Hey guys. I wanted to try an original story instead of my Red vs Blue: Symphonian Stories series for a little bit. I'll still be doing that, but I've had this idea bouncing around in my head for a few weeks and I wanted to try it, just to see where it goes. Basically, this is just pretty much the rise and story of what will become one of the greatest metal bands in history, Unholy Grail. From their rise and signing, to their misadventures, laughs, conflicts, and maybe even something else. I know the main character filter says Genis and Presea, but even though most of the story will be about them and some of their experiences, they won't be the only focus of the story. I've talked enough, so read, review, tell me what you think. NO FLAMES! Constructive Criticism is welcome, and any ideas for slight variations or a chapter.

1: Preparation

Genis Sage had probably the most rude awakening of his life so far. 10 minutes ago, he was sleeping soundly, not a care in the world, when he suddenly felt a ton of ice cold water dropped on him, courtesy of his two best friends, Emil Castagnier and Lloyd Irving-Aurion. They threw a used bucket to the side and simply told him to wake the hell up and come downstairs after he got ready for the day. Not even bothering to argue with them, he lazily got up and threw on some black jeans and a Seraphim T-Shirt.

He walked downstairs after drying off his face to see them talking to his older sister Raine. He had been living with her ever since the falling out between them and their mother. It didn't affect him too much since he had planned to move out of Iselia and to Palmacosta so he could go to college their with his friends. Emil caught notice of this and spoke up first. "Well, well, rise and shine buttercup. We gotta go get ready for the show tonight, remember?"

"Yeah I remember, I just don't appreciate the Flanoir waters being dropped on my head first thing in the morning," Genis said crossly as he opened the fridge and took out one of the bottles of water he had stored in place of his beer. He made it a point not to drink before a show.

"Come on, don't be like buddy," Lloyd threw his arm around his silver haired friend. "We got a huge show to play tonight, get hyped up!"

Genis took a swig of his root beer and stepped away from Lloyd a bit. "Dude, we're just the opening band. You know that people are just coming to see Seraphim and the only reason we got the spot is cause Lloyd's dad is the bassist. You sure we're ready for something like this dude?"

"Positive," Emil said. "Now come on, we gotta get going, Marta and Presea should be awake by now and I just got a text from Colette. She's on the way there now."

"Alright, alright," Genis finished his root beer and tossed it in the trash can. He grabbed his backpack and made for the door. "See you tonight Raine!"

"Good luck you guys!" she said as they all left in Emil's Acura. The entire way there, Genis sat in the back seat, drifting off into a nap, thinking about everything's that happened in the past year. He and his friends were about to graduate from the University of Palmacosta, himself as the Valedictorian, his band, Unholy Grail, had just gotten a break opening for the greatest band ever to come out of the city, he was pretty much set whichever path of life he chose. All except for one. For years, he's had a major crush on a girl but he never was able to get the balls to ask her out or anything. Didn't exactly help that she didn't seem to notice what was obvious to everyone, even Colette, who admittedly was the last to notice things going on.

"Wake up!" he heard being yelled. Genis snapped awake to see themselves in front of the venue they were playing at, Whirlpool Gardens.

"Dude we're here, come on let's go in." Lloyd said, opening the door and moving to the trunk. Emil popped it open while Genis grabbed his backpack and made for the door. He walked into the venue where he was playing to get a good look at the area. The balcony was pretty nice, furnished wood and everything, the owner really kept up maintenance of the place. He found the backstage area (after stopping at the bar for some water) and met up with three of his bandmates, messing with their amps and equipment. Rhythm Guitarist Marta Lualdi, Keyboardist and Backing Vocalist Colette Brunel, and their Lead Guitarist...her, the girl Genis has crushed on since 7th grade, Presea Combatir.

Marta looked up from her amp and saw Genis walking towards her and Presea. "Genis! What's up dude?" She said, practically knocking him off his feet with a tackle hug.

"Hey hey chill out!" Genis replied with a laugh as Marta let go of him. "Just getting ready for the show, well mentally anyway. Did Mighty drop off the drumset?"

"Yeah he got it set up on the stage a few minutes ago. You can go mess with and fine tune it if you want." she said, pointing at the stage.

Genis started walking towards the stage to mess with his drumset, but not before trying to talk to his bandmate and crush without sounding too foolish. "H-Hey Presea!" he stuttered.

"Oh hey Genis." Presea smiled. "You excited, we're opening up for Seraphim!" Presea was probably the biggest Seraphim fan Genis knew other then himself.

"Uh, y-yeah! Just getting ready for the crowd and all." Genis laughed a bit nervously. He knew he was making an idiot of himself, and tried to find a way out of the conversation. His wish came in the form of Emil and Lloyd coming in, carrying Lloyd's case and amp. "Hey guys, let me help you with that."

Lloyd handed over his case to Genis, and noticed that he was somewhat red, and quickly deduced why. "Tried to talk to Presea again dude?"

"Shut up Lloyd."

"Just talk to her, you gotta do it sooner or later," Emil said. "and if I were you I'd do it soon before someone else tries to snatch her." he added. He noticed Genis' face start to fall, and put his arm around his shoulder. "You should be fine though man, she talks to you the most of all of us. You're practically in with her already."

Genis nodded, and after helping Lloyd finetune his amp, he went to check on his own drumset. Everything was set up the way he liked it, even cleaned off. Genis pulled his drumsticks out his bag and played a few patterns to get a feel for the acoustics in the room. He didn't do his usual double kick pedal speed bursts as he planned on saving that for the show. After everyone's set up and Colette's arrival, Emil convened with the guys on stage.

"Ok, you guy's remember which songs we're playing, right?" he asked. Everyone nodded. "Ok good. Now listen guys, in just a year, we've come so far and this is bound to skyrocket us and maybe truly get us in the business. But I want you guys to promise me one thing. This isn't just a band, it's a family. No matter what happens in the future, we all stick together."

Everyone said their yes variations, eliciting a smile from Emil. "Hands in." they all put their hands together in the circle. "Let it be known, that tonight, Unholy Grail steps into the world of Metal! Let's do this!"

"HELL YEAH!"