Here is the 56th installment. Hope you enjoy.
Notes now live at the end of the chapter, so here is the obligatory, on with the show.
As for the long wait, compared to my previous posting rate, day-job, kid in school that has to be dropped off, and life in general has seriously reduced my writing time to near non-existence. I am still writing, but my output is reduced so there will be, unfortunately, longer gaps. I do hope you will all hang on, because more is coming, it is just going to take longer.
Sadly, I do not own and thus can claim no rights to Zootopia or its characters. They belong to Disney.
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Alexantler Jean = Alexander Jean
The limo pulled up to the studios main entrance, the group exiting the back to be greeted by Jarvis. "Hello everyone, please follow me. We have a bunch of songs that the artists participating in the concert wanted you all to record. I see you have a full entourage this time, too."
Errol looked up, cocking his head to the side. "You look kinda like one of Gazelles dancers."
Jarvis gave the pup a bright smile. "That's because I am, and if you follow me, and we hurry, I might be able to introduce you."
Errol's tail started to wag to the point his entire body was shaking. "Really?"
"Yes, really. But we gotta get the fox and rabbit, as well as the wolf and tiger, inside before she leaves." Giving the rest of the mammals a wink over the pup's head.
Errol's eyes got hard as he turned to the rest. "You heard him. We need to hurry." Taking Judy's arm. "Can I help you Auntie Judy?"
Judy grinned with a laugh as she glanced back at Nick. "Such a gentle mammal. Lead the way."
The rest followed along as Jake rolled his eyes at his brother. "I'll never understand what he sees in Gazelle. It isn't that her music is bad or anything. I just prefer NightHowler."
Nick laughed as they entered the building, and leaned down to Jake. "I agree with you, Jake. NightHowler is better music in my opinion. I'll let you in on a secret though, but you have to keep it to yourself. Can you do that?"
Jake looked up at Nick and nodded. "I can do that."
Giving the pup a warm smile, Nick leaned closer and whispered in Jake's ear. "Gazelle's real name is Maria. She went to college with your aunt Judy, and she is the lead singer for NightHowler too."
Jake looked up at Nick like he was crazy. "No way. I'd be able to tell."
Nick shrugged as they entered the recording studio lounge. "Well, I thought that too. You'll just have to ask her." Pointing to where Maria sat in a chair waiting.
Jake gave Nick a look, snorted as he clearly didn't fully believe Nick, but hadn't a reason not to believe him either, and then marched over to Maria with purpose. "Hello Miss Gazelle. Mr. Nick says your name is Maria, and that you are the lead singer of NightHowler. Is this true?"
Maria grinned at the pup and chuckled. "Did he now? Well, he is an officer, so he could get in trouble for lying about things like that. Do you think I'm not the lead singer?"
Jake crossed his arms. "I don't know. My brother Nick, he goes by Errol now because we also have Mr. Nick, is a big fan of yours, so I have to listen to your music all the time. But then I make him listen to mine. I have all three of the first albums NightHowler put out. The music makes me want to push harder, try harder. I thought I could tell, but now with what Mr. Nick said. I'm not sure."
Maria leaned down and whispered in Jake's ear. "Well, Mr. Nick isn't lying." Giggling as Jack took a gasping step back.
"No way! That's awesome!"
"If you play your cards right and are a good boy for your mom and dad, I might be able to slip Mr. Nick some tickets and back-stage passes for the next NightHowler Concert. As long as your mom is okay with it."
Elli was standing behind Jake listening. "As long as I am okay with what?"
Jake spun around, looking up at Elli with puppy dog eyes in full force and all but doing a full beg. "Mom. Please! It would be with Mr. Nick, and he wouldn't let anything happen cause he's a cop, and uncle Mike's First."
Elli laughed. "I suppose, but we will have to make sure it isn't on a school night, and your grades need to be good too."
Jake nodded rapidly as his tail started to wag fast enough to blurr. "I can do that!"
Maria laughed, speaking up. "Nick. This little guy might be a bigger fan than you!"
Nick replied with a chuckle. "Just might be. You know I don't play favorites, and you lose some points with me, if only because I have to put up with your Gazelle stuff on patrol and at home."
Judy laughed. "Oh, knock it off you two. Now where is this list of songs we're being asked to do?"
Carlos walked in with Bobby trailing. "I've got it right here." Handing the list to Judy. "Hello everyone. I'm Carlos. I'm Maria's manager and producer, at least in name, since she almost never listens to me. For those that don't know, this is my boyfriend, Robert."
Bobby laughed. "Hello Everyone. Judy, Nick. Lizz, Mike. Good to see you all again. Judy, I cannot thank you enough for dragging me along last time. I was able to reconnect with Carlos, and it has been nothing but great since. Helps that I am doing my dream job thanks to you." Bobby leaned down and gave Judy a hug. "Thank you Judy. Really. I still need to take Carlos home to meet mom and dad, but I'm confident they'll be okay." Standing, Bobby smiles. "Anyway... I'll be doing the music and arrangements for each piece. I've got most of it worked out, just need to do some fine tuning. You will notice the list calls out who as an individual, pair, or group is picked for each song. Although, like last time, if you feel the need to add in, do so. You all proved to have a knack for backing each other up. So let's get started."
Judy laughed. "I am just glad it is working out for you, Bobby. I see you have already designated some of who is singing what and to who, like you said, but I like it. Matches up, at least for Nick and I, how we would have done it. The selection of songs is also great. Nick?"
Nick looked over the sheet. "Yeah, this is a nice selection. Will take us a few hours, but I think we can crank these out without it getting too late. Lizz, Mike, any issues?" Handing the sheet over.
Mike glanced at Lizz who smiled and shook his head. "No issues here. Let's do this."
After about thirty minutes of organization and moving things around, they were prepared to start working.
Song list:
Head High Alexantler Jean | Nick and Judy
Waiting for You Alexantler Jean | Nick, Jarvis, and Mike, Judy, Maria, and Lizz
Nevermind Alexantler Jean | Nick with Mike on Harmony with Judy and Lizz on harmony
Paper Planes Alexantler Jean | Lizz and Mike
Highs & Lows Alexantler Jean | Judy to Nick
Fuck you no one loves you like me Alexantler Jean | Lizz with Judy on harmony
Thief Alexantler Jean | Judy to Nick
I get off Halestorm | Judy and Maria to their mates
Here's to Us Halestorm | Nick and Judy
I like me better Lauv | Nick and Judy
My songs know what you did in the dark (Light Em Up) Fall Out Boy | Nick and Mike
Everything I wanted Billie Eilish | Judy and Lizz
All the good girls go to hell Billie Eilish | Lizz, Judy, and Maria
New Rules Dua Lipa | Lizz with Judy and Maria on backup
Once everyone was situated in the recording booth, Judy looked over at Maria. "You know, I notice that there are quite a few songs by Alexantler Jean in this list. There a reason for that?"
Maria nodded. "Yes. As it turns out, Markus and BC are big fans of yours. There were actually a lot of requests by artists to record with one or all of your four. Enough that Carlos and I had to spend a full day parsing down the list, or you'd have been in studio for a good ten albums worth of songs. And there are still requests for live performances at the concert too. So be prepared for that, but we'll cross that bridge when we are closer."
Lizz grinned. "Well, when you see BC and Mark, let them know we're fans of theirs."
Judy nodded. "Totally."
Carlos over the intercom. "Okay. You all ready? We've got Nick and Judy up first. Head High."
Nick and Judy looked at us, Nick then turning to the glass and giving a thumbs up. "We're ready."
Bobby's voice came over the intercom. "Okay guys. Judy, you're primary after the first verse. Nick, you know your parts and back her up on the chorus. At the end, everyone can join in and we'll adjust the levels on this side. Do what you all did so well last time."
With that, the music started and they started singing.
Nick:
There's more to life than happiness
More will never know
When you're heart is filled with emptiness
Making a mess of your soul
When you're down and feeling low, wanting to give up give up give up
Just hold your head, head high
Judy:
Oh oh we've been lost here once or twice
In this pitch black room without a light
J/N: Even if we fall we'll survive
Just hold your head, head high
Just hold your head, head high
Judy:
There's more to love than wanting love
More than we could show
Maybe it's as simple as, knowing when to let go
When you're down and feeling low don't give up give up give up
Just hold your head, head high
J/N:
Oh oh we've been lost here once or twice
In this pitch black room without a light
Even if we fall we'll survive
Just hold your head, head high…
As the song closed out, Maria, Lizz, and Mike started to chime in, harmonizing on the closing chorus. When the music stopped, there were grins across the board as Bobby came back on the intercom. "Alright. That was just. Wow. Keep that up and we'll be done in no time. You guys ready for the next one? We're doing, Waiting For You. Mike, this stars you as the initial male lead, then Nick comes in. Jarvis I know you have been practicing, you're on the second cycle and backup harmony. Girls, Lizz you're in first and primary, with Judy and Maria backup and harmony. Everyone ready?"
Jarvis grinned and looked at the other mammals in the room. "This is going to be fun. I just hope I don't screw it up for you guys and force a second take. You are all just so good."
Maria smiled at Jarvis. "You're going to do fine love. You are better than you give yourself credit for."
Bobby chuckled over the intercom. "She's right, Jarvis. Okay. Here we go."
At the end of the song, everyone turned to Jarvis with harsh eyes. He looked around at the mammals staring him down with no small amount of fear. "Guys… Guess I screwed it up then." His ears folding back.
Maria was the first to break, taking off her headphones and wrapping him in a hug as the others laughed. "You did better than perfect love! You nailed it! Now you don't have an excuse to not sing with me on the next album. I've been saving a few songs just so you can join me."
Carlos came over the intercom. "She's right there, Jarvis. I am officially putting you on the next album. Bobby..."
"Alright! That was amazing. You are all amazing. Single takes and you're nailing things. Okay, next up is Lizz and Mike with Paper Planes. The rest of you are harmony and background. Again, we'll do the levels on this end so do your things."
They got through the next ten songs with minimal issues and only three restarts needed. The first one was due to a recording failure on Highs and Lows. Carlos forgot to hit record, but they all agreed the second was better anyway. The second was an actual technical issue where they didn't get any music when Judy was set to sing Thief. Judy sang it fully A' Capella along with the other girls. They redid it with the music, but other than adding a drum line, they kept the A' Capella version.
The third was the guys being idiots and prompting a break before they retried, I Like Me Better. They were basically acting out the song, kneeling in front of their mates while singing. What they didn't know was that the cameras in the room were active and their goofing off would become one of the top rated music videos of the decade once released, especially as they went with a harmony of all three guys for the final recording.
Exiting the recording booth, the entire group was all grins as they were greeted with cheers and clapping by everyone waiting. Jake ran up to Mike and Lizz. "You guys were so amazing!"
Lizz grinned down at the pup. "Thank you, Jake. But don't worry, Mike and I are not going to become professional singers. We enjoy being cops. If anything, we don't work nearly as hard as people like Maria and Jarvis do."
Maria laughed. "You have the right of it Lizz. As much as I would love to turn all four of you into stars, and you already are, really. I know you are so very right." Turning to Jake. "You see, Jake. While I may have lots and lots of money, I get very little time off to enjoy that money or just relax. I have to schedule a day off weeks in advance, and I don't get to take time off just cause I get sick."
Jarvis gave a dark chuckle. "It's true. Even on the days off I force her to take, she still tries to work, write songs, etc… There has been more than one time that I have been forced to physically pick her up and throw her in the pool."
Jake laughed, but then got a confused look on his face. "Why would you be the one doing that? I thought she was seeing that movie star, Hugh Jackrabbit."
Jarvis laughed. "Oh, yeah. I helped spread that rumor and Hugh has been a great sport about it, coming over to the house and everything. He brings his actual mate with him, who everyone thinks is his personal assistant. The whole size difference never seems to come into mammals minds."
Errol popped in. "Yeah, his assistant is a skunk. So he's mated to a skunk? So that means that you and Gazelle are mates?"
Jarvis grinned. "Yep. Have been since college, for which you can blame Judy. She's the one that pushed us together."
Judy laughed. "You two would have figured it out, eventually. I was just tired of being the third wheel that you used so you could see each other but not be open about it." Taking a long sip of her water. "All I did was arrange to meet the two of them for dinner, separately, cause I needed to talk to them. I then left them at the restaurant to figure it out."
Maria laughed, hard. "Oh, there was so much more to it than just that." Looking at Nick. "She was a good hustler even then. I'll have to tell the story some day when I'm old and no longer performing. Probably as part of the movie version."
Judy groaned. "Oh gods, please no."
Maria grinned wickedly. "Oh yes. It's already partially written. It's just a matter of time my dear rabbit. But… That is a story for another time. Bobby, what's the status on project two?"
Bobby grinned. "I have sign off on the song use, and the band is already set up next door. Assuming Nick and Mike are up for it."
Maria grinned and shook with excitement. "I know you boys like what we have been doing, because you're singing with and to your mates. However, I have a treat for both of you. Nick. I know you are a metalhead at heart. How would you like to sing, Karma Built My HotRod?"
Nick blinked as a grin spread across his muzzle. "You're kitting. Please say you are not kitting me."
Maria shook her head. "I'm not kitting at all. Lets go next door and you can see for yourself."
Leading the way, Maria opens the door and the first mammal Nick sees is the lead singer for Ministry and he about loses it, only just barely keeping himself from going full fanboy. Walking up and shaking the offered hoof of the big horned sheep, his voice slightly strained. "Mr. Jourgensheer. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Giving a chuckle and grin, the sheep releases Nick's paw and pats him on the back. "It's okay. It is an honor to meet you too." Looking past Nick to Judy. "Wow. Maria was right. An honor to meet you both, and while it might be delayed, thank you for stopping that lunatic ewe. She made life so much harder for so many. Anyway... Maria tells me you're a metal head, Nick. Our drummer is the primary force behind, Karma built my hotrod, and as a fox, I was hoping you could give it a try for the charity album. As a band, we don't get many people wanting to do covers, but your boy, Bobby, has proven to be a genius at remixing things."
Nick nodded, took a deep breath and smiled. "I'll need to hear his version first so I can get my head in the space, but I'm willing to give it a go."
Ten minutes later Nick was in the recording booth with several studio musicians, including Bobby, and two members of one of his favorite metal bands. He was over the moon. Listening to the version Bobby had put together (Redline/Whiteline version) with a grin he affirmed his readiness. "Let's do this!"
Nick-Speaking:
Soon I discovered that this rock thing was true
Jerry Lee Lewis was the devil
Karma was an architect previous to her career as a prophet
All of a sudden, I found myself in love with the world
So there was only one thing that I could do
Was ding a ding dang my dang a long ling long
Nick with deep growl, tail whipping wildly and head banging to the music.
Ding a ding dang, a dang along ling long
Ticky ticky thought of a gun
Every time I try to do it all now baby
Am I on the run
Why why why why why baby
If it's so evil then?
Give me my time, with all my power
Give it to me all again (wow)
Ding a ding a dang a dong dong ding dong
Everywhere I go
Every time you tell me baby
When I settle down
Got to get me a trailer park
And hold my world around
Why why why why?
….
Nick-Speaking:
Karma built my car
It's a love affair
Mainly Karma and my hot rod
With a laugh as he shook himself out, Nick could do nothing but grin as he reentered the control room. "I don't know how that came out, but it was fun!"
Al Jourgensheer, grinning like a fool, laughed as well. "Damn. I'm glad you're a cop. I'd be out of a job. I was just never able to generate a growl like that. You're good!"
Nick grinned bashfully at the praise. "Thank you."
The drummer, a fox with all black fur. "Wow! No, as much as I love Al. That was what I always imagined it to be. Sorry Al, but his version is better."
Al chuckled. "Nothing of it. It was, without question. Now, who is Mike?"
Mike put up his paw. "That would be me."
Al grinned. "Great. We have two songs for you. One with your mate, Lizz, and one for just you."
Mike perked up. "Oh, what have you got for us?"
With a wider grin, Al handed a card as the door opened and the band, Dope, walked in. "Dope has asked that you sing their cover of the classic, Rebel Yell, so a cover of a cover. Then…" Skillet following Dope into the room. "Skillet wants you and Lizz to cover their song, Feel Invincible. Think you two can handle it?"
Lizz grinned. "You bet we can. This is completely awesome!"
Laughing, Mike nodded. "Secret. Lizz is a massive metalhead. Makes Nick and I look like wannabe's, and we are anything but."
Laughs were had all around and Lizz and Mike were gotten into the booth with a few members of the bands. The recordings went off cleanly, Lizz even jumping on the drums and doing a decent job. Much to the joy of everyone, after the second song was recorded, two takes of each because they wanted to change the arrangement each time.
Carlos spoke up. "Okay everyone, got one more for all of you."
Mike spoke up. "Okay, what you got?"
"This is for all of you, but got you slated for lead on it, Mike. It's my Life, by Bun Jovi."
Grins were across the board, Mike laughing. "Hell yeah! Let's do this!"
After a single take, the entire crew was grinning. Maria spoke up. "Carlos. I think I want to do one more, if everyone is up to it."
Carlos spoke over the intercom. "What's up, Maria."
"I want to do, A Watcher. I think these mammals can do it justice that I just can't seem to."
Carlos was quiet for a moment. "I don't see why not. I'll get it queued up. You go over the lyrics with the group."
Maria brought up the lyrics on her phone and passed them around, Judy laughing. "Oh my Gods, Maria! This was like the first song you ever wrote! I remember you couldn't figure out what music that it needed."
Maria nodded with a shy smile. "Yeah. I always believed it needed your voice, but with something more. I think if we have you and Nick doing your harmony thing, where you play off each other, it'll be perfect. With the rest of us adding chant like backup on the chorus."
Judy shrugged. "Nick? You up for it?"
Nodding, Nick pulled Judy closer to him. "Let's try it."
Carlos came back over the intercom. "Alright. We're ready. Here goes."
After a few moments, a heavy guitar riff that Judy recognizes as being one of Bobby's pieces started playing.
A Watcher—A poem/Song written by me (modified to fit this world).
I am immortal, the ultimate mam.
Not of light, nor of darkness
I walk the razor's edge.
Death does not become me.
I will never die.
Heaven doesn't want me.
Hell fears where I tread.
With sword and gun in paw.
I walk with time by my side.
I am immortal, the ultimate mam.
Not of light nor of darkness.
I walk the razor's edge.
For time unknowable I have walked.
I have seen great things.
Watched mammals grow old and die.
Pain, my only pleasure. Love I shall never find.
For I am one of a kind.
I am immortal, the ultimate man.
Not of light nor of darkness.
I walk the razor's edge.
Great power do I weild.
1000 lifetimes of knowledge did I steal.
The knowledge of ages held in my mind.
Mine to know what is and what will be undone.
I am immortal, the ultimate mam.
Not of light nor of darkness.
I walk the razor's edge.
I am immortal, the ultimate mam.
Not of light nor of darkness.
I walk the razor's edge.
Solitude is my lot in life.
Alone I shall always be.
The wanderer of the ages.
The recorder of all that shall be.
History is the story of my life.
Nomad is my one true name.
Call me by no other, for I am Immortal.
I am immortal, the ultimate mam.
Not of light not of darkness.
I walk the razor's edge.
I am immortal, the ultimate mam.
Not of light not of darkness.
I walk the razor's edge.
I am immortal, the ultimate mam.
Not of light not of darkness.
I walk the razor's edge.
Great power do I wield.
I am immortal, the ultimate mam.
Not of light nor of darkness born.
I walk the razor's edge.
I walk the razor's edge.
I walk the razor's edge.
I walk the razor's edge...
After three takes to get it right, one to just feel it out, one to really try it, and one to do it right. The group is so keyed up they don't want to stop, and the whole thing devolved into a jam session with everyone joining in at some point. Carlos had the sense to hit record for the ultimate hidden bonus track on the album, hidden as a video file, since the video was recorded as well.
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A/N
Remember to share the love. Review and Fav. It is the life blood of every writer to know you are enjoying their work. I also want to thank everyone who has Fav'd, followed, and reviewed this little project. I know that isn't much, but to me, it's huge. Even as a writer of original fiction, that you enjoy this means a lot to me as an author. You can check out my original work and link to my Blog, Scribblings, where a lot of it lives by hopping over to dcballard . com ( Direct: ascensionnovel . / scribblings (remove the spaces) because the forwarding is misbehaving.)
If you enjoy this, and you are not also reading my original Log Entries series over on my Blog. Why aren't you? (takes a Nick-esk pose of hurt) Also. I am now posting them on AO3, so you have even less excuse. It's free, ORIGINAL fiction. "An original story told through the log entries of the pilot and captain of an experimental star ship."
You should really be checking out my bestest bud, Bear678, and his story What Foxes May Come.
So keep those reviews and comments coming. And also remember, if you see issues, misspellings, etc... Let me know in PM, I'm under no illusion of being perfect and want to fix those things I miss.