

Loki?! Do I ever know that jerk!! I know a lot of stuff!!

[Sora's practically shouting.]

[toremainbehind]

[Ah—

Seems like Sora and Loki has some bad blood between them. He raises an eyebrow, though he does gesture for Sora to calm down.]

Guessing you two aren't on the best of terms?

[oathkeeper]

[Sora crosses his arms.]

That's not even the start of it. He's in my pantheon but he's a total jerk that always bothers me.

[But he tilts his head.]

Why do you need to know about him, Izumo? Did he do something to you??

[toremainbehind]

Sounds more like an annoying brother.

[Izumo taps his fingers against the counter before he sighs.]

No, he hasn't. [yet] But someone has asked me to be on the lookout for him. Seems he's gained some sort of notoriety during his time here.

[oathkeeper]

No way. Not my brother.

[That earns Izumo a glare that Sora directs down at the countertop. A look that could rival Roxas'.]

I'm not surprised he's got other people who want to watch out for him. Izumo, he reads minds. And he choked me once.

[And that's just a fraction of what Loki's done.]

[toremainbehind]

[He acknowledges the glare with annincline of his head.

Definitely a little bit more than bad blood then.

He frowns a bit as he listens to Sora, his Aura briefly appearing in response to the protective flare he felt: he curled his fingers around the edge of the counter, reining in his Aura before he accidentally set his own bar on fire.]

Why? [Did he choke you is the main question. But hearing Sora, he can understand why Bishamon wanted him to gather details about Loki.

But then he registers what Loki's powers are and he holds back a grimace.]

He reads minds?

yeeee! \o/

[sitarsongs]

[ Demyx gives the most enthusiastic thumbs up Sora's ever seen from someone other than himself. Then again, it shouldn't be unexpected. Asking him to perform musical accompaniment for someone? Psh, twist his arm, why don't you?! ]

Just point me in the direction of a musical instrument and I'm on it! You can count on me!

[ This is undoubtedly the most enthusiastic the Nobody's ever been about something that could vaguely be considered 'work'. Hopefully the one who prayed doesn't need more than that guitar that's on-stage and waiting for him though, because he's only one person -- not like he can clone himself! ]

[oathkeeper]

[That enthusiasm is met with Sora's own bright grin as he nods vigorously. He knew this kind of prayer would be perfect for Demyx! If only Sheryl, the goddess of music, was still here to see!]

That one, right there!

[And he points to the bright red electric guitar sitting on stage, poised and ready and shining like a weapon ready to be wielded in a mighty holy battle.]

Since we're from the far shore it'll be hard for the crowd to keep focusing on us. So, that'll be the best case to make sure they're focusing on the main singer. But! [Sora lifts a finger.] Do your best to really shine, okay?

[Because the better they do, the better chance the main singer will be noticed.]

[sitarsongs]

[ Looking where Sora points, Demyx’s eyes widen, his jaw drops wide open...

There’s a long and audible gasp. ]

She’s beautiful!

[ Why she’s a she, the world may never know. But in any case, Demyx is absolutely head-over-heels smitten for this stunning, wondrous instrument and he never wants to be without her ever, ever again. She couldn’t even be more perfect were she bright blue instead of red. Seriously -- he’s met his match. He’s thinking an autumn wedding.

Arms outstretched, he runs up on-stage toward her while the Chariots of Fire theme song plays in his head, not hearing a single word Sora says beyond that lift of a finger on account of his own glee. By the time the Keyblade wielder next gets a chance to make himself heard, Demyx will already have the strap over his shoulders and his fingers on the strings. No need for a pick; that’d only complicate things. Belting out a G chord the first chance he gets, he laughs so loudly even the amplifier can’t mute him. ]

Yeah! I’m so ready for this!

[oathkeeper]

W-wait! Demyx!

[Welp, off he goes! Sora just laughs and shakes his head a little before a big grin erupts on his face. That note rings loud and true and Sora knows right then and there that he picked the perfect person to help him on this endeavor.

He reaches up and slaps his own cheeks to hype himself up and then runs out onto stage too, joining Demyx and to a microphone that's there waiting for Sora.

The main stage lights up brightly as the the singer they're helping is already front and center. He doesn't seem to notice Sora and Demyx at all as the music track starts to play.]

Open up your eyes take a look at me
If the picture fits in your memory
I've been dreamin by the rythym like the beat of a heart
And I won't stop until I start to stand out

[The crowd did hear Demyx's note though, as they are all coming closer to listen and watching. Time to rock!]

omg this is the cutest thread ever ;v;

[sitarsongs]

[No cheek-slapping required for Demyx -- he’s raring to go! And the crowd that’s starting to gather at the sound of a chord strummed and a singer nearing the mic? All the better!

Lights come up, focusing brightly on center stage. As the beat hits, the guitarist keeps it with the unconscious, reflexive tap of his foot and nod of his head, grooving to the melody he’s helping to make. ]

Some people settle for the typical thing
Livin' all their lives waitin' in the wings
It ain't a question of 'if', just a matter of time
Before I move to the front of the line

[ The song moves into a bridge, and Demyx’s hands instinctively change chords, strumming a little louder, to the point that he can hear his guitar in the monitor nearby while the singer continues. ]

And once you're watchin' ev'ry move that I make
Ya gotta believe that I got what it takes~!

[ And, they’re really rockin’ now! ]

<333!!

[oathkeeper]

To stand out~!

[Sora begins here singing proudly along with the main singer, his voice belting out loud. He's not a perfect singer but with being in a few musicals with Ariel he definitely knows what he's doing!]

Above the crowd
Even if I gotta shout out loud
Till mine is the only face you'll see
Gonna stand out till you notice me, yeah~!!

[He even begins dancing, throwing his arms up and bouncing on the spot. As the next part begins, Sora points at Demyx to really rip it up.

It seems that the crowd is starting to get fired up, clapping and bouncing along to the tune. But are the local talent hunters watching...?]

If the squeaky wheel's always gettin' the grease
I'm totally devoted to disturbin' the peace
And I'll do it all again, when I get it done
Until I become your number one

:D <3

[sitarsongs]

[ Demyx doesn't know the lyrics, but he's bouncing along with the melody anyway -- the one he's creating with Sora, and this singer. Looking over, he sees the chipper brunette doing the same. (Look, they match! Surely that's enough to get people excited, right?

If not, he makes sure to take the next opening and really shred, fancy finger-work he never knew he had nearly giving himself chills as it echoes back at him on the monitor. ]

No method to the madness, and no means of escape
Gonna break every rule or bend them all outta shape
It ain't a question of "how", just a matter of when
You get the message that I'm tryin' to send~!

[ Make no mistake -- this Nobody can't fight, but he sure can play!

The next bridge comes in, and Demyx doubles down on his efforts; but really, he's just plain having fun. ]

I'm under a spell, I'm in over my head
And you know I'm going all the way to the end~!

[oathkeeper]

[The crowd starts cheering with loud and energetic calling and clapping. It seems to boost the singer's energy as well as he continues to belt out each lyric and dance move with more enthusiasm than before. The lights flash and what rings the loudest and the wildest is Demyx's perfect playing.

Heads turn. It looks like the talent hunters are watching! They're interested! Keep it up!

The crowd screams!!]

To stand out!
Above the crowd
Even if I gotta shout out loud
Till mine is the only face you'll see
Gonna stand out till you notice me, yeah~!

[Just a bit of song left. The crowd is growing bigger and bigger!]

[sitarsongs]

[ Wow! Demyx has never played for an audience before, and it’s exhilarating! Fans are gathering, clapping, cheering -- all for them! Plus, now the guy at the front doing the singing is starting to get energized, stepping out to the edge of the stage as he recites the next lines during a breakdown, slapping hands extended out to him. How awesome is that?!]

If I could make you stop and take a look at me instead of just
Walkin' by
There's nothin' that I wouldn't do
If it was gettin' you to notice
I'm alive
All I need is half a chance, a second thought, a second glance'll prove
I got whatever it takes
It's a piece of cake~!

[ And now it’s time for them to really jam!

When they’re done, he’s definitely going to ask Sora if they can do this again. ]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora makes sure to punctuate each Walkin by~ and I'm alive~ with matching actions with the singer. He's having the time of his life right now and the energy of the shouting and clapping crowd has him really pumped up.

The chorus comes again and this time it's the finish. Sora sings with all he's got, following all of Demyx' notes.]

To stand out~!
Above the crowd
Even if I gotta shout out loud
Till mine is the only face you'll see
Gonna stand out

Stand out, hey~!

Stand out!
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
Stand out!
Till mine's the only face you'll see
Gonna stand out~!!

[And with this part Sora does something risky. They really gotta make this show something to remember. He casts Thundaga and the cracks of lighting fill the stage, setting of sparks and flashy zaps that to anyone watching would think is all part of the act. He aims perfectly, not hitting anyone with the damaging spell but boy does it make the ending SNAP.]

Till you notice me.

officially cutest thread ever

[sitarsongs]

[ Man, Sora actually really can sing! (Not that Demyx has a whole lot of basis for comparison, sure, but Sora’s hitting the notes and it sounds good!) By the time they’re back to rocking out again, he’s almost got the lyrics down enough to belt out along with them, even though no one will be able to hear a word he’s saying. Who cares? He’s really, genuinely having fun, for the first time since the beach! And it’s all thanks to Sora.

Demyx makes sure to end that final chorus with a power chord that rings out proudly -- but not as loud and prominent as that Thundaga! Were he any less engrossed in the music when it went off, he might have jumped clean out of his skin! Instead, he hops a little in place, hooting and cheering like he’s part of the crowd, too, fist pumping into the air in between claps. ]

Awesome, man! Totally. Awesome!!

[ Guitar still around his neck (because remember, they’re husband and wife-to-be, no way is he letting go of her), he heads over to give Sora a massive and well-deserved high-five. ]

We did it, Sora!

[oathkeeper]

[Sora grins widely when Demyx comes in for that high five and he returns with just as much jump and enthusiasm. The crowd is going wild and cheering and screaming for them with so much energy.]

We did! That was great, Demyx!! Wow! You did awesome!!

[Sora is quick to glance at the crowd though, where he'd been watching the headhunter out of the corner of his eye the entire time. Sora shouts again because the man is taking notes and looking quite pleased.]

I think we did it! I think we got them to get noticed by the talent finder person!

[Yes, good vocabulary, Sora.]