[DarkWater]

[DarkWater]
#remix #soulmusic #work #nandemoiisama #hiphop #explore #rnb #rnbremix
[Next Chapter: The Dilemma]
[Panel 1: Ryo is seen inside an old, dimly lit record store. The shelves are packed with vinyl records, VHS tapes, cassettes, old data files, lost phones of unknown musicians, and occult recordings. Every inch of the store is crammed with media of all kinds, known and unknown.]
[Panel 2: Ryo's eyes fall on a dusty box in a corner. The label reads "Sony DATstation PCM-E7700" with over 150 DATS. The price tag reads 650 REMI.]
Ryo (thinking): "THIS IS IT!"
[Panel 3: Ryo's face lights up with excitement, but then his expression shifts to one of worry. He pulls out his wallet, looking at the limited amount of money inside. A thought bubble shows a flashback of him being homeless and another of him moving back in with his parents. He winces at the idea.]
Ryo (thinking): "Dammit!.... What do I do....."
[Panel 4: The shopkeeper, an older man with a friendly yet mysterious demeanor, approaches Ryo, noticing his frustration.]
Shopkeeper: "Need help with anything?"
Ryo: "........looking at this thing here."
Shopkeeper: "Ahhh, that just came in the other day. Thought the guy was pretty shady but I have audio of red rooms so how can't I judge, right hehe."
[Panel 5: Ryo smirks at the shopkeeper's dark humor.]
Ryo: "Very funny old man. How does this thing work?"
Shopkeeper: "Hell if I know. Those things are rare. Looking to purchase it?"
Ryo: "Yes but.... I'm in a pinch."
[Panel 6: The shopkeeper, sensing Ryo's honesty and desperation, strokes his chin thoughtfully.]
Shopkeeper: "I suppose I could give it to you on a discount. I see you here enough. What's your name?"
Ryo: "My name is Ryo.....I don't need any favors..." he says bullishly.
Shopkeeper: "My name is Keeper. And I don't do favors. Blessings are more of my steez. Since you seem like a hard worker, how about you work at the shop? I'm going on a trip to retrieve more product and I don't want to close the shop. I don't have to worry about you stealing because I'll just kill you.... say yes you can take the DAT home now and simply work it off but I need you here at 6:00am sharp or the deal is off."
[Panel 7: Ryo contemplates the offer, thinking about the opportunity and the risk involved.]
Ryo (thinking): "Man, IDK... He does seem pretty shady himself, but I need that system to perfect my beast."
Keeper (snapping Ryo out of his thoughts): "Hey! What's it gonna be?"
[Panel 8: Ryo nods, determination in his eyes.]
Ryo: "I'll do it."
Keeper: "Good. 6:00 am SHARP. I'll give you the DAT then. Besides, the tapes aren't here yet."
[Panel 9: Ryo, slightly irritated but determined, leaves the shop. Later that night, he lies in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about Keeper, the DAT, and now having a job.]
Ryo (thinking): "Man... what now....."