In the end Amanda signed the contract. He would get her the videos. They would never leave her side. She and the department would scour through them to hopefully find enough to nail Aleksi. If they didn’t find anything they’d give them back to Asher to destroy. Honestly the officer seemed pretty happy to be working on a real case. She hinted at using this for a promotion.
He didn’t bother to tell Zora about him contacting the police yet. With the contract he was sure Amanda would follow the rules. Hopefully when he did talk to Zora next it would be to tell her Aleksi was in jail.
The drama of their first System Group meeting was now over. Asher felt better about the whole deal. He wasn’t alone out there with the same weird quests and experience gains. The group didn’t have all the answers, but it was a start.
Carl, “Batman”, and he had exchanged numbers. A crime fighter in his free time, he also helped Amanda with System stuff that popped up. Asher was really hoping to ride in the Batmobile again, and see the other cool gadgets he had.
Doug had been very lukewarm to the System group. Apparently he had signed a tentative deal with the Incubus and Succubus System people. A fact that made Asher feel better about quitting his prostitute job. Doug expressed that in no uncertain terms did he want to go back to the System group. He could do all of his work anonymously, so he didn’t want to put himself out there. Asher had agreed to keep him up to date on anything that might happen. So far Asher planned to join after the next meeting.
Tiffany’s attitude toward him had cooled down quite a bit after the revelation of how he met Amanda. He still felt that strong attraction to her, but he could understand her feelings. In all honesty Asher felt a little disgusted with himself. He had spent the last couple of weeks sleeping with whoever he could. The only time he had been himself was with Daphne. He hadn’t even had sex with Zora as his real self. The former porn star had played her boyfriend, yes, but not the real him.
Despite his reservations he did want to keep leveling. He was still at the start of level 7, and it had a long way to go.
—
The next day was a school day, and it happened to be the day of Amadeus tryouts. Asher was finally starting to get a little nervous. His former roleplays had been first drafts and final productions all in one. This was an audition. Would his Roleplay procc?
He spent the school day texting Zora and Daphne. Because Zora had missed so much school they were able to work out a deal with the local high school for her to attend senior year. The other 3 girls were also able to attend as well. Asher really envied whatever country high school got the 4 bombshells as their new seniors.
So far all 4 were doing well. They knew English already. They did chores with very little reluctance, and were able to experience a little of the American life. A life that he was happy he could help them achieve.
His conversations with Daphne had been far less PG. They had sexted a couple of times. No, Asher didn’t get experience for it. She had sent some more nudes and he had even sent one of his dick. He had made it a little bigger of course, but he was pleased with the picture. She had thanked him by sending a ‘post orgasm’ pic.
Asher was considering how to tell her he wanted to meet her that weekend when Wendy stopped him. “Ready for auditions?” She asked. Every time they talked he felt she was a little more confident.
“I think so. Anything I should be worried about?” They walked together toward the auditorium.
“The drama director is a little…”
“Dramatic?” He offered.
“Yes and flamboyant,” she said.
“Ah. Not surprised.”
As they stepped into the auditorium they were met with over a hundred students. Loudly talking to one another Asher and Wendy took a seat facing the stage. It wasn’t long until Mia joined them, sitting next to him.
“What are you doing here?” Wendy asked.
“Your fauzer always says I need to join more clubs,” she said. Asher felt like she leaned a little close to him. “You made it sound fun. Besides, Mozart is Austrian. We are neighbors. There should be at least some German to…show who is boss?”
“That kind of works,” he said. “I think you meant represent.”
“Ah yes,” Wendy said.
With 2 cute girls on either side of him Asher caught a few jealous stares. He really wanted to put his arm over both, but refrained. The groups of people became louder, he was surprised there was so much interest.
When he thought the room couldn’t get any louder a piercing yell cut through the crowd. “Alright you little demons, take a seat. Hey now don’t make me repeat myself. Scoot. Shoo. Sit your hineys down now. “
The potential cast moved quickly. Spread through the hundreds of seats they mostly stayed quiet as he began to talk. “Now I am Mr. Heath.” He was a short bald man. Husky in most areas of his body. Asher could see why Wendy had called him flamboyant. He talked with his arms and moved around a lot as he spoke. “Today we were planning on auditioning for Amadeus. Now who among you memorized scenes already?” A few hands raised he said to them. “Well forget those boring lines completely.”
“Done,” Asher commented.
“Over the weekend, I had an epiphany.” Wendy and a few others groaned around the room. Asher guessed he was prone to changing things on the fly. “Don’t be like that,” Heath said to the groaners. “This is one of my good ideas, trust me. We are going to modernize Amadeus.” Heath paused after the words expecting applause.
Ever the showman, the lack of reaction didn’t stop him. “What is Amadeus? A story about two rivals fighting for the top. Two opposites, talent versus talent, religion versus anarchy. Hell the movie isn’t truly based on real events but a dramatization. So we will rewrite history and bring them this conflict.”
“Picture this. It’s the present day. You’re a nurse. You go to change the bedpan of some old coot. Then they confess to you that they killed the famous Mozart. I haven’t decided on new names for them yet, so play along for now. Anyway, he was a composer in the 70s/80s. One of the most famous in the world. But they aren’t composing operas. They’re composing bands. Your favorite bands. Queen. Journey. ABBA. All those songs your folks sing when they get home drunk. And our Salieri became jealous of our Mozart's talent. Instead of the emperor we have a record mogul. No more lead opera singer drama, these will be lead band singers. Now what do you all say to that?”
A few claps and words of encouragement sounded out this time. “I can’t hear you my drama nerds. Try that again.” This time more yells and claps went out.
“That’s better. Now I’ve written 2 scenes so far. The one where Mozart fixes Salieri’s music in front of the record producer. This scene would also now include one of the lead singers. Then for Mozart's significant other and Salieris crush I wrote a little dramatization scene for them. That should get us our lead actors for the musical. No parts are gender locked. Try out for what you want to. Also there will be 3-5 bands playing. Those of you in band and choir we will have you try out tomorrow. We need someone on keyboard, guitarist, and vocalist at least. You’ll need to learn at least 3 songs in time for opening night in a few months. Ms. Andersen has the parts. Please see her. Review what part you want and we will begin auditions in an hour.”
Asher was actually a little excited by the idea of the musical. Originally he had come there for the skills, but now it sounded kind of fun. Who didn’t like classic music? He got the scene with Mozart from the TA then cornered Mr. Heath.
“Well you’re a tall glass of water, ain’t yeah?” He said, looking him up and down.
“Yes I am,” he said confidently. “You gotta sec?”
“For you, I’ve got 2,” he said with a smile sitting on the stage.
“I was curious about your thoughts on Mozart.”
“How so?”
“Well I watched the movie again this weekend and really I couldn’t stand the voice and laugh.”
“What were you thinking?”
“I was thinking of making the voice less SpongeBob. More Joker.”
“Leto or Nicholson?”
“I was leaning more toward Hamil.”
“Oooo I like. Tell you what. You try it your way. If I don’t like it. We try the classic.”
“Deal,” Asher said. Now to work on his joker laugh.
—
“Wait here,” the secretary ordered. His first meeting with Mr. Gold of Emperor records was supposed to be 10 minutes ago. Mozart had lost track of time flirting with a girl in the lobby. Only a door between him and his new patron, he soon heard a song playing.
-I close my eyes
Only for the moment and the moments gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes a curiosity
Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind-
The lyrics were good, but the tune was off. His mind was a buzz with the notes. Nothing to write with he knew he couldn’t stand there any longer.
“Excuse me.” The receptionist tried to say but he ignored her.
Mozart scanned the room until he saw the keyboard. He pushed the 2 men beside the keyboard away. A young girl with long hair sat at the keyboard. “Do you mind?” He asked, shooing her away. As she moved, confusion on her face, he sat at the bench. Immediately he played the simple chord of the song he had just heard. But it was off for some reason. The notes were jumbled around.
His fingers running smoothly on the keys he played with the notes. Moving them forward then backward. When he pulled the middle to the beginning that’s when it clicked. He played the same chord over and over.
“Sing you,” he said to the girl.
-I close my eyes
Only for the moment and the moments gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes a curiosity
Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind-
“That’s it,” he eventually said. A sigh escaped his lips. That knot in his head to fix the music slowly relapsed. After another breath he idly played the chord over and over. Only then did he notice the others staring at him.
“Oh I’m terribly sorry,” he said. Extending his non-playing hand. “Wolfgang.”
“Stephanie Walsh,” the girl said, taking his hand.
“Ah that must make you Mr. Gold. Do forgive me for my absence,” Wolfgang said in an almost British tone, a part of him said to dial it back.
“No problem,” Mr. Gold said. He watched Mozart like a hawk as he continued to play the tune. “This is Salieri, the man who-“
“Whose song you’re butchering,” the man said angrily.
“Well it wasn’t quite right now was it?” Mozart said. “It’s your song though. You do what you want with it.”
“I actually prefer this tune,” Miss Walsh said.
“It’s not bad,” Mr. Gold said. He was notorious for not giving compliments.
Mozart was expected to laugh at that point, but he wanted to get one more dig in. “Well look at that. The song isn’t even out and it’s already got a Remix.” He let the laugh go then. Hahahaha. It was a deep laugh. From the heart. Some might call it menacing, but it was the only laugh he had.
—
The room was still laughing as the roleplay ended. “Bravo,” Mr. Heath said. “Boy get on down here,” he said.
Asher was a little nervous by all the looks. He was thankful for the Roleplay skill. He doubted he could act that way in front of all these people without it. As he headed down he received a few thumbs up and claps on the back. He sent a wink Wendy’s way as he passed her.
“You didn’t tell me you could play piano,” he said angrily.
“You didn’t ask,” he retorted.
“And that line at the end about a remix. I about died laughing. Where did you come up with that?”
“Just came to me,” he said. Often the character Asher made up took over. He was glad the director wasn’t upset about the other changed lines.
“Well it’s not 100% yah hear. But I gotta say you are close to the Mozart I want. We do need to work on the laugh a little, but I like where it’s going.”
Asher didn’t know what to say after that. Still riding a high from the praise he sat back down with the 2 girls. “Vhat part should I try out for,” Mia asked.
Asher lost in his status screen he was upset that he didn’t get a new message about a skill. “Whichever has the most scenes with me,” he said smoothly.
In the end Amanda signed the contract. He would get her the videos. They would never leave her side. She and the department would scour through them to hopefully find enough to nail Aleksi. If they didn’t find anything they’d give them back to Asher to destroy. Honestly the officer seemed pretty happy to be working on a real case. She hinted at using this for a promotion.
He didn’t bother to tell Zora about him contacting the police yet. With the contract he was sure Amanda would follow the rules. Hopefully when he did talk to Zora next it would be to tell her Aleksi was in jail.
The drama of their first System Group meeting was now over. Asher felt better about the whole deal. He wasn’t alone out there with the same weird quests and experience gains. The group didn’t have all the answers, but it was a start.
Carl, “Batman”, and he had exchanged numbers. A crime fighter in his free time, he also helped Amanda with System stuff that popped up. Asher was really hoping to ride in the Batmobile again, and see the other cool gadgets he had.
Doug had been very lukewarm to the System group. Apparently he had signed a tentative deal with the Incubus and Succubus System people. A fact that made Asher feel better about quitting his prostitute job. Doug expressed that in no uncertain terms did he want to go back to the System group. He could do all of his work anonymously, so he didn’t want to put himself out there. Asher had agreed to keep him up to date on anything that might happen. So far Asher planned to join after the next meeting.
Tiffany’s attitude toward him had cooled down quite a bit after the revelation of how he met Amanda. He still felt that strong attraction to her, but he could understand her feelings. In all honesty Asher felt a little disgusted with himself. He had spent the last couple of weeks sleeping with whoever he could. The only time he had been himself was with Daphne. He hadn’t even had sex with Zora as his real self. The former porn star had played her boyfriend, yes, but not the real him.
Despite his reservations he did want to keep leveling. He was still at the start of level 7, and it had a long way to go.
—
The next day was a school day, and it happened to be the day of Amadeus tryouts. Asher was finally starting to get a little nervous. His former roleplays had been first drafts and final productions all in one. This was an audition. Would his Roleplay procc?
He spent the school day texting Zora and Daphne. Because Zora had missed so much school they were able to work out a deal with the local high school for her to attend senior year. The other 3 girls were also able to attend as well. Asher really envied whatever country high school got the 4 bombshells as their new seniors.
So far all 4 were doing well. They knew English already. They did chores with very little reluctance, and were able to experience a little of the American life. A life that he was happy he could help them achieve.
His conversations with Daphne had been far less PG. They had sexted a couple of times. No, Asher didn’t get experience for it. She had sent some more nudes and he had even sent one of his dick. He had made it a little bigger of course, but he was pleased with the picture. She had thanked him by sending a ‘post orgasm’ pic.
Asher was considering how to tell her he wanted to meet her that weekend when Wendy stopped him. “Ready for auditions?” She asked. Every time they talked he felt she was a little more confident.
“I think so. Anything I should be worried about?” They walked together toward the auditorium.
“The drama director is a little…”
“Dramatic?” He offered.
“Yes and flamboyant,” she said.
“Ah. Not surprised.”
As they stepped into the auditorium they were met with over a hundred students. Loudly talking to one another Asher and Wendy took a seat facing the stage. It wasn’t long until Mia joined them, sitting next to him.
“What are you doing here?” Wendy asked.
“Your fauzer always says I need to join more clubs,” she said. Asher felt like she leaned a little close to him. “You made it sound fun. Besides, Mozart is Austrian. We are neighbors. There should be at least some German to…show who is boss?”
“That kind of works,” he said. “I think you meant represent.”
“Ah yes,” Wendy said.
With 2 cute girls on either side of him Asher caught a few jealous stares. He really wanted to put his arm over both, but refrained. The groups of people became louder, he was surprised there was so much interest.
When he thought the room couldn’t get any louder a piercing yell cut through the crowd. “Alright you little demons, take a seat. Hey now don’t make me repeat myself. Scoot. Shoo. Sit your hineys down now. “
The potential cast moved quickly. Spread through the hundreds of seats they mostly stayed quiet as he began to talk. “Now I am Mr. Heath.” He was a short bald man. Husky in most areas of his body. Asher could see why Wendy had called him flamboyant. He talked with his arms and moved around a lot as he spoke. “Today we were planning on auditioning for Amadeus. Now who among you memorized scenes already?” A few hands raised he said to them. “Well forget those boring lines completely.”
“Done,” Asher commented.
“Over the weekend, I had an epiphany.” Wendy and a few others groaned around the room. Asher guessed he was prone to changing things on the fly. “Don’t be like that,” Heath said to the groaners. “This is one of my good ideas, trust me. We are going to modernize Amadeus.” Heath paused after the words expecting applause.
Ever the showman, the lack of reaction didn’t stop him. “What is Amadeus? A story about two rivals fighting for the top. Two opposites, talent versus talent, religion versus anarchy. Hell the movie isn’t truly based on real events but a dramatization. So we will rewrite history and bring them this conflict.”
“Picture this. It’s the present day. You’re a nurse. You go to change the bedpan of some old coot. Then they confess to you that they killed the famous Mozart. I haven’t decided on new names for them yet, so play along for now. Anyway, he was a composer in the 70s/80s. One of the most famous in the world. But they aren’t composing operas. They’re composing bands. Your favorite bands. Queen. Journey. ABBA. All those songs your folks sing when they get home drunk. And our Salieri became jealous of our Mozart's talent. Instead of the emperor we have a record mogul. No more lead opera singer drama, these will be lead band singers. Now what do you all say to that?”
A few claps and words of encouragement sounded out this time. “I can’t hear you my drama nerds. Try that again.” This time more yells and claps went out.
“That’s better. Now I’ve written 2 scenes so far. The one where Mozart fixes Salieri’s music in front of the record producer. This scene would also now include one of the lead singers. Then for Mozart's significant other and Salieris crush I wrote a little dramatization scene for them. That should get us our lead actors for the musical. No parts are gender locked. Try out for what you want to. Also there will be 3-5 bands playing. Those of you in band and choir we will have you try out tomorrow. We need someone on keyboard, guitarist, and vocalist at least. You’ll need to learn at least 3 songs in time for opening night in a few months. Ms. Andersen has the parts. Please see her. Review what part you want and we will begin auditions in an hour.”
Asher was actually a little excited by the idea of the musical. Originally he had come there for the skills, but now it sounded kind of fun. Who didn’t like classic music? He got the scene with Mozart from the TA then cornered Mr. Heath.
“Well you’re a tall glass of water, ain’t yeah?” He said, looking him up and down.
“Yes I am,” he said confidently. “You gotta sec?”
“For you, I’ve got 2,” he said with a smile sitting on the stage.
“I was curious about your thoughts on Mozart.”
“How so?”
“Well I watched the movie again this weekend and really I couldn’t stand the voice and laugh.”
“What were you thinking?”
“I was thinking of making the voice less SpongeBob. More Joker.”
“Leto or Nicholson?”
“I was leaning more toward Hamil.”
“Oooo I like. Tell you what. You try it your way. If I don’t like it. We try the classic.”
“Deal,” Asher said. Now to work on his joker laugh.
—
“Wait here,” the secretary ordered. His first meeting with Mr. Gold of Emperor records was supposed to be 10 minutes ago. Mozart had lost track of time flirting with a girl in the lobby. Only a door between him and his new patron, he soon heard a song playing.
-I close my eyes
Only for the moment and the moments gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes a curiosity
Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind-
The lyrics were good, but the tune was off. His mind was a buzz with the notes. Nothing to write with he knew he couldn’t stand there any longer.
“Excuse me.” The receptionist tried to say but he ignored her.
Mozart scanned the room until he saw the keyboard. He pushed the 2 men beside the keyboard away. A young girl with long hair sat at the keyboard. “Do you mind?” He asked, shooing her away. As she moved, confusion on her face, he sat at the bench. Immediately he played the simple chord of the song he had just heard. But it was off for some reason. The notes were jumbled around.
His fingers running smoothly on the keys he played with the notes. Moving them forward then backward. When he pulled the middle to the beginning that’s when it clicked. He played the same chord over and over.
“Sing you,” he said to the girl.
-I close my eyes
Only for the moment and the moments gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes a curiosity
Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind-
“That’s it,” he eventually said. A sigh escaped his lips. That knot in his head to fix the music slowly relapsed. After another breath he idly played the chord over and over. Only then did he notice the others staring at him.
“Oh I’m terribly sorry,” he said. Extending his non-playing hand. “Wolfgang.”
“Stephanie Walsh,” the girl said, taking his hand.
“Ah that must make you Mr. Gold. Do forgive me for my absence,” Wolfgang said in an almost British tone, a part of him said to dial it back.
“No problem,” Mr. Gold said. He watched Mozart like a hawk as he continued to play the tune. “This is Salieri, the man who-“
“Whose song you’re butchering,” the man said angrily.
“Well it wasn’t quite right now was it?” Mozart said. “It’s your song though. You do what you want with it.”
“I actually prefer this tune,” Miss Walsh said.
“It’s not bad,” Mr. Gold said. He was notorious for not giving compliments.
Mozart was expected to laugh at that point, but he wanted to get one more dig in. “Well look at that. The song isn’t even out and it’s already got a Remix.” He let the laugh go then. Hahahaha. It was a deep laugh. From the heart. Some might call it menacing, but it was the only laugh he had.
—
The room was still laughing as the roleplay ended. “Bravo,” Mr. Heath said. “Boy get on down here,” he said.
Asher was a little nervous by all the looks. He was thankful for the Roleplay skill. He doubted he could act that way in front of all these people without it. As he headed down he received a few thumbs up and claps on the back. He sent a wink Wendy’s way as he passed her.
“You didn’t tell me you could play piano,” he said angrily.
“You didn’t ask,” he retorted.
“And that line at the end about a remix. I about died laughing. Where did you come up with that?”
“Just came to me,” he said. Often the character Asher made up took over. He was glad the director wasn’t upset about the other changed lines.
“Well it’s not 100% yah hear. But I gotta say you are close to the Mozart I want. We do need to work on the laugh a little, but I like where it’s going.”
Asher didn’t know what to say after that. Still riding a high from the praise he sat back down with the 2 girls. “Vhat part should I try out for,” Mia asked.
Asher lost in his status screen he was upset that he didn’t get a new message about a skill. “Whichever has the most scenes with me,” he said smoothly.
