Scenario:The Doss! End of the Line Farewell Tour - Chapter 2: Bloody Garden - Episode 4

The Doss! End of the Line Farewell Tour - Chapter 2: Bloody Garden - Episode 4

Aoidos's deteriorating condition from inter-band turmoil prompts the manager to suggest withdrawing from the festival. Aoidos won't allow it; without his memories, the music that somehow remained with him is his only identity. In his mind, he might as well be dead if he can't play at the festival.

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Aoidos: ...

Pages of empty staff lines stay untouched on the desk in front of Aoidos.

Aoidos: (What did I see?)

Aoidos: (Why didn't I stop them?)

Rackam: I know you've got a good eye for talent. All this repetition is your way of weeding me out, right?

Aoidos: That's not why!

He slams his fist down on the table, as if placing the blame on the blank score.

Aoidos: They've got it wrong!

Manager: Everything all right, Aoidos?

Aoidos: Answer: I'm always at the top of my game. Or at least... I'm supposed to be.

Manager: Nah, you are the best. But it's got to be exhausting maintaining that top spot.

Aoidos: ...

Manager: Would you like to extend the hiatus?

Aoidos: How many times must I remind you that we can't take more time off than we can afford?

Aoidos: Or maybe...

Aoidos turns toward his manager in midsentence.

Aoidos: Or maybe you're implying we should pull out from the show?

Manager: That option's on the table, Aoidos.

Aoidos: Unbelievable. Don't even think about it!

Aoidos: I've been doing gigs to share my genius with the whole world, just like my gut tells me to!

Aoidos: I've got looks and talent. The missing piece is my lost memory, and I'm going to keep singing to get it back!

Aoidos: My instincts say I need this festival. The final piece has to be there somewhere.

Aoidos: There's a mystery that's been left inside me, and music is the key to unraveling it.

Manager: You might be happier not completing that puzzle. Just saying.

Aoidos: Why? In case my memory is laden with more traps set by the gods?

Aoidos: Once the pieces fall into my hands, I'll see right through their antics.

Manager: I guess there's no changing your mind about the festival.

Aoidos: Not a chance.

Aoidos: Not when the festival is right in front of my eyes. I can't turn my back on a gig.

Aoidos: The day I quit music is the day the Doss disbands.

Manager: All right then. I'll see what I can do to help.

The manager accepts Aoidos's decision, but his frown suggests he's not entirely convinced. They are soon interrupted by a knock at the door.

Baal: Are we still on hiatus today?

Aoidos: Yeah. Until Vermillios and Dandelios are done clearing their heads.

Baal: I see. Another band reached out to me for my services. I'll be with them during the hiatus.

Manager: What! You got poached by some other group?

Baal: The support role will always be my go-to position. I mentioned from the start I had no intention of becoming a permanent member.

Baal: I'm still interested in the music other mortals are capable of making. It'll only be for the duration of this break.

Aoidos: Sounds terrible to me... Well, so long as the Doss takes highest priority, then it's fine.

Aoidos: (The pieces I've gathered are scattering to the wind.)

Aoidos: (It's almost as if the gods are trying to keep me away from the festival.)

Aoidos: If there's one constant in the universe, it's their jealousy.

Time continues to tick away toward the big day.

The pen tip hovering over the blank score has long gone dry.