I'm Free, But Now What? Chapter 14: I Play Guitar and Make Screamy Sounds, a pokémon fanfic

Concert chapter is a go! Yep, we be here with a new chapter, and some moar muzix. Want me to stop typing like an idiot now? Yeah, I'm gonna stop that now. Anyway, yeah, we've got this shiny little chapter to have some fun with, and the playlist link is, as always, in my profile. So, now, reviews.

dna6123: What do you mean no one ever means to get drunk? My cousin gets drunk a fair amount, and he's only a few months older than I am... Actually, forget that I said that. He's not a good role model. Yeah, don't use a sixteen year old, pot smoking, alcohol drinking kid as a role model. You'll just fail.

Real Life Latias: Yeah, menus always gets me, as well. I always feel as if it should be spelled menues. Yeah, I'm not sure why, but the human mind is weird. To me, if I were reading this and not writing it, I would have thought that Riku would become a sociopath because of the sexual abuse. Granted, I watch way to much Law and Order: SVU, so that may influence my mind in this case. But, if you would like to read a story from me that has that sort of relationship, one of my other ones, Living a Life of Odd Luxury, does include one. So, y'know, check it out, if you want.

I Play Guitar and Make Weird Screamy Sounds

I was standing in front of my mirror, tying the bandana around my neck. As I finished, my eyes tracked my body in the mirror. The spikes on my boots were cleaned to the point to where the metal tips shined slightly in the light. The chains on my pants hung down from the black cloth, sparkling slightly as well. I had decided to ditch my black jacket, my torso now covered in a plain black shirt. The whole outfit was topped off with my face and nails painted, and my bandana tied around my neck. I look like a softer version of The Misfits. As I was tightening my bandana, there was a knock on my door. I went over and opened it, revealing Adam, dressed in a black button up shirt and a pair of black jeans.

"What's with the getup?" I asked. "I thought that we were going to just where what we wore on Halloween."

The Absol shrugged, saying, "Well, originally, we were. But, Jessica and Kyle decided that it'd be interesting for us to look sort of dressy, instead."

"Why was I not told about this?" I questioned.

"She said that the band look better if you were dressed like that." He replied. "And, before you ask, I don't know why she thought that, but we're rolling with it."

I sighed, and said, "So, are you leaving now?"

"Yep." He said.

"Well, I've still got some minor things to do, so I'll just meet you at the rec center." I replied.

He nodded, and asked, "Want me to take your guitar?"

"No, I'll take it." I replied. "It's one of the things that I need to work on, anyway."

"I guess that I'll leave you to it, then." He said. "Just remember, we go on in thirty minutes, so you need to hurry."

"Don't worry, I will." I reassured. "You guys just go ahead."

He nodded, and left the doorway. I closed the door after him, before going over to my desk. As the sound of the door closing downstairs reached my ears, I grabbed my spike bracelets from my desk and put them on. I heard Maxwell's car start up and pull out of the driveway, as went over to my bed and opened the guitar bag that was sitting on top of it, revealing Head Esploder, my guitar. I still can't believe that Ashley decided to name it that. I picked Head Esploder up and flipped him over, revealing the name, painted in white. I chuckled as I quickly checked to make sure that everything was in good shape, before returning Head Esploder to his bags. Well, time to get going. I zipped the bag up and threw it over my shoulder, heading towards the door. I left my room and went down the stairs. I left the house, stepping out into the light snow that had arrived just as the sun left. Just before I was about to leave, I noticed something black lying in the snow. I went over to it, bending down to examine it. I picked it up, recognizing it as one of Adam's spare guitar picks. I should give this back to him. As I stood up, I heard footsteps rush up behind me. I went to turn around, just to have a cloth shoved in my face. I let out a gasp of shock at this, causing some sweet smelling scent to invade my nose and mouth. As soon as I was hit by this, I felt myself falling into unconsciousness, slumping into someone's arms.

P.O.V Change: Adam

I was pacing backstage impatiently, my hands folded behind my back.

"Adam, will you please calm down?" Ashtynn asked.

"Sorry, but we're kind of only five minutes away from the show starting, and Riku's not fucking here." I replied, seething. "I swear, if he's fucking ditching us, I'll-"

"Riku's not like that, Adam." Jessica stopped me.

"Yeah?" I replied. "Did any of us think that Lee and Michael were like that, either?"

She just looked at me, shocked, before looking down at the floor. I heard the curtains behind me open, and I whirled around, ready to scold Riku, only to see that it wasn't him.

"Maxwell?" I asked, as he, Chris, and Ashley came through the part in the curtains, a fair sized bag on Chris's back.

"What are you doing here?" Jessica asked, an obvious tone of hurt in her voice, as she rose from her seat. "I thought that you had a plane to catch."

"Well, I did," Maxwell replied, "but, I decided that I could catch a later one. After all, when else will I get to see Sudden Obsession prove that they can beat the competition?"

A smile spread across the Flareon's face, and she rushed over to the Eevee, wrapping her arms around him in a hug.

"Thanks." She said.

"Anything for my little girl." He replied, hugging her back. When they broke free, he looked around, before asking, "Where's Riku?"

"That's the exact same thing that I'm wondering." I replied, spite dripping from my words. "The asshole was supposed to meet us here, right?"

"Stop calling him that." Jessica defended the Lucario. She turned back to Maxwell, saying, "We don't know. Kyle just went to call him."

Just then, the aforementioned Zoroark returned, pocketing his phone as he came over to us.

"Where is he?" Ashtynn asked.

"I don't know." Kyle replied. "He's not picking up. It just rang over and over, before going to voicemail."

I slammed my fist down on one of the empty crates next to me, and said, "See. He's fucking ditching us."

"Adam, calm down, for Arceus's sake." Ashtynn commanded. "We all know that Riku isn't like that. He cares about this way too much to leave us hanging."

"I could go and try and find him." Ashley suggested. "I can move faster than any of you, and I can sniff him out easily."

Before anyone could answer, a guy poked his head in from the stage, and said, "Guys, we need you out here. It starts in one minute."

I nodded, and he left.

I sighed, and said, "Alright, do that. But be sure to let him know that I'm kicking his ass when he gets here."

The Ninetails nodded, before dashing through the curtains.

"What will we do?" Kyle asked. "I mean, we have to play."

I sighed again, thinking.

"Okay." I finally said. "Jess, you know all of the rhythm parts, right?" She nodded, and I continued, "Okay. So, I'll take over the singing and lead, Jess, you can take the rhythm, since I brought an extra guitar, and Ash, you can cover the bass, as none of our songs actually require a double."

Everyone nodded, and Jessica asked, "What about Riku's song?"

"We just have to hope that he's here by then." I replied.

The man from before stuck his head in again, saying, "Thirty seconds."

I nodded, and he retracted.

"We'll be out in the crowd." Chris said, before he and Maxwell left us.

I sighed, and asked, "Alright, everyone ready?"

The girls grabbed their instruments, and all three of them nodded.

I picked up my own guitar, and said, "Let's go."

Kyle lifted up the curtain and we all stepped out to a blast of applause and screams. As we went over to the far right side of the giant stage, where a microphone and Kyle's drums were, I glanced over at Nemesis, across the stage from us. Archer and Michael were both holding a guitar, glaring at us. Trinity and Andrew had a bass each. Finishing the group off, Lee was at their microphone, while the blue haired guy, whom we had learned was name Ron, was at the drums. When we got to our position, there was only about fifteen feet between our bands. As soon as we got to our portion of the stage, a Liepard dressed in rather baggy clothes, with a pair of headphones around his neck, came out of the curtains, a wireless microphone in his hand.

"Alright people." He announced into the microphone. "Hello, and welcome to the duel between Sudden Obsession," he gestured towards us, "and Nemesis." He gestured to our opponents, as he said, "So, my name is DJ Diamond, and I'll be your host and announcer for this night of music." There was a round of applause, before he continued, "So, if this is your first time seeing a duel here, which it may be for a lot of you, as we haven't had one for about ten years now, allow me to lay down the rules of the competition. Each band will play four songs, challengers going first, alternating bands. You can cheer in between song if you want, but if you want to help your band win, be sure to save some of your pretty little voice for the very end, because we'll then decide who wins off of who gets the loudest applause. Now, should there be a tie, we already have a playbook of songs to do a true battle in to decide who wins. Now, let's introduce the bands." He went over to Nemesis, raised his arm, and called out, "Allow me to introduce the challenger, Nemesis." There was a round of applause, as he stated, "Their line-up consists of Lee on the vocal, Michael and Archer on the guitars, Trinity and Andrew on the bass, and Kai on the drums."

Another round of applause stormed out, as Diamond made his way over to us.

When he reached us, he introduced us, "And, the defenders, Sudden Obsession. They consist of Riku on the vocals and guitar, joined by Adam on the guitar, as well. Followed by Jessica and Ashtynn on the bass, and Kyle on the drums." As a small round of applause sounded out, Diamond noticed that Riku was missing, so he asked, "Um, where is Riku?"

I cleared my throat, before saying, "He's running a little late. So, until he gets here, I'll be taking his spot, while Jessica takes mine."

Diamond shrugged, and said, "Well, it appears that we have a minor temporary line-up change, just until Riku can get here. So, until he arrives, Adam will be taking the lead vocals and lead guitar, while Jessica takes over the rhythm guitar."

At his words, the room exploded in applause.

When the crowd finally died down, Diamond yelled, "So, now we go over to Nemesis for their first song. Guys?"

I saw Lee nod, before stepping back, letting Trinity take the microphone. What the hell are they doing? As she stood at the microphone, the band started playing Nemesis by Arch Enemy.

We walk this Earth

With fire in our hands

Eye for an eye

We are Nemesis

We are with you

Countless vicious souls

Fight! - Fighting for freedom

United we stand

We are legion

Voice of anarchy

This is revolution

Creating new disorder

We are enemy

Opponent of the system

Crushing hypocrisy

Slaying the philistine

One for all - All for one

We are strong - We are one

Nemesis

A malicious fever burns

In our hearts, In our veins

Your blood, My blood

All blood runs the same

As Nemesis finished up, Trinity stood there panting, applause sounding from the crowd. The four of us just stood there, watching her.

She seemed to notice this, as she went to the microphone again, and asked, "What, did you never think that something like that could come from something as cute as me?"

I grabbed our own microphone and chuckled, before saying, "No, it's not that. It's just that we never thought that Archer would have anything to do with making you scream."

The crowd exploded in applause at my insult, and I saw that my insult delivered the proper effect, as the Lopunny just stood there, shocked.

"Ooh, we're getting feisty in here tonight." Diamond commented. "Been a while since we had any good insults chucked at each other during these. If Obsession's music is as good as there jokes, then Nemesis should start getting worried." The crowd exploded in whistles and applause, as the Liepard said, "Now, time for Sudden Obsession's first song."

Jessica and Ashtynn stepped back some, as we got prepared to play.

P.O.V Change: Riku

I opened my eyes, to see that the world appeared to be flipped. I looked around frantically, noticing that I was dangling a few feet from the ground, upside down, with vines wrapped around my entire body, leaving only my head uncovered. I tried to get out, but it proved fruitless, and I stopped as I heard footsteps approach.

"There's no use in struggling." A voice behind me said. "Those vines are strong enough to keep even a Rhydon in place."

I spun around with some difficulty, to see a Blastoise-morph and a Venusaur-morph, my guitar bag sitting in the snow next to the pair.

"Where the hell am I even at?" I asked, enraged. "Or, more importantly, why the hell am I here?"

"You are in the woods by your house." The Venusaur explained. "And you are here because Archer has asked that we keep you distracted long enough for them to beat your shitty band in the duel."

"What?" I asked. "I'm being held here because he's fucking worried?"

"He's not worried, scum." The Blastoise said, as I felt the vines tighten around me. "He's just making sure that you can't win."

I sighed, and said, "How about you let me down and I won't kill you."

The Venusaur laughed, before saying, "No can do, freakboy. We've been told to do this, so this we shall do."

"You don't have to do this." I insisted.

"No, but that doesn't mean that we don't enjoy it." The Blastoise said, laughing.

I groaned in pain as I felt the vines tighten even more. Someone please come help me.

P.O.V Change: Adam

I stepped back from the microphone, allowing Ashtynn to take her place at it. I nodded to her, telling her to lead us, and she nodded back. I got ready to begin playing, bet the Blaziken just stood there, frozen.

Worried, I went over to Ashtynn, and asked, "Ash, what's up?"

She gulped, before replying in a whisper, "Adam, I don't think that I can do this."

"C'mon," I urged her, "it's just like how we practiced at home."

"That was in front of six people, max." She pointed out. "There has to be at least two hundred out there now."

I gripped her shoulders, before bringing her into a hug, reassuring her, "Trust me. You can do it. I believe in you."

We broke apart and she looked at me, before nodding, a determined look on her face. She began playing Daughters of Darkness by Halestorm.

Na-na-na-na-na

We came to battle baby

We came to win the war

We won't surrender

Till we get what we're lookin for

We're blowing out our speakers

There goes the neighbourhood

A little scissor happy

Little misunderstood

We can turn you on

Or we will turn on you

Daughters of darkness

Sisters insane

A little evil

Goes a long, long way

We stand together

No we're not afraid

We'll live forever

Daughters of darkness

Na-na-na-na-na

Daughters of darkness

Na-na-na-na-na

We're all survivors somehow

We just broke out the pack

And I don't need no dogtag

My name is on my back

We can turn you on

Or we can turn on you

Daughters of darkness

Sisters insane

A little evil

Goes a long, long way

We stand together

No we're not afraid

We'll live forever

Daughters of darkness

Na-na-na-na-na

Daughters of darkness

Na-na-na-na-na

Never down

Never out

Playing hard

Living loud

Keeping up

With the boys

Making out

Making noise

And you better get me home

Before the sun comes up...up...up

Daughters of darkness

Sisters insane

A little evil goes a long, long way

We stand together

No we're not afraid

We'll live forever

Daughters of darkness

Na-na-na-na-na

Daughters of darkness

Na-na-na-na-na

We're the daughters of darkness

Na-na-na-na-na

Daughters of Darkness

As we finished the song and the crowd began cheering, Ashtynn stepped back to me, a smile on her face.

"How was it?" She asked me.

"You were amazing." I told her.

She nodded to me, as we returned to our previous positions.

"Well, well, well." Diamond commented, mock grimacing. "If a daughter of darkness is that ferocious, then I would hate to meet the mother. Now, let's head over to Nemesis to listen to their comeback."

There was a small round of applause, as Lee returned to the microphone, and the band readied their instruments.

P.O.V Change: Ashley

I sprinted through the snow, turning into our driveway. As soon as I hit our property, I put my nose to the ground, trying to pick up some scent. After multiple minutes of searching, I finally picked up Riku's scent. I followed it, and it led me to his phone, half buried in the snow. I dug it up, immediately beginning to sniff it. I picked up Riku's scent, but also some other scent. Upon closer inspection, I identified it as some form of spore. Sleep Spore, maybe? But what could someone need Sleep Spore for? Suddenly, a thought struck me. Shit! He's been kidnapped! I grabbed Riku's phone and held it in one of my tails, as I began scouring for another trace of either of the scents. I eventually found the two combined, leading into the forest. I took off running into the trees without a second thought. I'm coming, Riku.

P.O.V Change: Adam

We watched, as Nemesis began to play Warrior by Disturbed

I am now an instrument of violence
I am a vessel of invincibility
I cannot leave this undecided
Stepping down to battle another day
Remember me for all time this
Determination is a vital part of me
Surrender now or be counted
With the endless masses that I will defeat

Come on bring it, don't sing it
Better believe it
Broken down, till your hope has died
Beat down till the victory is mine
Stand up and show me some pride
And now, are you ready?

I'm one with the warrior inside
My dominance can't be denied
Your entire world will turn
Into a battlefield tonight
As I look upon you through
The warrior's eyes now
I can see the fear that will
Ensure my victory this time

I can't be told to compromise this
They'll never doubt the body lying at my feet
A most formidable reminder
They will speak my name for eternity
I have no need of any guidance
I am a weapon powerful beyond belief
Seen through the warrior's eyes
I never need to question how to defeat you

Come on bring it, don't sing it
Better believe it
Broken down, till your hope has died
Beat down till the victory is mine
Stand up and show me some pride
And now, are you ready?

You can't hide now
I am the warrior
So decide now
How they'll remember you
Do not hide now
Act like a warrior
Show your pride now
Solidify your place in time

I'm one with the warrior inside
The evidence can't be denied
The entire world will stare
Into this battlefield tonight
As I stand before you
With a warrior's heart now
I can feel the strength that will
Ensure my victory this time

As the crowd applauded, Diamond began with his banter again, "It appears that this warrior is starting a fight against any bad bands out there. So, if I were you, I'd watch out. Now, back to Sudden Obsession, where they have their own battalion of soldiers prepared to launch an assault."

I returned to the microphone, guitar at the ready.

P.O.V Change: Riku

I sighed as I just dangled there, watching my two kidnappers sit at the base of a tree, fucking around on their phones.

"Y'know, if I'm going to be here for a while, we could at least get to know each other." I said. They ignored me, so I continued, "I'm Riku. I'm an abnormally colored, sixteen year old Lucario, and I play guitar and make weird screamy sounds in a band called Sudden Obsession." I was still ignored, so I said, "Now it's your turn."

The Venusaur continued ignoring me, but the Blastoise glanced up at me, glaring, before returning his attention to his phone.

"Oh, you guys are just being party poopers." I taunted. "I'm just trying to make the best out of a bad situation, and you two are being all antisocial and shit." I sighed, and said, "Y'know, you could at least tell me your names."

The Venusaur growled in anger, before saying, "Fine, you can know our names, if it'll shut you the fuck up. I'm Victor and he's Ben. Happy?"

"Unbelievably so." I replied, smiling widely.

Victor just sighed in annoyance, shaking his head, before returning to his phone. Speaking of which, where is my phone?

P.O.V Change: Adam

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. Alright Adam, you can do this. You've done the same thing before, just less complicated. I opened my eyes to see hundreds of pairs of eyes trained on me. I took another deep breath, before beginning to play Spider by Overworld.

Have you ever looked up into the sky and wondered why it's black

Ever asked yourself why you give and never get anything back

Ever had a scar that never healed as time went by

Ever felt like everything you've been told has been a lie

Why won't you escape now

Fall into pleasure as time passes by

I'll think of you wrapped up inside

Have you ever dived in the deepest sea to find out what it meant

Ever asked yourself if she was heavensent

Ever looked for meaning in a place you've never known

Ever met somebody who deserved to die alone

Catharsis

I don't know how

I don't know why

But ignorance is bliss

If we turn blind

This infection of the mind remains

A spider in my head

All I see is black and white

Why resist, why resist

(Blackout)

Why resist, why resist

(Blackout)

Why do we stay blind

Stay blind

All the insects feed on my mind as madness closes in

No escape from this world I built, sealed shut within

All the insects feed on my mind as madness closes in

No escape from this world I built, left to regret

Catharsis

And I know you're afraid

I don't know how

I don't know why

But ignorance is bliss

If we turn blind

This infection of the mind remains

A spider

Don't be afraid

I'll take you away

If I can't have you, then nobody will

Because

You're the spider in my head

As I finished, I let out a giant sigh, reveling in the loud cheers of the crowd. Is this how it feels to be the main focus of a song? It feels amazing. Rather overwhelming, really. But, I do prefer to take the back, so there is that.

"Judging by the amount of applause, I'd say that Obsession just creepy crawlied right into first place." Diamond joked. "Now, let's see if our guys over in Nemesis brought the bug spray."

They all readied up as the crowd clapped quietly.

P.O.V Change: Ashley

I continued dashing through the trees, ignoring the intense cold that was biting at my legs. I've got to find Riku, and fast. Who knows what all they've done to him. I was so distracted with running, that I didn't notice the small Vulpix in front of me until I barreled into her, bringing us both to the ground.

As I stood up, the little Vulpix exclaimed, "Aunt Ashley!"

I went over to her, and nosed her to her feet, saying, "Sorry, Smoke. I didn't see you there. I'm just in a slight hurry."

"Smoke, what did we tell you about running off, especially at night?" I heard a female voice ask, as it approached.

The bushes next to me parted, to reveal another Ninetails.

She noticed me, and she said, "Ashley?"

"Hello, Flame." I greeted my sister, slightly nervously.

Just then, a large Luxray came bursting in, frantically saying, "Where is she? Is she hurt?" He noticed the three of us before him, and he calmed down, and said, "Oh." He came over to us, and asked, "Ashley? Why didn't you tell me that you were coming out here? I would have sent a patrol to escort you."

"Well, it was actually sort of a spur of the moment thing, Eli." I replied. "Y'see, I'd love to stick around and chat, but I'm actually in a hurry here."

"Oh?" Flame asked. "What's wrong?"

"It's Riku." I answered.

"The odd Lucario that recently moved in?" Eli questioned. "What of him?"

"He's been kidnapped." I explained, causing them to gasp in shock. "He was supposed to meet us for the battle of the bands, but he didn't show up. So, I went looking for him, and it appears that he's been knocked out and captured. Have you seen any sign of him?"

"Sorry, I can't say that I have."Eli replied.

"Wait, I think I saw him!" Flame exclaimed.

"Really?" I asked, joy overtaking my fear. "Where?"

"He was being carried by a Blastoise and a Venusaur." My sister replied. "I can take you to where they were going, and I could help you get him back."

"Thank you so much, sister." I thanked.

She nodded, and said, "Eli, you take Smoke home, I'll be back soon."

The Luxray nodded, before going over to the little Vulpix and began ushering it away.

"Lead the way." I urged Flame.

She nodded, and we took off through the woods.

P.O.V Change: Adam

Arceus, I hope that Ashley can find Riku. We have to have him before the finally. I watched as Nemesis began playing Someone to Hate by Demon Hunter.

A figure for the closing of time, the antagonist divine

Void of vacant word, one final answer to be heard

I will carry my decree into a storm of lead

This is total war, my want for tolerance is dead

To my last breath

I am someone to hate

I will spit upon the idol for which you stand

I will carry the weight

I will bury your deception with a wrathful hand

Heart is cold, and my weapons are washed in blood

I avow to the call on high

My resolve in the blessed above, in this ever-consuming divide

A figure for the closing of time, the antithesis defined

Threat to faith untrue, I am the enemy of new

All you advocates of Hell, you corruptors of free will

The culling is nigh, better get your fill

I am the cry for the falling of time

Born into the lust within our eyes

Taught to write the scriptures for our lives

We inherit the lies

To my last breath, to my final day

As Nemesis finished, the crowd began clapping.

"Well, it does seem like someone hates them." Diamond said. "Or else we would probably not be here, and all of you little kiddies would be sitting at home, bored as hell. So, how about we give a little thanks to the wonderful emotion that is hatred, while we give Sudden Obsession the stage for their next song?"

Hurry the fuck up, guys. We're cutting it close.

P.O.V Change: Riku

"Fifty-five bottles of beer on the wall, fifty-five bottles of beer." I was singing. "Take one down, pass it around, fifty-four bottles of beer on the wall. Fifty-four bottles of beer on the wall, fifty-four bottles of beer. Take one down, pass it around, fifty-three bottles of beer on the wall."

I could see that Victor was physically shaking, before he yelled, "Would you shut the fuck up already?"

"Will you let me go?" I asked.

"Fuck no." The Venusaur replied.

I took a deep breath, before continuing, "Fifty-three bottles of beer on the wall, fifty-three bottles of beer. Take one down, pass it around, fifty-two bottles of beer on the wall."

Both of my captives let out a groan of annoyance, but I only got louder.

P.O.V Change: Adam

I stepped back, allowing Jessica to stand in front of the microphone. She took a deep breath, before starting Frankenstein by Stitched Up Heart.

There's a Skeleton Key

That lies on the stairs

I should have been

A little prepared

Picked up the key

Opened the door

Don't have a clue

What I am in for

There's a boy on the counter

Cut up on pieces

Still making sounds

He's barely breathing

I'm not a doctor

I can't make him better

All I can do is try to

Put him together

He's made of stapled and broken bones

Bruises from chapters

Stories untold

If I had a wish

It'd be make him whole

He's barely alive

I'm gonna call him mine

I'm gonna call him my Frankenstein

Cut up and bleeding from inside

I'm gonna call him to mine

The skeleton key

Is still in market

A small part of me

Wants to close the door and lock it

Wherever we go

They scream at the monster

Wherever we go

The gunshots are fired

He's made of staples and broken bones

Bruises from chapters

Stories untold

If I had a wish

It'd be make him whole

He's barely alive

So is his soul

Bring him to the ground

Bring him down

I'm gonna call him mine

I'm gonna him my Frankenstein

Cut up and bleeding from inside

I'm gonna call him mine

We will charge and fall

Bring him

He' s made of staples and broken bones

Bruises from chapters

Stories untold

If I had a wish

It'd be make him whole

He's barely alive

So is his soul

He's made of staples and broken bones

Bruises from chapters

Stories untold

If I had a wish

It'd be make him whole

He's barely alive

So is his soul

I'm gonna call him mine

I'm gonna call him my Frankenstein

Cut up and bleeding from inside

And I'm gonna call him mine

I'm gonna call him mine

I'm gonna call him my Frankenstein

Cut up and bleeding from inside

And I'm gonna call him mine

You're mine

As Jessica stepped back, a smile on her face, I watched Lee return to his microphone.

"Well," Diamond began, "it appears that this little lady is as talented as she is beautiful. Watch out boys, she's a killer." The audience laughed some, as the Liepard continued, "So, how about we get ready for Nemesis's final song?"

P.O.V Change: Ashley

Flame and I kept dashing through the trees, my sister in the lead.

"You're sure that you know where we're going?" I asked, slightly worried.

"Of course." She replied, panting lightly. "What, don't you trust me?"

"Flame, of course I trust you." I said.

I was about to continue, when I heard something. Singing. I came to a skidding stop, my ears perking up. Not only was it singing, but it was clearly Riku's singing. And it was coming from just to our right.

"What's up?" Flame asked me, stopping as well.

"That singing is Riku." I replied. "And it's just over there."

I took off running towards the voice, charging a ball of flames in my mouth. As we got closer, I could identify what he was singing. Ninety-nine bottles of beer? Really? We reached a large patch of bushes and Flame and I leapt over it, flames ready in our mouths and on our tails.

P.O.V Change: Riku

The bushes rustled behind me for a few seconds, catching my attention and making me stop singing, just for a pair of Ninetails to leap out, bodies coated in fire. I immediately recognized Ashley, but the other one I did not know.

As Victor and Ben shot up, I yelled, "Ashley, here!"

She noticed me, while the other Ninetails bared her flame at my kidnappers. Ashley aimed her mouth at me, before sending a ball of fire at the vines. They quickly burned away, and I dropped to the ground on my back. I picked myself up, to see that Ashley and the other Ninetails were stalking towards Victor and Ben, small bits of a flame/magma mixture dripping from their parted jaws, burning through the snow.

"Leave. Now!" Ashley demanded.

"Like hell we will." Ben countered, aiming his cannons at the Ninetails.

He launched off twin water blasts at the fire foxes, but I blocked the attack by forming a large aura wall in front of them. As the water cleared, the wall followed. I slowly stalked towards the group, coming up behind the Ninetails.

"Now, I believe we can have some fun." I said, grinning.

Victor whimpered slightly, suggesting, "Um, we could have a little conversation now, if you want."

"Sorry, I'm not feeling too talkative anymore." I replied, charging an Aura Sphere in each hand.

I sent my attacks flying at Ben, just as Ashley and the other Ninetails sent their fire flying at Victor. All of the attacks hit simultaneously, causing a large smoke cloud that blocked our view. When we could see again, I saw that both of the morphs were unconscious on the ground.

"Nice." I complemented.

"Riku, we have to hurry." Ashley urged me. "You're missing the duel."

I nodded, and the other Ninetails said, "You two go ahead. I can get back to the clan on my own."

"Alright." Ashley said, as I bent down and she leapt up onto my shoulders.

"You need to come visit soon." The other Ninetails told Ashley. "We haven't seen you for months."

"Don't worry, Flame." Ashley replied. "I will."

"Who knows, maybe you could introduce your family to the clan." Flame, the other Ninetails, said. "But, first, you two need to get going."

Ashley nodded, and said, "Thank you, again."

Flame returned the nod, and I grabbed my guitar bag and threw it on, before taking off through the woods.

"So, who was that?" I asked Ashley.

"My sister, Flame." She replied.

"You have a sister?" I questioned. "How do we not know that?"

"Well, Maxwell and Eric know." She replied. "Oh, I almost forgot. I found your phone."

She brought one of her tails around, my phone wrapped in it. I took it and put it in my pocket.

"Thanks." I said. "So, how far are they in the duel?"

"I don't know." She replied. "I left before it started to find you."

I nodded, and put on an extra burst of speed.

P.O.V Change: Adam

As soon as the words left Diamond's mouth, Nemesis began playing Smells Like A Freak Show by Avatar.

Smells like a freak show

Right where I want to be

Come taste the dirt,

The dirt, the dirt

I...

I smell a freak show

Theres something wrong with me

Want it to hurt

It hurts, it hurts

I...

I need something to sedate me

But I can't afford the high

Give me something

To help me escape

Smells like a freak show

God in a casket

Gone for eternities

We've got no rules,

No rules, no rules

I...

God in a casket

Lost all authority

Come watch the fools

The fools, the fools

I...

When they finished, Lee left the microphone, to be replaced by Archer.

"Oh, we almost forgot." The Houndoom said, glaring at us. "That song is dedicated to everyone's favorite local freaks over in Sudden Obsession."

"Oh? We're dedicating songs now?" A familiar voice said from across the room, somehow rising over the crowd.

P.O.V Change: Riku

As I began walking on aura stairs to get above the crowd, I continued, "Because I've got one hell of a dedication for you."

As everyone's eyes turned to me, I made an aura walkway over the crowd, and started across it, Ashley leaping off of my shoulders and into the crowd. I glanced over at Archer, to see a look of shock on his face. I looked over at my band, and saw looks of surprise and joy. Except for Adam. Anger was mixed into his. When I reached the stage, the audience exploded in applause. I went over to stand next to Adam.

"Dude, where the fuck have you been?" He hissed out.

"I'll explain later." I replied. "So, I haven't missed my song or the announcement yet, have I?"

"No, we were waiting for you." Jessica answered me, coming over to us.

I nodded, and grabbed the microphone from its stand.

"Alright." I said into it. "So, how's everyone been doing tonight?" The room exploded in cheers, and I laughed, saying, "Good to hear. I trust that Adam hasn't made too many ears bleed, right?" As the audience cheered again, Adam elbowed me, and I whispered to him, "I'm just kidding. Calm down." Turning back to the microphone, I said, "Y'know, this sort of feels like a one sided conversation. I mean, all you do is cheer. But, don't stop now, because we have someone that we feel needs a loud introduction from you guys. Now, allow me to go out and find him."

I gave the microphone to Adam, and formed the aura bridge again. I went out on it, heading for Chris, Maxwell, and Ashley.

I bent down at them, and asked, "I thought that you had a plane to catch?"

The Eevee shrugged, and said, "Well, you were right. This is much more important than my job."

I nodded, and reached down to Chris. He took my hand, and I pulled him up, careful not to hit his bag.

He seemed slightly wary about stepping onto the walkway, so I reassured him, "Relax. It's solid, I promise."

He stepped fully onto the bridge, and we started back to the stage, the room silent. When we reached the stage, I got rid of the bridge and grabbed the microphone.

"Okay, so, some of you may know this guy," I started, "although he does only work at a clothing store." The Mightyena elbowed me, and I said, "But, it's a good clothing store, so we love him anyway. So, I would like to announce that Chris here has joined Sudden Obsession as our keyboardist."

The crowd exploded in cheers, and Chris took a small bow. I nodded to him, and he moved back to begin setting up his gear. As he did that, I brought my bag around to my front, unzipping it. I pulled Head Esploder from his bag, before throwing the cloth cover over by Kyle. I looked back at Chris, to see that he had his all black keyboard set up, and he was waiting for my go.

"Alright, so, allow me to dedicate this song." I spoke into the microphone. "This song goes out to anyone who has ever mocked us, or anyone else, for being different or for being who they truly are." I locked glares with Archer, and said, "And it especially goes out to our buddies in Nemesis, as well as their injured friends Victor and Ben."

As a shocked and angered look crossed Archer's face, a smile formed on mine. I gripped Head Esploder, before beginning to play Devil's Night by Motionless In White.

I am an enemy of everything

My life is not for sale

My heart is in this fight forever

What can you take from me?

When there's not a single fucking day

I haven't fought to stay alive?

We're finding hope in the hopeless

I am still their voice that gets stuck in your head

I am me

And I have come to fucking scare you to death

Because that's what you deserve you disgusting piece of shit

I know the only words that you have for me

Are give up and get out

You'd like to think that we've been beaten

But we're here to stay

Forever and always

Every single day

Not giving up, living up all my dreams

So go ahead and look like I'm inferior

Condescension, Suffering, Callousness and Loathing

Are the badges I have earned for my cause

And I am finding hope within hatred

A reason to persist, to push past everything

We are here

And we have come to scare you to death

Because that's what you deserve

You fucking fake ass hypocrites

I know the only words that you have for me

Are give up and get out

You'd like to think that we've been beaten

But we're here to stay

Forever and always

So loud

We are the ones that you pushed away

For drowning your voice out

You'd like to think

We've been defeated, but we're here to stay

Forever and always

We've been through everything

And we all have our scars

We may be broken but you

CAN'T KILL ALL OF US

GO!

Think before you fucking speak

I am no villain, think before you fucking speak

People fear what they don't understand

And so now beauty has become the fucking beast

(Maybe you didn't hear me?)

I SAID GO FUCK YOURSELF!

I know the only words that you have for me

Are give up and get out

You'd like to think

That we've been beaten but we're here to stay

Forever and always

So Loud

We are the ones that you pushed away

For drowning your voice out

You'd like to think

We've been defeated, but we're here to stay

Forever and always

As we finished and I slung my guitar to my back, the crowd erupted in tumultuous applause, even louder than the one that we got on Halloween. We all took a bow, and I added extra flair to mine by performing a quick back flip afterwards, resulting in even more applause. As the crowd began quieting down a Liepard, whom I presume to be the announcer, came to center stage.

"Holy shit." He said into his microphone. "I don't know what almost blew my eardrums out, how bad-fucking-ass these guys hit that song, or your applause for them." I chuckled, smiling, as he continued, "But, now I believe that we need to choose a winner. So, how about you let me hear it for Nemesis?"

The crowd exploded in applause, quieting down after a minute or so.

"Alright, that was pretty good." The Liepard commented. "Now, give it up for Sudden Obsession!"

The audience, once again, exploded. It was loud as hell, no doubt about it. But, even I had to say, it sounded damn near the same as the one for Nemesis.

"Oh, sounds to me like we got ourselves a tie." The Liepard said.

The response was immediate.

The crowd cheered, and Adam yelled, "What?" He went over to the Liepard and complained, "That's bullshit. We absolutely demolished them."

Before the purple cat could reply, I went over and said, "I'm alright with it." Adam looked at me, shocked, and I replied, "What? Archer's friends made me miss almost all of the duel, so I'm prepared to wreck these fuckers."

Adam just nodded, retreating to our side. The Liepard motioned for Archer to come over, so the Houndoom did.

"Alright," The Liepard said, "so, we have a tie here, so we need to break it." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small book, before opening it and saying, "So, here is the list of tie breaker songs."

We both looked at it, before simultaneously pointing at the same song and saying, "This one."

The Liepard whistled, before saying, "Nice choice, kids. Alright, go back and get ready."

We both nodded, and started back to our bands, but not before shooting threatening glares at each other.

"So, what song is it?" Adam asked, as I returned.

"Just follow my lead." I replied, stepping up to my microphone.

"Alright." The Liepard said over his microphone. "So, here's how this works. The winner is decided the same as last time, but they only play one song, alternating parts. So, at specific intervals of the song, I will signal over to a band, and they'll pick it up until I signal to the others. So, just like before, challengers lead." He nodded towards Nemesis, and said, "When you're ready."

Lee nodded back, before they started up Devil Went Down To GeorDevil Went Down To Georgia by Steve Ouimette.

The devil went down to Georgia, he was looking for a soul to steal.

He was in a bind 'cos he was way behind: he was willin' to make a deal.

When he came across this young man sawin' on a fiddle and playin' it hot.

And the devil jumped upon a hickory stump and said: "Boy let me tell you what:

"I bet you didn't know it, but I'm a fiddle player too.

"And if you'd care to take a dare, I'll make a bet with you.

"Now you play a pretty good fiddle, boy, but give the devil his due:

"I bet a fiddle of gold against your soul, 'cos I think I'm better than you."

A nod to us, and we began playing as Nemesis stopped.

The boy said: "My name's Johnny and it might be a sin,

"But I'll take your bet, your gonna regret, 'cos I'm the best that's ever been."

Johnny you rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard.

'Cos hell's broke loose in Georgia and the devil deals it hard.

And if you win you get this shiny fiddle made of gold.

But if you lose, the devil gets your soul.

Nod to Nemesis.

The devil opened up his case and he said: "I'll start this show."

And fire flew from his fingertips as he resined up his bow.

And he pulled the bow across his strings and it made an evil hiss.

Then a band of demons joined in and it sounded something like this.

Nod to us.

When the devil finished, Johnny said: "Well you're pretty good ol' son.

"But if you'll sit down in that chair, right there, and let me show you how its done."

Fire on the moun, run boys, run.

The devil's in the house of the risin' sun.

Chicken in the bread pin, pickin' out dough.

"Granny, does your dog bite?"

"No, child, no."

As we played, I watched the Liepard, expecting another nod, but he just stood there, smiling at us. I slowly began noticing something. Chanting. Bringing my attention to the crowd, I realized that it was them.

"Riku! Riku! Riku!" Some of them chanted, while most of them were shouting in unison, "Obsession! Obsession! Obsession!"

I looked back at the others and saw smiles on their faces, and Adam nodded over to me.

The devil bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat.

He laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny's feet.

Johnny said: "Devil just come on back if you ever want to try again.

"I told you once, you son of a bitch, I'm the best that's ever been."

And he played fire on the mount, run boys, run.

The devil's in the house of the risin' sun.

Chicken in the bread pin pickin' out dough.

"Granny, does your dog bite?"

"No, child, no."

As the final notes from our instruments rang out in the room, the chanting only grew louder, until it was damn near deafening.

After multiple minutes, the applause and chanting quieted down enough for the Liepard to be heard over the microphone, and he exclaimed, "Holy shit! That was amazing. Now, even though there's no real reason to announce the winners, I'll do it anyway, if only to be able to yell the name one more time. Sudden Obsession!"

The audience exploded in applause again, and I watched in amusement as the others jumped up, cheering. As I watched this, I saw Adam and Ashtynn leap at each other, getting into a hug, and locking lips. We all started laughing, as they broke apart, realizing what they just did, and a large blush formed on both of them. My attention was quickly averted, though, to Archer. The Houndoom was currently stalking over to their microphone.

"That's bullshit." He complained, upon reaching the microphone. "Those fuckers didn't even have a full band for most of the duel."

"Yeah, and who's fault was that?" I asked over out microphone. "I'm pretty certain that none of us over here had two assholes kidnap me and tie me up."

The room got silent at this sentence, all eyes on us.

"I-I don't know what the hell you're talking about." Archer stuttered. "I didn't have anything to do with that."

"You and I both know that that's bullshit, Archer." I replied. "As do Ben and Victor. Granted, they're currently incapacitated, so they couldn't take a side, even if they would."

"What the hell did you do to those two?" He asked me. "They're the football team's best players."

"I taught them a lesson, with the help of Ashley and her sister." I replied. "Just face the fucking facts, Archer. You knew that you couldn't beat us legitimately, so you tried to cheat, and even then you fucking failed. Just leave before you embarrass yourself further."

With that, I stepped away from the microphone. I went over to stand with the others. Just as I arrived, they all starred behind me, wide eyed, as a loud gasp sounded from the crowd. I spun around, to see a large blast of fire aimed right at me. I didn't have enough time to move, so I just braced myself. My choice became moot, though, as I watched a bolt of electricity cut through the flames, demolishing them, revealing Leo on the other side, as well as a rather odd site. Maxwell was standing on the other side of the stage, one of his hands clasped on Archer's muzzle, keeping it closed, while his other hand held the Houndoom's hands up above his head.

"Now, then," the Eevee said calmly, "I believe that it would be in your best interest to leave here. Now."

Archer just stared at Maxwell, fear in his eyes, before nodding his head. Maxwell released Archer, before heading our way.

"Now, then," Maxwell said, as he reached us, "shall we go home?"

We all nodded, and we grabbed our equipment, before hopping off of the stage. The crowd parted as we went, allowing us to get to the door with ease. We stepped outside into the snow.

As we were walking across the parking lot, I heard a voice say, "Hey, guys."

We all spun around to see Levi standing there, and I immediately clenched my fists.

"Levi!" Jessica exclaimed, rushing over to him and hugging him. "I thought that you couldn't come."

"Well, I actually want to talk to you about something." He replied. "In private."

She looked confused, but didn't question it, instead turning to us and saying, "I'll be home soon."

We all nodded, before continuing to the car. I glanced down at Ashley, and I could tell that we were thinking the same thing. Nothing good will come out of that talk.

Yes, kids, that is a woman singing the first song. Her name is Angela (I'm pretty sure. I would check Wikipedia, but I just don't feel like it.) and she is fucking amazing. And, yes, I am jealous of her skill. Seriously, when I try to yell I sound like I'm choking, and my growls are rivaled by kittens everywhere. Funny thing about Arch Enemy, though. My cousin (Yes, the one mentioned previously.) actually told me about them a few months ago, and he had me look them up and tell him what I thought about the vocalist. But I ended up finding a music video, so I ended up just raining on his parade. Although, it is amazingly funny to check out the comment section of their songs on Youtube and see people being shocked about the vocalist being a woman. Really, though, if you truly listen, you can tell that it isn't a man. Anyway, time for me to thank some people.

First, allow me to thank my friend, who is also an amazing author, Tsuzihri07 for the Devil Went Down To Georgia suggestion. Before that, Lee and Riku were just going to go at it with Tech N9ne's Worldwide Choppers. Granted, that wouldn't have been a bad thing.

Anyway, go and check out Tsu's page, and, while you're there, check out our collaboration, Two Lives. We currently have two chapters out, and Tsu is writing his next one.

Second, I want to thank Diamondstor2 for a multitude of things. First off, for the obvious song suggestions. I had only heard of a few of them, and I love all of the other ones that you introduced me to, so, thanks. I would also like to say thanks for helping me out an unbelievable amount of times in the past with all of my stories, but specifically The New Champion. You have helped form that story into what it is now by giving me advice, so, thanks. Now, I'd love to be able to say that you should check out his stories but, despite how helpful he is with giving advice and helping with stories, he actually doesn't write his own. So, yeah, sorry about that.

Finally, I want to thank Wildlian for suggesting a song. While I didn't use the one you suggested, you are one of the only three people who actually did suggest a song, which is awesome.

So, go check out Wildlian's stories, as well.

Fun fact: Three of the nine songs used in this chapter are by Swedish bands. Those are Spider by Overworld, Nemesis by Arch Enemy, and Smells Like a Freakshow by Avatar. That is so much Swedishness that I probably should have put a Pewdiepie joke in. But I didn't. Yeah, not a fan of Pewdiepie. No offense to anyone that is a fan of his, but I'm not.

Another fun fact: While making this chapter, I realized just how long it had been since I listened to any Disturb or anything from that genre, so I made a Pandora station for it. Immediately regretted it. I mean, come the fuck on. I love Down With The Sickness just as much as the next Disturbed fan, but that song is too fucking overplayed, and when it came up first on the station it made me feel slightly ill. Yes, I am that tired of hearing that fucking song.

Anyway, now I'm rambling and I should most likely go. So, if you kids need me, I'll be listening to some Demon Hunter (Seriously fucking fell in love with them after hearing Someone To Hate.) and probably playing some Call of Duty. Or Hearthstone. Or Cards Against Humanity. Yeah, I don't know anymore. So, join me next chapter for a party. Bye. :)