Scenario:Definitive Dandyism - Chapter 4: Some Got It, Some Don't - Episode 1

Definitive Dandyism - Chapter 4: Some Got It, Some Don't - Episode 1

Tomoi wanders to a bar to drink alone, where he witnesses an argument between Aoidos, Justin, and Valentin. Things take a turn for the worse when Lobelia arrives as a potential new band member, and Tomoi debates whether to intervene or not.

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Yaia: There, there.

Ardora: There, there.

Tomoi: Waaah! Primarchs who? You little dudettes are the only angels I see!

Lowain: Bwahaha! Dang, those tears are really flowin'. What are you, a water fountain?

Elsam: Here, bro. Use my hanky to dry your eyes—

Tomoi: Hooonk!

Elsam: Dude! Don't blow your nose!

Tomoi: Thanks, Sammy.

Elsam: At least wash it first!

Passersby frown at the sight of a grown man sobbing freely in public.

Passerby: Goodness me. How can he blubber like that in front of the children? Isn't he ashamed of himself?

Passerby's Child: Look, Mommy! That manbaby's wearing weird clothes!

Passerby: Don't stare. He could be dangerous.

Subjected to their ridicule and pity, Tomoi is once again painfully reminded of his own inadequacies.

Tomoi: ...

Lowain: Don't let 'em get to ya, bro. We just gotta keep doin' our own thing.

Elsam: A playboy can't change his spots, am I right? Wahey!

Tomoi: Sorry...

Tomoi: I need some time alone.

Yaia: Tomoi...

Tomoi: Yaia, Ardora... 'Preciate you tryin' to cheer me up. I totes felt how much you cared.

Tomoi: And you, my dudes. Mad props, yo.

As Tomoi trudges away, his friends hesitate, unsure whether or not they should let him go.

Both: ...

Elsam: Hey, Tom—

Lowain: Sammy.

Lowain puts a hand on Elsam's shoulder, shaking his head.

Elsam: But dude, aren't you worried?

Lowain: I think he's desperately strugglin' to break free of his cocoon right now.

Elsam: Like, uh... a moth?

Lowain: The word you're lookin' for in this sitch is "butterfly." Try to at least have some tact, bro.

Elsam: Oh, right. A butterfly. I'll file that away.

Lowain: So yeah. I think we oughta step back and try to think up what we can do for him in the meanwhile.

His spirit broken, Tomoi wanders the streets alone until he finds himself at a bar on the outskirts of town.

Taking a lone seat at the counter, he sips his drink in silence.

Tomoi: Heh... I'm a total loser no matter what I do...

Tomoi: I wanna be reborn... Just whisk me off to another world where I can be top dog or something...

Tomoi: Welp, so much for alone time. I can't seem to get their faces outta my head...

Unable to hold back the tears, Tomoi puts his head down on the counter.

Justin's Voice: Benjamin! What are you thinking!

Tomoi: Huh? Did he just say "Benjamin"?

Tomoi: Ain't that the Dos-meister's old name?

Tomoi turns around to see Aoidos, a fellow crew member, seated in the back of the bar.

Aoidos: ...

Justin: The only thing we agreed to was playing in a gig for the DossSS.

Justin: And now you say you want to bring in a new member? The show's tomorrow!

Furious, Justin thrusts the knife in his hand into Valentin's thigh.

Valentin: Gwah! If... if we start making adjustments now... Heh. It's gonna be a long night. Heh...

Justin: Don't squirm, you pig. It's disgusting.

Valentin: Sorry... So sorry!

Aoidos: Stagnation is death.

Aoidos: It's my life's purpose to keep the DossSS constantly evolving in order to get closer to the gods.

Aoidos: Or are you saying you don't trust me?

Justin: ...!

Aoidos: Oh, those footsteps tapping out a perfect beat... Sounds like our new member's here.

Aoidos: This is the man who will breathe new life into the DossSS...

Aoidos: Lobelia.

Lobelia: Salut, Aoidos.

Lobelia: And you as well, gentlemen. My name is Lobelia. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Justin: I'm Justin, the bassist of the band.

Valentin: Name's Valentin. I'm on drums.

Valentin: Heh... I like that look in your eyes!

Valentin: I know we just met, but...

Valentin: Slice me up! Curse me out!

Lobelia: Heh, your friends seem like people I can get along with, Aoidos.

Lobelia: But let's cut to the chase, shall we? Why did you ask me here today?

Letting out a small breath, Aoidos turns his fierce gaze onto Lobelia.

Aoidos: Lobelia. How about joining our band? Let's play the sound of destruction in rebellion against the gods.

Lobelia: Heh-ahaha! I must say, that's quite the intriguing proposal. I never imagined you'd invite me, of all people.

Lobelia: Unfortunately, I'll have to decline. No matter my preference, I'm clearly already unwelcome here.

Both: ...

Lobelia: Well, it seems there's nothing more to discuss. I'm afraid this is goodbye. Au revoir.

Aoidos: Attendez.

Aoidos grabs hold of Lobelia's arm as he makes to leave.

Aoidos: Even if you can't play, you have... something that piques my interest. Something I've never encountered before.

Lobelia: Hmm... I believe our courses are quite different, however.

Justin: I know you're hiding something.

Justin: Maybe I ought to open up your head to find out what it is.

Lobelia: Now, now. Put that sword away, won't you?

A tense atmosphere hangs in the bar, sending the bewildered staff into a panic.

Bar Staff: O-oh no, this is starting to get pretty serious. What do I do now?

Tomoi: (So like... as a member of the crew, shouldn't I jump in to break up the fight?)

Tomoi: (But I've heard about those dudes on the grapevine...)

Tomoi: (The Dos-meister and Lobs are supposed to be legit freaky.)

Tomoi: (Maybe I oughta just pretend to be tanked and ignore 'em like a boss.)

Tomoi: (But like... what kind of a man would I be if I did that?)

Tomoi: (Argh! What the heck am I supposed to dooo!)

Torn between whether or not he should step in, Tomoi agonizes over his moral dilemma.