Chapter 35 - Official Opening Broadcast Pt 1
Assembly Arena, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
What they talked about stirred up unpleasant memories for Tae-Jun, and he fell solemnly silent. It was a good thing, too, because the announcements that crackled to life gave him a headache. However, when the first act came on stage, Tae-Jun was fascinated.
All the members showed signs of wear and tear. The men were not your stereotypical pretty-boy actor idol here. Nope, these men had gone through wars and now enjoyed the entertainer life. Hmm, that was not the vibe Tae-Jun got from these guys.
"Voltage," Cilin watched them intently. "They're in their late thirties to mid-forties." There was admiration and, surprisingly, sympathy in his gaze when he spoke. "They actually began their idol careers late in life." He shrugged with a sigh. "At least two of them are my cousins," Cilin glanced at Tae-Jun, "Well, you did meet them at one point, but I don't know what happened..." He winced slightly. "Let's just say I hope your next meeting with them has better results."
Hmm, so Tae-Jun had met at least two of the members of Voltage and likely antagonized the hell out of them? "Thanks for the warning," Tae-Jun muttered. "I'll do my best not to get on their bad side if I can help it." Cilin merely nodded and turned his attention back to the music.
Greeaaatt, at least Tae-Jun knew not to expect friendliness from any of them if he should encounter any of them in the future. He seriously doubted that would happen. After all, this was just the beginning of everything going on. Tae-Jun closed his eyes and just listened to the lyrics. They were moody, introspective, and reflective of the society they were immersed in.
"Hey everyone, shall we get this party started?!" All four yelled, pumping up the crowd.
Whistles and screams filled the arena with deafening intensity. Both Cilin and Tae-Jun winced. Even the soundproofing in their area was no match for that volume.
Kaldi: "Life is short; don't waste it on regrets." He strutted across the stage. "Enjoy all aspects of it while you can." He regarded the spectators. "Have you come here with sincerity in your hearts?"
Loud roars echoed the assent of everyone there. "Take it over, Mon." Kaldi laughed.
"Sure thing, Kaldi." Mon waved to the crowd. "High and low, we've been to both extremes. Sad and filled with gaiety, we'll never forget the good and bad times." He waved to Takat. "You're up next, Takat."
"Whatever, man, take a rest," Takat leaned against a pillar lazily. "All roles are flipped in the society. What to do?" He crooned with a sly smile. "Secure a happy life or wander the roads and stages finding new joys in life." Takat shrugged as he straightened. "Satisfaction is the goal; entertaining is even better." He bowed with a grin to Kerad, who shook his head with a laugh.
"So how do we know when we've succeeded?" Kerad shrugged leisurely. "Always traveling, dancing, singing, and finding new inspiration in the little things." He flicked his fingers in the air.
Miniature, colorful hearts raced over the audience's heads. Loud screams of joy broke out in areas.
"Wealth, success, pleasure was the aims when we wandered Zhyphrese as its representatives." They all sang. "Nothing holds us back as we find new paths to explore, people to meet, and species to learn from." There was surprised silence from the crowd.
Tae-Jun opened his eyes at that point. He watched the performers with some dubiousness. What kind of lyricism was this? It reminded him of a lecture in class on ethics.
Kaldi: "Once I lived my life for the normalcy of society. Now, I live my life for myself and no one else. I chose where I go, when I want to work, and when I want to play." He slowly paced from one end to the other side of the main stage. "I won't allow anyone to dictate my life to me."
All four sang the bridging chorus: "Now we chose to represent our state, Zhyphrese. We wander the lands at large. There's no holding us back when we seek success, wealth, and pleasure."
The second one to sing, Mon: "Throughout our lives, which have been littered with loss and bad choices, we still hold our principles and ethics dear. No longer are we chess pawns to move about on a board." He briefly paused. "There may be future conflicts, but no longer will I participate in such events. Life is too short to waste on violence."
Another bridge with all four followed: "To this end, we represent the dragons of Zhyphrese society. We follow our principles and ethics throughout our lives, and as a result, we enjoy pleasure, wealth, and success." They split into different directions.
Third, to speak and stand in the center, Takat said, "Once when a foolish boy, I spoke thoughtlessly. Never again will I do so. That only causes friction." He paused and spun in a circle before ending where he'd initially stood. "Now, I only speak to those I understand will acknowledge me as an equal. I won't be an ignorant chess pawn."
There was a short silence before Kerad, the fourth, carried on without a bridge to close the gap. "Neither here in the present nor back in the past. We will not betray what we know as our personal truths. " Kerad walked back and forth slowly. "Now we're one of many simply enjoying life to the fullest. So, what will you do next?" His voice held a pure challenge to the candidates listening.
The ending lyrics altered slightly. "Now we wander the state of Zhyphrese in search of talent, youth, and inspiration. We enjoy health, success, and pleasure in our singing and performing. We will never again be chess pieces to be moved about as pawns. This is our last warning to you all."
Silence settled over the crowd after the ending lyrics before thunderous clapping broke out amongst the spectators.
Tae-Jun had opened his eyes in time to see where the four wound up. They simply stood in the middle of the stage. Without looking at the singers' faces, he clapped with the others.
While it was an unusual song, there hadn't been anything inspirational about it. "I really hope that what I said to them in the past wasn't the cause for this song to be sung," Tae-Jun muttered belatedly.
Cilin glanced at him peculiarly. "Not likely. They just do their own thing of rambling and warbling whatever comes to mind." He informed Tae-Jun.
Was this all there was to hear from the experienced ones? Tae-Jun was disappointed. "I see." Now, he was still determining if he should look forward to other performers.
Well, who cared? This was just the beginning. Some of the performers were just uncomfortable in the limelight right now.