Chapter Text
Several weeks had passed since the near total destruction of Vinyl City. While the initial chaos had subsided shortly after the event, the cleanup and aftermath was still ongoing. Though the city had mostly been cleaned of the glitter, it wasn’t too surprising to find a faint sparkle still plastered to the sides of the buildings. One could consider it a nuisance, but it was hard to deny that it gave the city a nice look during the dawn and twilight hours.
While the aesthetics of the city were one thing, there was still the problem that hung in the air like a rain cloud about to burst. The energy output was slowly starting to increase, though not at the speed most residents of the city wished. Blackouts were still a common occurrence but were no longer at the length they were in the past. True to her word, Tatiana and her NSR megastars were making an effort to be more transparent and inclusive with their organization. While some naysayers were among the crowd saying they weren’t doing enough, a majority of the citizens were optimistic. The streets were filled with not just the sounds of EDM anymore and new voices were taking to the stages. New stars were beginning to rise as lost genres of music were starting to return. With the newfound abundance of creative energy at their disposal, the future was looking brighter than ever before.
With what transpired and recent events, not very many were wondering what happened to the two troublemakers that caused this change in the first place. Bunk Bed Junction has decided to take it easy for the time being, choosing to stay out of the way from any major events. While they still assisted in the clean up efforts around the city and even started to become friendly acquaintances with some of the megastars, both Mayday and Zuke figured it was best to lay low for a bit and do some “soul searching.” Which mostly just pertained to playing at random gigs and lazing about.
And this particular evening was one for being lazy.
Mayday and Zuke were both hiding out in their living room. The still-broken TV flickered with the news and provided some background noise to the otherwise quiet room. Zuke was reclining back on the sofa with a book over his face. A quiet snoring could be heard from behind the book as he fell back deeper into the cushions. Mayday was on the opposite end of the couch, lying on her belly as she strategically lined up five popcorn kernels in a row on the cushion. Ellie was located a few feet away on the ground, mouth agape as she positioned herself within firing range. After preparing herself, Mayday brought her hand to the first kernel and aimed.
“She shoots…” she hummed to herself as she flicked the kernel towards Ellie. Ellie’s jaws quickly snapped shut just as the popcorn landed on her tongue. She quickly opened her mouth again and again as Mayday flicked the rest of the kernels toward her, easily devouring them as they landed.
“-and she scores!” Mayday cheerfully whispered as Ellie rolled onto her back in celebration. “And the crowd is going wild!” The blonde guitarist mocked a stadium cheer as she reached out to rub Ellie’s exposed belly.
After the unbanning of rock music, everyone who took refuge in the sewers packed up and left. Though the place was certainly a lot quieter and the halls were lonelier, Mayday and Zuke couldn’t deny that it was nice having their place back to themselves.
“-And in other news,” the news reporter on the television spoke monotonously. “The temperatures in Vinyl City are continuing to lower as an unexpected cold snap continues to hit the city. Meteorologists are not sure what the cause of this sudden change and are-“
“Geez, it’s the middle summer. This makes no sense.” Mayday groaned as the newscaster continued to speak. She stopped rubbing Ellie’s belly, much to the gator’s dismay, and slithered over to Zuke’s side of the couch. She looked at her sleeping bandmate and poked his knee. Zuke snorted at the feeling but ignored it. “Zuuuuuuke. Wake up.”
The book that covered Zuke’s face fell to the side with a clatter as it closed. The drummer slowly opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling blankly.
“Wha-I’m up,” he muttered sleepily. His eyes slowly lingered over to Mayday, who was still poking at his knee. “What’s going on?”
“It’s going to be cold again tonight,” Mayday said as she stopped her prodding.
Zuke blinked twice as he stared at Mayday before letting his gaze go over to the television. “But isn’t it the middle of summer?”
Mayday dramatically sighed and leaned back into the sofa, pressing her weight in the cushions. “That’s what I just said.”
The two quietly listened as the news played a video of reporters asking random people in the street their thoughts on the sudden onslaught of chilly weather.
“It’s whack, man!” One person shouted their annoyance into the microphone. “I am a child of summer! I can’t handle the cold yet!”
The camera cut to a convenience store clerk who was working behind a desk. In the corner of the camera’s frame, an imposing figure in a star and planet themed hoodie stood still.
“I can’t sell ice cream if it starts getting cold,” the clerk stated. “Who in their right mind eats ice cream when it’s freezing?”
“Pardon me, store clerk of this establishment,” a familiar, deep voice spoke off-microphone. “Have you received this week’s shipment of Mister Dodo Ice Pops?”
“Oh yeah, they’re-“
Mayday rolled her eyes as the camera cut back to the newsperson in the studio. “Of course he’s crazy enough to eat ice cream when it’s freezing out.”
“-Tatiana has also made a statement regarding the sudden frigid temperatures,” the newscaster continued. “‘Due to the inclement weather, all outside concerts will be suspended and postponed until weather conditions improve. Outside performance spaces will also be closed for the safety of all performers and residents.’”
“Huh,” Zuke mumbled. “Must be serious if Tatiana is already going ahead and postponing everything.”
Mayday shrugged and stood up from the couch. “Well, that sucks. We should probably go find our little heater and some extra blankets before we become popsicles.”
Zuke blinked and gave a nod. He stood up and followed after her as they went to go look for extra blankets. The television continued to flicker in the dark as the news moved onto the next story, completely ignored by the two.
“-the search continues for the bassist who was reported missing-“