32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 179 Genesect Interruption Part 1

The next day, Ash and Yancy are now at the Night Club, and they decide to see the next mission, and they find the Ringmaster there.

Ringmaster: Here's a change of pace for you- security detail. So some of the others around here have apparently been practicing a music act on the side. I think it's a relatively new thing, but they've wasted no time in setting up the first show. Sort of a charity event type thing from what I understand? It's taking place over at the restored Blacksteam Shelter, and they've got a final rehearsal today.

Ash: That sounds nice, but what seems to be the problem?

Ringmaster: For a little while, we've had inconsistent energy readings from that area, and it's gotten worse recently. They asked if I wouldn't be able to send someone over just to keep an eye on things in case something goes south now or during the show. There's no reason anything should happen during the show, but... Well, let's be honest; something's going to happen. That's just how it is, you know? It's like if the dress rehearsal is a disaster, everything's gonna be fine. But if it goes off without a hitch? That's when you start sweating. Are you up to go make sure they have an awful dress rehearsal?

Yancy: That sounds pretty fun.

Ringmaster: Great! I'll tell them you're coming. Just head over to Blacksteam; I think they're meeting in the big room on the first floor.

When they arrive on the first floor, they are surprised to find Cain, Aya, Hardy, Titania, and Arclight there.

Cain: Heyyyy Ash, you came!

Ash: So I heard that you guys are starting a band?

Cain: Okay, so this is kind of out of the blue, right? But I was thinking, there's hardly anything I can see myself doing for a long time, but singing? I can do that. I've wasted enough time running in circles, so even if I'm not 100% on a path in life, I've decided I need to at least start doing something. So I started talking to Hardy about it, and he mentioned he was already teaching Aya to play, and then we asked Arc if he knew anyone, and one thing led to another and now we're here making it happen! We're not exactly rockstar material, but if we can make a few people smile for an evening, I'd say that's good enough! And these folks seem like they need a bit of that! So you're keeping watch during rehearsal, right? I doubt anything'll happen, so feel free to keep all eyes on me~

Ash: Sure.

Hardy: Glad you could make it, mate. I'm goin' over the setlist right now. Gotta practice my solos a bit more before we get goin', otherwise, I'd be helping Aya out more... Poor girl's got some nerves on her. Understandable for a first-timer, but we've had to resort to drastic measures. Pretty sure that's her middle name- "Titania Drastic Measures Andersen." She used to play bass when we were younger, so I thought she could help teach Aya, and believe me, I got a few drastic measures in my ear about it already myself.

Ash: So that's why your sister is here.

Hardy: But I've got faith in 'em both, yanno? It'll go great! Gettin' to do this has been on my bucket list for a while, so I ain't lettin' the chance slide. The only thing slidin' around here's gonna be my guitar, mark the words. But I gotta focus still, so I'll see you once the curtain drops! ...The proverbial curtain, anyway.

They decide to check out Titania and Aya, who are trying to play the bass.

Titania: Now B. E. Repeat. There.

Aya: Ugh, how is anyone supposed to remember all these finger positions?

Titania: Practice and muscle memory. Unfortunately my baby brother, in his continuing quest to embody all of the wisdom of a worn cinderblock, has not afforded you the opportunity for those things. So for today, you will focus on just hitting the first note of every sequence. If you can get the others, great. But the first beat is your default; hit it and that'll be enough to fit a legal definition of 'playing'. You can practice hitting the third beat before the next rehearsal, and meanwhile, I'll practice hitting some sense into your idiot "boyfriend".