Return of Rock

[INBOX OPEN] The Kul Fyra sprite was made by @the-goolings SPOILER WARNING: NSR (No Straight Roads) This blog follows the ||NSR Mix AU||, details here: [https://ask-mixednsr-au.tumblr.com/post/629538423060021248/welcome-to-the-nsr-mix-au]

[ask-mixednsr-au]

Mix NSR AU Ask Blog!

Welcome to my ask blog! It’s about the NSR Mix AU, details here.

Credits (what I did not create but I use for the askblog): Kul Fyra sprite - the-goolings.

This blog follows Kliff and Kul Fyra’s adventure/mission to find the artists that generate energy for the districts of Vinyl City, and to unite them as a team with the power of rock. After an artist joins them, they will be available for asks.

They occasionally will run into Mayday and Zuke, fellow rock enthusiasts who support them, and may answer asks directed at them.

Plotline(s) in motion:

Kliff and Kul Fyra have recruited DJ-SS into Neo NSR, Sayu joins with her siblings, and the Nature Duet got hooked in.

Neo NSR is at 1010’s flying circus.

Made this made as a promo post, to test the tags, make a pinned post for newcomers, and generally advertise. I may edit this.

I will not use common fandom/character tags beyond this post unless fully relevant.

[Feel free to reblog/share]

[ask-mixednsr-au]

Yo Kliff can you knit?

“Odd question in this time, but yeah. I crochet too. It’s how I made my scarf-“

“OH THAT’S A STAGE HAZARD-“

[ask-mixednsr-au]

Did it work?

There is a flaming tree in the middle of the stage with branches reaching all of the levels. 1010 are slightly taken aback, all glancing at each other in surprise and concern.

“What in the blazes!?”

Xiāngsī takes initiative, controlling the burning branches of her creation to lash out at the bots. Rin, in a panic, rockets up to avoid being caught. Haym and Purl-Hew aren’t so lucky.

“Kul, you’re immune to fire, right? You can help keep the others off Kliff’s back by traveling up an down the tree, I can handle these two!”

“Got it - are you sure you can handle them?”

“For about a minute or so before the fire starts getting to the branches — this means get GOING! Now!!”

[ask-mixednsr-au]

Yo this blog still alive?

(Yeah! I’m just working on some animations for later on in the blog.)

[ask-mixednsr-au]

So who do you think could be the final boss in this au?

Tough to say. Specially without spoiling.

Short answer: Eve, kinda.

Long answer: I’d say Eve may be a sort of finale, a buildup of presence that ends with her “fight”.

After 1010, fighting will take a backseat and worldbuilding will take priority. The characters and Vinyl City get fleshed out and stuff I want to elaborate on will be explained (powers, history, backgrounds, etc.). Eve will be in the background with growing relevance in this. 

Eve will be VERY present in her own way. She’s important, part of the lore, and will possibly have her character development begin earlier than the others. Her presence and philosophy will come to a head when NEO NSR confronts her.

Then her fight will wrap up some things and help complete several character arcs - Including her own.

But having only five bosses compared to canon’s six bosses (not including DK West’s) would be a bit of a bummer, and I’d leave out my favorite boss battle in the game.

And no, I did not forget Zuke and Mayday. I will say it’ll take more than Eve to complete their arcs, but each other and their beliefs.

BUT...

[ask-mixednsr-au]

I can recommend Cyborgs Vs Robots (By Ludo) as a duet between Sayu and Fyra at Neon J. Either way, Speakers need a little re convincing. Just don't wreck them.

“If you want a duet with her, we’ll have to overpower 1010’s music!”

“Why don’t we kill three birds with one stone? Get 1010 distracted, get more powerful, and get this duet started!!”

Kul Fyra turns to Xiāngsī, and both nod in understanding. Time to show Neon J that they’ve taken his advice.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

FOREST FIRE!!!

[ask-mixednsr-au]

I can recommend Cyborgs Vs Robots (By Ludo) as a duet between Sayu and Fyra at Neon J. Either way, Speakers need a little re convincing. Just don't wreck them.

“If you want a duet with her, we’ll have to overpower 1010’s music!”

“Why don’t we kill three birds with one stone? Get 1010 distracted, get more powerful, and get this duet started!!”

Kul Fyra turns to Xiāngsī, and both nod in understanding. Time to show Neon J that they’ve taken his advice.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

What are they/1010 doing

“We as a troupe are performing and turning the scales in our favor! This music is ours, this stage is hours, this district is ours! 1010, engage and fire at will and use your voices! We will not let them take our district!”

“Yes sir!”

“We might be screwed—“

[ask-mixednsr-au]

“Do we have a mic or anything?”

“Sayu has the only mic and it’s not connected to anything! Why do you ask?”

“She has a strong voice, but it’s not strong enough to fight them back alone so maybe we could help, but the no microphone thing is going to make this more difficult for us.”

“We still have our instruments! Music is still powerful too—“

Speakers playing the music interrupt and the group dodges an attack, and Kul Fyra whacks the leg of Zimelu, who attempted to swing down.

“Where the heck’s this music coming from!?”

“The stages! There’s speakers on the stages; J showed Bíng and I once!”

"Everyone! We need a plan! 1010 is going to attack us-"

Right then, Bìng ducks, avoiding getting grabbed by Purl-Hew. He points up to prove his point.

“-from above and we're going to be in trouble if we crowd together. We're sitting ducks! They have the literal high ground, can control the stage, and they can handle falling. Not to mention that they're organized!"

"So let's take away their advantages! Their music’s too loud to collaborate with and Sayu’s voice isn’t strong enough. I think the answer’s in the speakers!”

"What – oh I see what you're getting at! I think I can hack them, get Sayu’s voice playing — and we could replace the music with our own — but not from here.”

"Bing, get Kliff up to a higher stage. Kul and I can keep 1010 busy."

"We totally can! Xiāngsī, think we have enough energy to start something?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

[ask-mixednsr-au]

What are they/1010 doing

“We as a troupe are performing and turning the scales in our favor! This music is ours, this stage is hours, this district is ours! 1010, engage and fire at will and use your voices! We will not let them take our district!”

“Yes sir!”

“We might be screwed—“

[ask-mixednsr-au]

What song are you going to sing Sayu?

“Along to the melody! I don’t need lyrics to have a powerful voice!”

“Or to command things, apparently.”

Sayu sings a high note as Rin swings down in attempt to grab someone from NEO NSR, only for his prop to swing up suddenly at Sayu’s command, taking Rin with it.

Neon J does not look pleased, now more focused on 1010 and the loss of control.

“No, no no! Troops, the stage has been compromised! I repeat, the stage has been compromised!”

“We have to work to make taking over harder, Right sir? We’re better!”

Neon J looks at Rin, catching on. He stands up, posing and singing out a note; 1010 stops what they are doing to pay attention, and the lights go out. Pink props still shine.

The music suddenly changes, each stage lighting back up to a beat with individual props lighting up with a following riff.

Spotlights flash back on at the end, focusing on Neon J.

“Work It. Make It. Do It. Makes Us.”

1010 appears, harmonizing their voices and turning their props turning their colors signifying their control returning.

“Harder. Better. Faster. Stronger.”

[ask-mixednsr-au]

Back! I am revived through the power of shenanigans! I can always suggest a throw. Perhaps a spin before hand? Discus one of the troupe!

“Great idea!”

Pluto grabs Purl-Hew by the legs, and before they can react, they’re flung aside. Purl-Hew sings loudly, causing their silks to light up and swing in their direction.

They grab the silks to save themself from falling, and start up another tune — it seems like their voice controls the props.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

“Okay, we need to find a way to — oh no.”

Purl-Hew swings back around, kicking Pluto off the stage. Sayu shrieks, catching Purl-Hew’s attention. Neon J looks down at her and at Purl-Hew.

The platforms flicker to pink, catching Sayu’s attention.

“I’m sorry, sir! I was just trying—“

“Not your fault, soldier. Sayu, get off of me! Let go, now!”

“We don’t want to fight!!”

Pluto grabs the ledge of the platform to avoid falling and gets back up.

“AUGH! At least I didn’t lose my head this time— Sayu! I’m fine! I’m okay.”

“I’m not okay; they’re not listening to us!”

“That’s nice, Sayu, b—“

“I’m going to make them listen~!”

Sayu says the last word in a sing-song voice, and the props barely flicker to pink again. Pluto notices, and Neon J freezes.

“Sing your heart out, and make it a show.”

Sayu smiles, takes a deep breath, and starts to sing.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

Back! I am revived through the power of shenanigans! I can always suggest a throw. Perhaps a spin before hand? Discus one of the troupe!

“Great idea!”

Pluto grabs Purl-Hew by the legs, and before they can react, they’re flung aside. Purl-Hew sings loudly, causing their silks to light up and swing in their direction.

They grab the silks to save themself from falling, and start up another tune — it seems like their voice controls the props.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

Eloni: dad can we keep this kid? 🥺

Neon J: yeah sure son- WAIT NO SHE’S ONE OF THEM-

“RIN YOU ARE GROUNDED”

[ask-mixednsr-au]

“Sir! You said to give her a unique performance, and she wanted to join us— I was following orders, sir!”

“Her GROUP wants YOU to join them!”

“Same difference?”

“GET HER OFF OF ME! Eloni, Zimelu, disband the rest of NEO NSR! Purl, take care of the DJ!”

“I’m in trouble — HEY! THE GREEN AND RED ONES ARE GOING AFTER YOU-”

Pluto barely dodges an attack from Purl-Hew and raises their fists.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

Eloni: dad can we keep this kid? 🥺

Neon J: yeah sure son- WAIT NO SHE’S ONE OF THEM-

“RIN YOU ARE GROUNDED”

[ask-mixednsr-au]

They group is inside of the tent. Neon lights are accompanied with blacklight covering the whole area. Music plays in the background, with bass causing everything to tremble slightly.

As the group does down an isle, reading a checking their tickets to find their seats, a fluffy white dog runs up to the group, carrying glow sticks and merchandise.

“Puppy!”

“Oh! Aw, they look like Volcano!”

The lights dim suddenly, and the dog barks for attention before trotting in a direction, looking back to make sure they’re following. The group complies.

As they’re walking, there is an announcement. A platform lowers with a neon green spotlight on it, showing the Ringleader, Neon J.

“The show is about to begin! Please take your seats. Our wonderful staff should help you find your seats — just look for the glowing dog!”

“I repeat, the show is about to begin! Please follow the dog to your seats if you are not seated yet, and turn off any devices you may have on your person. No recording!”

“Pffft.”

“The show is about to begin! Please take your seats and turn off any devices.”

Sayu runs up to the front of the group, petting the dog. She takes a glow stick from the puppy, breaking them and shaking them.

Pluto picks her up and puts her on their shoulders. She excitedly looks around. The group shuffles past the two to keep following the dog.

“The show will begin in five.”

A red platform lights up, and Zimelu appears, posing in his stage.

“Four.”

A blue platform lights up, and Purl-hew appears, posing while holding onto silks attached to the ceiling.

“Three.”

A yellow platform lights up, and Haym appears, posing while balancing on a tightrope

“Two.”

A green platform lights up, and Eloni appears, removing the hoop from his head and posing whilst swinging around on it.

“One!”

Several bright white props light up, along with a final white platform. Rin swings in from out of view, holding into the bar with his legs.

Sayu is swiftly taken and launched into the air, caught by Eloni. Neon J looks surprised, but does a thumbs up and looks at where Rin swung from.

He sees a very angry NEO NSR.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

“Xiāngsī, you owe me. He started it.”

“Maybe it’s part of the show? He didn’t try to hurt her—“

And on that note, the show begins. The group flinch at the same time as Sayu’s tossed into the air again before being caught by Purl-Hew — she at least seems to be enjoying it.

Kul Fyra reaches for her guitar but Kliff puts an arm out to keep her from stepping forwards.

“Neon started this! Sorry Barbara, but I—“

“No, I understand. You do you.”

“Kliff, you could’ve won the b-“

“Will you zip it? We don’t need to turn this into a fight—“

Nobody accounted for Pluto to walk practically through the group, shoving everyone aside. They were fuming.

Neon J frantically gestures for 1010 to put Sayu down, which they interpret as doing acts. He struggles to stay something, and he looks back to the group trying to sign something.

Before anyone knows it, Pluto’s on the stage with their turntables out and seeming to wind up a punch.

“Don’t you dare—“

Pluto throws out a hand, pulling themself up to a higher stage. Almost to the same level as the acts.

“None of us want a fight, right? We’re on the same page?”

“What are you doing up here?!”

“I’m thinking you can let me join and add to the act.”

“I warned you, if you come to my district with the intent to recruit my troops, I’ll officially declare war on NEO NSR!”

“I’m just playing along.”

“You may be EDM, but you stand with rock! Get out!”

Sayu, as she’s soaring through the air, grabs one of Neon’s arms.

“AUGH!?”

“Play nice! Or else I’m never going to let go!”

“Get off my arm!”

“NEVER!”

“GET YOUR KID!”

“I don’t think I could if I wanted. She has a really strong grip.”

The group starts waking onto the stage, getting ready to play along. Neon J starts freaking out. He glares at Pluto.

“Get out of here! Now!”

Pluto makes what might be eye contact, pulls out his turntables, and starts remixing.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

They group is inside of the tent. Neon lights are accompanied with blacklight covering the whole area. Music plays in the background, with bass causing everything to tremble slightly.

As the group does down an isle, reading a checking their tickets to find their seats, a fluffy white dog runs up to the group, carrying glow sticks and merchandise.

“Puppy!”

“Oh! Aw, they look like Volcano!”

The lights dim suddenly, and the dog barks for attention before trotting in a direction, looking back to make sure they’re following. The group complies.

As they’re walking, there is an announcement. A platform lowers with a neon green spotlight on it, showing the Ringleader, Neon J.

“The show is about to begin! Please take your seats. Our wonderful staff should help you find your seats — just look for the glowing dog!”

“I repeat, the show is about to begin! Please follow the dog to your seats if you are not seated yet, and turn off any devices you may have on your person. No recording!”

“Pffft.”

“The show is about to begin! Please take your seats and turn off any devices.”

Sayu runs up to the front of the group, petting the dog. She takes a glow stick from the puppy, breaking them and shaking them.

Pluto picks her up and puts her on their shoulders. She excitedly looks around. The group shuffles past the two to keep following the dog.

“The show will begin in five.”

A red platform lights up, and Zimelu appears, posing in his stage.

“Four.”

A blue platform lights up, and Purl-hew appears, posing while holding onto silks attached to the ceiling.

“Three.”

A yellow platform lights up, and Haym appears, posing while balancing on a tightrope

“Two.”

A green platform lights up, and Eloni appears, removing the hoop from his head and posing whilst swinging around on it.

“One!”

Several bright white props light up, along with a final white platform. Rin swings in from out of view, holding into the bar with his legs.

Sayu is swiftly taken and launched into the air, caught by Eloni. Neon J looks surprised, but does a thumbs up and looks at where Rin swung from.

He sees a very angry NEO NSR.

[ask-mixednsr-au]

The group stands in front of a building made to look like a tent. There were two spotlights waving to the sky like neon green beacons, and the tent has going neon stripes that changes colors.

Pluto carries Sayu on their shoulders while in line, sharing facts about whatever she points at.

“That sign’s super bright!”

“That’s because it’s a neon sign, not an LED like most others. It’s heated up to become plasma — like what’s in the sun.”

“They made a tiny sun? How’d they make it a word?”

“Plasma isn’t a mass like a solid, or liquid, but it takes the shape of whatever it’s put in. They shaped glass into a word and then the plasma is made inside with the neon.”

“Is the sun in a helmet like yours? Is that why it’s a circle? Can we make a small sun with your helmet?”

“If we put a bunch of grapes in my old helmet and microwave it, I think we could make something similar enough.”

“Can I help?”

“Absolutely. We should get DK too.”

“Can we throw a tiny sun at people?”

“...you already throw stars at them, I think that’s good enough. But maybe we could. We could get a lot of grapes, and Kul Fyra—“

“Hi! As interesting as weaponizing plasma sounds, I’m curious to see what you’re here for! Mind if I record you-“

“AHK— I don’t mind answering some questions as long as you cut that part out.”

“I haven’t started recording until... now! Where to begin — ah, what are you doing here?”

“A fri-“

Kul Fyra sprints in as fast as possible, getting in front of Pluto.

“OH HIIIII IT’S BEEN A WHILE! I tried to ask you something a while back, so if you don’t mind—“

“I’m asking the questions here. What are you doing here?”

“Oh uh, right now hanging out with friends. You can join us in line! Maybe watch the show?”

“Thanks for the offer— wait you can get me a seat?”

“Yeah! As long as you can get me your number.”

Barbara raises a brow, stops her recorder, and nods.

“Consider it done. Kul Fyra, was it? Do you do anything other than play guitar?”

“I used to sing, and-“