ic Prepare for Hell

[Supercape]

GM

 

3rd Jan, 2025

Right after a show

Near Midnight

 

 

The concert had gone down swell, as most (if not all) of Multiplicities concerts had gone.

 

It was a large venue, just South of the Border. Not flashy, not pretty, but large, and hot. Sweating crowds, roaring cheers, bright lights and even some pyrotechnics. The stage was on fire metaphorically, and almost literally. 

 

As the band walked off, final encore finished, the crowd still cheering, the stage manager - a rotund Mexican with a classic moustache and a brow full of sweat - dashed up to Bernadette holding an ice cold water bottle. 

 

"Great show!" he said, excited and awkward. "Look, I know its late, and an imposition. But some guy wants to meet you. Business proposition, I think. He's pretty eccentric, but got a ton of cash. Watched the show, talked to your manager, got a certain crazy charm about him. I mean, you want to talk? I can kick him out if you want, but I thought you might want to hear what he says. If nothing else, he wanted to congratulate you on your music. And your fish, for some reason."

 

"Whaddya say? Want me to give him the boot?"

[Thevshi]

Multi-Girl

 

Bernadette O'Connell was smiling widely as she walked off the stage with the other members of the band, the cheers of the crowd following them as they went. The redheaded nineteen-year-old was wearing a black leather mini-skirt, white T-shirt and black leather jacket. She was still feeling some of the rush from the performance and the crowd's enthusiasm when the stage manager appeared.

 

At first, the Irish young woman frowned as he began explaining the situation. This would hardly be the first time some rich guy at one of their shows thought his money might earn him a chance to spend time with her. But when the manager mentioned the stranger wanting to congratulate her on her fish, Bernadette glanced over to Summer, who also seemed to recognize the reference as well.

 

"No, he's mostly harmless." Bernadette stated with a small sigh. "I'll talk ta him."
 

[Supercape]

GM

 

Lo and behold, the Duke was making himself comfortable in Bernadettes dressing room, waxing his elegant white moustache, dressed from head to toe in outlandish and antiquated purple, including a wide brimmed hat. He fingered the top of his cane in excitement. 

 

"Aha! My favourite singer! And my favourite guitarist, too! Marvellous!"

 

He stood up and bowed to Summer (who stood behind Bernadette for protection - being able to grow ten extra fingers and detatch them from her body was not effective in a fight) and Bernadette. 

 

"Duke Jaap Cordang at your service, mmmmuah!"

 

He stood up and adjusted his cravat. 

 

"What a splendid performance from you both, jaa! Lots of energy, lots of - pazzazz! How are you both? Are you feeling helpful, and if not could perchance inform me on the best way to manipulate you into helping me?"

[Thevshi]

Multi-Girl

 

Bernadette had a bit of mixed feelings as she looked at the Duke as he was waiting in her dressing room. On one hand, there was the fact he had basically kidnapped her and Summer to help him get to Music Land so he could revitalize himself thanks to the strange properties of that dimension. On the other hand, he had helped them return and the prize money he had provided after they won the contest, he had put on had been what had allowed the Irish young woman and Summer to start their band. If not for him, there likely would be no Multiplicity, or at the very least, things would have taken longer to get going and it was unlikely they would be where they were now so quickly.

 

"Well, thank you." She said with a small smile. "We always put in our best. We owe it ta the fans, an' besides, we enjoy performin'."

 

When the enigmatic man asked if they were feeling helpful and teased about being clued in on how to manipulate them into helping (which the redhead was not sure was completely teasing), Bernadette gave a small sigh. "I suppose it depends on what ye need help with. If it has ta do with goin' back ta music land…no thanks. But if ye are lookin' for some live entertainment at someone’s birthday, well, that might be different."
 

[Supercape]

GM

 

"Ah no. Music Land was an... interesting place, wasn't it. And when I say interesting, what I mean is, bloody cacophony. No, I shall have to be very desperate indeed to venture back to that land. Although I am quite sure my lovely friend, that being you by the way, would help me if such a pickle I did find myself within."

 

He cracked his knuckles. 

 

"No, I have something else in mind. Lamentably, my body is decaying. Rather vexing, I must say. I need some source of vigour and stability. Life energy, you might call it. Think of the possibilities to humankind! Youth, health, fitness for everyone, and most importantly, me! I am afraid I am not much good at dying. Haven't had much practice."

 

"Now, I dabble a bit in the occult and mythology. I did come across some Mayan myth of bloodfire, blah blah, apocalpyse blah blah human sacrifice blah blah. Anyway, the important bit is that the source is just south of the border, and is about to manifest again! Did you bring your passport?"