I was already awake and taking the day head on, Gladius by my side, as I chilled with Corey and Laney in the garage as we waited for Kin and Kon to come over. I was listening to Laney strum her bass and Corey messed with some of the equipment, getting it all ready for today's practice session. The microphone was raised and adjusted, the speakers were turned on, the instruments were plugged in, and the smiles on the three of our faces grew.
Although I hid it well, internally I was losing my absolute mind. I never really experienced a band perform live at all. So this was a fresh experience for me. And it being in front of the band that unlocked my love for rock? Sign me the hell up!
So I pulled a chair up and sat in it, eyeing the bandmates with awestruck, expecting eyes for the magic to start. Gladius sighed and shook his hilt, while Riffin and Penn shared a look. Uncertainty was plastered over Laney's face, while Corey's expression oozed overconfidence.
"So, you want to see your first live Grojband performance, huh?" The band leader said, his overconfidence not dipping for a second.
I nodded rapidly. "Definitely! Although maybe instrumentation would be a good start. I know about the whole… diary thing."
That made both band members stumble a bit and stare at me with wide eyes. "Wait, you know?!" Laney nearly yelled in shock, but rained it back just enough so no one else woke up.
I shrugged. "It's kinda hard to miss your sister", I pointed at Corey, "Losing her mind in a swirl of fire and rage, writing in her diary, then you snagging it. Everytime after you unleash your next hit, I put two and two together."
Gladius snorted. "Blunt as always."
Corey's overconfidence evaporated instantly, and he simply stared at me with wide eyes. "You don't… You don't care about that?"
"Yeah", I said nonchalantly. "I mean, everyone needs a bit of help sometimes, and from what I've seen, your sister is… Is a bitch…" I mumbled that last part, and the two band members jolted in shock.
"Wow, okay", Laney started. "I didn't think Trina was that obvious. I know she's bad, but that seems a bit harsh."
"She doesn't know, but those videos of you guys rocking out show a lot of her. Like how the littlest things set her off. She's amassed a sort of reverse fan club, in a way."
Corey snorted. "Oh jeez, if Trina heard that, she'd fill her whole diary out in a week!"
Laney was quiet for a moment, then snorted. "Yeah, honestly, she so would."
I smiled, then leaned forward. "So, with that out of the way, I wanna hear the magic!"
Riffin grinned once again and began to jam out on his electric guitar. I was enamoured, watching awestruck as Corey absolutely killed it. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Laney watching him with a lovestruck grin, and I smiled ever so slightly. Her crush was really cute, and a part of me hoped that us being here would let something spark between the two.
But that was for another time, as Kin and Kon finally made their way inside after what felt like a few hours. There was this glint of creative genius in Kin's eyes, and internally I knew there would be trouble. But that was all for future Caleb to worry about. Right now, I was completely content to watch the band play their instruments and make music that eased all my woes.
There were no lyrics, but it was still super catchy. I was bobbing my head to the beat, with Gladius swaying in time with the rhythm Kon set up with his drums.
This was all I wanted. So much so, time seemed to slip by as the music rocked on. Soon, more of my friends had slowly left the TARDIS, and either stuck around to watch, or simply left to bid a good morning before walking outside to get some fresh air.
About an hour after practice, I joined Corey and Laney on a walk, leaving Gladius with the brothers. Why did I tag along? Well, when you end up becoming fast friends with one of your favourites, what else would you do but spend as much time as you can with them?
"So, what's the big plan for today, Core?" I asked with an innocent smile on my face.
The singer shrugged. "Not sure. Peaceville's chill, so it takes a big something to fire up my plans."
"Hopefully it doesn't involve zombies or sewer monsters this time around", Laney pleaded.
"You never know, Lanes." We jumped when we heard a distant and loud boom. "Like that for instance!"
We picked up the pace and soon made it back to the Riffin residence. First thing we noticed was the garage door blasted open, with most of my friends inspecting the damage.
"Whoa, somebody's making science", Corey said. Laney had a knowing smirk on her face.
The Doctor, who walked outside with us, hummed. "That's one way of putting it."
"We just had a little setback," Kin, across the street, said as he was stuck in a tree, Kon frowning at his brother and Gladius seemingly in shock at what just transpired. Luckily, he did have a helmet on, as well as… a duck on his head.
"It's a crash, dude", Kon said dismissively. "Don't dress it up." The four of us at the garage walked over, eyeing the failed experiment with varying expressions.
"Kin, this just isn't working", Laney said sadly. She hissed, then continued. "I gotta pull your funding."
The duck flew off.
"Fine", Kin said as he pointed at himself, "I'll invent for myself, and I'll go indie!" He shared a hive five with his brother.
"Awesome!" Corey said as he suddenly rose between the two of them.
"Yeah. Who needs Laney's two bucks a day anyway." The redhead rolled her eyes and crossed her arms at the snide remark, while I snorted. The Doctor and Gladius just silently watched in curiosity and confusion.
"Not that!" Corey continued, "Indie Rock! No label pushing you around, no rules. That could be us, guys!"
"That's us right now, Core", Laney said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Yeah, but it's not us enough, Lanes." The singer, who's determined grin fell for a moment, regained it. "Grojband is going Indie. And I know just where to do it…" he spun around and gave us a beaming smile. "We're going racing, gang!"
I perked up as Kon and Kin came to either of my sides. "Racing?" The brothers asked simultaneously.
"There's a big race happening at the Peaceville Speed Circle soon, and if what Caleb said is true, then we're on the internet. But if we show up in this crazy big race, then that's us being famous in seconds!"
Laney rose an eyebrow.
"Not a bad idea, honestly", Gladius agreed. "With a crowd that large, and all those cameras, you'll end up on the news, but also some sports channels. So it seems sound."
"A high octane race, hmmmm…" The Doctor hummed out in thought. "Maybe we could get Vanellope, Zomboss and Dry Bowser in on this. The three of them have experience in racing, so they'd be good help."
"That's radical!" Kin cheered.
Laney, who was silent for this whole time, suddenly realised what was happening, and her eyes bugged out.
"Whoa!" The bassist reached over and pulled Corey close, pinching his ear. "Indie means independent, Core. As in a small band with a do-it yourself attitude. Not a race that could kill us!"
I gave her a worried look. "That's… they would have rules in place to keep that from happening, right?"
"We're gonna do the killing!" Corey exclaimed. "When we rock the winner's circle in front of a million hundred fans!" He gave his friend an encouraging look. "C'mon, dude. We're Grojband! We got this!"
Kin and Kon cheered, and after a moment of silence, Laney smiled and rolled her eyes. "Alright."
"Just need to get you guys a car…" I mumbled. My eyes trailed down to the strapped together speaker and skateboard that Kin was testing, and an idea flashed through my mind.
"I got it!" I cheered. The others gave me curious looks as I picked up Kin's vehicle and ran back inside the garage. "Guys, get your butts into gear. We've got a music powered kart to make!"
Everyone raced inside after me, smiles bright as we went on to build our invention.
~X~
A few hours later, we had made it to the Peaceville Speed Circle and were currently stationed at our pit stop. The band's newly built vehicle, what Kin dubbed the Grojcar, was getting some last minute tune ups thanks to Zomboss, Steve, and two twins named Kate and Allie Day. As Kate, with glasses and brown hair done up in a large bun, gave Kon a much needed soda, Allie was doing up the screws on one of the front tires. With her blonde hair in a ponytail, she was giving Corey this awestruck look.
Towards the backside of the car was Dry Bowser and Vanellope, giving racing tips to Kin as the occasionally passed glances at the other nearby racers. They seemed intense, mainly because of the enhancements that were made to make the other cars look more like they were entering a demolition derby than a race akin to the Indianapolis 500.
I was snapped out of the thoughts when Corey addressed the twins directly. "Thanks for being our pit crew, Kate & Allie."
"Anything for you, Corey!" They said simultaneously before Allie returned to her maintenance.
"So Core", Laney began. "Let's say we actually win this thing-"
"Yeah, let's say that!" The singer interrupted her, holding a hand up for a high-five. When he got nothing in return, his smile and arm fell as LAney continued.
"How are we gonna get a new song?"
Corey brought his arm over her and my shoulders, a grin forming on his face. "Trina's gonna hate it when we win. She'll go diary all on her own, and we'll have our winner's circle jam. For once, having her around is a good thing!"
"And you just jinxed it", I groaned with a cringe. "She knows you guys are racing, so she'll do anything and everything to make sure you guys lose."
"Relax", the singer said calmly. "I'm sure it'll be fine."
"ALL RACERS TO THE STARTING LINE!" One of the announcers called out.
"That's our cue!" I hopped off the car as the band all got to their instruments. "Wish us luck, guys!" They moved ahead to their place, and I joined the others behind the low wall right at Grojband's pit stop. Zomboss was giving Kate and Allie some pointers as the other racers slowly made their way past.
It was clear they were angry with Grojband, based on their furious scowls and vicious growls. It made me very uneasy.
"This isn't good…" Dry Bowser mumbled. "They're gonna be smoked…"
"Not if we have anything to say about that!" Vanellope cried. "Zomboss, I think it's time to pull out our secret weapons."
"Of course, Von Schweetz."
We all watched them dash off in confusion, only to return our attention to the raceway when the engines started. Wait, no, it was actually just the other racers still growling in rage.
"Oh boy…" Ralph muttered.
"They are so dead!" Star cried out fearfully.
"It'll make for a good show, though", Flowey snidely remarked. This was immediately met with a slap on the back of his head, courtesy of Barranco.
"Should we do something?" Bubbles whispered in terror.
I silently looked back to where our three race experienced friends had disappeared, and smiled. I turned my attention back to Bubbles, and shook my head. "I think it'll be okay, Bubbles. I have a feeling this race will become the sort of chaos I'm used to soon."
"And that's good how?" Jenny asked.
"You'll see." I winked at the teenage robot.
When the speakers blared to life once again, we all looked up at the screen in the centre. "RACERS! START YOUR ENGINES!"
As the cars revved to life, I passed a glance at Corey's sister, Trina, up in the flag girl booth. She had this sinister grin on her face, aimed right at her brother. After a few moments of tense calm, she threw the flag down, and everyone was off.
The Grojcar's speakers blasted the band forward, but the bus and ice cream truck caught up quickly. The monster truck came up from behind, boxing our friends in.
"Caleb!" Amy cried. "Whatever you have planned, please tell me we'll do it now?!"
"It wasn't my plan", I said calmly. I pointed over at the entrance Dry, Vanny and Zomboss disappeared behind. "It was theirs."
The whole group looked over, and through the entrance and exploding past the tire barrier were our friends.
All of them in karts of their own.
Vanellope was in a near perfect replica of her kart from Sugar Rush, only with the Z-Tech Industries logo in place of her and Ralph's signature.
Dry Bowser was in a classic Mario Kart kart, with his logo plastered on the hood (the Z-Tech logo was on the hubcaps).
Zomboss, taking up the back, was in a massive kart that looked a bit like the Zombot. There was an empty seat below him, an exposed engine, and massive tires.
The three of them raced past us as they caught up to the other racers, the group gasping and gawking at the sight.
"WHAT'S THIS?!" One of the announcers bellowed. "THREE NEW FACES HAVE SUDDENLY JOINED THE RACE! AND THEY LOOK READY TO BURN RUBBER!"
"Time for some chaos!" Zomboss roared. He pressed a button on his console, and a bunch of beams of light shot out into the sky. They crashed back down in perfect lines of five, revealing themselves as Mario Kart item boxes.
"The fuck?!" Majima cried out in shock.
"Now this is gonna be a race!" Dave cheered.
"Give them heck, guys!" Steve called out.
I looked up at the centre jumbotron, and smiled when Vanellope smirked and winked when the camera focused on her.
The race as a whole was utter carnage. With my friends and the item boxes in play, it wasn't like anything anyone would have ever dreamed to witness.
Our first taste started when Dry collided with one of them, gaining the ever iconic red shell. He threw it forward and it slammed into one of the nameless racers. The car did a flip just like Mario Kart, stalling the vehicle just long enough for the trio to speed past. The skeleton roared in laughter, and when his next item box bestowed him with a fire flower, he went hog wild and unleashed literal hellfire on several racers in front of him.
Vanellope was next, and she flawlessly dodged a racer swinging a bat at her before collecting another box. She shot a cocky smirk, and shot forward. Then, she spun around and began to drive backwards before a cartoonish three barreled gatling gun popped out of the hood. Vanellope pressed a button, and three flaming gum balls were fired out, spinning out three more nameless racers.
Zomboss, meanwhile, just didn't care. Because his modified and dangerous looking car was designed for ramming, that's what he did. The item boxes didn't break with him, as he just barreled through any and all racers with no care or concern. When it was clear he wasn't stopping and saw everyone but Grojband, Dry and Vanellope as targets, many of the nameless racers just swerved out of his way. Didn't stop him from trying still, and even letting out electrical blasts from a large tesla behind him.
From our spot behind Grojband's pit stop, all of us were cheering at the top of our lungs. The loudest were Ralph, Jenny, Majima and barranco, although it was hard to say because of how explosive it was around me. And when it started to get a wee bit too much, I put on my headphones and put on some music. It helped quiet the stadium just enough so my head didn't explode, and I returned to watching the race unfold.
I watched as Zomboss moved next to the towering monster truck, and engaged in an insult match with its driver. The short man with a blonde buzz cut spat insults right back, but just from where I was I could easily tell Zomboss was winning.
Dry and Vanellope ended up taking on the bus driver and the ice cream vendor, respectively. Dry was extremely aggressive with his target, while Vanny simply annoyed her target with petty insults. I could see the relieved look on the band's face as they jammed out to get a lead, Corey flashing me a smirk as they passed the pit stop for the tenth lap out of 50.
Suddenly, a gigantic pillar of fire erupted into the sky, and I immediately could tell the bus driver struck one of Dry Bowser's nerves. He roared so loud I could hear him over my music, and I noticed most of the audience cover their ears, wincing in pain. The skeleton then spun his head around and breathed fire over the ends of the tail pipes. This gave him a massive burst of speed that shot him far ahead, coming right up behind the Grojcar.
He grabbed an item, and with his newly obtained green shell, he used it as protection behind him. Vanellope came up next to him while Zomboss hung back in the mass of cars to intentionally cause some damage. It was beautifully chaotic, and made my smile grow till it was beaming like the sun that hung low in the sky.
At points, the other racers were able to slip past Zomboss and set Dry and Vanny back into the crowd, leaving the band vulnerable. But it was never for too long.
That was, until the school bus went just barely behind Vanellope. It nicked her back wheel just barely, but it was just enough to send the candy racer spinning out and crashing into a wall.
"KID!" Ralph cried out as he ran over to make sure she was okay.
I was about to join him, but the same happened to Dry come the next lap, and I watched in horror as the skeleton spun out right to the same spot. Luckily, Vanellope glitched out of the way and onto Ralph's shoulder as the go-kart crashed into the candy kart, igniting into a giant explosion.
The band made a sudden stop in their pit stop, Zomboss stopping right behind them. The rest of the racers (at least those still in the race. The ice cream truck was lost in the carnage) all stopped and threatened Grojband with a multitude of threatening weapons.
"This is bad, Core", Laney lamented. "We're outmatched."
"But we still have Zomboss backing us up?" Kon said in worry. Kate ran up and let the drummer put his sticks into a bucket of water, the bits of wood overheating from the excessive jamming.
"Not gonna be in the race anymore", The zombie said sadly. "All that ramming has done a number on my vehicle, and repairs will take too long." This was met with frowns from the brothers.
"That witch you call a sister must've done something to rile them up", Merida growled, shooting a harsh glare at the flag girl podium. "Then placed the blame on you four."
"That's so something she would do", Laney groaned, burying her face in her hands.
"We need lyrics", Corey said in determination. "Now."
"Yeah, but last I checked, you sister was all high and mighty", Majima flatly said, jabbing a thumb at the pink haired girl on top of the tower. "Not quite sure what you can't do to set her off."
"We just need to endanger her safety, and I know just how to do it!" He whirled around to the twin fan girls, whose eyes sparkled with excitement. "Kate, Allie."
"Yes Corey?" They said as one, clearly trying not to faint on the spot.
He held up a briefcase. "I'm gonna need some spare parts…" The rest of the conversation was too quiet for me to catch, but obviously it involved getting something out of the stadium as the twins nodded then ran off.
"What's your big plan, Core?" Izzy asked in gleeful curiosity.
"You'll see. Just give it a minute."
It took an hour.
We were all boredly lazing about when the twins showed back up, a frazzled Kate dragging a frazzled Allie behind her.
"We're back…" The brown haired twin weakly said. "Sorry about that wait…"
"There was gas…" the blonde twin whined, coughing out a puff of yellow smoke.
They held up the briefcase and it opened to reveal a moose plushie in a green sweater and blue shorts.
"Awesome!" Corey grabbed the plush and walked to the front of the car, ready with a roll of duct tape. "Mr.Mooseface was Trina's safety charm when she was a kid." The singer taped the moose to the front quickly. "Let's see what happens when he's in danger."
Corey darted back to his spot, grin wide with confidence.
"Good luck guys!" Iris called out as the sped off, all the other racers giving chase.
"How's that moose supposed to do anything?" Amy said in confusion.
"Just watch", I said, starting up at Trina. Everyone copied me, and we watched as the pink haired girl watched the race play out with a pair of binoculars. She gasped when she spotted the moose. She started to let out a fearful rant about what she caused, and from the rising tension I knew it was time.
When a pillar of rage fueled fire shot into the sky from where Trina stood, I smirked as the others jumped back a bit in shock and horror. High in the sky, we watched as she wrote furiously about what was transpiring, with a dark storm brewing above. Lightning flashed, the fire pillar burned the top of the tower to ash, and Trina was screaming out nothing but rage filled nonsense.
After a few seconds, she daintily landed back down on the now ruined tower, dazed and barely able to stay on her feet. Her diary, meanwhile, fell past and was caught by Corey, who quickly read it and unleashed his song.
The band was perfect as they sung a song about staying safe on the road. Majima rolled his eyes at the lyrics, but the group as a whole bobbed their head to the beat. Even when Trina hijacked the monster truck, We continued to dance to the song. Laney worked quickly, getting Mr.Mooseface off the front of the Grojcar and throwing it to the truck's window. I heard Trina shriek in shock, and laughed as she swerved off the track and crashed in a cartoonish explosion, Grojband coming up behind her and crossing the finish line. The flag was waved, and the cheering began.
"AND GROJCAR WINS!" The announcer cheered. "OH, WHAT A RACE!"
My group all let out cheers of their own, and as one we hoped over the barrier and joined our friends in their victory. As the confetti and streamers rained down on us, I beamed up and brought Gladius, Laney and Corey into a group hug.
They smiled down at me, the redhead laughing in surprise.
Oh what a fantastic day.
~X~
When we finally made it back to the garage, there was a massive celebration. Trina was glaring at us, but it had little effect. If anything, it only made Majima, Dry and Galacta glare back, which made her back off. Since she was well aware of us at this point, we had uncovered the TARDIS, and moved the celebration party inside the blue box.
Kin and Kon were pestering Zomboss with invention ideas, but because of the jovial mood, he wasn't bothered in the slightest (much to my shock).
Vanellope, Hilda, Twig, Ruby and Iris were all dancing together, Star using her magic to create a hovering disco ball.
Merida and Izzy chatted with Jenny and Steve about random topics.
The Doctor was dancing around the main console with Amy, Rory and Majima following along.
Ralph lazed off to the side, sipping a can of root beer as Maple, The Powerpuffs, Barranco and Dave napped on him.
Everyone else was up to their own things to celebrate, which left me, Gladius, Corey and Laney all to chill. We were outside of the TARDIS just taking a break from the festivities, sitting on the stage.
"Well, I'd say that was a good day", Gladius hummed. "Chaotic, but not the kind where we're nearly killed ten times over."
"That makes me wonder…" Laney began, setting her soda aside. "What did you guys get up to before you showed up here?"
I let out an airy chuckle. "Boy, that's a story and a half. For almost two months at this point we've been all over. Seen crazy planets, battled vicious monsters, and constantly moved so we could get home. These last few weeks have been so much more eventful than the last 10 years of my life."
"Sounds awesome, dude", Corey said with a smile. "Honestly, it sounds like you guys have been having so much fun."
"You guys can join, if you want."
The two bandmates froze, then looked at me in shock.
"Wait… really?" Laney gave me a surprised look.
I nodded. "It's why everyone else is with us. It's an open journey."
"Dude… That's crazy… Of course I'll come!" Corey cheered. He gave his friend an excited look. "What do you say, Lanes? We could make people all over know about Grojband!"
Laney, honestly, looked very unsure. "I don't know, Core. I'll…" She paused to give me a look. "I'll think about it."
"That's good enough for me", I said happily. I jumped back to my feet, a smile on my face. "How's about we get back to the party."
The two bandmates nodded, and ran back inside the TARDIS. Gladius put a reassuring wing on my shoulder, and I followed after him, making sure to close the door behind me.
~X~
Another chapter out! Racing madness in one of my favourite episodes, Indie Road Rager. Twisted the episode a bit so it was a bit more original, mainly with the three who joined the race after it started (Zomboss' car is the same one he drives in the PvZ graphic novel Petal To The Metal. It's on the cover, so it's hard to miss).
Next up we've got the end of the Grojband arc, but it'll still be as chaotic and fun as this chapter I promise.
Oh! I will also say that if you ever make fan art of this story or any related story, I'll be more than willing to share it here in the author's notes (with credit, obviously). I'm willing to scream to the heavens about my story's support, so show your love!
Up next: A century long grudge is reignited after a failed history reenactment, thus having Caleb and Co. thrown around as Peaceville splits in two…
~Caleb~