Chapter 25: Working on the Setlist.
John's POVNot long after we had gotten back from our lunch with my family, we went back to the barracks to relax and hang out. Mei Ling had decided to come along with us so that she could begin giving singing lessons to Crane. I on the other hand decided to begin coming up with song ideas for each member to sing onstage with us.
I made sure that these were songs that fit their individual voices properly, so that they don't risk blowing out their vocal chords. As I went over the music on my laptop, the first of the five knocked on my door.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
"Come in."
It was Monkey.
"Hey John, you busy?" He asked me.
"No come on in. I'm just going through my music so that I can get song ideas. Since you're here, wanna go through it with me so we can choose your song?"
"That's why I was coming to see you."
"Oh, well in that case have a seat."
He sat on my bed.
"So, what type of song did you have in mind?" I asked him.
"Well, since I really loved seeing how the crowd went completely bananas on that fast song your band played the day you got picked. I thought about maybe having a song like that to perform so I can see that happen again."
I chuckled.
"You really liked the Wall of Death didn't you?"
"How could I not. Just seeing the crowd split in two and then once the signal was given, they just charged at each other. So yeah, if I could perform a song and have that happen then I would be so happy."
"Alrighty then. So a thrash song that can create a wall of death-" He then cut me off.
"If possible, no screaming."
"Don't worry, I have quite a few options without screaming."
I looked at my music library and searched for the 80's thrash metal songs I had that would fit Monkey's wants. First song I found was Fight Fire with Fire by Metallica.
"What do you think of this one?" I played the song for him.
He was first a bit confused with the acoustic intro until the main riff hit, then his eyes widened and stayed wide open all the way 'till the song's end.
"That's it! That's the one!" He said.
"I had a feeling you would like it. Vocal wise, it's easy to sing. Lyrics are easy to remember and with the calm intro, the crowd will be able to split down the middle and unleash that wall of death once the whole band comes in."
"Awesome. Thanks John for the help." He said leaving the room.
"No problem, and make sure to listen to the song with the lyrics so you can memorize them. That goes for everyone as well." I said to the rest of the five too since they were in their rooms.
A minute later, Mantis came in.
"So I hear you're helping us with song selections."
"Well if you want it, I'd be more than glad to help." I said.
He walked over and climbed onto my desk.
"Guess I'll get straight to the point. Like Crane, I too have never sung in my life. So, if possible can I have a song where it has a talking style of singing. If not then whatever, I'll just make a fool out of myself."
"Actually I do have those styles of songs. It's called rapping. However the style of rap I listen to is Rap Rock, and not much of it, but still I have a few options."
The only band in that genre I listen to is Rage Against the Machine, and only a few songs. But knowing how much these songs are well crafted, it shouldn't be too hard to get one that Mantis would like.
After going through them, Mantis eventually would select Bull on Parade. Being my favorite song of theirs, I agreed with his decision. Although if I'm being honest, any RATM song he would have chosen, I would still approve because they kick ass.
'Excellent. Two down, three to go.' I thought.
I was starting to feel not only really excited about this upcoming show, but I was also feeling touched by what these guys are doing. They are doing something that is completely different from what they normally do, and yet they are doing it for both the villagers, and for me. If someone would've told a month prior to all of this taking place that I would not only be performing on stage with each member of the Furious Five, but I would be doing so as the Dragon Warrior, I would simply call that a load of bullshit.
I was knocked out of my little day dream by another round of knocking at my door. It was Viper.
"I'm assuming you need help finding a song too Viper?" I asked.
"Read me like a book." She slithered onto the desk.
"For me, anything that can get the crowd to sing along is more than fine."
"Got plenty of those, that's for sure. Did you have any specific song in mind, since we've known each other now for five years."
She thought for a minute.
"There is this one song that I always enjoyed seeing you guys perform. It starts with the drums.'"
"Indians by Anthrax?" I asked.
"No not that one."
"Can you hum it?"
Within seconds of her humming it, I recognized it.
"Over the Mountain by Ozzy. Now that's a good choice."
"I had a feeling you would enjoy that one."
"Perfect. I'll add that one to the list. All that's left now is Crane and Tigress."
"Yeah I think you'll get their picks later on this evening. From what I heard, Crane is gonna be spending the rest of the afternoon with Mei and even go out for dinner tonight." She said.
I looked over with a shocked look.
"Like on a date dinner?"
"I think so. She did tell me what you told her back at her place. All I can say is about time too."
"Well good for both of them. Can't wait to hear how it went."
"Me too. As for Tigress, she's in the training hall as always."
"No problem. Besides, the show is Thursday night. They both have until Wednesday to either come see me and find something, or tell me what they would like to perform."
I then got a text notification. I looked and it was from Mei Ling.
"Speaking of Crane, Mei just texted me."
"What does she want?" Viper asked.
"Lemme check."
The message was as followed:
Hey John,Whilst I was with Crane, I helped him choose what song he wants to perform. He would like to have a duet where he sings the clean section of Avatar's Smells Like a Freakshow. He requests that you do the screaming sections for him.
I texted back.
No problem, I will be glad to help him out.
"Well, Crane has his song."
"Great. Now that just leaves Tigress. I will let you tend to that." Viper said leaving my room.
30 minutes later
After working more on the setlist with my sisters and Roman on the phone, I decided to go get me something to drink in the dining hall.
Right when I walked in, Tigress walked past me.
"Evening John."
"Hey Tigress. How was the workout?" I asked.
"Tough as usual. But I'm used to it"
"Yeah, I can see that." I pointed out the sweat dripping down her body.
A small moment of silence occured as I took a sip of water. I could tell what I said made us both blush. Had to admit, that was pretty awkward.
'Real smooth John. Real smooth.' I thought.
"Anyways, I was able to help the others choose their songs for the show. Mei Ling helped Crane out choosing his."
"I'm assuming that I'm the last one to choose?" She asked
"That's right. If you want, I can-"
"I already know what I want." She cut me off.
Taken aback by what she said, I wanted her to clarify.
"Uh...ok. What type of song do you want?"
"No. I meant the actual song. I made my choice."
"Oh. Alright, so what's the song you want?" I asked.
"Human by Hellyeah. It's a personal song for me lyric wise."
"Oh wow. Was not expecting that one."
"I may be hardcore but when I listen to music from time to time, I take time to pay attention to the lyrics of a song. That one in particular really hits me on a personal level."
"More of a lyric person?"
"Sometimes, but for the most part I just listen to the song to enjoy it."
"Same here. Well I guess that's everyone. Now to send the final song to the guys and we should be getting the finalized setlist by tomorrow." I said.
She nodded.
"Well, I'll leave you to your business then. Have a good evening Tigress."
"Thank you and to you too John."
I then went back to my room and practiced some of the songs on the guitar, since Roman is playing the drums for the show, before I decided to turn myself in for the night.
It did take a bit longer for me to fall asleep because I kept thinking about me and Tigress' relationship and how it changed from her despising me to now being a really good friend of mine
'I do have to admit, she's really beautiful and an amazing woman to be with. Maybe I may have just found the one. Maybe.' I thought before shutting my eyes and falling asleep.