Battle of the Bands

by Cardinal Quinn

Ladies and gents, welcome to the annual Vale Battle of the Bands! 'Red Like Roses' thinks they have things in the bag this year, but when a new group appears, they may have to pull out all the stops to win against 'Shining Arc! Major Firewall (Jaune x Yang) with a bit of Arkos jealousy, and some ReNora! AU, so no Grimm, just fun, drama, and shenanigans! Omakes included!

3. FNKI Dance Break

Battle of the Bands

Chapter 3: FNKI Dance Break

Coco winked at the audience over her sunglasses, and walked off stage as 'Never Miss A Beat' took the stage. The drummer rolled out a strange electronic drum, the neon purple contrasting with his bright green hair. Following him was a girl with bright pink hair carrying a keytar, plunking out a few notes. A girl with bright orange hair tied in pigtails zoomed on stage wearing roller skates, followed by a man in a suit, carrying a trumpet.

"Hello…Psst, Flynt! Where are we again?" The roller skate girl asked her fedora clad band mate.

"Vale! Hello Vale! We're 'Never Miss A Beat'! You all ready to get down?" He shouted, causing a bit of cheering from the crowd. "Let's hit it, Neon!" He raised his trumpet, blasting a note towards the audience.

(Neon 'Jazz Techno' - Jeff Williams/Casey Lee Williams)

The keytar player joined in on his trumpet playing, before signaling the drummer to begin. Neon skated up to her wireless mic, snagging it off the stand, before she began to sing.

We're all born with a dream

We wanna make come true

Flynt joined back in, adding his own beats, almost giving a jazz/techno feel to the song.

The best will climb to the top like me

The rest will end up like you

I bet it's hard to live with

Knowing that you'll never be this fine

Don't be distraught, don't be sad

You gave it your best try

Listen, girlfriend, can't you see?

I'm all of the things that you'll never be

I'm cool like the rain and I'm hot like the sun

I'm a neon rainbow and you're no fun

At this point, Yang shouted "Let's dance!" earning a loud "YEAH!" from the two bands in the V.I.P. area. The group ran down the stairs to the dance floor, Yang clearing the way.

May be time to retreat

You need a diva review

You can see I never miss a beat

Your makeover's long overdue

The crowd had formed a circle around the two bands, everyone moving in their own way. Ren's dancing could only be described as martial arts, as he flipped and rolled in the air, occasionally striking out. Nora simply bounced around, laughing and cheering. Weiss was attempting to drag Neptune out into the circle, but he remained glued to his spot, his eyes wide and calm gone. Sun and Blake laughed from the side as Weiss attempted to drag the poor boy out.

Just try to understand this

It's not that I am trying to outshine

You've got your inner beauty

We can't all be divine

Ruby was doing the robot, earning a laugh from Jaune as he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned, seeing Pyrrha blushing red as her hair, hand extended to him. Jaune smiled and took her hand, spinning her into the circle with him. He danced in a fast ballroom style, spinning her around into a dip. Their faces close, both blushed deep shades of red.

Listen, girlfriend, can't you see?

I'm all of the things that you'll never be

I'm cool like the rain and I'm hot like the sun

I'm a neon rainbow and you're no fun

"ENOUGH OF THAT!" Yang thought, stepping forward and spinning Jaune and Pyrrha back up, breaking into her own solo style dance, signaling the boy to watch. Pyrrha, still too flustered to do anything merely watched in a half daze.

No one likes a girl who wears a silly frown

Just wear a smile and you'll turn it all around

Just think of happy things, you'll see in no time

Fun every day, the clouds roll away

Try it, you'll see, just be more like me

Yang reached out a hand to Jaune, who blinked, then took it, both breaking into a dance together. They moved fluidly with each other, Yang occasionally pressing herself against Jaune and shaking her way down his body. Jaune's adrenaline was pumping, as he was completely lost in the moment.

[Keytar Solo]

Listen, girlfriend, can't you see?

I'm all of the things that you'll never be

I'm cool like the rain and I'm hot like the sun

I'm a neon rainbow and you're no fun

Jaune and Yang were pressed up against one another, sweating as their foreheads touched. The two were so lost in the moment, only seeing each other. Yang leaned her head forward, tilting it ever so slightly, Jaune doing the same. Their lips were less than an inch from each other…

"ALRIGHT! Give it up for 'Never Miss A Beat'! Talk about unorthodox, but damn were they killer! Jazz techno, very cool, kids!" Coco shouted, strutting back onto the stage. "And let's give it up for some of our other bands joining in on the party with their dancing skills!" She signaled the spotlight operators to the dance floor, the light flashing on Jaune and Yang, who jumped apart like they'd been caught doing something very wrong. Coco laughed, "Aww, young love. How adorable!" She taunted, earning some awws and snickers from the crowd. "Now, we're going to take a few minute reprieve, and then we have a special treat for you all!" She winked once again and strutted backstage as the curtain closed.

Sun walked over to Jaune, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've gotta show me how to move like that! You were popping and locking, spinning and whirling! Awesome! Jaune? JAUNE!" Sun half shouted at the boy who shook his head out of his daydream.

"Wha? Oh! Yeah, sure thing, Sun!" Jaune stammered out, his adrenaline having finally died down and his body feeling the slight exhaustion from the dancing. He looked around for Yang, only to see her walking back to the V.I.P. area with Blake, the two apparently in deep conversation. Pyrrha had wandered off with Weiss, casting a longing glance back at Jaune before the two disappeared into the restroom.

"So Jaune, couldn't help but notice what was going on there. Two lovely ladies, both hot for you. Nice!" Neptune cheered, causing Jaune to blush again. "I mean things definitely got intense out there! You and Yang were like fire out there!"

Ren stepped up, arms crossed with a smirk on his face. "Not only that, but you and Pyrrha moved with grace and elegance, especially considering the speed of the song." Nora, having jumped on Ren's back, merely nodded her head, grinning wildly.

"Things really got intense out there. I mean Yang and I almost…and Pyrrha was right there and…oh man, this is bad!" Jaune half shouted as he was dragged over to the bar for refreshments.

"Yo barkeep, four Aura Bombs!" Sun shouted, the bartender nodding and disappearing behind the bar. The boys and Nora took a seat, Jaune placing his head in his hands. "Jaune, what's the big deal? Even Blake could tell that Yang was totally into you!"

Jaune nodded into the bar. "I mean, don't get me wrong, Yang and Pyrrha are both beautiful, but how could I possibly choose between them right now? I hardly know Pyrrha minus a bit of conversation, and I haven't seen Yang in 8 years!"

"Jaune, breathe. The competition goes on all week, so why not take your time? Reconnect with Yang AND get to know Pyrrha, THEN make a decision." Ren chirped in, once again placing a hand on Jaune's shoulder. There's a day off tomorrow, so why don't we get everyone together and do something? Nora and I can help you have your time with Yang, and I'm sure Sun and Blake could do the same to give you time with Pyrrha."

Nora nodded, smiling at the boy. "That's right, Jaune! Oh you're gonna love Pyrrha! Well not love-love, well not yet anyway. Not to say that she doesn't find you attractive because clearly she does and maybe you two can fall in love andgetmarriedonedayandmeandRencandothesam-"

"Nora!" Ren interrupted her once again.

Nora smiled once again. "Yes Ren?"

"Breathe." He grinned at her, causing her to blush ever so slightly.

Jaune let out a sigh as the bartender returned with the drinks. "Four Aura Bombs!" He set them out and walked off to another customer.

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Blake pulled Yang back to their booth upstairs, the blonde protesting as Ruby walked alongside them. "Blake, let me go! I'm fine!" Yang shouted, her plea unheard.

"Yang! What was that?! Pyrrha and Jaune were dancing, and you looked like you were gonna explode! Then after you and Jaune danced, you looked like you were about to kiss him! What's the deal, sis?!" Ruby demanded, arms and hands flailing as she spoke.

Blake let out a sigh, allowing Ruby to finish. "She's not wrong, Yang. You and Jaune were awfully close when you were dancing. If you're interested in him, which I'm pretty sure you are, why not just say something to him? We've got all week together, and I'm sure Sun and I could help get him on his own for you."

"You and Sun are already THAT close? When's the wedding, Blakey?" Yang grinned, attempting to change the subject.

"No changing the subject! Yang, if you want Jaune, just go after him! We've known him forever, and you gave him your first kiss anyway!" Ruby shouted, causing Yang to flush as red as Ruby's hood.

Blake blinked at this new information, before smirking at Yang. "Look Yang, besides Ruby, I'm your best friend, right?" Yang nodded at her before she continued. "Well then as your best friend, listen to me. You like Jaune, and he seems to like you. If it were me, I would make a move, before someone else does."

Ruby let out a loud cough. "PYRRHA!" She coughed again, earning looks from both Yang and Blake. "What? Alright fine. I love Pyrrha! She's one of my best friends! But Yang, you're my sister, so I'm on team blondes!"

Yang laughed, taking Ruby's hand in hers. "Rubes…thank you. I'll take some time with Jauney this week, see if I can't get him alone, and not for what goes on in those books of yours, Blake!" She insisted, finally causing a blush to rise to the dark haired girl's face.

"Yang! Look, just…take some time with him, and try to make your move before Weiss convinces Pyrrha to do the same." Blake said honestly, looking Yang directly in the eyes.

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"So Pyrrha, I couldn't help but notice your attraction to Jaune back there. Mind explaining?" Weiss half asked half demanded of her friend, hands on her hips.

Pyrrha's face flushed bright red, and she rubbed her forearm nervously. "What?! Well, I mean, he's very talented, and handsome, and he's absolutely kind, as well as-"

"I get it! I'm sorry for that, but I get it. I suppose he's not the worst looking of the bunch, though I prefer Neptune. Now, Pyrrha Nikos, how are you going to win your man?!" At this, Weiss jumped up on the trashcan, balancing it under her before jumping off and moving it out of the way daintily.

"Win him? I mean, I had hoped to spend some time with him, maybe sing together a bit. I'm sure our voices would blend wonderfully together!" Her hands clasped together, a sparkle in her emerald eyes. "Though at this point I'm sure Yang has the same idea."

Weiss rolled her eyes. "Please, as if Yang stands a chance to you! I mean no offense to her in saying so, but Pyrrha, you're an angel! All you need to do is be yourself, and I'm sure Jaune will come running your way! After all, you're THE Pyrrha Nikos! You've been winning singing competitions since you were six!"

Pyrrha's half frown turned into a smile, taking Weiss' words to heart. "Alright Weiss, I suppose we can start tomorrow then! Now, how should we-"

A loud blare of the sound system interrupted the girls, causing them to rush back to the V.I.P. area in a panic, the groups reforming. "Ladies and gents! I mentioned a special surprise, and it's a good one!" Coco shouted, re-entering the stage. The curtain was closed behind her, though smoke was billowing from the stage. "As round one has completed, we, your lovely MC's have been given the privilege to perform! Well that, and as last year's winners, the judges couldn't say no! So without further ado, I present, 'Dark Roast'!"

Without warning, a bass was heard as the curtain flew open, orchestral keyboard joining in, with Velvet standing behind the keys and a dark skinned, red haired boy playing the bass. Coco ran back and grabbed her guitar as the large drummer joined in, the four breaking into a riff, before the redhead stepped forward to his mic, strumming the whole time.

(Caffeine - Jeff Williams/Casey Lee Williams)

[Verse 1: Fox Alistair]

Listen up, strap in, notify your next of kin

You're about to take a ride a little on the blazing side

Guzzle down your Red Bull, you're gonna need a bucket full

You're watching me accelerate, tear up on the interstate

A certified monster, I'm an absolute trip

Like Otis Redding, Hard to Handle, so you better get a grip

Super fast, super fly, bonafide wise guy

Call the morgue and say goodbye

Write your will, it's time to die

[Chorus: Fox, Coco, and Velvet]

Caffeine

I'm Caffeine (Caffeine)

Caffeine

I'm Caffeine (Caffeine)

I'm a bad dream

I'm a rad scene

I'm a tad mean

But I'm not afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out

[Verse 2: Coco]

I'm a cheetah on the plains, I'm a highway star

The supersonic princess in a million dollar car

Blood on fire pumping through my veins

Weaving in and out while I'm bolting through the lanes

I'm hyperdrive, overdrive, hit the gas at fifty-five

Break neck, trainwreck, in my presence genuflect

Track-roundin', speed-a-soundin', electrifyin', pulse-poundin'

Heart-pumpin', brain-thumpin', watch me get the party jumpin'

[Chorus: Coco, Fox, and Velvet]

Caffeine

I'm Caffeine (Caffeine)

Caffeine

I'm Caffeine (Caffeine)

I'm a bad dream

I'm a rad scene

I'm a tad mean

But I'm not afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out

Afraid to take you out

[Guitar solo]

[Bridge: Velvet]

At this point, Velvet ran out from behind her keyboard and to everyone's shock, she began to rap.

Yo, listen up, I hope you like it hot

Grab yourself a mug 'cuz I made a fresh pot

Come and get a dose of my kickass java

Velvet kicked the air at this, before jumping up and down as she rapped, Jaune and Co. in complete shock.

Fuelin' your addiction with this thick black lava

We can do up an espresso, or the cappucino way

Sure to get your fix, venti or grande

Sugar, Splenda, Equal, maybe Sweet'N Low

Everybody's happy when they hanging with Joe

Let's go

On her last lyric, Velvet raised her fist in the air, grinning wildly before joining Fox and Coco in the final chorus.

[Chorus: Coco, Fox, and Velvet]

Caffeine

I'm Caffeine (Caffeine)

I'm Caffeine

Caffeine (Caffeine)

I'm a bad dream (yeah)

I'm a rad scene (yeah)

I'm a tad mean (yeah)

But I'm not afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out (afraid to take you out)

Afraid to take you out

The crowd erupted with applause as 'Dark Roast' took their bows. Coco lightly slapped Fox on the butt, before being half tackled in a hug by Velvet. The drummer, Yatsuhashi stood up and gave a light bow, waving out to the audience. Up in the balcony, 'Red Like Roses' and 'Shining Arc' were in complete shock.

"We have to do as well at THAT to win?!" Sun shouted to the bands. "How can we even compete with that energy! And Velvet RAPPED. VELVET!" Neptune scratched the back of his neck, and Ren sat puzzled.

Jaune let out a sigh, before getting a serious look on his face. "Guys, enough moping! We'll get our points and placement for this round in the morning, so for now, we need to head up to the room and rest. Practice tomorrow at 10am! Understood?!"

Sun and Neptune looked at each other, before grinning and saluting towards Jaune. "Yes sir, general sir!" They grinned like idiots before standing up, Sun taking a moment to mention to Blake the plan for Jaune and Yang. She nodded towards him, sending Yang a glance to make a move.

"Jaune! Before you go, can we talk for a second?" Yang asked, stopping Jaune as he said goodnight to Ruby. "Please? It'll just take a minute."

Jaune nodded at her, before stepping aside. "I'll catch up guys! What's up, Yang?" He noticed the look in her eyes. "Is everything okay?"

Yang sighed, giving him an honest look. "Jaune, would it be possible for us to spend some time together tomorrow, just the two of us? I haven't seen you in so long, and you've grown up…ladykiller." She grinned at her last word, placing her hands on her hips.

Jaune paused for a moment, before grinning at her. "Yang, that sounds great. Why don't we meet up after our bands get some practice?"

"Sounds like a date to me, Jauney. See you in the morning!" She winked at him before sauntering off, swaying her hips slightly more than usual. "Gotta lure the prey in. The hunt is on!" She thought, heading across the street with her friends to the hotel.

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OMAKE:

"Cardin, come on! We need a song for the preliminary round! Do we have anything good enough?" Dove shouted at his friend, earning a glare of anger, then receiving a sigh.

"I mean we have our usual stuff, but we need to impress those judges. I saw a video of last year's winners, and they were way too good to go up there and play garbage. Plus, we can't have people thinking we're soft." Cardin said, getting a knowing glare from his guitar player and drummer.

"Well Cardin, Sky and I may have come up with something dark, a truly satanic jam!" Russel said.

Cardin grabbed his bass to follow along. "Well don't just stand there like idiots!"

"Freestyle the opening Cardin, we have the chorus locked down tight. Just think evil thoughts!" Sky said as he began to strum out the opening notes.

"Oh yes, this is perfect!" Cardin shouted as he broke into a freestyle for the verse.

[Verse 1: Cardin]

From the darkest pits of the deepest well

We're Red Wings of Death and we've come from Hell

You curse as the name passes your lips

With the four horsemen of the rock-pocalypse

Flying on the backs of flaming horses

We'll ride into your town and leave nothing but corpses.

I'll kill your dad and scream obscenities

The streets will flow with the blood of our enemies

Death and destruction are all around

We're motherfucking evil and we'll never slow down

We are the nightmares you should be afraid of

There is just one thing we love and that's:

[Chorus: Sky and Russel]

Cookies!

Cardin nearly dropped his bass, coughing as Sky sang the first word. "What?!"

Cookies!

Yaaaaay!

Cookies!

Pass the milk, please!

Everybody loves cookies, hooray!

Dove decided enough was enough, and broke Cardin out of his trance.

[Verse 2 Intro: Dove]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

OH God SAVE ME

I SEE DEMONS

[Verse 2: Cardin]

All your nightmares have come to life

The horror survives in the darkness of night

Take a final breath in our realm of hate

And wish for death as we eat this plate of

[Chorus 2: Sky and Russel]

Cookies!

They're the taste of happy!

Cookies!

Chocolate chips for everyone!

[Chorus End: Cardin and Sky]

THE DEMONS ARE CONSUMING ME!

Everybody eat some cookies today!

That fuckin' do anything for ya, Dark Roast?

There was a pregnant pause, before the members of the band busted out laughing. "No way can we perform that! We'd get laughed off the stage so fast!" Cardin said, wiping a tear from laughing so hard.

"Let's just open with Sharkface! And hey, at least no one will ever see this!" Russel said, not noticing the blinking red light from the window…

A/N: Wow! Two chapters in two days! I was on a roll with these! I've had the opening songs planned out for a few weeks now, and there's gonna be a theme for a few of the bands. I'm always open to suggestions on the songs, as I've already received one for 'Shining Arc' and it's in my thought pile for round two of the competition! Also, more Yang and Jaune this chapter! Even got to throw in a bit of an Arkos moment with the dancing. My whole thing with Jaune in this story is that yes, he's still our lovable idiot, but the boy has moves. If you've ever had the ability to dance, well, it attracts women, hence Pyrrha and Yang slightly fawning over him. I'm trying to keep characters as close to their normal selves as possible, though obviously some differences will be there, as I'm not Miles and Kerry. But as usual, I hope you enjoyed chapter 3! Enjoy the ReNora moments, as we all know that one's blatantly obvious in this fic. Reviews are life by the way! I've gotten so much support on this so far, which really warms my heart and fuels my writing fire! So please, keep them coming! Thanks!