TRUE DAMAGE TIME~ [OPEN]

[howyouseit]

Who: True Damage!Ekko + YOU
Where: Throughout Aldrip but primarily the Entertainment District~
What: True Damage!Ekko is looking for his crew and decides to put on an impromptu show!
Warnings: None thus far!

🤔 MISSING PERSONS

[Soon after the glitches started happening, Ekko was one of the Chosen who succumbed to an alternate version of himself, a boastful, charismatic teenager with a fashionable get up that almost seemed to match the futuristic style of Aldrip's technologically advanced metropolis. Unfortunately he was not aware of his surroundings but that didn't stop him from quickly exploring the sprawling city streets searching for a familiar face in the sea of people.

Not exactly subtle in his pursuit to find any of his fellow bandmates as the self proclaimed king of hip-hop raised hands to his mouth yelling out loudly into the bustling roadways.]

Akali, Senna where you baddies at?! QiQi you best not be shoppin' at a time like this we got a show in a couple days and you know Yasuo will be choked if we don't get to practice on time...Again!

[No answer; The star rapper of True Damage trying a different approach as he waltzed up casually to the nearest person and tapped them on the shoulder nonchalantly before clearing his throat flashing them an upbeat smirk.]

What's up! Does the name 'True Damage' sound familiar to you? Surely you heard of us by now we are the illest group of artists smashin' the music scene right now!

📃 FLYERS

[During the days leading up to the performance, Ekko’s alternate self can be found perched up in the entertainment district's main drag handing out flyers to his impromptu show. Clad in a flashy rainbow zip-up, vibrant gold accented sneakers and black hair topped off with purple metallic cufflinks, the rapper happily bounces from one place to the next flagging down citizens as they pass along.]

Yo, hold up a second!

[As the hip-hop sensation quickly closes the gap between you and him, Ekko beams a confident smile motioning a flyer outwards in your direction.]

Do you like bomb hip-hop with lyrics so fresh they could kill? If so, you should check out my show in a couple days! Take a look for yourself!

🎶 THE SHOW

[If you were one of the lucky individuals Ekko had reached out to before the upcoming show tonight you find yourself at the abandoned warehouse in question within the entertainment district where he'd been campaigning in the days prior. Either by word of mouth or from one of his various flyers posted throughout Aldrip as a whole, both locals and Chosen alike had made their way here tonight to see the superstar rapper make a special appearance for the masses.

All the necessary preparations had been made with an impromptu DJ booth set up in the shanty warehouse in question with an impressive speaker system and large projector screen he'd been able to procure thanks in due part to one of the local clubs in the district. He promised to return the favor by having an afterparty at their establishment to make this a lucrative business opportunity for the host. After a worthy introduction from his sponsor, the roar of the crowd erupts, Ekko making way onto the small platform stage erected with a mic in hand, raising a fist high in the sky as the bright white lights shined upon him.]

How's everyone doin' tonight!? It's time to give you a small taste of some True Damage!! Lets get it!!

[On cue the background music with supportive vocals from his missing crew members burst from the rather notable sound system, projector screen buzzing to life as the music video for True Damage's hit song GIANTS began to play. Being the star rapper next to Akali in this venture he was first on the docket hitting his stride, belting out with unparalleled precision without skipping a beat. Quickly followed up by his second verse the genius artist seemed to glitch across the stage in a unique fashion which almost seemed to mirror the music video's effects continuing to sing with natural expertise. As the song finally comes to a close and the video fades away upon the projector, the spotlight on the superstar remains for a brief instant as he raises the mic hand in the air once more before suddenly turning off to leave the warehouse in complete darkness. Glorious applause outpours from the crowd in excitement for a few minutes until the light returns with Ekko onstage, waving out at the people before joining them in open arms surrounded by his adoring fans.

With the show finally coming to a close and the majority having made their way towards the club in question which was hosting the afterparty in hopes of another chance to meet with him, a few stragglers sticked around as he looks towards you now with a wave of his hand in formal greeting before casually strolling over.]

Thanks for comin' to the show! Hope you enjoyed the performance that was such a rush!

🎉 AFTERPARTY

[Not long after the show had wrapped up and Ekko finished talking to a few diehard fans who'd stuck around afterwards to converse with him, the boy genius made his way to the club which put up the bill to make all of this possible. It was a dark, seedy nightclub filled with bright flashing lights as the DJ played upbeat house music which suited his tastes, mirroring the hype vibes of True Damage's own foray of music.

Posted up at one of the VIP booths he made it known that any and all would be able to approach him if they so pleased as he sipped away joyously on champagne celebrating the night's successful event. Ushering you over with a wave of his hand the famed rapper smiles warmly, holding up an empty glass suggesting you join him for a drink and enjoy yourself with the special guest of the hour!]

🃏 WILDCARD

Want to do something else not provided with the alternate version of Ekko? Feel free to reach out to me on the Expiation Discord or on Plurk @ Jareman

Comments

missing persons

[entreats]

[ ...

This is strange.

Ange was trying desperately to walk on and avoid the very loud weird guy on the streets, only to get stopped by a tap on her shoulder all the same.. But as she's trying to think about how to get out of this situation as soon as possible, she's actually getting a better look at the guy now he's closer to her. Sure, he looks different, but.. there's definitely something familiar. It's his voice that allows her to fully make the connection, even if the way of speaking is different too. ]

Ekko..?

[ Is.. that him? He's so different that it's kind of hard to believe it's him, and yet it seems like him all the same. Like it's his long-lost weird brother or something.

For once Ange's poker face isn't fully kicking into gear. Instead the confusion about this situation is very much visible on the girl's face. ]

[howyouseit]

[Ange wasn't about to get away that easily for this particular version of Ekko was very outgoing by comparison to his normal counterpart who usually kept to himself. When she moves to better face him directly and puts the name to his face the superstar grins wide in amusement followed in short by a nod of his head in affirmation.]

You know it- The one and only!

[Chuckling unabashedly as he extends out arms wide in a grandiose gesture before crossing them in front of his chest. With a flare for the dramatics the rapper of True Damage puts forth his quizzical inquiry in regards to his missing bandmates. Perhaps this girl had seen some of his companions if she recognized him?]

So you recognize me, huh? Guess I shouldn't be surprised really given how True Damage is poppin' off nowadays! Which reminds me. Have you seen any of my fellow bandmates? Three are badass women who all got their own unique style named Akali, Senna and Qiyana. Then there's Yasuo...He's a bit more quiet, I swear he prefers listening to his beats more than us half the time!

[entreats]

No. I haven't.

[ But even as Ange is giving that answer, her mind is thinking about way different stuff than Ekko's bandmates. There's so much here, after all. So many clues, and she has no idea how to put all of them together. Ekko looks different. He may be different - though Ange can't be sure about that one. She's kind of mentally kicking herself for not having asked Ekko a little bit more details about his life the last time they spoke, or she would have known that one for sure.

But most importantly - he clearly doesn't recognize her. Despite them having met.

Usually Ange wouldn't find that such a weird thing, since she doesn't think she's particularly memorable, but.. something about Ekko had seemed so weirdly personable last time around.

It feels like he would have remembered her.

So-- ]

Can I ask you a strange question in return?

[ Usually Ange would just have moved on to said strange question right away, but it's not like she wants him to just run off before she can get to the bottom of this. For the sake of knowing what's up in this place, but-- maybe a little bit for Ekko's own sake too.

Don't tell him that though. ]

[howyouseit]

[She was right to assume that Ekko would not forget a familiar face holding friendship in very high regard considering he did not easily come by them but this particular flavor was used to meeting people every day without even knowing their names being in the limelight as a superstar rapper. Ange's response garners a bit of a frown though followed along by a languished sigh, rolling his shoulders in a visible shrug with upturned palms to the air.]

Damn...Guess this is a solo performance but I'm used to that no biggie!

[Before he'd been picked up by Akali for their combined venture of True Damage the boy was known for being a bit of a lone wolf. He sort of preferred it in actuality but that wasn't to say his time spent with his fellow bandmates was unbearable, quite the opposite in fact enjoying their many adventures they'd been on together as they toured the globe. When his newfound acquaintance puts forth their query, Ekko nods in agreement crossing his arms with a tilt of his head curiously.]

You want an autograph or somethin'? What's up?

[entreats]

[ She lets out a slight huff at the idea that she'd want an autograph. Not like Ange has ever really cared much for celebrities, even back home. Usually she would have told him that fame means nothing in this place, but-- if this is Ekko, then it's not like explaining that is going to matter much.

After all, he'll be back to normal soon. .. or so she hopes, anyway. It's not like she's close enough to him to be fond of anything, but-- Ekko just seems like a good addition to this place. Someone they could use here. She's not so sure if the same counts for this weirder superstar version of him. ]

Have you never seen this place before?

[ It doesn't seem like it. But-- ]

Think about it for a moment. Really deeply. Does it not seem familiar in the slightest? [ After all, last time their memories got all scrambled, they were able to regain their actual memories by just thinking about it hard enough. By following the clues laid out before them.

Maybe this is something similar. ]

Flyers

[solitarysoul]

Uh...

[Levi blinks at the flyer before taking it. This guy was familiar but he's not sure if they've met before or not because something was off. But first.]

W-what's bomb hip hop?

[Music, probably? Hopefully no actual bombs involved.]

[howyouseit]

[When Levi graciously accepts the flyer which addressed the masses about his upcoming show, Ekko smirks wide in amusement followed in short by a burst of laughter as he questions what exactly 'hip-hop' might be.]

You've never heard of hip-hop, man!? Well we certainly need to change that real quick, it's music for the soul with a melodic beat supported by uplifting vocals! Sometimes its rap like myself or smooth singing on the track which is Senna and QiQi's job on the bill.

[Wrapping an arm around his counterpart's neck he motions towards the flyer in question as he flips it around to reveal the more specific details.]

You see here? It's going to be held in an abandoned warehouse here in the Entertainment district that will be revealed the day of the coming show. We don't want the surprise to be ruined by any punks lookin' to ruin things for everyone, right?

[solitarysoul]

[Levi completely freezes as Ekko puts an arm around him. He's not used to being touched.]

N-no, we don't have it w-where I come from.

[He shrugs away from the arm but stays near, looking at the flyer.]

Um, but how do I know where to go then?

[howyouseit]

[The gasp Ekko lets out at the proclamation of never having heard of his beloved hip-hop music from the boy, taking a step back as he blinks wide in bewilderment. What a travesty to say the least they would have to change that!]

For real!? Damn that is rough my dude. We definitely need to do something about that!

[Pulling out the tablet from his pocket the superstar grins wide as he waves it in front of his face with a delighted grin.]

On the night of the event a few hours before I go live I'll send out a text on the network letting everyone know the location. So watch out in a couple days time for the big reveal! Wouldn't want you to miss your first chance at a bumpin' hip-hop concert after all!

[solitarysoul]

[He shrugs.]

A lot of things people are used to here I didn't have back where I came from.

[The music of the 1930s and 40s was a bit different.]

Uh...I work evenings, b-but if I can I'll check it out.

flyers

[jaganshi]

[ Hiei's descended from his rooftop hopping specifically to grab food from a food stall or.. three. The little demon's spent most of his day either tucking away for a short nap or patrolling for his next bit of overheard intel. It isn't all that difficult with his enhanced ability to hear, though in the din of everyone talking in the street, details can easily be lost.

The fire demon stares down the teen hailing him for attention incredulously, hands tucked in his pockets and not reaching for the offered flyer. ]

Whatever any of that is... no.

[howyouseit]

[Ekko was immediately taken aback as a look of utter shock and horror strikes true over his features when the other blatantly disregards the flyer. Though it would take more than that to break his spirit as a distinguished man of talent who rose to the top of the hip-hop scene!]

Oh c'mon man! Don't tell me you wouldn't enjoy a free concert with amazing music from yours truly!

[A hand moving to brace his chin with a tilt of his head curiously, smiling boldly as he stops the boy dead in his tracks. You weren't getting out of this so easily, Hiei.]

I promise it will be worth it. I'll even put you on the VIP list for the afterparty what do you say to that?

[jaganshi]

I wouldn't enjoy that chaotic noise you call music. [ Hiei doesn't even know what he's talking about, but that hardly matters. His ears are still far too sensitive here to even entertain watching a concert from right there next to the stage, much less from a couple of buildings away where he might begin to think about it.

Hiei scowls as the other man places himself further in his way, debating his easiest way of escape. He's sure he'll be admonished for starting a lot of drama to start their stay in this place, so he'll attempt to behave himself.

For this exact moment anyway. ]

I'm sure some other idiot here would be thrilled. But no.

[howyouseit]

Noise? Nah you got it all wrong True Damage's music is nothing short of a symphony!

[Ekko was very determined when he wanted to be and wouldn't let Hiei go without accepting his invitation to join his spontaneous show at large. What kind of star would he be without his adoring fans to share in this momentous occasion after all?]

And why not exactly? Afraid you might actually enjoy it and have a good time?

[jaganshi]

What a joke. [ Does Hiei know was a symphony is? No. Does he care? Also no. Maybe at some point someone had tried to show him the finer points of music in the human world and he had quite simply refused to listen then as well.

The little demon's eyes roll as Ekko presses on, and surmising he's given him more than enough chance to leave him alone without making himself stick out like a sore thumb.. Hiei decides to use a bit of that demonic speed. To Ekko it may look as though he simply disappears into thin air, but there he is, walking away as he comes to rest just beyond the boy's back, hands still casually tucked in his pockets. ]

Your time would be better spent with people who would actually care.

flyers

[icequeenly]

[ Mitsuru takes the offered flyer, although there is a slightly puzzled expression on her face.

Fresh lyrics? ]]

Thank you. However, I am not very familiar with "hip-hop" music.

[howyouseit]

[An audible gasp escapes Ekko's parted lips at the proclamation of the other unknowingly aware of his group's type of music, a confident smirk quickly following in suite over his lips as he closed the gap between them a bit to motion towards the flyer at large.]

That's a damn shame! We definitely need to do something about that as soon as possible miss. As you can see I'll be having a show here in the entertainment district at an undisclosed location right now.

[Leaning in a bit closer he cups a hand to his mouth as he whispers into the shell of Mitsuru's ear whimsically.]

Can you keep a secret? If you promise not to tell a soul you can be the first to know where its being held.

[icequeenly]

[ She's not sure what to make of all of this but Mitsuru is also inherently curious and desiring of new experiences. Therefore she definitely looks intrigued albeit faintly puzzled as the stranger whispers into her ear. ]

I am quite capable of keeping a secret.

However, why would you wish to keep it a secret at all? Surely the point of having a show is to attract maximum attendance?

Unless initially adding an element of exclusivity is part of the attraction?

[ Please excuse the heiress to a multi-billion global corporation turning this into a business exercise. ]

[howyouseit]

Damn you catch on quick! That's exactly it. I also don't want anyone to ruin the fun before the night of the event. You never know if the police around here frown upon secret shows and shut down either.

[He knew how cops back home dealt with impromptu pop up shows like the one he'd planned for the lucky masses who were privy to the whereabouts of his event to be. Not to mention Ekko preferred the intimate nature of an event with those who truly wished to be there for the music and atmosphere as a whole.]

Alright so here's the scoop.

[Leaning closely to whisper into her ear once more.]

It's going to be held in an abandoned warehouse in the entertainment district. One of the clubs here have sponsored the event so its sure to be a banger.

[icequeenly]

I have experience with merchandising and tactics in advertising.

[ Says the nineteen year old heiress to the global mega-corporation. Immediately she's torn between being intrigued and curious about something she's never experienced before in her sheltered life and something that sounds like it could be illegal in some way? Also- ]

I'm afraid I'm not sure what a "banger" is but I assume it's a good thing from your tone.

[ Seriously... She keeps her voice equally as hushed as she responds to him. ]

Are these sorts of events regularly held in abandoned warehouses?

afterparty

[grappler]

[Vi had seen all the shit Ekko had been doing for a little bit, and had gotten curious. what the fuck was this all about? as far as she knew, he didn't produce music like this.

not that she knew anyone really well anymore, but still. he also hadn't come home in a few days, so... there was also that.

she finds her way to him in the club, eyeing the champagne and grabbing it. it's not really her thing, but alcohol was alcohol, especially dealing with people from her home.]

Ekko? What the hell are you doing?

OH GOD THIS IS WHERE VI PUNCHES HIM FOR CALLING HER A CUTIE LMAOOOOO

[howyouseit]

[Unfortunately for his childhood friend this particular version of Ekko had not been introduced to the girl who waltzed up to his booth nonchalantly, grabbing the bottle of champagne from the table causing him to blink wide in bewilderment. Raising his hands in the air defensively shaking them in front of his person, the superstar tilts his head curiously at the question before a burst of uncontrollable laughter ensues, grinning wide from ear to ear in complete amusement.]

What does it look like!? Basking in the adoration of all my newfound fans after my huge show as the clubs special guest for sponsoring my gig of course!

[Grabbing his glass of sparkling champagne he raises it high in the air as he kicks back his feet onto the table, motioning with a nod of his head for the other to join him on the opposite.]

I'm not sure who you are but why don't you take a load off and enjoy yourself cutie. This is a celebration to my rousing success after all!

LMFAOOOOOO 1/2

[grappler]

[.......................................................

she blinks for just a moment.

what the fuck had he just called her??????]

[grappler]

[and then she recovers a few moments later, blinking some and trying to take the champagne out of his hand.]

Ooookay, you're definitely drunk. There's no fucking way you just called me a cutie.

[there's no fuckin way!!]

[howyouseit]

[Just as Vi tries to reach for his glass the rapper sensation glitches to a different seat expertly dodging the others attempt to steal his liquor. Waving a teasing pointer finger in the air with a shake of his head the boy grins wide from ear to ear in utter amusement.]

I don't think so hot stuff this is mine you can help yourself to that bottle all you like but this is my party and I have barely gotten started!

[Tipping back the rest of his cup with a satisfied sigh before shrugging his shoulders at the latter sentiment. So maybe she didn't like the compliment but he said what he said!]

Nah- You heard me right and I'm not drunk...At least not yet anyways.