From inside the apartment, he could hear Sabrina moving about, the sounds of drawers opening and closing, and the occasional muffled curse as she struggled with a zipper or a button.
He finished his cigarette, carefully extinguishing it and tucked it in his pocket. As he turned to go back inside, Talon spoke up.
"I can get you an ashtray," the eagleman offered, gesturing at the coffee table in front of him.
Kev shook his head. "Don't worry about it, Talon," he replied with a smile. "If you and your sister don't smoke inside, I'm fine with smoking on the balcony."
Talon nodded, a grateful look in his eyes. "Thank you."
Sabrina emerged from her room, a transformation evident in her appearance. Gone was the oversized t-shirt, replaced by a fitted black tee that accentuated her slender frame. A collection of delicate silver necklaces adorned her neck, their subtle shimmer catching the light with every movement. A long, slightly puffy skirt flowed around her legs, adding an eccentric touch of elegance to her ensemble.
She wheeled herself into the living room, her new wheelchair gliding effortlessly across the hardwood floor. "This new ride is awesome," she exclaimed, a wide grin on her face. "I rolled over that rug, and it didn't even drag!"
She turned to Kev and Talon, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's go, you slowpokes!" she urged, already heading towards the door.
Kev chuckled, grabbing his guitar case. "Coming, coming," he replied, following Sabrina out of the apartment.
Talon, a bemused smile playing on his lips, carefully marked his place in the book and joined them.
They entered the elevator, the confined space filled with a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. Sabrina, her newfound mobility a source of boundless enthusiasm, chattered excitedly about the upcoming meeting and the prospect of exploring the club. Talon, though outwardly stoic, couldn't help but share his sister's excitement. He was grateful for the opportunity Fang had given them, a chance to start anew in a world that seemed both strange and inviting.
The elevator descended smoothly, its soft hum a comforting counterpoint to the anticipation building within them. As they passed through the ground floor, a few cleaners paused in their work to watch them, their curious gazes lingering on Sabrina's new wheelchair.
"That's a fancy wheelchair you've got there," one of the cleaners, a friendly-looking badger woman, remarked with a smile.
Sabrina beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Isn't it, though?" she replied, spinning the chair in a graceful pirouette. "It's so much easier to maneuver than my old one."
Talon, who had been walking beside his sister, offered to take over pushing the wheelchair. "Let me help you, Sabrina," he rasped.
"Not today, brother," Sabrina retorted playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Something about the wheels on this chair makes it so easy to push, even on the carpet. I'm practically gliding!"
Talon chuckled, a rare sound that warmed Kev's heart. "That's great, sis," he replied. "I'm surprised, though. It felt just as heavy as your old chair when I was pushing it earlier."
Sabrina shrugged, a knowing smile on her face. "Maybe the bearings are better, or the tires are different," she mused. "Whatever it is, I'm not even breaking a sweat."
They continued their journey, passing by the grand staircase and the now-empty barroom. The club, still in its pre-opening slumber, was a stark contrast to the bustling energy Kev had experienced the night before.
Kev led them deeper into the east wing, his footsteps echoing in the quiet corridors. He pushed open the heavy wooden door to the theater, its grandeur even more impressive in the daylight.
The theater, bathed in the soft glow of morning light streaming through the high windows, was far from the hushed sanctuary Kev had expected. On stage, Asmodeus paced back and forth like a caged predator, his colorful feathers ruffled in agitation. His voice, a shrill cacophony of squawks and trills, echoed through the empty space.
"Rhythm, Gerald, rhythm!" he screeched, his long beak inches from the face of a giraffe man who stood stoically beside a towering stand-up bass. "Not harmony, not melody! Why do I hear extra notes? Are you bored? Is playing in my band not exciting enough for you? Do you need to be put front and center so you can wow the audience with your stand-up bass?!"
The rest of the band members, a motley assortment of beastmen and beastwomen huddled together on the stage, remained silent, their gazes fixed on their instruments, carefully avoiding Asmodeus's wrathful eyes.
Kev, taking in the scene with a mix of amusement and apprehension, exchanged a glance with Talon. He quietly led Sabrina to a plush couch in the rear of the room, far from the epicenter of Asmodeus's tantrum.
"This is hour five," Asmodeus shrieked, his voice reaching a fever pitch, "and I haven't heard a single note of conviction from any of you!"
He kicked a music stand, sending sheet music fluttering to the floor. "You should all have it memorized by now!" he raged. "You've played every single possible wrong note already!"
His feathers were ruffled, his beak clacking in frustration. "Get it right this time, you oafs!"
With a dramatic flourish, Asmodeus snatched a bassoon from a nearby stand. He raised it high above his head, his eyes blazing with intensity.
"From the top!" he yelled. "One, two..."
The band, their nerves frayed and their spirits dampened, hesitantly began to play one of Kev's songs. The familiar melody, now infused with Asmodeus's unique arrangement, filled the theater. The major verse flowed into the melancholic minor chorus, then transitioned into the dissonant bridge, each instrument weaving its part into the intricate tapestry of sound.
Asmodeus had cleverly orchestrated the piece to highlight the bassoon's deep, resonant tones. His fingers danced across the keys, the buttons clicking with a percussive rhythm that added an unexpected layer of complexity to the song.
Kev, thoroughly impressed by the performance, couldn't help but smile. The song, despite Asmodeus's dramatic flair, sounded incredible. The blend of instruments, the intricate harmonies, and the unexpected percussive elements created a unique and captivating soundscape.
But Asmodeus, ever the perfectionist, was far from satisfied. "That was awful!" he shrieked, his voice echoing through the empty theater. "Get out of my sight! We have curtain-call in six hours, and you sound like a flock of drunken seagulls!"
The musicians, relieved to be released from Asmodeus's relentless scrutiny, quickly gathered their instruments and scurried offstage, their footsteps a chaotic symphony of relief. Asmodeus, his feathers ruffled in frustration, began collecting the scattered sheet music, his beak clacking in disapproval.
Kev, feeling a surge of sympathy for the beleaguered musicians, rose from his seat and approached the stage. Talon and Sabrina, curious to see how Kev would handle the temperamental toucan, followed close behind.
Kev approached the stage, his footsteps echoing in the empty theater. "Good afternoon, Asmodeus," he greeted, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Asmodeus, his attention still fixated on the scattered sheet music, seemed not to hear him. He muttered to himself, his beak clicking in frustration.
Kev sighed, then decided to take a different approach. He pulled his guitar from its case and plucked a few notes, a simple melody filling the silent hall.
Asmodeus's head snapped up, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Who's still playing?" he demanded, his voice a sharp caw. He turned around, his gaze landing on Kev standing at the foot of the stage.
A smile instantly transformed his features. "Ah, my human friend!" he exclaimed, his voice a melodic trill. "I hope you didn't have to endure too much of today's... practice." He gracefully hopped off the stage and settled beside Kev, his colorful feathers brushing against the plush velvet seats.
"And who are your friends, little human?" Asmodeus inquired, his gaze shifting to Talon and Sabrina, who stood a few paces behind Kev.
Talon stepped forward, his posture straight and his gaze unwavering. "Good to meet you, Mr. Asmodeus," he said, his voice respectful. "My name is Talon."
Asmodeus's beak curled into a knowing smile. "Ah, our new daytime guard dog," he chirped, his voice a melodic trill. "I hear you're quite... physical." His eyes twinkled with amusement. "If I knew of some musicians who weren't practicing when they should… do you think you could rough them up for me a bit?"
Sabrina burst into laughter, her voice echoing through the empty theater. "Don't tease my brother too much," she warned, a playful glint in her eyes. "He gets shy."
Asmodeus turned his attention to Sabrina, his feathers ruffling slightly in admiration. "And who might this beautiful young thing be?" he inquired.
"This is my sister, Sabrina," Talon replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "She's a bit of a... hellion."
Sabrina playfully punched Talon's arm, a mischievous grin on her face. "Hey!" she cawed. "I'm not that bad."
Asmodeus's attention flitted back to Kev and his guitar, his enthusiasm reignited. "Good, good," he chirped, dismissing Talon and Sabrina with a wave of his wing. "Now, where were we?" He looked expectantly at Kev. "I see you have your guitar. Play me another nice human tune before I turn in for my beauty sleep."
Kev smiled, happy to oblige. "Of course," he said, his voice warm. "You play music for me every night, so it's the least I can do."
This time, Kev chose a more relaxed tune, a gentle melody that flowed effortlessly from his fingertips. His strums were light and precise, the notes blending harmoniously in the quiet theater. He hummed along softly, his voice adding another layer of warmth to the music.
Asmodeus closed his eyes, swaying gently to the rhythm. When the song ended, he opened his eyes and sighed contentedly. "Another fine tune," he praised, his voice a melodic trill.
Asmodeus's enthusiasm bubbled over, and he hopped onto the stage with a flourish. "Again!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the theater. "Just the chords this time." He picked up his bassoon, his long beak poised above the reed.
Kev, a bit surprised by the sudden request, nodded and began strumming the chords of the song he'd just played. Asmodeus joined in, his bassoon weaving a rich, melancholic counterpoint to Kev's gentle melody.
The combination of the guitar and bassoon created a unique and captivating soundscape, the two instruments complementing each other in unexpected ways. Kev, caught up in the moment, found himself improvising subtle variations on the rhythm, his fingers dancing across the fretboard with a newfound freedom.
Asmodeus, his eyes closed in concentration, followed Kev's lead, his bassoon responding with a depth and complexity that transformed the simple tune into something entirely new. Kev was amazed by the toucan's ability to adapt and improvise, his musical instincts sharp and intuitive.
When the song finally came to an end, Asmodeus lowered his bassoon, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "That's it for me, Kev," he announced, his voice a soft trill. "I'm off to transcribe and sleep. Remember, practice makes perfect."
With a final nod, Asmodeus turned and left the theater, his colorful feathers a fleeting blur in the dim light.
Kev carefully placed his guitar back in its case, a sense of wonder lingering from his impromptu jam session with Asmodeus. He turned to Talon and Sabrina, who had been watching from the couch.
"That was... weird," Sabrina remarked, a puzzled frown on her face. "But kinda cool."
Talon's gaze remained fixed on the bassoon, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "Mr. Asmodeus is amazing."
"He didn't even talk to us," Sabrina complained, crossing her arms in mock annoyance. "Just clicked on that big tube thing and left."
"It's a bassoon," Kev explained with a smile.
"Whatever," Sabrina retorted, rolling her eyes.
Kev glanced at his watch, the silver hands ticking steadily towards the afternoon. "It's only 3 pm," he observed, a hint of boredom creeping into his voice. "We've got another hour or two to kill before I need to get ready for tonight."
He turned to Talon and Sabrina. "You two up for some pool or darts?" he asked, hoping to break the monotony of the afternoon.
Talon nodded eagerly, his eagerness to participate in any activity a welcome change from his usual stoicism. "Sure," he replied, his voice a low rasp.
Sabrina, still perched on her new wheelchair, shrugged. "I'll hang out," she said, a smile on her face. "Got nothing better to do."
Kev led the way out of the theater and down the hallway, They reached the private billiards room, and he unlocked the door.
Kev spent the next hours honing his pool skills, the rhythmic click-clack of the balls a soothing backdrop to the quiet afternoon. Talon and Sabrina, meanwhile, engaged in a friendly game of darts, their laughter echoing through the room.
As the clock ticked closer to five, Kev reluctantly set his cue down. "Alright," he announced, a hint of regret in his voice, "I've got to get ready for dinner with Fang."
Sabrina pouted playfully. "You're literally making me so jealous," she whined. "All these fancy dinners and outings... I'm stuck here with nothing but books and despair."
Talon, having finished his game of darts, carefully placed them back in their case. "You're free to get dinner in the club whenever the kitchen is open, Sabrina," he reminded her gently. "Mr. Fang told me last night."
Sabrina's eyes lit up. "Your boss likes me more than you, doesn't he?" she teased.
"I think Mr. Fang just wants you eating so you're not talking, sister," he retorted.
Kev laughed, surprised by Talon's witty comeback. The eagleman usually maintained a stoic demeanor, but around his sister, he seemed more relaxed, more playful.
"Well," Kev said, clapping his hands together, "I'd better get going."
They left the billiards room, Talon carefully maneuvering Sabrina's wheelchair through the mansion's corridors. As they reached the elevator, Kev waved goodbye. "Later, Sabrina," he said with a smile. "And Talon, try not to get into any trouble."
"I'll do my best," Talon replied.
Kev watched as the elevator doors closed, a sense of contentment settling over him. He was starting to form genuine connections with the people in this strange new world, and it felt good. He headed back to his apartment, eager to freshen up and prepare for his evening with Fang.
The familiar routine of preparation for the evening ahead began. Kev showered, the warm water washing away any lingering traces of sleep. He dressed in a crisp, tailored suit from his new wardrobe, a subtle grey pinstripe adding a touch of sophistication. A quick glance in the mirror revealed a confident, polished reflection, a far cry from the disheveled traveler who had arrived in this world just over a week ago.
In the kitchen, he set the kettle on the stove, anticipating Horns' arrival with his customary coffee request. He then turned his attention to the ashtray, carefully washing away the remnants of the day's conversations.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. It was Horns, as expected.
"Howdy," Horns greeted, stepping into the apartment and depositing a few bags on the counter.
"Looking good in here, Kev," Horns remarked, his gaze sweeping across the neatly arranged apartment. "Becoming quite the homemaker." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If Fang doesn't make his move soon, I might have to sweep you up myself."
Kev blushed, a wave of warmth spreading through him. Horns, despite his playful teasing, had become a trusted friend and confidante over the past week and a half. The big, burly mooseman, with his easygoing nature and infectious laughter, had carved a special place in Kev's heart.
He quickly shook off the image of Horns's large, strong hands roaming his body, a blush deepening on his cheeks. He grabbed two mugs from the cupboard and poured the freshly brewed coffee
"Here you go," Kev said, handing the steaming mug to Horns.
Horns downed the coffee in a few gulps, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. He then expertly rolled a joint, lighting it with a practiced flick of his wrist. "Second day of the new schedule," he remarked, exhaling a cloud of fragrant smoke. "Learned a few things last night, so tonight should go a bit smoother."
Kev nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Just keep an eye on Asmodeus tonight," he advised. "He was still awake and practicing around three."
"That bird sleeps in short bursts all day long," Horns explained. "He'll be fine. Besides," he added with a wink, "he thrives on chaos."
"I hope the rest of the band will be fine too," Kev replied, a hint of concern in his voice.
Horns shrugged. "They'll adjust," he said confidently. "They're professionals, after all." He glanced at his watch, a hint of urgency in his eyes. "Speaking of which, I better go check on things. Doors open soon."
He stood up, stretching his massive frame. "Thanks for the coffee, little guy," he said, patting Kev's shoulder affectionately. "See you tonight."
"Have a good one, Horns," Kev replied, waving goodbye as the mooseman left the apartment.
Kev, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity, headed to the kitchen to prepare for Talon and Fang's arrival. Just as he was pouring another cup of coffee, a knock sounded at the door. Kev opened it to find Talon standing on the threshold, looking remarkably refreshed and alert. The eagleman's feathers were neatly preened, his black suit free of wrinkles, and his sharp eyes sparkled with a newfound energy.
Talon greeted him with a polite nod.
"Come in, Talon," Kev invited, stepping aside to let him enter. "I just made some coffee."
Talon's lips curled into a faint smile. "Thank you," he said, his voice a soft rasp.
He settled onto the couch, accepting the offered mug of coffee with a grateful nod. He then reached for the book he'd been reading the day before, taking small sips as he immersed himself in its pages.
Kev, pleased to see Talon so relaxed and comfortable in his presence, took a seat on the armchair opposite him, sipping his own coffee and enjoying the quiet companionship.
With the gentle melodies of the player piano filling the room, Kev glanced at his watch. It was nearing six o'clock, and Fang was due to arrive any minute. He felt a flutter of anticipation in his chest, eager to spend the evening with the wolfman and discover what the night would bring."
A knock echoed through the apartment. Talon, his reflexes sharp as ever, was on his feet in an instant. He opened the door, revealing Fang standing on the threshold, his presence radiating a quiet power and confidence.
"Good evening, Mr. Fang," Talon greeted him with a respectful nod.