Prelude (Shouhei & ????)

The old man’s commentary about the Spirits only ensured Shouhei to now feed them along with the stray animals he ran across.  When it came to revealing his past to strangers, however, Shouhei was a staunch and firm believer in omitting those details.  If someone actually wanted to get close to him (or heaven forbid, vice versa) then his degenerate past could be spoken about, once they got to know each other.

“...It ain’t like I think my past don’t matter.  It’s more like I’m betterin’ myself ‘cause of it and people don’t need to know ‘bout that part.  Instead they should focus on the now ‘cause that’s more important.”  Bluntly answered Shouhei.  “‘Sides, ya think people are gonna solely lookit your past and judge ya entirely on that old man?  Take your past self jumpin’ into hordes of Shadows for example- it ain’t like I see the current you as a reckless dumbass with a pair'a cannonballs between his legs- okay maybe the last part I still kinda see.”

With a cheeky fanged grin and a wink Shouhei snickered, then took another drag of his cigarette.

“...Funny thing, ‘bout my audition.  They already rejected me once.  And yet they told me to come back and try again.  I doubt the judges would’a gave me a second chance if they didn’t have some kinda faith in me, yeah?  They more or less forced me to bust my ass off workin’ to nail the audition a second time and prove myself.”

Stretching his limbs out and exhaling both a sigh and wisp of cigarette smoke, Shouhei clucked his tongue.  “...Thanks for the advice though, old man, even if it was shit I already knew.  Shame I can’t take out my anxiety in my favorite way- guess it’s off to the karaoke bar for me.”

The old man looked to Shouhei as he explained his thoughts and as he made his comment he let out a soft chuckle, as he continued to pet the Waddle-doo, the Waddle-doo that the old man was petting however had a different reaction to Shouhei's little refusal and it rolled it's large eye at how the youth seemed to have dismissed the old mans advice, This caused the old man to chuckle again and gently poke the top of the Waddle-doo's head "Hey now be nice, he at least is listening to this old man" he chuckled to the small spirit.

"But he's so obstinate about his own view point it's like he doesn't get what you are trying to tell him" it said with a pout.

"Listen little one, that's all fine, at least he will have the knowledge when it becomes useful for him.. besides, I don't think he means it like that" the old man chuckled as he looked back over to Shouhei as he mentioned his audition though and he nodded to what the young man was saying "I suppose that is likely. So do your best young man, and pet a waddle-dee before you go, for luck" he encouraged.

"Just don't try taking one, that's not how it works" the Waddle-doo said with a pout though it was watching him as it finished saying that. It was clear that it wasn't because it distrusted Shouhei, but more that it was very protective of the Waddle-dee.

“...‘Bout time I fuck off then- I can tell when I’ve overstayed my welcome.” Shouhei took the protective Spirit’s words as dismissive and felt it was time to leave anyway.  Still heeding the elderly stranger’s advice he ruffled the top of one of the Waddle Dee’s heads as he walked past.  He threw up that same hand to wave behind his back.

“...Maybe I’ll catch ya ‘round old man.  You can buy me a drink as congrats for nailin’ this audition.” A coy laugh came from Shouhei, followed by an assertive smile.  While they couldn’t see it, they could definitely feel his own confidence rise and his nerves lessen.  All that was left was for him to hit that karaoke bar, and belt out the remainder of his worries away.



[ EXIT.  ]

"You have a good day young one, and do not mind the Waddle-doo they are just protective of their friends by nature..." he said to the young man as he got ready to leave, the Waddle-dee looking quite happy to get one final petting as he left.

Hearing the suggestion of buying a drink the old man laughed "Hmm.. perhaps... but take care Shouhei.. and don't let your past take you back again... you have done so well escaping that Violent past.. you do not need that Gang in your life... and say hello to Mariko for me will you?" the old man called out, but if Shouhei turned around all he would see was the Waddle-doo making sure the Waddle-dee stayed in a group as they waddled off to play, with no sign of the old man he had just been talking to.