A/N: Is it because I posted this chapter too quick? Or is it because…? You know, comments and reviews always gives me motives to continue writing, but I didn't get any. Should I wait for longer? Construction criticisms are allowed, and I really wanna know how YOU feel about this story. What YOU think of this story. Not me. It's YOU. I care about what you think, I wanna know what can I do better. I will consider all your ideas and suggestions if you ever give me one. I hope I would get some reviews after this chapter. Enjoy.
5 Years Later
"Before we start our very first interview with this band, let us enjoy the show first! Let's welcome the new American rock band who had recently risen to fame, the Blender!"
This was the very first sentence Percy heard when he turned on the television. He didn't feel like going out in an afternoon. Although he was famous, the youngest hollywood actor and stuff, but he wasn't really enjoying it. He had made an amount of money, enough to afford a mansion. He lived with his cousin, also his best friend since high school, Jason Grace. Jason became his manager after he got famous, and now Jason had a girlfriend, whom had moved in to stay with Jason. Percy didn't have anything against Jason's girlfriend, in fact he had always think that his girlfriend would make a good friend of Annabeth's. But that memory pained him. He didn't want to remember.
Jason's girlfriend, Piper McLean. She had secret that no one except her boyfriend and Percy knew, she was the daughter of the famous hollywood actor, Tristan McLean. Piper had always denied her father-daughter relationship with Tristan to the press, and Tristan had never said anything about Piper in public, so, people tend to think that they had no relationship whatsoever, but people still had doubts.
That wasn't the first time Percy had heard the name of this new rock band, and every time he heard it, he switched the channel, because he didn't feel like listening to rock musics, and Jason knew that very well. But this time, when he was about to reach for the remote controller, Percy put his hand up, "Let's just listen to it for the first time shall we? I wanna hear it.", he said. Jason retrieved his out stretched hand.
The stage blacked out. Then all of a sudden, along with the low voice of the electric guitar, the light lit back up, but it was dim, only bright enough for the audience to see the shadow. The light was shinning onto the back of the stage, so that the people would look shadowy, so that people could only see their shape but not faces. There were three people on stage, stood in a triangle shape. Standing in front was a girl, or maybe a woman per say, with curly hair, and a guitar striped across her, we could tell that her head was slightly looking downwards, and both her legs were apart, she was standing in front of a microphone. The other two at the back, one with a spiky hair had a bass in hand, and the other one was sitting behind a drum set, drum sticks in hand.
Note by note, the music started with the strumming of the electric guitar. Then someone blew into the microphone, as if they were smoking; next that person cleared her throat. And started.
Somebody mixed my medicine.
There was still only an electric guitar that was playing. The light did nothing, it did not move, nor turned darker or brighter.
Somebody mixed my medicine.
After this line, the guitar lingered a little. Then, with the clearing of throat again, and with the start of the drum just a little after the clearing, the light lit up, and focused onto the singer. Bits of lights shone on the other two band mates. The white light was only bright enough to see the other two's faces, but in a not so clear way. Three lights were gathered, and focused on the one with the mic in hand. The light was also white, but it was bright. You couldn't see exactly the figure on her face, but you could spot everything else. Her face was like in the shadow, because her head was not completely facing the audience, it was still bending downwards a little. She had a curly blonde hair with a streak of grey on the left side. Her lips were black.
Well you hurt where you sleep and you sleep where you lie
Now you're in deep and now you're gonna cry
Got a woman to your left
And a boy to your right
You start to sweat so
Hold me tight 'cause
Her head shot up with the start of her singing. We could now see that her eyeliner were black mixed with green, it was really thick, and it almost covered her eyes. Under the light, her clothes were shimmering, it was a leather jacket, and a leather pants, with a pair very high black heals her long legs were showing off. The music was building up. Drums were added, and base was slowly emerging.
Somebody mixed my medicine
I don't know what I'm on
Somebody mixed my medicine
Now baby its all gone
Somebody mixed my medicine
And somebody's in my head again
And somebody mixed my medicine again, again
Every instruments were on. It was still in the same beat. All instruments were added when this verse was sang. She looked straight forward while she sang. At the end of this verse, she threw back her head, and revealing more of her face.
"Annabeth Chase?" Jason gasped out loud. Percy winced at the name. "Sorry man, didn't mean to do that." Jason apologized quietly, but Percy didn't seemed to heard it, because he was too focused on the lead singer, Annabeth Chase. A wave of guilt washed over him, he was the reason she changed.
Jason noticed Percy seemed uncomfortable. "Should we switch a channel?", he offered. Percy, again, was too focused, his eyes were glued on the girl. Piper nudged Jason, and shook her head, so Jason put down the remote control quietly.
Well I drink what you leak and I smoke what you sigh
See you cross the room with that look in your eye
Got a man to his left and a girl to his right
You start to sweat so
Hold me tight 'cause
The song kept on going, and everyone stayed quite. Percy seemed to be attracted by it.
Somebody mixed my medicine
I don't know what I'm on
Somebody mixed my medicine
Now baby its all gone
Somebody mixed my medicine
Somebody's in my head again
And somebody mixed my medicine again, again
There's a tiger in the room and a baby in the closet
Pour another drink mom I don't even want it
Then I turn around and think I see someone that looks like you
Well you hurt where you sleep and you sleep where you lie
Now you're in deep and now you're gonna cry
Got a woman to your left
And a boy to your right
You start to sweat so
Hold me tight 'cause
Somebody mixed my medicine
I don't know what I'm on
Somebody mixed my medicine
Now baby its all gone
Somebody mixed my medicine
Somebody's in my head again again
And somebody mixed my medicine
Again, again, again
Again, again, again
Again, again, again
Somebody mixed my medicine
Somebody mixed my medicine
Somebody mixed my medicine
Till the song ended, nobody seemed to moved. Percy was frozen, his eyes still stuck to the screen, not able to move. Piper was confused, but knew not to ask. She asked Jason silently using her eyes, and Jason mouthed back, ⎡Later⎦, she nodded, and turned back to the television.
"Wanna hear another one, people?" Annabeth shouted in to the mic.
The crowed erupted. This time, louder than after they just finished. Even louder than before their first performance.
"Okay! Here we go! One. Two. Three. Four!"
And the music started. The crowed were still cheering, but was quieter, because they needed to hear the music.
Alone, afraid, the kid your mother made
Sitting in your room drooling like a loser with all this doom
You think, then you start to drink
Then you get so paranoid with all the drugs they fill you with (then boom)
Does it make you feel like a man? (boom)
It's not the size we understand (boom)
You think you're gonna get with me
You're never gonna get with me
You're never gonna dance with me
The crowed clapped and whistled once more. There were even people standing up.
Percy's mind wasn't functioning right that moment. He was kinda jealous to let the others hear Annabeth's beautiful voice. The voice he missed ever since graduation. He almost regret that he didn't record Annabeth's valedictory speech, because he just loved that voice so much. He didn't like about Annabeth's change at first, but then, he would rather have a changed Annabeth back rather than her leaving him. He would love her no matter what style she had changed into. At that point, he was determined to find Annabeth again, and explain and beg for a second chance. If Annabeth would not listen or did not believe him, he would still be satisfied with just seeing her in person.
I admit, I feel like you, like shit
But I don't go out and take it out on everyone about it
We're all part of the system
You wanna start a war?
Feel better we won't miss it
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Everybody's got one, there's nothing new about it
Want to make a statement?
You should have come without it
You turn the TV on, watch it if you dare
You see a politician and you start to pull your hair
Whistle to dimensions see there's really nothing there
You want it so much you think they think they fucking care (and boom)
Do you think they hear you now? (and boom)
Making noises in the crowd
All in the way that you're using
You love it so much then why do you abuse it?
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Everybody's got one, there's nothing new about it
Want to make a statement?
You should have come without it
We're all part of the system
Load em up, shoot em down
'Cause you keep fucking missing
(We're all part of the system
Load em up, shoot em down
'Cause you keep fucking missing)
Alone, afraid, you want to make em pay
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Everybody's got one, there's nothing new about it
Want to get the girl?
Then you should have come without it
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
Why'd you bring a shotgun to the party?
The big famous hollywood star, the boy where every girl would swoon at, and the boy who every girl would throw themselves at. Percy Jackson, was miserable over a girl, the one who had just risen to fame. The lead singer of the youngest American rock band, and also the only rock band with a female rock singer, Annabeth Chase.
After the applause died down, the interviewer said in to the microphone, "Come have a seat the Blender.". By this time, all the light had already lit up to normal.
"So should you guys introduce yourselves first? Or shall I do that for you?" Says the interviewer.
"Annabeth Chase, main vocal, backup guitar, and co-founder of the Blender." Annabeth started.
"Thalia Grace, electric bass and founder of the Blender." Thalia continued.
"Nico Di Angelo, drummer." Nico said at last.
Annabeth had the heaviest makeup. Thalia and Nico both had none, but both of them were seriously pale comparing to Annabeth who were tanner.
"None of them had changed." This was the first thing that came out of the paralyzed Percy's mouth after he gained back his control. Yet, his voice were hoarse and quiet, but still captured by the other two besides him. Jason nodded knowingly, and Piper just stared at the television, still watching the interview.
"So from that introduction, I heard that you, Annabeth, are not the founder of this band. How so?"
"Um, I know the usually lead singers were the founder of a band, but starting a band wasn't my idea initially, it was Thalia's. She suggested we start a band because all three of us had known each other pretty long, and had similar style and taste, and I agreed. So we talked to Nico, and started it." The interview nodded in acknowledgement. "I see. Usually, I'm saying just usually, and I know your band is different from the other ones, who wrote the all the songs? I thought you guys would be doing cover for the other bands.". The interviewer threw another question at them. The audience were quiet, waiting for the answer. All of them were interested in this newly formed rock band, and especially with two female leading.
"Annabeth is the one who wrote all the songs. Nico and I helped sometimes, but both of us are as good as Annabeth, so we only gives her suggestions and ideas and inspirations, but we don't write them." Thalia answered. "We also suggest words or phrases to Annabeth when she's stuck or can't think of anything to write." Nico added.
"So, currently, how many songs have you written, Annabeth?"
"Well, I was planning on recording them and make them to an album, so for now, I'm not gonna tell ya, wait for the debut." She grinned. Percy was just love sick with that grin of hers, he was so obsessed with her laugh and her smile, it had been a really long time since he last saw her smile, oh, how he missed it. Percy was numb about emotions, Annabeth was not. However, people never knew Annabeth's emotions, because she had the covered real good, she seemed to be enjoying and happy on stage, and that was what the fans believed, and that was what Annabeth wanted them to believe, too.
"I think your band is really successful at this stage, look at how many audience do you have on your first performance, and your first interview. There is also tons of people watching live on TV, I think the fame of your band will be boosting in the next couple of days. Last question from me before you can answer questions from the audience. What are the motives that made you start this band?"
There was a long silence before we got the answer from them. They had a silent eye contact, and they seemed to be debating through their eyes. Annabeth kept shaking her head, she seemed uncomfortable talking about motives. Lastly, she puts her head down, looked at the ground for a bit. Then, Thalia spoke, "Um, sorry, we are not comfortable talking about this. Please understand, it's a bit personal. Thank you." Annabeth looked up after Thalia spoke, and said, "We can now answer any questions from the audience.", changing the subject. That action made the interviewer be at a loss for a moment, but then, nodded at what Annabeth had said, and added, "Now there will be a mic passing around, press the button on your chair arm to notify the workers."
"First up, fifth row, number thirty-six, please ask."
"Hi, um, I've heard of you for a long time, and I really liked your music, and I was overwhelmed when I heard that I get to come to this interview. So my question's, when will your first album debut? And is it possible that you would tell me the name? Thanks."
"Hi. Thank you for favoriting our music, I hope you enjoyed it. So as for your questions, I'm sorry that I cannot answer your second question, and I will apologize in front, because I cannot tell you the exact time of it's due date, but I can tell you vaguely. Our first album will be making it's debut in about three months. We will post a Twitter the day before our album is out, so you can go follow us on Twitter. I hope this answer is enough for you." Annabeth answered with a smile.
"I just with I could talk to her." Percy mumbled under his breath. He was staring at the screen emotionless. His mind was blank, he really didn't know what to think at that moment, he didn't want to think about Annabeth nor the perfect moments their shared.
On the TV, the Blender was still answering questions from the audience.
"And we will have a place for you, fans, to ask questions for our band at the next interview, and they will answer them during the interview. Thanks for all your time and your support, let's have one last around of applause for The Blender!"
Annabeth and the other two walked to the backstage. "Thought we did okay up there." Annabeth said in a thoughtful tone to the other two. Both of them nodded in unison. They knew that they didn't tell the audience the real reason they formed this band. Thalia and Nico both knew that Annabeth wouldn't be in a great mood right that moment, because when the interviewer asked the motives of forming this band, it ignited the fuse of a time bomb in Annabeth, and if he asked anymore questions on the background of this band or their personal life, Annabeth would definitely explode. So when they heard Annabeth's thoughtful voice, they knew Annabeth was just putting up for their sake, so they didn't bother her much more.
The trio had been together ever since elementary school. Thalia was the only one who was allowed to call her 'Annie', and Annabeth was the only one who was allowed to call her 'Thals'. People who had tried to call them that hadn't end up well, in fact, the majority ended up pretty damaged.
This was their ever first interview, and their first performance in public. Already, there were paparazzi waiting outside the gate trying to snap pictures of them together. When they left, they made a mistake of not choosing to walk through the secret aisle, instead, they walked out the normal way. Fans were already gathering, people were shouting, and throwing their hands and pens to them for their signature. They were so welcomed by America. Their first YouTube video had gotten the greatest hit in the music category. It was a huge success to The Blender.
Every since their first debut performance on that interview, the press had been trying to dug out gossips about them. They tried to spot all three of them with some other people, but the press seemed to be failing at that part, because none of them had even got caught by the cameras, with or without a third person. Annabeth, been the lead singer, of course got the most attention. However, on the magazines, music news reports, there were only ever words and articles about her, and only her photos from their first performance. It had been weeks after their debut performance, yet still the press didn't gain any information on their personal life. None. The three of them seemed to be hiding very well.
The article on The Blender and the members soon started to be half faked, because they couldn't gather enough information, so they started to made things up. Such as their personal life. No one knew where they lived, and no one knows anything about them other than saw them on TV. No even a single soul had claim to spot them somewhere.
It was very different on Percy's case. He always seemed to be the trend of the press. There were always pictures of him with different women. Though the picture didn't indicate anything, but it was still enough for the press to carry on making up their story. Soon, he was claimed, by the press, to be the youngest womanizer in hollywood. Jason, on the other hand was his manager, he knew that all those things stated by the press were not true, but he also knew that Percy didn't stop them because he wanted to gain attention. Not anyone's attention. Some one in particular, a woman. Jason was well-known because of his girlfriend and his best friend. Him, in particular didn't do something astonishing, nor did he wanted any fame, he thought he was having a somewhat nice and satisfying life.
A/N: Please review! Your thoughts and comments mean tons to me! Also, a thank you to all who had read my story(ies)!