victory_road | Closed to Dimitri & Zuke

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Closed to Dimitri & Zuke | forward-dated to 3/13

After that emoji conversation with Dimitri put the idea of learning to play the guitar in his mind, Felix hasn't been able to shake it. At home, he never considered anything like learning an instrument, because he was far too busy with the things he was already trying to master, and then with war. Here, though...

Here, he has so much time on his hands, and he can only spend so much of it training and challenging other trainers, for his team's sake. There's no consistent place to practice swordplay as much as he's used to, and not enough consistent opponents even if there was. It's starting to get a little too warm for skating (although he's heard they have another kind of skating here, on wheels, and that's definitely worth considering...) and he doesn't go to the archery club without Claude, so...the idea of learning to do something else he can work to master appeals to him.

And doing it with Dimitri appeals to him, too.

So here they are, back in Goldenrod for a day, to meet up with Zuke and shop for instruments. (And probably have lunch, too. Maybe they should take Dimitri to that place with the jukebox...)

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[He headed back early. When he heard that Dimitri was going to be heading back just as early before the picnic, he decided he should haul back.

He stayed in Goldenrod for a long while, especially in the way cold months. With it being warmer, it meant more commerce and shows to play. More stuff to stock up on. There was plenty to do and you couldn't quite get the real city life out of Zuke.

His drums needed maintenance. Time to also restock on that gear.

Now that Terbangan was all grown, being a Rilaboom, he was his lumbering bodyguard as he was testing the traditional drums at a stand. To which Zuke would be joining him on as well. Dimitri and Felix wouldn't have to search hard for him. There was a fun show being played now and the sound of beating drums from two musicians playing.]

[Frankly, Dimitri still can't help but feel a little wary about returning to Goldenrod. He can still remember far too easily how difficult a time they had in the city, with so many people watching them and hounding them because of a case of mistaken identity.]

[But apparently the fans have moved on, and Felix is there, so... Dimitri decides to take the risk as he and Felix arrive back via warp. Dimitri encourages him to wait a moment, just so that they can adjust from the dizzying sensation that comes with warping, and then they're off to look for Zuke.]

[It's not very hard. One only needs to follow the sound of music, and Dimitri is smiling as he goes to the small crowd around his friend. He turns his head to Felix.]

There he is - should we wait for him to finish his song first?

[Like he hasn't already come into view.]

[Felix has already been back to Goldenrod a few times since the whole 'boy band' fiasco, and the first few times it was out of spite that he didn't bother to try to hide or sneak around--let them hound him and see how well they fare against his Pokemon and his temper. He was through with being polite or civil about it. Fortunately, they did seem to have moved on, so at this point Felix doesn't worry about it anymore.

Felix edges around the gathered crowd to find a place off to the side where they can wait in Zuke's line of sight, once he looks up from the drums. (Or at least, Dimitri can, being taller than everyone.) Waiting is, for once, fine with him, because it means they get to listen to the impromptu show, too.]

Sure.

[He would finish soon. With a resounding pound and a sweat, Zuke and Terbangen both completed their set with their tiny crowd clapping.

Zuke was in the zone, absolutely feeling the adrenaline of the play. He barely noticed Felix and Dimitri in the crowd for a moment. Only a moment though. When he noticed, Zuke was back in the real world. Snapping into it, he put the large drumsticks down.]

Hahaha, thanks for watching guys...

[Zuke scratched the back on his neck while his large green gorilla friend crossed his arms and nodded. His dad, and superior, was done playing. Everyone leave.

Except Felix and Dimitri, they are permitted. Terbangan made a grunt in acknowledgment toward them, they can get closer. Zuke smiled at them both.]

Good timing you two.

[Oh- Dimitri perks up a bit when they're acknowledged by Zuke's partner, and steps forward with an embarrassed smile.]

It's good to see you. I hope we weren't interrupting.

[Felix gives both Zuke and Terbangen a nod of greeting, then rolls his eyes at Dimitri.]

Of course we weren't interrupting, he didn't even notice us until after he was finished.

[Then, to Zuke,]

It was good. I enjoyed it.

[Zuke didn't have to say a word. Felix practically read his mind and delivered everything as bluntly as ever as Zuke wrapped up. He cleared his throat as he paid attention to them fully, including the shopkeeper.]

It was kinda improv, oops. A hundred percent unplanned. I hadn't meant to draw a crowd. But you guys picked a good time as any.

[He turned to Terbangen, who grunted in welcomes.]

We were just testing out some traditional sets. This big guy seemed to be drawn to them these days. Figured I saved enough to get him one.

I guess all this means that the sound was good?

Even your improvisation is fantastic, Zuke. It makes me almost sad that it came to an end.

[Dimitri thinks he could lay down and more than happily listen to Zuke play for ages. As it is...]

But yes, the sound was very good. What are non-traditional sets?

I guess you could call those the sets I play. Especially since I had to fix up a travel set to make sure I got the best sound.

But nah, these babies-.

[He gave the one he purchased a hearty little slap at the base, making a resounding bong, before giving it to Terbangan. Oh yeah, giant gorilla is pleased.]

These were built to be sturdy and have real presence. I used to have them as a kid. Haven’t seen a decent one in ages.

There seems to be quite a variety.

[Felix takes a moment to sweep his gaze around the store.]

Not just for the drums, either. How is anyone supposed to know where to start?

[Zuke has welcomed Dimitri into the world of drums. But now...there was another. The drummer turned to Felix with a little gleam in his eye. He loved sharing his world with others, and if Felix was going to ask real questions like that then Zuke was going to have to go for the kill.

So to speak.

Terbangan took the drum they just bought and placed in on his back, so now Zuke felt he should leave that alone and maybe go for a smaller one.

One he was able to pick up and tuck under his arm, feeling the leathery like texture of the top.]

Well, whenever I look for drums of a specific kind. I like looking for sound. Which one goes hard and resonates how I wanted.

[Dimitri listens attentively, almost wishing he had a notebook out so that he could write down things. It feels too important to forget, somehow.]

It must be simpler for you, Zuke. You are such an expert, you must have an idea of what you want beforehand. I am unsure of what I truly want... I am inspired by you, of course, but I am not certain how much that means.

I suppose all we can do is look at the different instruments.

Hm. All right. How much do you know about guitars? As Dimitri says, I would imagine you have a better idea of what to look for than either of us. Unless you propose that I simply try every instrument, which sounds unappealing if it isn't necessary.

[Zuke started turning a shade of pink, turning to red as Dimitri continued talking. Scratching the back of his neck as a reflex, suddenly it got so hot outside.

Felix then started talking and reality was feeling a bit more out there. These two were looking to him like a huge expert. He wasn't! He really wasn't! And yet here they were, in their own manners, coming to him of all people to inquire.

His face was still a bit red as he came to try to address both of these men...so from a different time and so interested into music.]

My friend was the guitar girl, but I can maybe at least point you in a direction...

[He smiled, almost grinning.]

Why don't we figure out what you both want? At the same time? Together?

Of course. Well...

[And that is the question, with Dimitri crossing his arms thoughtfully. What does he want...?]

Personally, I was rather inspired by your performances with your unique sticks, Zuke... But I understand that Johto does not seem to have that kind of technology yet? So I suppose whatever is closest...

And, well, is rather durable.

Ha. Without your Crest, I doubt you'll hit much harder than Zuke's enormous leaf monkey, if at all.

[Felix turns to look at the display of guitars on another wall, setting a hand on one hip and studying them.]

I'd like a guitar like the one Greg plays, I think. It's not too loud and it can accompany singers easily.

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Closed to Dimitri & Zuke | forward-dated to 3/13

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