CHAPTER 9: Showtime

Just a quick little thing I wanted to mention before continuing the story. Yes I will be going through the performance of John's band. However I will keep it brief so that it doesn't take up too much chapter room. With that, enjoy the chapter.

5 minutes until the show begins

JOHN'S POV

With 5 minutes to go, our intro song starts playing on the PA system. I decide now is the time to bring the boys in for a final huddle.

"Alright boys, bring it in." I said.

We all huddle up.

"This is it. The most important show of this band's existence. Now I know we performed in front of the villagers before, but today it's a bit different. We are in the Jade Palace, which means we are in the Furious 5's home. So no matter what happens, I want everyone to go out there and play this show not only like it's our last ever, but I want this crowd to be fired up for when the 5 come out after us. Lastly, yes we are 2 members short, so let's make sure that they can hear us back in Marshal. Now hands in the middle and 'Getcha pull' on three. 1 2 3-"

"GETCHA PULL." We all shout.

We then got into positions for where we would walk out. Roman then comes to me

"Need me to help with your vocal mic?" He asks me.

"That would be helpful, thanks." I replied.

"Hey, one for the road?" He offers me our signature handshake.

We then clench our fists and bump fists in a up, down and center configuration before then shouting

"HOORAH!"

I then stand behind the riser. Adrenaline pumping and blood flowing, my dream was about to become a reality.

Once the song on the PA finished, I rushed on to my drum throne, Lars Ulrich style, to pump the crowd up as the rest of the band walked on.

"Jade Palace! We are the Soldiers from Hell, and we are here...to KICK SOME ASS!" Humphrey yells into his microphone.

I hit my china cymbals 4 times and we dive into the first song.

Addicted to Pain by Alter Bridge

Oh man, the crowd was rowdy. We barely started the song and they were jumping. Hell, during the choruses, they were singing so loud that I could feel their voices going through my body.

After we finished the first song, Humphrey again addressed the crowd.

"Alright! Jade Palace how are you people doing?"

The crowd cries in approval.

"Awesome. As you all can see, we are missing two people. Kate and Lilly couldn't make it due to them coming back home from their tours of duty early this morning. However, they wanted us to carry on without them. So I want everyone here to sing as loud as they fucking can, so that they can hear you all back home. Can you do that?"

Again the crowd screams, but not loud enough for Humphrey.

"That wasn't good enough Jade Palace. I said 'CAN YOU DO THAT FOR ME?!'"

This time they got the message.

"Well, John?"

I then do my 4 count

THE END OF HEARTACHE BY KILLSWITCH ENGAGE.

VIPER'S POV

As the band was playing, I kept looking over to the others and their faces said it all. They really were enjoying this show. I couldn't help but smile because not only was I seeing my friends doing the thing they did best, but I was also happy to know that the rest of the five were enjoying this too.

"Man these guys are amazing." Monkey said.

"Yeah no kidding. Look at the crowd. They're digging this so much." Mantis added

"Oh just you wait until their fast song." Roman said.

"Why, is there something big that we should look forward to?" Crane asked

"Just watch the crowd after John starts the song and you will be shocked." I answered

Eventually, Humphrey gets the crowd ready. I smirked in anticipation for the guys' reaction.

"Jade Palace. This next song, we need you to do something for us. We need to split this crowd down the middle. And what I want you to do is very simple. When this shit kicks in, everyone on the left and everyone on the right, is to create the biggest wall of death we have ever seen. Are you with me?!" Humphrey said.

The crowd then split into 2. It ranged from the front all the way to the courtyard entrance. This was about to be insane.

"Now...John, kick it up a notch will ya?"

THIS IS THE END BY MACHINE HEAD (from the opening drum fill)

Crane's beak fully opened as John just destroyed those drums of his. Then once the band fully went loose, the ENTIRE crowd just ran into each other.

"HOLY SHIT!" Monkey screamed.

"Are you kidding me right now?!" Mantis added.

I turned to look at Tigress and even she was in shock. So I knew right there that they were giving everything they got and boy was it amazing to see.

JOHN'S POV

One hour and 8 songs later we finished off the set and oh my god that was a good one. The crowd was by far the best I have ever witnessed behind the kit.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, make some noise one more time for the Soldiers from Hell." Shifu came to the front of the stage to greet the crowd.

"Now, there will be a short 30 minute intermission before the beginning of the ceremony and tournament. So if you please vacate the main courtyard and go towards the bleachers, that way the workers will be able to set up the props for the show. Once again thank you for your attendance today and get ready for the Furious Five. Thank you." He continued on.

We then were able to vacate our stuff within 15 minutes, thanks to our simple setup and to my rolling drum riser. Then we too went towards our seating area, which for us was practically the front row of all the action.

Little did I realize that by the end of the day, my life was about to change forever.

Sorry for this being a rather short chapter.

As for any music related chapters, this should be the last main music based chapter for a little while. I will be focusing less on that topic and more on John with the next chapter going forward.

So stay tuned.