Chapter 27
He couldn't believe it.
It was the day of the contest with the battle of the bands, Amai had expected all of them to use their pass, however the bands appeared to have endured. However, what soured his mood first was Raised by Wolves, who, SOMEHOW managed to work with the led singer of Zombie Apocalypse! They played to his strengths and yet managed to maintain their usual sound. Combining the screaming aspect with mellow and meaningful lyrics. The song was well done, and then Zombie Apocalypse went right after. They played a very slow, yet haunting song called Cardiff according to the sheet music submitted, Alpha even dressed as Zombieman for the band and sung a haunting tune.
They worked together and they did so very well!
"Damn them…" he muttered to himself. When he finished watching all of them play he knew he needed to up his game. A wicked grin came over his lips. "So be it, if they work so well together, let's see how they will cooperate when there is no other choice…"
#
Yuuma waited, along with Zombie Apocalypse they waited to see if their song passed. When Amai appeared once more he looked to the camera and announced that they all indeed passed his challenge. "You did remarkably well considering you were to work with your opposite, but now the challenge I have for you is this. I wish to hear a song that requires an orchestra… along with heavy metal elements, with opera… and a choir. As well, someone needs to reveal a hidden talent not known to others. Do you think you can manage this? This can require more than one band, and all who participate will be given credit depending on the work put into it… Good luck!"
The screen went dark.
"What the fuck is this!" demanded Cannibal. "He is TRYING to screw us up?"
"Yep," Yuuma said without hesitation. "He's trying to set us up to fail… problem is… we got just the song for this challenge…"
They froze.
"Wait, wait, wait… you got a song already!?" demanded Fester. "How!? He just announced this challenge!"
Yuuma smirked. "I got my ways… you guys want in on this?"
They exchanged looks. "We got to talk it over with Rob." Cannibal said.
Yuuma nodded but paused. "You got a good singing voice, you know that?"
"Yeah, but it's not what the band was looking for. I am more than happy on guitar to say the least…" said Cannibal
"That and violin!" snickered Fester.
"Shut it!"
Yuuma paused. "Really?" he asked with great sincerity.
Cannibal was taken aback, however he sighed and nodded. "How I got into music in the first place… my parents insisted…" he muttered the last part. "I still play it, part of the agreement I had with my mom and dad. As long as I still practice the violin, I can still be in the band."
"Not a bad trade off to say the least. But still, great talent to have no less." Yuuma paused as he began to think something over. "We can really turn this challenge against him… Let's meet up with the other bands and see who is interested and go from there. I can promise you, we will pass this challenge if you want to cooperate with us." Yuuma vowed.
They appeared interested, after all, they sounded great together. Perhaps another team up isn't out of the question.
#
The meeting was called up then and there.
All those who are part of the contest decided to meet at the venue where Amai Mask wants them to perform. Yuuma took control of the talks as he explained to the others that this challenge is doable, however they need to work together. "You got nothing!" protested one member from the band S Class Rockers. "You are just here to fish out ideas from the rest of us!"
"They have a plan!" snapped Rob. "Look, I didn't trust them either, however with the last challenge that we did, I know this is doable! Give them a chance,"
"Tch, whatever!"
"Look, this is a group effort. However, this all hinges on you…" Yuuma said as he turned to the orchestra band, Overture. "This will be your choice, after all, you are going to be the main pillar of this challenge. Will you work with us?" he asked.
They huddled up and whispered among themselves, yet the conductor spoke when the consensus was reached. "It will depend on the song you wish to do. If it is doable after all… We have to combine not only OUR music, but that of your kind… it's a little too broodish if you ask me."
"Fair enough," said Jason. "But it doesn't mean it isn't impossible."
"But we have to split this up properly, you can't possibly do that! In fact, you are going to hog all the glory in this aren't you? Since it's YOUR idea!" protested one of the four pop bands.
The group, Sweet Sixteen agreed. "We want a led part in it!" said their head singer. She appeared rather brash and arrogant, yet got away with her attitude due to her cute and spunky look.
"What's your range?" asked Akira.
"My what?" she demanded.
"Your range, how far can you project your voice? What notes can you hit? How high? The song we have has opera like elements, you need to hit those notes."
She blew it off. "It's not that big of a deal!" she protested.
"Prove it," said Luna. "You and me, let's see what you got"
She appeared rather offended. "YOU! You can't possibly sing better than me!"
"I would like to hear this too," said Rob.
"I as well, if our music is to be used, I wish to know those who are contributing are going to be the ones to show how perfect it is" said the conductor of Overture.
"Whatever, the name is Shimmer!" she said.
"Whinny, you can go first,"
Shimmer smirked as she began to sing, her voice wasn't perfect to say the least, the notes were flat as she even stopped herself from hitting the high C. She couldn't even go that high with her voice. "It's not like a wolf could do better!" Shimmer announced.
Luna however had her turn, she took the part from the fifth element opera song, where the high note was to be hit, yet also showed off the build towards it. She did it all without a microphone, and her voice traveled to the back of the auditorium! When she finished, there was a sour look on Shimmer. "I'm going to use our pass on this" she announced.
"Us too," said the other three pop bands.
They were quick to leave as Yuuma took the floor once more. "You guys in?" he asked.
"Let's see the music and how well it combines with… metal," the conductor said reluctantly.
Yuuma passed out the music, they read it over and appeared rather surprised to it. "There… is harmony in this," said the conductor, but he paused. "Wait a moment, this has to be evened out doesn't it? What will…"
"You have a choir correct?" asked Yuuma. The conductor nodded. "Beta, Artic, Timber and I will be part of the choir."
The Zombies froze. "Wait, you're letting us…"
"That's your specialty, we can play that, sure, but it wouldn't even out the workload. Whinny and Howlin will be singing the main vocals… however, I suggest we let Cannibal sing the male lead in this, he has the right tone as well can fulfill the other part of the challenge with a hidden talent." Explained Yuuma.
There were stunned looks. "You really aren't here to take out other bands are you?" the conductor asked.
"Why would I?" Yuuma demanded. "I look at it this way, if I purposely tried to take out the other bands, it would only show how weak mine is… we're not. We got talent and skills, but we want that to shine against those who are just as talented and skilled as we are. Besides, how can you know if you need to improve if you don't have someone to compare to and a goal to reach for?"
There was silence once more. Cannibal snickered aloud. "I am already sold when you suggested we worked together," he laughed.
"Good, how about we meet here tomorrow and practice, let's make this perfect and knock Amai Mask down a peg or two!"
"YEAH!" everyone cheered.
