[Fiction] Tokyo Overdrive.

[Wakinyan]

The only thing that was slightly annoying was the squeals. The girls really could hit some high pitch and Totem’s ears twitched each time they did so. Yet he still liked it here as he waited for a host to show him to his table the crowd grew a little larger. The younger Japanese where nothing like the older ones he had been around since he arrived. He thought the people here where quiet and reserved but tonight in the few minutes since he arrived at the nightclub ‘Yellow’ had been anything but reserved and quiet.

What was interesting was the girls seemed to be divided into groups with themes. Dressed like Latex Nurses, Glam-Geishas, Slutty Schoolgirls, Pseudo Eufiber Pseudo Novas and oddest of all 1950s American Highschoolers.. He would have thought this was a costume party but there had been no mention of it. It just seemed to be the way things where around here.

What was strangest of all was the way they had gathered around him. Both the young men and women. The flash of cameras and the buzz of the crowd made him feel a bit on edge but the oddest thing of all was how close they got and how they would actually touch him. They seemed to need to touch and confirm he was real. Some only brushed him while others blatantly ran their hands wherever they could. Tail, wing, beak if it wasn’t for the fact that it was all in some sort of bizarre admiration he would have likely freaked out.

Rescue finally came in the form of the host who shooed the partygoers away and led the large Griffin between the table and across the large dance floor to a central table. They gave him more than enough space to move which he appreciated. Several large bouncer types formed a privacy zone around him giving him breathing room from the huge crowd beginning to form in the opening club. He got comfortable as several hostesses brought out a variety of beers and other drinks. He appreciated the fact they didn’t card him but it seemed he could get away with less scrutiny here concerning adult beverages. He took a moment to focus inward and slow up his insane metabolism so he could truly enjoy the drinks then took a sip of Kirin and waited for companions.

[Sakurako Hino]

"The Yellow... The most odd nightclub in the district..." Sakurako mutters to herself, literally cloaked. Her favorite white cloak she modified to also serve as an invisibility device. She observes the crowd below from the vantage of an old streetlight. Now used as a wireless antenna since Tokyo's failed light pollution mitigation ordinances moved the lighting down by almost a meter.

"This place used to be one of the world-class clubs. DJs from around the globe that considered themselves among the best played here. Now... It's turned into a place where the baseline worship and idolize Novakind... Although, it seems these days I'm not one to brush off attention."

She's surprised that no one has bothered to look up under her cloak. They'd see a black hole where stars should be, and a couple of white boots. But from her vantage point, the lighting isn't good enough. The play of neon and L.E.D. light mixes with plasma screens and even flexible light-panels. In an earlier age, this is what a cyberpunk culture would have used for lighting, but the crowd below would be considered a different genre all together.

Sakurako finds an opening and jumps down. Slowing her decent slightly with her ability to fly. She lands like an arriving spirit to the mortal realm. One only there to wander. The cosplaying masses start to gather, but in thinner throngs than Sakurako predicted. Another nova was through here. Then she remembered.

"You toss these cheeky monkeys a new toy, and they gaze at it like it was the monolith."

She chortled, wondering how much trouble the otaku are giving Totem, as she starts moving for the club. She then realizes she's still invisible. She sends a gloved arm out of a slit in the cloak, and presses a button, and the cloak returns to it's flat, patent white sheen.

The hood still surrounding her head like a bubble. It then opens in the front turning into a normal hood. Bangs of her pink hair fall out, revealing who she is. She pulls a small tube out from her nose. An air line leading down to the ground attached to the cloak. A simple trick for getting air through a filter system and keeping the hood from overheating with her breath. The motion of the air in the tubing powered a fan that moved air around the hood. Simplistic? Yes. Effective? Definitely.

The inside of the hood lights her face, revealing who she is to the rest of the crowd. Endeavor has indeed arrived. But the whispers from the crowd mention Totem. She decides to air-out and removes her cloak in one dramatic pull. It's self-folding polymers neatly turn the cloak into something that looks like a parcel. Folding with a precision an origami master would sell his soul for.

Revealing that Sakurako still has a bit of a cosplayer in her. Her outfit harkens back slightly to the theatrics of a stage magician. The pink sleeveless coat she wears has tails in the back that nearly reach the ground, and her trademark white sailor collar draped over her shoulders.

Her white blouse underneath has dramatic yet still reasonable puffiness in the shoulders. Her white elbow-length gloves ad a dramatic touch with her white ankle-boots, and long pink stockings. For a playful touch, a pair of goggles are on her forehead.

Then the fans squeal in delight as she puts away the folded cloak in a small white back-pack, not taking away from the sheer fancifulness or even childishness of the outfit. Sakurako has gotten their attention now, and finds it dramatically harder to get to the doors of the club.

The flashes of digital cameras and the high-pitched squeals of admiration and the chatter of people telling their friends over wireless communicators the sights they're seeing both amuses and bothers her. But this isn't the night for debating the pros and cons. Tonight, Endeavor is a rock-star. Tonight, Sakurako is an Idoru.

She finally worms her way out of the crowd, and after a look over by the bouncer, makes her way into the club. Totem, even with the odd lighting isn't hard to make out of the crowd. Thankfully for the headroom of the club a simple flight over the heads of the patrons to his table, and she's there.

"So, Totem, I hope no feathers were plucked from your fine coat this evening." Sakurako says, smiling with delight on seeing such a Nova in such a dynamic environment. "The lighting plays with your feathers nicely."

She adjusts a pleat on her skirt, while waiting for Totem's response.

[Ghostwriter]

Watching Endeavour enter the club, Saimhe allows herself a chuckle as she left her vantage-point of an alleyway and comes into the streetlight, Singularity by her side as always. Still impressed by Endeavour's entrance, the nova-crazy locals actually manage to miss her for a moment until some sharp-eyed glam-geisha spots her distinctive wings and squeals. For a change, Regan was grateful she was semi-deaf due to the high-pitched noise of a hundred Japanese fan-girls. One of the psuedo novas, sporting a blonde wig, parchment-coloured bodypaint and fake canary-yellow wings, actually bursts into tears as she realises that Regan's appearance has dramatically altered since her recent visit to Chicago.

Saimhe walks through the crowd, enjoying the stares and gasps at the dye-job on her wings. Once golden-brown with a creamy underside, they were now deep royal blue with patterns reminiscient of a peacock's, the underwings pure gold. Her lithe body was clothed in a wrapped sheath of royal blue silk that covered her breasts and hips, leaving her shoulders, arms, stomach and legs bare. She had used silver brooches engraved with Celtic knotwork to keep the fabric in place while a matching hairclip kept a twist of her long blonde hair out of her eyes. She wore no shoes and this outfit only enhanced the lack of a knee-brace, something that seemed to astonish the fan-girls even more.

She finally manages to obtain entrance to the club and locates Totem and Endeavour. Even with enhanced eyesight, it isn't too hard to see the fourteen-foot griffin and the girl with the pink hair, even in this place. She makes her way through the admirers and fans straight for them, waving and smiling graciously on her way.

[Singularity]

The wave of shrieks make Singularity squint his silver eyes involuntarily, reacting to the otaku assault. Memories of his mother recounting a Beatles' concert come to mind as he matches his pace to Regan's own. Japan hadn't been one of his big stopping points in the past and until now he really hadn't believed the stories about the otaku and cosplayers. Everyone seems to mean well, albeit a little over the top. Still, he muses, Americans had been just as obsessed with sports and entertainment figures before N-Day, why should things change?

A quick scan of the crowd confirms a multitude of genres and familiar images. Costumed replications of former allies, enemies, and others mingle who knows what else. Singularity internally sighs in relief after confirming no one there was imitating him and then restrains a chuckle after seeing one young baseline hulk about in a crude and almost absurd griffin costume. He notes the few looks at his own appearance with more amusement: his eufiber appears to be in its common loose state, but its color has turned from white to a blue matching Regan's silk and wings. He glances at his beautiful fiancee with affection, saving the rising desire for later.

A hand reaches for Regan's wing, apparently to snatch a dyed feather, and a lightning quick yet measured slap knocks away the offending hand as Singularity levels a disapproving glare at the startled baseline. The crowd gives a bit for the pair, the former elite's active glare reducing the crowd's contact to mostly unintentional bumps.

As they approach the ringed table, Singularity gives the bouncers a nod before letting a friendly smile to Totem and Sakurako break his stoic face.

[Wakinyan]

One might expect the Griffin to be a seething mass of panicked berzerk fury at this point but it is much the opposite he seems almost sedate as he reclines on the floor nursing a large wooden barrel of sake then alternating with an aluminium keg of Kirin.

"Let them take their treasures Hino-san a feather is a feather to me, to them... It is a piece of divinity and demons. Besides they pluck one just means I don't have to preen it later." As he speaks his massive wings fan out above them forming a canopy over the the tables and dance floor darkening the area. "They have seen their demon and their pink goddess but I should set the stage for the rest of the arriving divinity now."

A blue fire dances upon the tip of a talon then leaps from his hand and spreads out across the floor swirling around excited patrons. The fire dances and plays in the crowd until finally it finds Regan and Franklin and pounces at them both, setting them ablaze in conjured illusion. Like battle auras from any violent anime flick the two flare with pseudo-anima. The fire then spreads from the couple, rolling across the ground until it forms a carpet of glowing blue flame leading them to the table that Griffin & Pink await for them at.

"Hau mitake ki Regan. Greetings Franklin." Totem nods as both arrive. Totem's feathers and coat ripple constantly, shifting colors in time with the beat of the music. He studies Saimhe for a long moment and a wing tip briefly brushes the end of her own wings, first checking that there is no slap from Franklin's defense of his lady fair. "I see you are getting along with them so far." He says nodding at the wings.

[Sakurako Hino]

Sakurako quietly observes the scene, and is amazed at Totem's newfound ability. Even after being a Nova for so long, I'm still easily impressed... Sakurako thinks to herself as she allows Totem, Frank, and Saimhe to great each other.

This should be... quite the night. Sakurako thinks as she scratches her head near one of her pigtails. And why did I decide to put my hair up like this... Oh yeah, to show off... *sigh* She heaves a sigh as she undoes both bands holding the pigtails up, and lets her long hair come down. Almost waist legnth. She then re-does her hairdo into a single, low ponytail. She would have just changed the length back to it's normal short lengh but... nah... she thinks.

[Ghostwriter]

"Hau Kitala Sukaku," Regan answers warmly to Totem, blue eyes bright with affection. "I've gotten used to them nowadays. Nice illusions, by the way."

She grins at Endeavour. "Hello Sakurako-chan. Showing off for the locals?"

[Singularity]

"Yes, the affect was amazing," Singularity says to Totem following Regan's compliment. "Thank you for helping our entrance, I am sure it looked even better to everyone observing."

He briefly stretches his muscled frame, a look of relaxation and enjoyment creeping over his face. He quickly looks over the crowd before turning back with a grin, "I have seen more extreme things at the Amp Room and the other clubs on Ibiza, but I must say this is rather... unusual and peculiar. It is like everyone here is a cutting edge homage to something. In fact, what kind of club is this?"

[Sakurako Hino]

"Heh... to me this isn't showing off, Saimhe. I'm just exploring concepts. Experimenting if you will." She looks over the crowd. "It seems that other people are being very... creative as well. Never seen so much rubber and vynl outside of a raincoat factory..."

She nods to Frank. "Sigularity, this isn't unusual. It's art. For most of the week, most of these people are salarymen and women. Poured into the uniform of the business suit. When they get the chance, they let the spirit out they thought they lost long ago. Think of it as a ritual of community, with all the pomp and pagentry to boot. It's tribal ritual in a cybernetic world."

She smiles as she takes a seat. She feels like she's treated somewhat differently by the baseline patrons now. She feels... welcome. Not that she looked for their approval, but she doen't like barging in their party. They deserve their time to themselves. She's just here for the ride. And whatever mischeif her Nova friends will get into tonight.

And it's not even midnight yet...

[Wakinyan]

"You like it? I think my illusions are becoming my favorite ability except when it gets hijacked." Shrugging his shoulders Totem puts his drink down. "I just looked up popular places around Tokyo and and this came up. When I called and asked about it they seemed very excited. Plus they offered something I was looking for.." He doesn't elaborate on the last part.

"You look good tonight Endeavor, the pigtails worked well for you I think." His tail bats at her long hair idley. "Though don't tell Ronin I said that I am sure he'd want to trounce me for it."

More hostesses come up with trays full of a variety of drinks. "They managed to get some ampwells for us but you guys can have them I am buzzing just fine on the regular stuff."

He watches some of the dancers on the floor surrounding three girls dressed in mock T2M uniforms in purple and silver instead of blue and gold. They stand on a raised dais over the crowd doing a cover to 'Paul Revere' by the Beastie Boys which is disturbingly decent despite the high pitch of the rappers.

[Sakurako Hino]

"Thank god those girls aren't mimicing yours truely... Or even Totem... Although I'd love to see someone try to build an animatronic suit capable of such a trick..." Sakurako laughs as she cracks open an Ampwell. "Ah. This is a Nippon made formula... sweeter to the pallette." She muses. "Leave it to my country to make something better... And smaller!"

She takes a swig as she leans back in her seat.

"It'd be interesting to see how a Griffon dances later!" Her smirk seems more of like a mad scientist wanting t unleah her experiment on the unknowing masses. "It'd be interesting to see what moves you can pull off..."

[Singularity]

Singularity absently shakes his head to the offer of an Ampwell, "Sorry, they do not work on me." He nods his head towards Totem while looking at Sakurako, "You do not remember his opening act in July? But I suppose this is different." He chuckles silently, "The 'child of the 80s' in me is wondering if a griffin can moonwalk."

He reaches over to Regan with a smile and gives her hand an affectionate squeeze, "I am looking forward to seeing what moves this pretty lady can do myself."

[Ghostwriter]

"Can't dance for shit," Regan admits ruefully as she takes a non-alcoholic beverage. With the way her mood swings altered, she didn't think it was wise to get drunk in public. She squeezes Franklin's hand in return and adds, "You missed the otaku outside in the gryphon outfit then."

[Wakinyan]

"I can dance well enough. Put a few more gallons of Sake,Kirin and this tasty Nikka whiskey in me and I will be good to go." Oddily enough he seems to be right. Granted he has drank enough to kill several men. His body language shows the buzz forming and it is almost amusing to watch as his huge eyes dialate into huge black pools.

The rapper girls scream the line. "I did it like this! I did it like that! I did it with a whiffle ball bat!" Causing Totem to snicker loudly as the dancers cheer.

"Hmmm well I tell ya what. I'll go next." He beckons and a hostess seems to materialize from beneath one of his wings. He whispers to her and she nods running off with a smile on her face.

"Gawd hope their is no recordings made of this."

[Sakurako Hino]

"Hahahah! Bust a move big guy. No fear." Sakurako starts to feel the initial warmth and twinges of her buzz starting. "Show them what the alpha male brings to the dance floor!"

[Singularity]

"I wonder if they have got a song list handy," Singularity says, checking briefly around the table, "Perhaps a few personal favorites are in there."

Once Totem has reached the microphone, Singularity leans in towards Regan and Sakurako and begins to speak in a mock conspiratorial tone, "Let us see how the young griffin does."

[Ghostwriter]

Regan leans back and observes silently.

[Wakinyan]

For the big creature to have to visibly build up the nerve to get up is interesting to watch. "Okay you get to see me make an official ass of myself." With that he downs a full bucket of sake and hisses though his beak as he stands.

The crowd parts as he walks to the center stage. The Beastie Girls jump up and down as they pass him touching his wings as he passes them. His coat begins to change becoming pure white with the outline of a golden eagle etched in. The golden eagle sparkles with an almost rhinestone luster.

He ratchets up the microphone stand as high as it will go and performs a mic check. At this point it get's quiet in the room. Everyone watches the young Nova and waiting for what he is about to do.

"This is a song from a long time ago that I have gotten partial too lately. Hope ya all like it." His deep voice sounds secure and ready, not a hint of self doubt. All eyes in the building are compelled to watch him. "This is for someone special to me. She's not here right now but she is always with me."

A single guitar begins playing as Totem looks to the floor with the mic grasped firmly in a paw. He doesn't bother looking at the screen across the dance floor from him. He seems to know what he is about to sing by heart. Suddenly a bass guitar starts and a classic rocking beat begins.

"Lord almighty,

I feel my temperature rising

Higher higher

It’s burning through to my soul"

"Girl, girl, girl

You gonna set me on fire

My brain is flaming

I don’t know which way to go"

"Your kisses lift me higher

Like the sweet song of a choir

You light my morning sky

With burning love"

His deep voice owns the song. His movements despite his size mimic or even exceed the man who made the song great the first time it was sang. The raw sex appeal exuding from him is overwhelming to some forcing them to swoon. His hips shimmey and his tail whips around and snags the mic from his hand. Holding it in front of his beak as he begins the next verses with passion.

"Ooh, ooh, ooh,

I feel my temperature rising

Help me, I’m flaming

I must be a hundred and nine

Burning, burning, burning

And nothing can cool me

I just might turn into smoke

But I feel fine"

"Cause your kisses lift me higher

Like a sweet song of a choir

And you light my morning sky

With burning love"

His wings extend arching high above the dais fire spills from them and a pyrotechnic display ignites behind him forming 'TOTEM' in sparkling flames. He drops onto all fours and continues to belt out his ballad to 'someone' special.

"It’s coming closer

The flames are reaching my body

Please won’t you help me

I feel like I’m slipping away

It’s hard to breath

And my chest is a-heaving"

A rainbow of flames consumes the giant beast dazzling all the crowd with the lightshow and outstanding voice of the singer.

"Lord almighty,

I’m burning a hole where I lay

Cause your kisses lift me higher

Like the sweet song of a choir

You light my morning sky

With burning love

With burning love

Ah, ah, burning love

I’m just a hunk, a hunk of burning love

Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love

Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love

Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love

Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love

Just a hunk, a hunk of burning love"

The fires die out as the song comes to an end but the screaming ratchets to a roaring Tsunami as the clubbers are hit by the amateur Novox monster's performance. Totem just sits there panting with a smirking grin quirking the edge of his beak. His tail wags slowly from side to side still grasping the mic stand.

[Sakurako Hino]

"Oh... hell... yeah." Sakurako's jaw almost drops so much as to disconnect from it's socket.

"I'm not even a Human and I'm impressed."

[Long]

Powers up near the back of the room and begins clapping as he walks up to the table "I didn't think I'd find you all here tonight. Then again This club is very accommodating to novas. Do you mind terribly if I join you?" Growls slightly as someone pulls on his tail and turns to see who did it. Asks the teenager to not pull his tail again and turns back "There are times where they all want to see what happens if you catch a tiger by his tail. What's everyone having tonight? Looks like Totem has had a good deal so far, I've seen at least 3 buckets carted away. Nonetheless, he's got a great singing voice, much better than mine. Are you all out for a night on the town, or simply a late-night visit to one of many clubs? I know a little place that serves a unique blend of Sake, it can give anyone a good buzz."

[Sakurako Hino]

"Whatever these guys feel like doing tonight. A little fun here, some painting the town red... It's Nova night." Sakurako chimes in. "Long, correct? Your demeanor sort of reminds me of him... If I'm wrong, I'm sorry."

She sits back, and while drinking another Ampwell, looks over the crowd like a hard-wired Empress watching her subjects in their celebrations...

"God, it's good to be a Nova..."

[Ghostwriter]

Regan whoops and cheers once Totem is finished, acknowledging Long with a brief nod before snuggling up to Franklin.

[Amped]

A person looking to be 17 or 18 darts into the room, slipping past anybody that might actually prevent him from being there. He looks around a bit anxiously then sees the large Griffon in the center. He approaches confidently now that he is in the facility.

"So, uh, what's up guys?"

[Wakinyan]

Totem makes his way back from the stage. The crowd cheering as he goes. He seems to soak up the adoration. He steps from the dias and makes his way across the dance floor brushing partygoers as he passes them.

"Well how was it?" He asks, circling the table once before settling back down in his original spot he takes a drink of Kirin before looking at the tigerman and younger fellow who managed to get beyond the bouncers. He concentrates a moment and feels the echo of quantum answer back from both the tiger who he assumes is Long as well as the kid. He figured as much but confirming things never hurt.

"Welcome! Have a seat and drink up. Someone better be next to volunteer to go up there because I don't want to have made a boob of myself all alone."

[Singularity]

A strong, resounding clapping greets Totem as the performance finishes, accompanied by Singularity's broad smile. Once the griffin returns to the table, Singularity raises his glass to the large nova, "It was excellent, any fan of the King would agree. My mother would have thrown the keys to her room on the stage long before she was finished."

The silver-haired nova turned to the two new arrivals, silver eyes narrowing briefly in analysis, "Long and... judging by the hair, age, and speed, you are Amped, right?" Singularity inclines his glass a bit towards Long, "Alcohol, Ampwells included, have not work for me in years. These days I drink for taste and alcohol tends to spoil things." He smiles, returning Regan's snuggle while indicating Totem and Sakurako, "Besides, I am here for the company."

Singularity turns to talk to an approaching hostess, taking a large binder from her with a quiet, "One moment, I should have something for you." He flips through the volume with lightning speed, stopping on two pages. He nods, closes the binder, and hands it back to the hostess, whispering briefly to her. She nods with a gracious smile and melts back into the crowd. "Do not worry, Totem, I am sure my performance will make yours look even better by comparison."

Before standing, he gives Regan a quick kiss and grins, "No distracting me telepathic laughter." He slowly strides up to the stage with inhuman grace, his expression unreadable as the crowd shifts to allow his passage.

Once on the stage, Singularity adjusts the microphone stand with precision and tests it to be sure Totem's performance hadn't overloaded it. His eyes shut, slowly exhales, and his clothing shifts, forming an open collar black shirt, black suit, black cowboy boots, and black trench coat, drawing odd looks from some and smiles from others. His eyes open and reaches for the microphone, his demeanor subtly different than normal. "In the spirit of my friend's performance," he says, briefly looking back towards Regan, "this first one goes out to my own June Carter Cash, who is far more witty and beautiful than the original."

Trumpets begin to play a distinctive tune, Singularity begins to tap a booted foot in time with the music."

"Love is a burning thing

and it makes a firery ring

bound by wild desire

I fell in to a ring of fire..."

Parts of the crowd, probably the Americanized patrons, cheer upon hearing the song, reciting the classic chorus.

"I fell in to a burning ring of fire

I went down, down, down

and the flames went higher

And it burns, burns, burns

the ring of fire... the ring of fire"

Warmed up to the song, the crowd as a whole moves in time with the music, driven by Singularity's obviously passion-fueled voice. As the next verse begins, he easily picks Regan out and focuses on her.

"The taste of love is sweet

when hearts like ours meet

I fell for you like a child

oh, but the fire went wild

"I fell in to a burning ring of fire

I went down, down, down

and the flames went higher

And it burns, burns, burns

the ring of fire... the ring of fire"

He returns his focus back to the whole room, his singing almost dominated by the now entire crowd's joining in the chorus.

"I fell in to a burning ring of fire

I went down, down, down

and the flames went higher

And it burns, burns, burns

the ring of fire... the ring of fire

"And it burns, burns, burns

the ring of fire... the ring of fire

the ring of fire... the ring of fire"

The music and Singularity's voice slowly fade out, cheers fill the room as he lowers his head over the microphone. Definitely not as impressive or crowd-pleasing as Totem's performance, but certainly enough to make a karaoke club happy.

[Wakinyan]

As Singularity moves into the first verse a single flame ignites around the dias he stands upon and as he sings it slowly circles the stand until it completes it's circuit until he literally is standing within a ring of fire.

Each time the song breaks into chorus the flames burn higher with the song. Lowering in time for everyone to more easily see the Nova performer.

"See Frankie was in the wrong profession Regan." Totem jokes as he nods along with the song.

[Long]

chuckles lightly "I guess I'll do a song tonight after everyone finishes. And Totem you were perfect out there, You could do Vegas." Looks over at Amped "I am a bit suprised to see you here, I heard you were in Chicago still. You must be pretty fast to make this little trip." Drains 3 Tiger's Bloods and 4 bottles of Seiryu Sake and offers his 5th bottle to the others present. "The alcohol is subtle, most people barely taste it. I've always thought of it as having a plum and orange taste to it, it has its kick in another form." Claps for Singularity as he finishes. "I remember hearing that song when I was growing up here. That man had a unique Voice, like most of the old American Country singers. You did the song and the artist, not mention us a great service. Who wants to try their hand at this next?"

[Amped]

"Yeah, the trip was a little under an hour and a half. I make it a point to push my limits, I'm just wondering how long it will be until they kick me out of here."

Amped begins to applaud with the crowd while still speaking.

"I don't plan on getting up there though, the last thing I need to do is draw more attention to myself then this place already dictates. I just got emancipated, last thing I need is a record."

[Sakurako Hino]

"I don't think they'll kick you out, kid. See that girl over there..." She points over to a girl dressed reminicently like her. "She has to be 16... They've laxed the rules a bit, and since you're a nova... We live by our own rules."

She takes another hit from her Ampwell.

"Just don't go crazy on the Ampwells. They'll mess you up good if you don't know your limit." She then pauses for a moment... "Did you just... run across the Pacific?"

[Amped]

"Well, run, fly, I mix it up a bit. I don't really know my top speed, but it is enough to stay ontop of the surface of the water, though that slows me down quite a bit, no traction and all."

"I think I'll stay back on the drinking as well. I dunno, just doesn't seem to appealing at the moment. Maybe after I get a bit more comfortable, this is all very alien to me."

[Singularity]

Raising his head back up, Singularity smiles to the crowd, "Sorry for this brief indulgence and I hope I do John Fogerty justice." He concentrates and his eufiber changes again, this time shifting into faded American fatigues, reminiscent of the 60s.

Suddenly a powerful drumline thumps over the room, sounding almost exactly like the blades of a helicopter. As the guitar breaks into the track, Singularity snatches the microphone with intensity.

"Some folks are born made to wave the flag,

ooh, they're red, white and blue.

And when the band plays 'Hail To The Chief',

oh, they point the cannon at you, Lord,

"It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no senator's son,

It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no fortunate one, no,"

Unlike the loving passion behind the prior song, subtle intensity, angst, and outrage lay the foundation this time to Singularity's voice. Although it's not even in the category of amatuer novox, it's clear by the expression on his face.

"Some folks are born silver spoon in hand,

Lord, don't they help themselves, oh.

But when the taxman come to the door,

Lord, the house look a like a rummage sale, yes,

"It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no millionaire's son.

It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no fortunate one, no."

The crowd pumps and bounces along, easily following the chorus again.

"Yeh, some folks inherit star spangled eyes,

ooh, they send you down to war, Lord,

And when you ask them, how much should we give,

oh, they only answer, more, more, more, yoh,

"It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no military son,

It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no fortunate one,

"It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no fortunate one, no no no,

It ain't me, it ain't me,

I ain't no fortunate son, no no no,"

He finishes the song, letting his microphone arm swing down to his side, looking almost deflated as the crowd cheers. Eufiber shifts back to the loose blue clothing as he smiles and nods in respect and thanks to the clubgoers. He places the microphone back on the stand with a single, deft motion and heads back to the table full of novas.

[Wakinyan]

Keeping up with his visual additions Totem adds to Franklin's performance. Shadowy helicopters beat in time with the the drumline.

Totem's eyes glaze slightly as the song continues. Wherever he is it isn't at that table with the other Novas. Smoke rolls across the floor and soldiers in olive drab move along in illusionary rice patties as the choppers pass overhead.. Some in the crowd touch the smoke and it ripples like water in response.

As the classic rock comes to an end the Griffin comes out of his daze with a start. "Oh." He looks around at the ghostly figures as they begin to dissolve back into the glowing smoke. "Damn." He mutters as Singularity makes his way from the Dias.

[Damanor]

Partly into Singularity's performance, Damanor comes into the room, dressed casually in black. Few people notice him, too busy watching Franklin and Totem work their magic.

Damanor is obviously impressed by the performance. He watches and listens, oblivious to everything else around him.

As the music fades, he pauses nervously, then steps forward through the crowd. Having trouble finding a place to sit, he finally spots an open chair. "Is this seat taken?" he asks. Then he swallows as he recognizes some of the novas at the table.

[Long]

Looks to Damanor and smiles as he stands to greet him

"The more the merrier I say. Though I do believe sitting here requires us to each sing at least one song for tour captivated audience." Gestures to the packed room which is currently listening to Singularity.

"It's bad form to disappoint such an appreciative crowd."

Quietly sits back down and waits as Singularity finishes his rendition.

"I believe I'll go next if no one has any objections..."

[Ghostwriter]

*Nice work, love,* Regan says over the link as she cheers and whoops even louder for Franklin than she did for Totem. She gives the new arrivals perfectly polite nods as she shifts on her stool, the blue silk sheath riding up to reveal an alarming amount of thigh.

[Singularity]

Faux novas and bouncers part as Singularity returns to the table, eufiber briefly fluttering in the still air, "Thank you, Totem, those sights were amazing." He slips next to Regan again and takes up his drink again, *Hey, anyone who follows Totem and gets his help would sound good. But you look positively ravishing.*

"Hello, I do not think we have met," he says to Damanor, "Do not be afraid to sit." He easily finishes the rest of the liquid, contently and affectionately settling next to Regan, "At the rate novas are showing up I do not think the other patrons will get a chance to sing if we solely dominate the microphone. But it is fun and rather easy since Totem here has done an amazing job of warming up the crowd."

He says a quick "Dozo" to the waitress refreshing his drink before nodding to Long, "So, what do you have in store for us?"

[Long]

"You'll just hafta wait and see."

,,

Long gets up from the table silently and walks to the stage as his Eufiber suit molds itself into a black leather ensemble.

"I dedicate this little song to All those who have loves far from home."

Takes the microphone in a massive clawed hand and closes his eyes and begins to sing.

" I could stay awake just to hear you breathing,

Watch you smile while you are sleeping,

While you are far away and dreaming,

I could spend my life in this sweet surrender,

I could stay lost in this moment forever,

Where a moment spent with you is a moment I treasure,"

Opens his eyes to illuminate the room with an initial flash of the blue light from his eyes Through the soft glow he nods and smiles at various people in the audience

"I don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall asleep,

Cause I miss you baby, And I don't want to miss a thing,

Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will never do,

I still miss you baby and I don't want to miss a thing"

Holds the mic in both hands as he starts the second verse, noticing the look of reminiscence on many faces.

"Lying close to you feeling your heart beating,

And I wondering what you are dreaming,

Wondering if it's me you are seeing,

Then I kiss your eyes and thank god we're together,

I just want to stay with you in this moment forever and forever forever "

As Long sings, his Tiger's Soul opens up and the soft blue flame errupts around him obscuring him from view within it.

" I don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall asleep,

Cause I miss you baby, And I don't want to miss a thing,

Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will never do,

I still miss you baby and I don't want to miss a thing"

As the Flame quiets down an image takes shape within. Long emerges from the flame in his White Tiger form and continues his song his eyes closed again.

"And I don't want to miss one smile,

I don't want to miss one kiss,

I just want to be with you right here with you,

Just like this, I just want to hold you close,

I feel your heart so close to mine

And just stay here in this moment,

For all of the rest of time

"I don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall asleep,

Cause I miss you baby, And I don't want to miss a thing,

Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will never do,

I still miss you baby and I don't want to miss a thing"

Time itself seems to slow as Long opens his eyes and a giant Blue Tiger stands behind him, its gaze lifted towards the Sky, a sparkling tear falling down it's cheek. Virtually everyone is holding someone close by this point, his song uniting them. As he sings the final verse his head bows and he lets the mic hang loosely in his hand. He lets his voice trail off and the Blue flames die down completely. Long looks up over the crowd and bows, amidst a slow respectful applause. When the Audience is finished, Long returns the table, exchanging knowing glances with several people on the way.

"Sorry to bring the mood a bit down, but it was the only Song I could remember. I hope it wasn't too much of a downer. I promise I make the next one more lively."

[Wakinyan]

Totem seems rather cheered rather than somber. "Good job. Nice visuals as well. See I told everyone this would be fun!"

He pauses a moment. "Oh don't worry Sing the hosts told us that we get the Karaoke tonight exclusively unless we want a break. By the looks of things the patrons do not mind at all."

Totem pauses a moment to take a long drink of a fruity looking cocktail sitting among the dozens of drinks in front of him on the large table. "Mmm coconut makes me think of Malu's place." A long tongue licks the remains of the drink from his beak and he looks to the newcomers. "Oh sorry I didn't introduce myself. I am Totem." It seems kinda stupid for him to introduce himself given what he is but he might not be thinking perfectly clearl at the moment anyway.

"Anyway give me a few minutes and I will be ready to do another... Though I think I'll need to take a piss first."

[Long]

The owner of this club loves having real novas come and do karaoke, his business jumps over a thousand percent on nights when real novas come in to sing. I'm kind of suprised that we aren't being mobbed. But then agan Singularity has quite a reputation."

Pauses and looks over to Endeavor

"You have been somewhat quite tonight, just enjoying good drinks and good company?"

[Sakurako Hino]

"Long... Let me put it this way. I have been thinking non stop for days. I'm indulging myself a bit. Trust me, when I decide on how to play the mood right, I'll step up. Thing is, you busted out the tear-jerker first... so I gotta play a more lighthearted role." Sakurako says with a smile. "After all, most people around here call me the eternal optimist... after calling me "that oddball" eccentric."

She then tilts her head slightly, while pointing at her cheek to look cute. Eyes closed, but with a healthy, cheshire like grin. "Besides, you think a girl that looks like this would be singing sad songs? *tee hee*"

"Seize the night to bring a new tomorrow!!!" Sakurako says, a hand thrust into the air in a fist, almost heroically... The ampwells have switched on her more... immature, energetic, otaku-like side...