[deaging event] the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true

[mettaton_rex]

The music room is, without doubt, the second-most wonderful part of the castle.

The most wonderful part is outside, of course. Metta doesn't think he'll ever be tired of the sight of blue sky and sunshine, or clouds, or actual, real starlight. And there might be seasons here! He can't wait to see what the gardens look like without all that snow.

But he loves this room too. There are instruments in here that he's never even heard of before.

If only Blooky and Shyren could see it. They could finally all put on a show together. ...maybe they'll turn up here too, eventually. For now - well. There's no use in dwelling on it.

Anyone passing by the music room might hear the sound of a piano, and what may or may not be an oddly familiar voice singing an old song.

"...someday I'll wish upon a star, and wake up where the clouds are far behind me..."

He'd love to have an audience. Or better yet, another bandmember.

((ooc: orz I meant to post this ages ago, feel free to handwave the timeline if you'd like your character to have met him earlier in the month or w/e.))

Comments

[hotarue]

So this human Dad's limping around on a bladeless shovel crutch. The castle's extensive, at times he'd swear the rooms have changed on him, but the singing's new. Not all that bad, really. Souichi crutches up some stairs, down a hall...hmm, he doesn't know that song. But he's unsure of just. Walking in clapping or anything and that's too much anyhow, so he does the reasonable thing and lurks until there's an opening. After which he will walk in and pretend he totally didn't expect anyone to be there but admit that yeah he heard the singing ha ha.

[mettaton_rex]

"You did?"

Metta restrains himself from flailing. There's a little pause before he asks, ever-so-casually, not like it would make his entire day if a human enjoyed his singing or anything, "What did you think?"

[hotarue]

"It was nice for the little I heard. That song's new to me, though, and music does wonders for showcasing a singer..." Souichi trails off, eyeing the piano, cello, drums. He smiles faintly. "I composed a bit when I was younger. Haven't touched an instrument since high school...do you play piano often?"

Violins were a favorite of his. He imagined the concentration, the frantic, precise movements. Hope For The Future...it'd be good to write something less dire.

[mettaton_rex]

"When I get the chance. I don't have my own, but there's a place near my home..." Technically it's part of a puzzle, but he's never bothered with trying to solve it, since he can just pass through the wall that it's supposed to open anyway.

"I've composed a little, too, but not as much as my cousin." Not that he's less interested in it than Blooky is, just that he has so many other interests. Blooky's the one with the patience to sit and work on their latest mixtape for days. "Electronic music is more their thing than this, though. They're very into classic spookwave."

He moves aside, leaving a spot open at the piano. "And I'd love to hear you play, if you feel up to it."

[hotarue]

Spookwave...Souichi smiles and laughs a little. That sounds so cute! One would think he'd be more nervous or confused on encountering a ghosty blob, but he's broken to a point the mundane's a feeble lie. The alien, the insane, the incomprehensible is what's real, and in a way comforting like cocoa in a storm.

"Oh, uh, I was more into string instruments. Piano feels a bit constrictive to me. Less movement I guess."

He heads over to a cello and takes a seat, testing and tuning.

"...There's something about music, isn't there? Mathematical without the harrowing equations. A key to civilization, bringing order to chaos...would you like to play that wish-upon-a-star song? I don't think we'll know the same songs."

Wow. Chatty. This is good for his brain.

[mettaton_rex]

"...oh, that's a good point." There are millions of humans, aren't there? There must be so many human songs he's never heard. Too many for any one human to know them all - and of course no human would know any monster songs.

"I'll play it again if you like. 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'. It's one of my favourites." The movie it's from, not so much. He has some personal, guilty mixed feelings about how that story ended.

Sorry, dumb Internet problems.

[hotarue]

Somewhere...? Souichi laughs, blindsided that some alien thing knows something so popular. Then, maybe that's why?

"I took my daughter to see that film! She liked that the lion still tried to be brave...not sure how it'll sound on piano and cello, though. Let's try it."

Probably sadder. He test out the strings - going from 0 to 90 here, so it'd be best to be as sucky. Not to mention he hasn't actually heard the song for a while, but...whatever! Diving in.

[itstheend]

Chara didn't know there was a music room.

They find it by following the singing. There's some things that stay the same over time, it seems, only this curiosity is less supernaturally-spiked. They pass into the room like a... well, not a ghost, because apparently the ghost in this room is that one.

They've had some time to get used to monsters, so they silently make a beeline for a piano stool. Not to play - making excessive noise is against the rules, they wouldn't dream - but to sit, and listen quietly, and hope not to be noticed.

How long until they're noticed?

[mettaton_rex]

It takes a little while before he notices them, caught up in the music as he is. Once the song's finished, though, he looks around and - oh. Looks like he does have an audience!

Although... he wonders if they'd rather he hadn't noticed them. They're being very quiet, and very still, in a way that makes him think of poor Shyren again.

He offers them a gentle smile, toned down from his normal enthusiasm but no less welcoming, he hopes. "Hello there, darling. Are you enjoying the show?"

[itstheend]

They straighten when he addresses them - they'd gotten lost in the music somewhat, when they should have been alert. Their hands fold closer together in their lap, as if seeking comfort from one another.

They dip their head in what would be a nod if they actually brought it back up all the way again.

"I am very much, thank you." The tone is rote, polite, like the voice that tells you to press one to hear your messages, but they really do mean it. The ghost is very talented. "Please, I am sorry if I interrupted you."

They certainly didn't mean to, even if they're not sure exactly what they did.

[mettaton_rex]

"You didn’t at all, sweetie," he assures them, noting the way their hands fold together and their eyes lower. "I was just wondering what to play next. Is there a song you like? I can't promise I'll know it, but I'll do my best."

[itstheend]

Is there a song they like.

That's the second time they've been asked that, and they have exactly as nothing of an answer as they did last time, put on the spot. Still, because of the first time, there's something they can suggest.

"Peppermint Winter," they blurt, looking like a deer in the headlights. They can't say if it's their favourite or not, but it's an answer. It's something that can be given.

Hopefully it's a correct one.

[mettaton_rex]

"Ooh, you're in luck! I do know that one." Thank you, all those near-identical compilations of 'holiday favourites' that have made their way into the garbage pile over the years. He'd have hated to let down his audience.

"And please, join in if you want to, sweetheart! It's always fun to perform with others." Especially when others are an actual, real live human. His dreams are coming true all over the place, here.

He turns back to the keyboard and starts to play, listening out for the human's voice if they decide to take him up on that offer. "There's the snow, look out below..."

[itstheend]

Chara supposes if books can make their way Underground intact, there's no reason music cards can't either. (CDs are so 201X.)

The actual real live human is just as non-plussed at being invited to sing as they were the first time, but when in Rome, isn't it? When in this strange place too ongoing to be a dream. They do not want to disappoint - they do what is asked of them when summoned. Their function.

And, strangely enough, nothing too bad happened last time, so they are a little more given to it, joining in on the second line.

"And bundle up, 'cause here it comes..."

Their voice is child-high, definitely untrained and deliberately quieter than the ghost's - he's the main act, after all, and they're something like a backup singer. They do seem to have a good ear, consistently hitting the notes for all that.

They gradually seem to relax just a little as it goes on, lost in the task. It's a warm song.

[pleasereset]

The singing gets a curious listener as Asriel pokes his head into the room, only to find a ghost at the piano. It's not Napstablook - it's not really their style of music. But still, this is the first time he's heard music coming from the actual music room and it's... nice.

He slips into the room as stealthily as a tiny boss monster can be, trying to be quiet enough to not interrupt the song. He's actually really easy to spot as he tiptoes closer, it's only in his head does he think he's being sneaky about it.

[mettaton_rex]

He's not hard to spot at all, but Metta pretends not to notice him until the song's over, before turning to face him with a beaming smile. "Oh my, I didn't -"

And then his voice falters for just a moment, because while he'd been playing, all he'd seen was that there was someone small and furry trying their best not to be noticed. But now that he's looking directly at his new fan, he can revise that to 'a small boss monster'. And, well. There are only so many possibilities for who this can be.

He recovers himself straight away, though. "- didn't see you there, darling! Did you like my singing?"

[pleasereset]

Asriel doesn't seem to notice the falter, nor does he really think about how awkward it is for a long dead prince to just be wandering around the castle. He did when he first arrived, but he's starting to settle comfortably enough that he forgets the Underground still remembers him.

He's startled at being caught at first, but he offers a smile before nodding a couple of times.

"... Haha, sorry. I didn't want to interrupt. I really enjoyed your singing though!"

[mettaton_rex]

"I'm glad to hear it, sweetheart." And there's no sense in pretending he doesn't know who this is, so with a little wink he adds, "I've never performed for royalty before!"

Poor child. At least he can see the sun here, can't he? Without any - unpleasantness.

What to play next? "Do you have any requests?"

[lawofcycles]

[Madoka didn't know this castle had a band club! She'd arrived here transformed, and when she pokes her head into the room she probably looks a bit like someone out of those silly idol magazines. How embarrassing!

Whats more weird then her clothes though, is that it seems some sort of familiar is playing! Or...something strange and magical in any case. She can sense no reek of despair from it so she slips in and claps her hands a little. ]

Wow! That was really good! You're super talented mister!

[mettaton_rex]

[...mister. Hello new human friend, he loves you just for that. (He's started pitching his voice to sound a bit more like his future self's - deeper, more resonant. It must be paying off, he thinks.)

He turns to face her with a delighted grin.] Thank you, darling! And, oh my. Can I just say, I love that outfit.

[lawofcycles]

[It's paying off wonderfully!! This cute little ghost has a cute little voice to match! Whatever apprehension Madoka might have had vanishes.

She rubs her head at the compliment though, waving a gloved hand. ] Oh? Ehehehe really? Isn't it a little gaudy?? I always feel like I look silly.

[She's lucky her magic is so ranged, fighting in a skirt like this would get hard fast. Who knew that the ultimate representation of her soul would be so.....frilly. ]

[mettaton_rex]

This... wasn't your idea?

[That gets a small frown. He does love sparkles and frills and pink, but nothing's a good look if it's on someone who's not comfortable with it.]

[lawofcycles]

Oh! Uh. Not really! It just sort of...came with the job? [She looks sheepish more then anything. Gosh its hard having a secret identity. But what kind of magical girl would she be if she just told random little ghosts about it! (She definitely has the urge to tell this cute little ghost about it). ]

It's not uncomfortable or anything just uh, I usually like wearing more casual stuff! Are you a ghost who likes fashion or something? I'm not very knowledgeable...my Mom usually picks mine out.

[mettaton_rex]

The job... oh! [How could he not have realised it before, it's so obvious!] You're a star on the surface, aren't you?! Do - do you sing?

[...he has yet to learn about magical girls.

There's a lot of internal squealing going on here. He has so many questions - but oh right, she asked one too.] I do like fashion! Hah, I guess you wouldn't think it to look at me - [it's not so easy to dress up when the clothes would just fall through you] - but watch this!

[He backs away from her a bit, to a safe distance, and then concentrates. Little heart-shaped bullets form around him in a circle, before moving toward him, slowly changing shape and merging together as they go, until they've formed something new.

It's a scarf, tied round - well, just under his face - with a cute little heart pattern running along its length. He's been working on the design since he got here - the cold doesn't bother him, but why not dress for the occasion?]

[lawofcycles]

Um....yes? [Magical girls are stars right? But he thinks she's an idol or something. Oh uh, oh no she doesn't wanna lie. Maybe she can just um, not mention it? ] Not...well? I'm not very talented at a lot of things, even my job eheh.

[Luckily, Mettaton takes a moment to show off his amazing magical skills. He makes a cute little outfit out of what looks like, bubbles, paper? It's some sort of material she can't identify. Madoka is dazzled, bringing her hands up to her mouth and she claps profusely. ]

Woah!! Thats so cool! And the scarf is super cute, Mister! How did you do that!

[mettaton_rex]

[Metta, you dummy, he thinks, wincing internally. Not every performer is a star yet. She must just be starting out, and now he's embarrassed her.

But hey, at least there's a convenient change of subject to get them out of the awkward moment.]

Thank you, sweetheart! I'm quite proud of it. [He does a little twirl, to show off the design.] It's just a matter of manipulating my usual bullet patterns - [...oh, right. Humans don't have those.] What I mean is, it's made from my magic.

[lawofcycles]

Oh! Wow! That's really strong magic then, if you can just throw it around like that!

[Using magic for things as simple as fashion. Could...could she do that?

She stares stubbornly down at her dress, focusing on the power inside of her.

The dress does nothing, sadly. No outfit customability it seems. She shakes her head. ]

That's so cool you can do that, I don't think I can.

[lostinmyway]

"Where trouble melts like lemon drops, high above the chimney tops...."

Grune had been listening since her new friend had started singing--but now she just can't help but sing along in a soft voice. Oh, she loves this song so much!

[mettaton_rex]

He smiles to hear her join in, and applauds as best he can when the song's over. It... doesn't really make much of a sound. "Beautiful, darling! I'm glad you could join me."

[aghostinthemachine]

The piano room is indeed the second most wonderful part of the castle. (First is his room.) And upon hearing that lovely playing and wonderful singing, the robot goes to inspect, leaning against the doorframe as he watches his ghost self perform. That particular song tugs at his heart strings. He remains silent until the performance is over, then quietly claps, managing to put on a happy smile despite the guilt he feels every time he sees his younger self.

"Flawless as always, darling."

[mettaton_rex]

He floats up from the piano stool to do a little twirl in mid-air, finishing with a wink. "Well, naturally!"

There are some complex feelings hidden behind his smile, too. It's strange. Knowing for a fact that his dreams can and will come true... there shouldn't be any problems in that. But still.

(are you thinking about it too...? becoming corporeal i mean)

[aghostinthemachine]

The robot walks over and sits down in a nearby chair, crossing his legs and folding his hands over his lap.

"Continue, won't you?" He cooes. "I've never had the pleasure of being audience to my own performance."

[mettaton_rex]

"Then I'd better make this one to remember, hadn't I?"

He settles back down at the piano. There's a slight pause before he starts to play again, the equivalent of taking a breath if he actually breathed. Somehow, he's feeling - nervous? Is this stagefright? That's never been a problem for him before.

Come on, Metta. Of course he'll love you. He is you.

Pushing the weird feelings aside, he launches into another song.

[aghostinthemachine]

"Any performance you do will be one to remember."

He means it too. And knowing himself, just hearing those words will help him feel a little more confident.

Oh, but that song. Mettaton listens intently, his smile never wavering. His pitch, the timing. It's perfect. When his ghost self has finished, he stands up and claps, beaming excitedly.

"Bravo! Bravo, darling! Beautiful! Absolutely flawless!"

A pause for dramatic effect.

"As to be expected though."

He winks.