I'm Free, But Now What? Chapter 9: My Own Stupidity Put Your Dream At Risk, a pokémon fanfic

Allow me to open this up with "obligatory Friday the thirteenth greeting". Now that that's out of the way, shall we continue?

*A quick note, for this chapter, along with all other chapters that resemble this one, in this story, along with other stories, I will put a link to a playlist with all of the songs on my profile, in a specific section.

My Own Stupidity Just Put Your Dream At Risk

"C'mon, are you sure you don't want to come?" Jessica was asking me, as she absentmindedly ran her fingers through her orange and died black fur.

"I'm positive." I said, as Kyle and Adam came down the stairs.

Adam was wearing a long black cloak, going down to just above the bottom of his feet, and Kyle wearing his normal garb, but with some added dye in his fur, making long, winding red tattoos going up his arms, meeting on his face, which was covered with a plain white mask.

"Alright, I guess." She responded. "I'm not going to force you to come."

"Trust me," I said, "I would love to go and see you guys play; I'm just not too good in a crowd."

"Don't worry," she replied, "it's alright."

Ashtynn poked her head in from outside, small fake devil horns first, and said, "Hey, we gotta go."

Jessica looked at her and said, "Alright. Bye Riku."

"Bye." I replied. "Good luck."

She nodded, and they all started for the door. As their instruments we already at the school, they didn't need to carry them. As they left, I waved goodbye to them. As the door closed, I let out a small sigh, and Ashley came into the room.

"So, remind me please," she said, "why exactly aren't you going with them?"

I shrugged, and said, "I just don't want to. I mean, you know that I'm not good with being social, and that's a dance, for fucks sake."

"C'mon," she said, "Jessica seemed like she really wanted you to go."

"Well, I apologize, but I just didn't want to." I said.

"They could use the emotional support." Ashley persisted.

"They have Valerie, Alex, and Leo." I replied.

Ashley growled, before tackling me, catching me off guard.

"What the hell?" I asked, as I hit the ground.

"You are going." She said, getting in my face. "They want you to, so I am forcing you to."

Quickly thinking of another excuse, I said, "Well, I don't exactly have a costume."

Ashley just grinned, before saying, "You just leave that to me."

Fifteen minutes later, I was standing in front of the door mirror in my bathroom, in my 'costume'. I was wearing my usual clothing of a plain black t-shirt and black jeans, but Ashley had made some additions. I was now wearing leather spike bracelets, with two single rows on my left arm and a triple row on my right. I had white face paint on, going around my eyes, trailing back to my temples in a point, and my finger nails were painted completely black.

"I guess this works." I said, looking at my reflection.

"Well, it's the best I could do on such short notice." Ashley said, from my bed. "Now, get going."

"What do you mean?" I asked, turning to face her. "You're coming with me."

"What?" She asked, shocked. "No. It's not like I can, anyway. The school doesn't allow Pokemon to enter."

"Don't care." I said. "I'll sneak you in. All I know, is that if I have to go, then you do, as well."

She looked like she wanted to argue again, but she just sighed, and said, "Fine, I'll go."

"That's what I thought." I said, heading to the door of my room. I opened it, and said, "Now, after you."

She left the room, and I followed. We went down the stairs and left the house. We started walking to the school, trying to hurry.

"Y'know, it really sucks that Maxwell had to go out of town again." I said.

"Yeah," Ashley agreed, "I bet that Jessica would have liked to get some words of support from him before they left."

"Well, now they'll have us as support, though." I said, as we arrived at the school.

I entered the building, and went into the cafeteria, where I knew that they would have the dance. I was shocked to see that the whole room was transformed. The normal lunch tables had been removed and put into some other rooms, with a few normal tables being used to hold drinks and food, scattered throughout the room. The lights were turned extremely low, to where they were almost off. Looking around, I saw fake Zubats and cobwebs on the roof and walls. At the far wall, a large stage had been set up, with the black shapes of speakers, Kyle's drums, and a microphone stand sticking out in the darkness, and curtains coming off of it, connecting to the walls on either side of it. I could tell that the stage was pushed away from the wall multiple feet, presumably to keep all of the equipment hidden, as well. Ashley and I slowly made our way over to the stage, and, looking around, I saw that all eyes were trained onto it.

"Wow," I commented, "they must really want to see them play."

"Yeah, I guess." I said. "But, if they're focusing on the stage that much, they probably should be playing already. I wonder what's up."

When we reached the stage, we snuck around to the curtains, before sneaking through. When we entered, we saw Ashtynn, Adam, Kyle, and Jessica by the back of the stage, their instruments next to them, with Adam pacing constantly.

I went over to them, and said, "What's up?"

They turned to look at me, and Jessica said, "Oh, you decided to come."

"Yeah, Ashley here persuaded me." I said, motioning to her. "But, more importantly, shouldn't you guys be playing by now?"

"Technically, yes." Ashtynn responded.

"Then what's up?" I asked.

Adam growled, before answering, "It's fucking Lee and Michael."

"What did they do?" I asked, shocked by his response.

"It's what the assholes didn't do that's pissing me off." He replied. "Neither of them are here. I called them multiple times, and they aren't answering. They're fucking hanging up as soon as they see that it's me."

"What are you guys going to do?" Ashley asked.

Kyle sighed, before saying, "There isn't really anything that we can do. I mean, if just Lee wasn't here then we could just have Adam do the vocals-"

"Not really." Adam interjected. "I haven't memorized the lead vocals for all of the songs, so that wouldn't work."

"Well," Kyle continued, "and we'd absolutely need Michael. I mean, technically Adam could cover lead guitar, while Ashtynn could take over the rhythm guitar, as she can play some-"

"But, once again," Ashtynn interjected, "we have another case of not knowing the parts. We sort of expected everyone to be here, so this sort of ruins it."

"So, now we're stuck." Kyle said.

"I mean," Jessica added, "where the hell could we find another guitarist and a singer that knows these parts, on such short notice."

At this, I felt a small pang of guilt. I knew what songs they're going to play, and I could cover them perfectly, I just didn't want to. I looked down, and saw Ashley staring up at me, a pleading look in her eyes. I quickly averted my gaze, as her look made me feel even guiltier, but I turned to face the others. I saw their hung heads, and the downcast look in Jessica's eyes. I sighed, knowing that I had just caved. I nervously raised my hand.

Ashtynn noticed me, and said, "Wait, do you know someone, Riku?" I nodded, and she said, "Really? Who?"

"Well, um, me." I said, nervously.

"Seriously?" Adam asked, shocked. "What role?"

"Well, both." I said, shyly.

"Can you really?" Kyle said. "And why are we just now hearing about this?"

"I just never mentioned it." I said, shrugging. "Besides, I don't really have an instrument."

"Don't worry about it," Adam said, going over to a guitar case, "I've got one you can use."

He opened it and pulled out a black guitar, with one long white stripe going up its length, and another stripe coming up from the bottom corner, near where the neck starts, going up and connecting with the long stripe. In the other bottom corner, there was a white 'S' and a white 'U'

"Why do you have this?" I asked him, as he came back over.

"I always keep extras around." He said, holding the instrument out to me. "So, will you take over their spots?"

I was reluctant, to say the least. I looked around at the others, and saw the pleading looks on all of their faces. I sighed, before accepting the guitar.

"Alright, I'll do it." I said.

"Yes!" Jessica cheered, jumping up from the box that she was sitting on.

"But," I quickly said, "I don't know what songs you guys are playing."

"Here." Adam said, handing me a piece of paper.

I looked at it and saw that I knew every song on it.

"Alright," I said, returning the paper to Adam, "luckily for you guys, I know all of the songs on this, so we're good."

"Alright, let's go." Ashtynn said, grabbing her instrument.

As I put the guitar strap on, we started out through the curtains, entering onto the stage. As I came up to the microphone, I could see all eyes focusing on me. Suddenly, spotlights came on, shining onto all of us, blinding me. I blinked a few times, as spots appeared in my vision. I just stood there, frozen, as the crowds eyes stared on. After a few seconds, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Adam next to me, worry in his eyes.

"Hey man, you alright?" He whispered.

"Yeah," I whispered back, "just some minor stage fright. Here, you introduce us, and then I'll start up the first song."

He nodded, and stepped up to the microphone.

"Alright. " He began. "We apologize for the minor technical difficulties at the beginning, but we are here to play. Anyway, we are Sudden Obsession, and we are here to entertain you guys. Now, let's get this shit started."

He stepped back from the microphone, allowing me to take his place. I took a deep breath, before beginning to play Bleed It Out by Linkin Park.

Yeah here we go for the hundredth time
Hand grenade pins in every line

Throw 'em up and let something shine
Going out of my fucking mind

Filthy mouth, no excuse
Find a new place to hang this noose

String me up from atop these roofs
Knot it tight so I won't get loose

Truth is you can stop and stare
Run myself out and no one cares

Dug the trench out laid down there
With a shovel up out of reach somewhere

Yeah, someone pour it in
Make it a dirt dance floor again

Say your prayers and stomp it out
When they bring that chorus in

I bleed it out digging deeper
Just to throw it away

Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away

I bleed it out

Go stop the show
Choppy words and a sloppy flow

Shotgun opera lock and load
Cock it back and then watch it go

Mama help me I've been cursed
Death is rolling in every verse

Candy paint on his brand new hearse
Can't contain him he knows he works

Fuck this hurts, I won't lie
Doesn't matter how hard I try

Half the words don't mean a thing
And I know that I won't be satisfied

So why try ignoring him
Make it a dirt dance floor again

Say your prayers and stomp it out
When they bring that chorus in

I bleed it out digging deeper
Just to throw it away

Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away

I bleed it out

I've opened up these scars
I'll make you face this

I've pulled myself so far
I'll make you, face, this, now!

I bleed it out digging deeper
Just to throw it away

I bleed it out digging deeper
Just to throw it away

Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away

I bleed it out digging deeper
Just to throw it away

Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away

I bleed it out
I bleed it out
I bleed it out

I took another deep breath as we finished the first song, and the crowd exploded in laughter. I was legitimately shocked that I was able to play the song so well, as it had been months since I even touched a guitar. I looked around at the others and saw that a mixture of shock and awe was plastered on their faces, and I could only imagine that mine followed suit. Adam nodded at me, mouthing out, "Next song?" I nodded in response, getting ready for the next track. I started up Straight Jacket Supermodel by Eve to Adam.

I've got a plan. I know the game.
I cross the line and things will never be the same.
It's gotta be right, it's gotta be clean.
I gotta cover all the spaces in between.
Because I want to be someone (someone you want to be like),
one of a kind (just do it if it feels right),
Fucking contagious (living in the limelight),
out of my mind...

Cuz I am the all original, so hated that it's criminal,
My fame is on the throttle, straitjacket supermodel.
Sideways on the level, tap dancing with the devil,
I'm bringing down the gospel, straitjacket supermodel.

So can you be trusted?, can you be told?,
Can you just shut your mouth and never tell a soul?,
Because if you want to be someone, (someone you want to be like),
one of a kind (just do it if it feels right),
Fucking contagious (living in the limelight),
Out of my mind...

(just do it if it feels right)
(living in the limelight)
(do it if it feels right)
Straightjacket supermodel.
(someone you want to be like, just do it if it feels right)
(living in the limelight).
I'm out of my mind.

Straitjacket supermodel.
Straitjacket supermodel.
Straitjacket supermodel.
Straitjacket supermodel.

I looked back at the others, making sure that they were ready to continue. Adam moved up to stand next to me, as he was covering the chorus.

"Damn, dude," he whispered as the crowd cheered, "you should have told us that you are this fucking good. We never would have bothered with those assholes to begin with."

I just shrugged, and responded with, "Well, now you know."

"Yeah, and it's fucking awesome." He said. "Now, you ready?"

"Let's go." I replied, before beginning Dead Bite by Hollywood Undead.

Goodnight, sleep tight
Don't let the dead bite

Johnny 3, and he's dipping in the four door
44 and it's pointing at your window
Ain't a good shot, here come four more
Getting hot, so I play in the snow
In a town made wicked, made from these wicked things
See the dead on the cover of a magazine
See my smile, it was born from amphetamines
Better duck, 'cause it's war on my enemies

Oh, God, think I lost it oh no
Lost some and wanna watch the rest go
A mad man when I'm mixed with Soco
Who would've thought a man could sink to so low
Now, who wants to die from the Mossberg shotty?
Putting holes in the hotel lobby!
All you fake bitches are just another hobby
And I'll let you dig, where I dump your body

What would you do if I told you I hate you?
What would you do if your life's on the line?
What would you say if I told you I hate you?
I've got something that'll blow your mind, mind

You know I got a grenade, and it's got your name on it
I'ma spit on your grave and engrave a dick on it
People say I'm insane and to put the brakes on it
Let me buy you a drink, how 'bout a roofy, gin and tonic?

Yeah, Charlie Scene seems to be so hated
It's just me being intoxicated
'Cause being sober's so overrated
Hollywood Undead, what have you created?

I know that we have never really met before
But, tell me, does this rag smell like chloroform?
You know that I'm the reason people lock their doors
But, I got nothing but time, so, I'ma wait on the porch
You got nowhere to run too, so, don't try hiding
'Cause I'm known to be like Jack Nicholson from The Shining

Yeah, I'm breaking your door down, so, don't try fighting
Yeah, you gotta keep 'em fed, or the dead keep biting

What would you do if I told you I hate you?
What would you do if your life's on the line?
What would you say if I told you I hate you?
I've got something that'll blow your mind, mind

Goodnight, sleep tight
Don't let the dead bite
Wrap a rope around your head and watch you as you take flight

You better check twice, look under your bed
Turn on your nightlight, cover up your head
'Cause we do exist, and there's no need to pretend
That you're not afraid of meeting the Undead
Red, red rum, when you look into these eyes
Say goodnight, 'cause it's almost your bedtime
Buckle up, 'cause it's time to fly
You got a first-class ticket to Colombian Neckties
Take a seat, you could sit in the front row
The voice in your head is just me in your headphones
Everybody knows that we're the devil's heroes
Come and get a ticket, follow me to the creep show

What would you do if I told you I hate you?
What would you do if your life's on the line?
What would you say if I told you I hate you?
I've got something that'll blow your mind, mind

Goodnight, sleep tight
Don't let the dead bite
Wrap a rope around your head and watch you as you take flight
Goodnight, sleep tight
Don't let the dead bite
Wrap a rope around your head and watch you as you take flight

"Holy shit." Adam gasped out, moving his mouth away from the microphone. "That was fucking fun."

"You better not be thinking about stealing my job, kid." I joked.

He laughed, before saying, "No, I think I'll stick with what I have. I do prefer it."

"So, how many songs left?" I asked, unable to remember.

"We have another one after this," he replied, "and then I think that we were going to take a short break before the last one."

"Sounds good." I said, as he stepped away from the microphone.

As he got back in place, I began playing Dead Walker Texas Ranger by Sleeping With Sirens.

A taste for blood
Won't hold them back
With nails that cut like razors
Hungry for flesh
See the undead hot on our trails they chase us
We need a place
Somewhere to hide
Where they won't think to go inside
Watch as your darkest fears return to life (your sins will find you out)

Don't bother sleeping without one eye open wide
There are creatures in the night to haunt you
Their arms are reaching out to hold you tight
Your demons come alive to chase you
(ba dada dada da da da da da, dadda da da dadda da da)

Nowhere to run they're closing in on us
I can see the faces in the windows staring in at us

Don't bother sleeping without one eye open wide

There are creatures in the night to haunt you
Their arms are reaching out to hold you tight
Your demons come alive to chase you

(Jesse, you take the front door.
Justin and Jack, you take the back,
If anything comes in,
You put a bullet in their fucking brains!
We're coming out of this alive,
We won't become like them.
We're leaving here tonight.
We're leaving alive!)

There's no way to stop
What has been done
You felt the bite now you'll be one
Don't tell your friends what you've become

You're not the same
Cause I can see it in your eyes
I can see it on your face
You're hoping for a taste

Do you feel your blood starting to boil within your skin?

Do you feel your stomach turning?
You know that it's the end!

This is the end

(no turning back now you're under its spell)
(we have no choice, but to send your body back to hell)

Don't bother sleeping without one eye open wide
There are creatures in the night to haunt you
Their arms are reaching out to hold you tight
Your demons come alive to chase you

Here they come!
There's nowhere left to run

Fuck!

I finished up the song, stepping away from the microphone, as the crowd began cheering. I felt a hand on my shoulder as Adam came up to me.

I stepped back up to the microphone, before saying, "Alright guys, we're going to take a short break, before going into the finale. So, just wait a few minutes, and we'll be back."

Adam motioned towards me, and we set our instruments down, before going backstage, to meet the others. When I got back there, Jessica immediately wrapped me in a hug.

"Holy shit, you are fucking awesome." She said, squeezing me tighter.

"Um, thanks." I responded.

"Alright, let the kid breathe." Kyle said, removing her arms. Looking at me, he said, "Seriously though, fucking badass."

"Yeah," Ashtynn agreed, "I mean, why didn't this ever come up? I mean, had you told us that you're this damn good, we never would have bothered with those assholes."

I just shrugged, and said, "I just didn't. And besides, I'm not that good."

"Yeah, you sort of fucking are." Adam said, patting me on the back. "You kick ass."

"If you say so." I said, shrugging again.

"Arceus, this is so awesome." Jessica said, bouncing on her feet. "I mean, I never thought that Sudden Obsession would ever actually exist, let alone actually be liked." She pulled us all into a hug, almost knocking Adam and I off of our feet, and said, "I love you guys so much. You're all awesome."

After a few moments, she released us, a grin plastered to her face.

Ashtynn laughed, before saying, "Anyway, I'm going to go and grab something to drink real quick. Anyone want to join me?"

"Sure." Adam said.

"Yeah, I'm slightly thirsty." Jessica replied.

The three of them left through the curtains, leaving Kyle and I alone. We both sat down on some boxes.

"So," I started, "what's with Jessica?"

"What do you mean?" Kyle asked.

"Y'know," I explained, "she was extremely sad about Lee and Michael, but now she's just ecstatic as hell. What's got her so crazy about tonight?"

"Well," he replied, "it's just the whole being in a band thing. I mean, ever since she was a kid, she's always wanted to be in a famous band. And, while we aren't quite famous, and I don't know if we will be, she just loves the thought of being in a band that people like. It's pretty much her life goal, really."

"Damn." I said. "Had I known that this meant so much to her, I would have volunteered to join back when you guys decided to try again."

He shrugged, saying, "Don't worry about it, man. What matters is that you're here now, and you're helping her do what she loves."

At this, I smiled, and said, "Yeah, I guess that you're right."

I saw the curtains move behind Kyle, and Adam, Ashtynn, and Jessica came back in.

"Damn, dude," Adam said, sitting down next to me, "they fucking love us."

"That's probably an understatement." Ashtynn commented. "I mean, when people start filming your performance on their phones and want to take pictures with you, you may have passed up 'love',"

"Why are they freaking out so much?" I inquired. "I'm not saying that we're bad, but we are just a cover band."

"Well, that's partially the reason." Adam explained. "The people of this town love music, and they fucking adore cover bands. I'm honestly surprised that you haven't discovered that by now."

I just shrugged, and said, "Well, I don't really pay too much attention to random people."

"I can't exactly say that I blame you." Kyle said. "So, you guys ready?"

We all nodded, before rising from our seats. We went back onto the stage, to be greeted by tumultuous cheers. We grabbed our instruments and I looked out into the crowd. Suddenly, I got an idea. Signaling for the others to meet at Kyle's drums, I quickly perfected the plan.

"What's up?" Kyle asked me, as we all grouped together.

"Listen, do we have control over the lights in this room?" I asked.

"Well, we can have this room plunged into total blackness, if that's what you mean." Ashtynn replied. "Why?"

Instead of replying, I merely said, "Alright, can we get that done?"

"Yeah, I'll do it." Adam said, before disappearing backstage.

After a few seconds, we were plunged into total blackness, eliciting confused sounds from the crowd. I heard more than saw Adam return to us.

"Alright, good." I said. "So, I assume that we have a tape or something to do the intro to this song, right?"

"Yeah," Jessica replied, "I have the remote to start it in my pocket. Now, will you explain what you're doing?"

"Just wait and see." I replied. "Now, I need everyone to follow my lead. When we get back to our positions and you start the tape, everyone face the ground."

"Okay, then." She replied, confusion laced through her voice.

Before there could be any more questions, I went back to my spot. Holy shit, I hope I know what I'm doing. I've never done something this big, so I hope that it works. After a few seconds, I heard the intro to Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold begin playing. As the tape of the piano played, I took a deep breath, preparing myself. Concentrating, I channeled my aura, until a blue outline appeared around myself and Adam, who was a few feet to the left of me, causing a few gasps of shock throughout the crowd. I glanced over and saw him looking down, eyes wide. He looked over to me, and I just grinned. As the intro continued, I followed myself and Adam up with the girls, eliciting more gasps. Finally, just before we joined in and the tape stopped, I outlined Kyle, all the way in the back. Looking out, via Aura Sight, I could see both shocked and curious emotions populating the crowd. As we started up playing our instruments, I removed our outlines, instead combining them all into a large ball that hovered just above the heads of the crowd. I saw a few people reach up to touch it, only to find that it was completely permeable. I took a breath, stepping up to the microphone.

Nightmare!
(Now your nightmare comes to life)

Dragged ya down below
Down to the devil's show
To be his guest forever
(Peace of mind is less than never)
Hate to twist your mind
But God ain't on your side
And old acquaintance severed
(Burn the world your last endeavor)

Flesh is burning
You can smell it in the air
Cause men like you have
Such an easy soul to steal (steal)
So stand in line while
They ink numbers in your head
You're now a slave
Until the end of time here
Nothing stops the madness,
Turning, haunting, yearning
Pull the trigger

You should have known
The price of evil
And it hurts to know
That you belong here, yeah
Ooh, it's your fuckin' nightmare

(While your nightmare comes to life)

As I finished the line, the blue ball dissipated, only to be replaced by two cloaked reapers, which appeared at my side. Gasps of shock filled the room, as they raised their heads, looking out into the crowd, their face being nothing more than a blank blackness with glowing eyes. As I started up the next part, they took flight from the stage, and began circling the audience.

Can't wake up in sweat
'Cause it ain't over yet
Still dancing with your demons
(Victim of your own creation)
Beyond the will to fight
Where all that's wrong is right
Where hate don't need a reason
(Loathing self-assassination)

You've been lied to
Just to rape you of your sight
And now they have the nerve
To tell you how to feel (feel)
So sedated as they
Medicate your brain
And while you slowly
Go insane they tell ya
"Given with the best intentions
Help you with your complications"

You should have known
The price of evil
And it hurts to know
That you belong here, yeah
No one to call
Everybody to fear
Your tragic fate is looking so clear, yeah
Ooh, it's your fuckin' nightmare

Now for the fun. Suddenly, the reapers swooped down on the crowd, causing screams of fright. The shrieks stopped, though, as the entities passed through everyone, merely dragging their scythes across the ground, leaving long blue slices in the floor. The cloaked figures continued flying around, as we played the next part. As the next set of vocals came up, I created another reaper, this one next to me. I took my guitar off, not missing a beat, and handed it to the reaper, who accepted it and began playing. I took the wireless microphone off of the stand, readying for the next part.

Fight (fight)
Not to fail (fail)
Not to fall (fall)
Or you'll end up like the others
Die (die)
Die again (die)
Drenched in sin (sin)
With no respect for another

Down (down)
Feel the fire (fire)
Feel the hate (hate)
Your pain is what we desire
Lost (lost)
Hit the wall (wall)
Watch you crawl (crawl)
Such a replaceable liar

And I know you hear their voices
Calling from above
And I know they may seem real
These signals of love
But our life's made up of choices
Some without appeal
They took for granted your soul
And it's ours now to steal

(As your nightmare comes to life)

As we finished the song, I returned to the reaper, retrieving my guitar. When the music ended, the crowd exploded in cheering and applause, and I slowly dissipated the reapers. Taking a small bow, I swung my guitar onto my back by the strap.

As the lights came on, I grabbed the microphone and said, "Alright guys, I apologize, but this appears to be the end of our performance. You guys have been fucking awesome, and we've enjoyed this greatly. Goodnight!"

We stepped off backstage to more cheering and applause.

"Holy fucking shit," Ashtynn said, when we were behind the curtains, "that was the most badass thing I have ever fucking seen. How did you do that?"

"I just channeled aura." I said, shrugging. "I mean, at first I didn't know if it would work, as I had never done anything that extravagant, but I have to say that I was impressed by the results."

"Yeah, you and everyone else." I heard a voice say behind me.

I turned around to see Leo, Alex, Valerie, and Ashley coming over to us.

"Granted, I can't quite blame them." Leo continued. "I mean, those were some awesome fucking special effects."

"I try to not disappoint." I said, taking a small bow.

"Well, trust me," Ashley said, "you didn't. I mean, they're blowing the fuck up out there."

"Trust me," Kyle said, "we can hear. Anyway, you guys ready to go home? I'm starting to get slightly hungry."

"Yeah, let's go." Jessica replied.

"Wait," I said, "how are your drums getting home?"

"The school said that they'll hold onto them until Maxwell can come and pick them up." Kyle explained.

I nodded, and we all left, going out onto the floor. As the curtains fell back into place behind us, there was even more cheering created in the room, and people started trying to swarm us. We sort of just fought our way to the door, amidst complements on our performance, along with a few surprised remarks about people not thinking that we could be so good. We eventually made it to the door, but I suddenly heard a slow clap behind us, followed by the crowd getting quiet.

Adam sighed, before saying, "Why am I almost positive that we can't trust a slow clap?"

We turned around to see a six man group, consisting of Archer, Andrew, Trinity, Lee, a guy with blue hair, and, to my surprise, Lee and Michael. Looking around, I saw that the crowd had parted, leaving a large circle around all of us.

I sighed, before saying, "Yes, Archer?"

"What?" He replied. "Can a guy not congratulate a band on tricking people into believing that they were good by using special effects without wanting something?"

Kyle glared at him and growled lightly, saying, "Shut the hell up, Archer. Now, what do you want?"

Lee chuckled, before saying, "Aww, is the wittle fox getting angry?"

"Shut the fuck up, you traitorous cunt." Adam retaliated, moving to stand next to me and Kyle. "And, besides, what the hell are you doing with these fucks, anyways?"

"These fucks," Michael intervened, "are our friends, and our band members, you stupid freak."

"What?" Jessica asked, shocked.

"That's right." Archer said, smiling. "They're part of our band now, you little fucks."

"Oh, and what band would that be?" Adam asked.

"Nemesis." Andrew replied, smirking. "And we're twice the band you punks could ever be."

"Oh, I highly fucking doubt that." Ashtynn retorted.

"Really?" Archer questioned. "Then, I assume that you guys would happily have a battle, correct?" He got in my face and said, "Or should I be asking you, as you appear to be the leader of your ragtag group of fuck ups and social freaks."

I looked at the others for support, but their looks told me that he seemed to be right. I had been made the leader, without any discussion, and it was my choice to make.

"I see no reason to do so." I said, calmly. "It seems like a waste of time." Turning to the others, I said, "C'mon, let's go."

Adam looked like he wanted to protest, but he followed me to the door anyway. As we neared it, I heard Archer break into laughter.

"See, that's what I thought." He said. "The little fuck doesn't want to take part in a fight that he knows he'll lose." He laughed some more, before saying , "Yeah, run on home, freakboy."

At this, I froze. I could feel my pulse begin to rise, and I clenched my fists until my nails caused my palms to bleed. I spun around, my anger rising.

"What the hell did you just call me?" I growled out.

Archer laughed, before saying, "It seems that I've struck a chord in the little fucker." He came up to me and got in my face, and said, "What's wrong, freakboy? You don't like being called what you truly are, freakboy?"

In my mind, I knew that it was Archer insulting me, calling me that name, but all I saw and heard was Hades, cackling as he watched me slave away for a fat slob, calling me that name the whole time. Without thinking, I coated my hand in an Iron Claw and rested it against his stomach, causing gasps of shock from everyone close enough to see it, including my friends. Archer let out his own gasp of shock, and I felt him tense up.

"If you want a fight, you insignificant fuck," I said, leaning down slightly to where I was face to face with him, "then you fucking have one. One month from now, November thirtieth. Losers never pick up an instrument again."

Archer smirked at me, and said, "Challenge accepted."

I removed the Iron Claw and whipped around, before leaving the room, without another word. I left the school and began blindly walking, anger and rage coursing through my veins. I found myself somewhere in the woods near the school, but where in them, I didn't know, nor did I care. Letting my anger take control of me, I coated my right hand in an Iron Claw, while I charged an Aura Sphere in my left. I lashed out with my claw randomly, and I felt it connect with a tree next to me, and I let the Aura Sphere loose, and it flew out until it hit a tree a foot or so in front of me, exploding on impact. As the attack made contact and exploded, bark flew everywhere, including at me, and when the smoke cleared the tree was on its side, on the ground. I looked over to see that my claw had dug long gashes into the wood.

"Riku." I heard a voice say behind me.

I turned around to see Jessica, a mixture of fear and worry in her eyes. At this sight, I got rid of the metal coating my hand.

"Hey." I said.

"Hey." She replied, walking closer to me. "So, what was that about?"

I sighed deeply, before dropping to the ground, head in my hands.

"Listen, I'm sorry." I said. "I'm sorry for losing my shit and stalking off. I'm sorry for getting drawn into Archer's trap and putting out whole band on the line. And I'm unbelievably sorry for putting your dream on the line."

I felt my head being lifted up, until I was eye to eye with Jessica, who was kneeling in front of me.

"There isn't anything to be sorry about." She said. "It's alright, trust me."

"But what about your dream of being in a famous band?" I asked. "I mean, my own stupidity just put that at risk."

"Listen to me." She said. "That doesn't matter. What matters is that we're all worried about you. I mean, you sort of just bailed back there."

I sighed, and said, "I'm sorry about that. It's just that fucking name that Archer kept calling me."

"What, freakboy?" She asked me. I flinched slightly and tensed up, and she said, "Sorry."

"It's fine." I said. "It's just that I have some bad memories with that name."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Jessica asked me.

"No, I'd prefer not to." I replied.

"Alright." She responded. "Are you going to come back now?"

I sighed, and said, "No, I think that I'll stay in here for a little bit. Give myself some time to calm down."

"Do you want me to stay with you?" She asked me.

"If you want." I replied. "I wouldn't want to impede any celebrations that you have planned with the others."

"Don't worry," she said, sitting down next to me, "it's no trouble."

After a few minutes, I subconsciously felt my head drop down on Jessica's shoulder. I had expected her to push my head off, or request that I move it, but I was surprised when I felt her reach over and run her hand through my fur, petting me slightly. I don't know how long we were there, in the small clearing, but when I finally checked the time I saw that it was four in the morning. I looked over to see that Jessica was still sound asleep on the ground near me. She had fallen asleep an hour or so ago, and when she had, I had pulled the guitar off of my back and began absentmindedly playing it. Swinging the instrument back onto my back, I reached over to Jessica. I shook her lightly, attempting to wake her up, but to no avail. Sighing, I decided to just let her sleep, and I rose from the ground. I bent down to the sleeping Flareon at my feet and slid my hands under her, one under her back and the other at the bend in her legs, careful not to disturb her. I slowly lifted her, before starting back through the trees. I eventually came to the school, which was now empty and dark. I skirted the perimeter and began walking home. On the way, I passed very few people, but the ones that I did see gave me either questioning or curious looks, due to the sleeping Jessica in my arms. When I finally got home, the sun was just beginning to rise above the trees. I entered the house, closing the door with my foot silently. I went upstairs, before entering Jessica's room. I had never been in here before. It was similar to mine, of course, but also had some personal touches. There were posters of different rock bands on the wall, with a few EDM artists scattered in them, as well. I gently sat Jessica down on the bed. Thinking it to be best, I removed her shoes and put her under the blanket, before closing the curtains against the rising sun before I left. I silently closed her door before starting back downstairs.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I was greeted with "There you two are."

I turned towards the living room to see Adam standing there.

"Oh, hey." I greeted.

"Hey." He returned.

"Listen," I said, "I'm sorry about bailing on you guys. I just-"

I was stopped as he put his hand up, saying, "I don't care. That doesn't matter; all that matters is that you guys are back. And, besides, I've learned to not question things involving you."

I nodded, before remembering that I still had Adam's guitar. I took it off, before holding it out to him.

"No man, keep it." He said, refusing the instrument. "You play it better than me, and, besides, I've got more at home." I nodded, and he added, "That, and, you'll need it in a month to teach Archer his place."

I just smiled, before saying, "Right. Thanks."

"No problem, dude." He replied.

I yawned loudly, before saying, "Anyway, I should probably be getting to bed."

He nodded, before saying, "Yeah. And don't worry about breakfast, I'll force Kyle to make it."

I chuckled, before saying, "Night, man."

"Well, really it's morning, but I'll allow it." He replied, causing us both to laugh. "But, yeah, night dude."

I nodded, before heading upstairs. I opened my door to see that Ashley was asleep at the foot of my bed. I took of my boots and slipped under the blanket, too tired to even shower.

Interesting ending, isn't it? That pesky little mutt Hades just has to pop up, doesn't he? Well, we'll see how Riku copes with this, shall we? And, for the record, no, I did not plan for the context of this chapter and what today is to align. That is pure luck. I had actually meant to put this up yesterday or the day before, but we had a large storm tear through where I live, so I didn't have power for a fair amount of Wednesday. Yeah, it sucked. Anyway, good bye.