Waking The Fallen
Friday had finally arrived, and for the students of Pallet Town High, it only meant one thing: the weekend! The school buzzed with excitement as friends made plans, laughter filled the halls, and anticipation electrified the air. The energy of excitement was clear, spilling out of classrooms and into the open-air corridors. Some students rushed to wrap up their last-minute club activities, while others hung by their lockers, exchanging ideas for the evening ahead. Teachers resigned to the end-of-week chaos, simply letting the noise slide as the final bell rang, marking the official start of freedom.
Pallet Town High was packed with teenage life. Groups naturally formed with their respective peers. The jocks ruled the sports fields, the popular kids commanded the lunch tables, and the theater kids rehearsed their lines with dramatic flair. There were the nerds who dominated the chess boards and coding clubs, the band geeks who treated every football game halftime like a symphony in the making. Then there were the metalheads, often labeled as "emos" or "goths" by others, a misunderstood group clad in band tees, ripped jeans, and an aura of defiance. Among them were a group of boys who had carved out their own unique identity: Rejected Alliance, a band as bold and unfiltered as their name suggested.
The band lineup was as follows:
Ash Ketchum: Lead vocals, keyboard, lead guitar
Gary Oak: Rhythm guitar, backup vocals, rapper
Paul Shinji: Bass
Brock Harrison: Drums
Each member brought a unique personality and musical taste to the group, shaping the band's eclectic sound.
Ash Ketchum was the fiery heart of the band. With his signature black cap always turned backward, Ash was the epitome of charisma on stage. He was drawn to high-energy rock and metal bands like Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, and Slipknot. Bands whose powerful lyrics and electrifying performances inspired him to pick up a guitar at age ten and practice his vocal range to match the sounds of Chino Moreno and Adam Gontier. Ash's passion for music stemmed from a desire to express himself beyond words, channeling his emotions into every chord and scream.
Gary Oak, the rhythm guitarist and part-time rapper, brought a different flavor to the mix. Confident and outgoing, Gary was influenced by a blend of classic rock and modern hip-hop, citing bands like Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and artists like Eminem as his favorites. He loved the storytelling aspect of music and found rapping to be an exciting way to experiment with their sound. For Gary, joining the band wasn't just about music; it was about standing out and proving himself.
Paul Shinji, the brooding bassist, had a quieter demeanor that belied his intense dedication to the band. He gravitated toward heavier, darker music, with bands like Slipknot, Tool, and Black Sabbath dominating his playlists. Paul's fascination with bass guitar started when he realized how it formed the backbone of every great song. For him, the band was a way to find his voice without speaking, letting the deep, resonant notes do the talking.
Brock Harrison, the ever-reliable drummer, was the glue that held the group together. Easygoing and grounded, Brock's musical taste leaned toward grunge and alternative rock, with Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam as his staples. His love for rhythm and percussion came from his early years banging on pots and pans, eventually evolving into a full-blown passion for drumming. Brock joined the band to be part of something bigger, seeing music as a universal language that brought people together.
Rejected Alliance weren't just a band, it was a brotherhood forged from a shared love of music and a determination to make their voices heard. They had started the band during a summer of boredom and restless ambition, jamming in Gary's garage until their sound began to take shape. What began as casual sessions soon turned into something more serious when they realized how well their styles complemented each other. Now, with every practice and performance, they honed their craft, dreaming of one day taking their music beyond Pallet Town.
"Friday has finally arrived Ketchum," Gary Oak said with a grin as he and his longtime friend Ash strolled out onto the school's catwalk.
"And you know what that means?" Ash replied, his raven hair catching the sunset light.
"Concert night!" they shouted in unison, their excitement echoing down the emptying hallways.
The band had scored a gig at Rock-It Nightclub, a newly opened hangout dedicated to showcasing local talent. The venue's mission was to highlight unique musical styles, and with Gary's grandfather as the owner, Rejected Alliance had snagged a prime spot on opening weekend.
"Fuck yeah can't wait! What do you think Ash? Should we focus on hyping up the crowd or going all out on our performance?" asked Gary
"I mean, why not both? I've got my screams ready to go, all I wanna do is give our hometown a performance that they'll never forget!" said Ash ecstatic.
"You know I'm always ready to go Ketchum. How many songs are we doing again?" asked Gary
" Five" Ash continued "But I think we'll save that special one for last. I talked to Paul and Brock and they're just as excited as we are! Sound check is at 6 and the show starts at 8 so better get going to have everything ready and don't be late Oak!" Ash said as he began running home
"Yeah yeah whatever I'll be there before you. Later Ash" and with that Gary went home to prepare
Meanwhile, over at the football field, cheerleading and football practice had just ended. Misty, the cheer captain, clapped her hands and addressed her team.
"Alright, ladies, great practice. Since it's the weekend, you're free to go early today."
"Finally, the weekend!" Dawn cheered, her blue hair bouncing as she turned to her best friend. "Are we still on for tonight, May? I've been dying to check out that new club."
May hesitated, biting her lip. "I don't know, Dawn. You know how Drew gets when I go out. He's not exactly a fan."
May and Drew had been together for a year. At first, their relationship was picture-perfect, he showered her with roses, took her on romantic dates, and acted like the perfect gentleman. But as months passed, Drew's jealousy became a problem, overshadowing his charm.
"Come on, May! It's not about boys. We're going for the music," Dawn urged before Misty chimed in.
"Well, she's not going for the boys but we definitely are, right, Dawn?" Misty teased, earning a playful nudge.
"Hell yeah, we are!" Dawn exclaimed with hearts in her eyes.
Misty turned to May, her expression serious. "May, you're allowed to have fun with your friends. Let's go. Besides, I hear some of Pallet's students are performing tonight."
May sighed but eventually smiled. "Alright. What time?"
"Seven. I'll pick you up," Dawn replied excitedly.
As she waved her friends goodbye, May waited by the locker rooms for Drew. He arrived, sweaty and exhausted, but greeted her with a quick kiss.
"Hey, babe. Sorry I took so long, Coach was really riding on us to get our plays remembered before our next game." The all star running back said.
"No worries. Drew, the girls and I want to check out the new nightclub tonight. Is it okay if I go? It's just for the music."
Drew's expression darkened. "Sure… but if I find out you were flirting with anyone, we're through."
May crossed her arms. "Drew, it's been a year. Don't you trust me by now?"
"Of course I do," he said, his tone softening. Then, with a sudden roughness, he pinched her cheeks. "But if you betray me, I'll make whoever it is regret it. Understand?"
"Drew, stop! That hurts!" May exclaimed, swatting his hands away.
He smirked. "Sorry, I guess I don't know my own strength. Go ahead, but remember what I said."
May nodded, though unease settled in her chest.
That Night
By the time soundcheck ended, the boys were backstage, dressed in their signature black jean jackets and band tees. Excitement was in the air.
Paul wore a Slipknot tee featuring their self-titled album
Brock: A Korn shirt from the Follow the Leader album
Gary: A Metallica Ride the Lightning tee
Ash: A black vest over an Avenged Sevenfold Nightmare shirt, his signature black cap worn backward
"We look badass!" Paul said, adjusting his bass strap.
"Hell yeah, we do!" Ash yelled, pumping a fist in the air.
Meanwhile, the girls squeezed through the packed crowd to get to the front of the stage.
"This place is awesome!" Misty said. "We've got to get a good spot before the show starts."
"Let's squeeze our way to the front." Dawn said.
Gary's grandfather and number one fan Samuel Oak, smiled proudly as he looked at the young band members huddled together backstage. The crowd outside was buzzing with anticipation, their excitement palpable even from behind the thick curtains. Samuel stepped closer to the group, his commanding presence drawing their attention.
"Okay, boys, huddle up," he said, his voice firm but encouraging. The four band members leaned in, their faces a mix of determination and nervous energy. Samuel paused for a moment, his eyes scanning each of them. "Now, I only have one thing to say... Go out there and kick that crowd in the fucking teeth!"
LET'S FUCKING GO!" The band screamed as they were ready to take the stage.
Out in the front row, May, Dawn, and Misty stood shoulder to shoulder, their expressions ranging from curiosity to uncertainty. The dimly lit venue, the smell of beer and sweat, and the deafening chatter of the crowd created an ambiance unlike anything they had experienced before. May looked around, curiosity expressed all over her face.
"So, who's performing anyway?" May asked, her voice loud enough to cut through the noise.
Dawn shrugged. "I don't know. Some emo band from our school."
"Emo?" May repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Isn't that the sad, depressing stuff the weird goth kids like?"
Misty chuckled, crossing her arms. "Not exactly. Emo's more about raw emotion, angst, heartbreak, rebellion. It's not just about being sad; it's about feeling everything deeply."
Before May could respond, the steady thrum of a bass guitar resonated through the speakers, silencing the crowd. The stage lights dimmed further, and a single spotlight illuminated Professor Oak as he stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!" he began, his voice booming over the eager crowd. "I hope you're ready for a real good show tonight. Give it up for Rejected Alliance!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as the heavy curtains dropped, revealing the four-member band standing in formation. Gary stood confidently with his guitar slung across his chest, Brock positioned behind his drum set, Paul gripping his bass guitar, and Ash at the forefront, microphone in hand. The energy shifted instantly as the band launched into their opening riff, their sound commanding the room's attention.
The curtains fell and the band came out with an energy like no other! Suddenly Gary started playing the guitar at a steady pace and Paul started whaling the drums.
Ash began to make the crowd clap at the same time he did to create the tempo that matched the drum.
Yeah, yeah, oh
Oh oh oh
We roll tonight
To the guitar bite
Yeah, yeah, oh
Stand up and be counted
For what you are about to receive
The crowd roared in excitement! The energy these young boys had felt like no other!
We are the dealers
We'll give you everything you need
Hail hail to the good times
'Cause rock has got the right of way
We ain't no legend, ain't no 'cause
We're just livin' for today
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you
Ash gave a salute to the crowd as he sang
We rock at dawn on the front line
Like a bolt right out of the blue
The sky's a-light with the guitar bite
Heads will roll and rock tonight
For those about to rock, we salute you
The crowd began repeating the chorus dude to how catchy it is.
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you, yes we do
For those about to rock, we salute you
Oh, salute
Gary gave an epic solo that shredded as he did Angus Young's signature duck walk
Oh, oh yeah!
We're just a battery for hire with a guitar fire
Ready and aimed at you
Pick up your balls and load up your cannon
For a twenty-one gun salute
For those about to rock, fire
We salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock
Fire (we salute you)
Fire we salute you
We salute you
Come on, whoa
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you
Shoot, shoot
As Ash said shoot, he raised his hands in the sky he was definitely into the show now, they all were!
Shoot, shoot
For those of you, for those who rock (ain't gonna get tired, won't take a break, we salute you, yeah)
We salute you
We salute you
We salute you
Fire
The song had ended, and the crowd roared with shock and excitement. The girls were blown away by this performance and it's only the first song!
"Woah that was..." May began but was cut off when the vocalist started speaking
"What the fuck is up Pallet how you doin?!" Ash screamed
The crowd let out a huge scream as a response
"Hope you all liked our little cover of AC/DC. We love those guys and we hope you all did too" Gary said in his mic
"I think they're all warmed up now. What do you say you guys want some more?" Ash questioned
"I think they're all warmed up now. What do you say you guys want some more?" Ash questioned
The crowd cheered in union requesting for another song.
Ash responded "Oh come on I know our hometown could be louder than that. Pallet town I said DO YOU WANT SOME FUCKING MORE?!"
The crowd cheered even louder especially May who was certainly feeding off the band's energy.
"Alright" Ash began. "So, for most of you I'm sure this is the first time seeing Rejected Alliance and on behalf of us we would like to say welcome… welcome to our fucked up goddamn family Brock let's kick this shit!"
Suddenly Brock began banging the drums like crazy creating a little solo montage until Gary came in with the song intro and Ash began:
Hey kid (hey kid)
Do I have your attention?
I know the way you've been living
Life's so reckless, tragedy endless
Welcome to the family!
Hey
There's something missing
Only time will alter your vision
Never in question, lethal injection
Welcome to the family!
Not long ago you find the answers were so crystal clear
Within a day you find yourself living in constant fear
Can you look at yourself now, can you look at yourself?
You can't win this fight
In a way it seems there's no one to call
When our thoughts are so numb
And our feelings unsure
We all have emptiness inside, we all have answers to find
But you can't win this fight
Hey kid (hey kid)
I have to question
What's with the violent aggression
Details blurry, lost him too early
Welcome to the family!
Hey
Why won't you listen?
Can't help the people you're missing
It's been done, a casualty rerun
Welcome to the family!
I try and help you with the things that can't be justified
I need to warn you that there is no way to rationalize
So have you figured it out now, so have you figured it out?
You can't win this fight
And in a way it seems there's no one to call
When our thoughts are so numb
And our feelings unsure
We all have emptiness inside, we all have answers to find
But you can't win this fight!
Here for you and all mankind
I've lost my mind
Psychotic rounds in rabid dementia
I won't be fine
Gary started shredding his guitar solo
I see you're a king who's been dethroned
Cast out in a world you've never know
Stand down, place your weapon by your side
It's our war in the end, we'll surely lose but that's alright
So have you figured it out now, so have you figured it out?
And in a way it seems there's no one to call
When our thoughts are so numb
And our feelings unsure
We all have emptiness inside, we all have answers to find
But you can't win this fight
Deep inside where nothing's fine
I've lost my mind
You're not invited, so step aside
I've lost my
Deep inside where nothing's fine
I've lost my mind
You're not invited, so step aside
I've lost my
The crowd cheered feeling welcomed and loving this performance. The girls were also screaming, jumping, begging for more.
"Alright, Pallet Town," he said, his voice low and steady, "this next one is for those who like it heavy and moody. This is our take on My Own Summer by Deftones."
Gary began with the haunting, distorted opening riff, his fingers sliding effortlessly across the fretboard. The bass and drums followed, creating a dark, atmospheric tension that filled the room. The crowd quieted, captivated by the shift in tone.
Ash leaned into the mic, his voice raw and brooding as he began:
Hey you, big star
Tell me when it's over (cloud)
Hey you, big mood
Guide me to shelter
'Cause I'm through when the two hits the six
And it's summer (cloud)
shove it, shove it, shove it!
(Shove) shove it, shove it, shove it!
(The sun) shove it, shove it, shove it!
(Aside) shove it aside!
I think God is moving its tongue
There's no crowd in the street and no sun
(In my own summer)
The crowd swayed, their energy shifting to match the song's hypnotic rhythm. May felt a chill run down her spine as Ash's vocals transitioned from a whisper to a powerful growl.
The shade is a tool, a device, a savior
(See) I try and look up to the sky
But my eyes burn (cloud)
shove it, shove it, shove it!
(Shove) shove it, shove it, shove it!
(The sun) shove it, shove it, shove it!
(Aside) shove it aside!
shove, shove it, shove it!
(Shove) shove it, shove it, shove it!
(The sun) shove it, shove it, shove it!
(Aside) shove it aside!
I think God's moving its tongue
There's no crowd in the streets and no sun
(In my own summer)
shove it, shove it, shove it!
(Shove) shove it, shove it, shove it!
(The sun) shove it, shove it, shove it!
(Aside) shove it aside!
Gary and Paul joined in, their instruments roaring in unison. Brock's drumming was relentless, driving the song forward with an intensity that left the audience breathless.
May turned to Dawn and Misty, her expression a mix of awe and excitement. "I take back what I said earlier. These guys are incredible."
Dawn nodded, her eyes fixed on the stage. "Yeah, I didn't expect this at all."
Misty grinned. "Told you."
As the song reached its climax, Ash dropped to his knees, pouring every ounce of emotion into the final lines. The raw power of the performance was undeniable, leaving the crowd cheering and chanting for more.
Ash began introducing the next song "You guys have been absolutely amazing we wanna thank you all for being here tonight. Alright so we got time for 2 more songs and uhh we wanna continue with a song that's basically about not letting anyone tell you how to live your life and finally standing up for yourself and saying fuck you I'll live my life the way I want to."
As Ash said his speech May was about to burst into tears. She knew this exact feeling that was being described. She felt like this song was made for her, she knew she just had to pay attention to it.
Gary began playing using a guitar pedal to give his instrument a different sound as the song started:
I am scared of the face in the mirror
All the cracks in the glass getting clearer
I always overthink make it so hard
On no one else but myself
Let me live my life
I can go get my knife
Or I can pull out the one that you stuck in my back
For my suffering, you've got nothing to gain
My pain is your entertainment!
I feel the fear in my head, it's so heavy
Holding down both my hands to keep them steady
When I stop shaking, everything's so easy
On myself, no one else
Let me live my life
I can go get my knife
Or I can pull out the one that you stuck in my back
For my suffering, you've got nothing to gain
My pain is your entertainment
Ash introduced: "Gary Oak on guitar make some noise!"
Gary started showing off his skills but repeated the same strumming pattern as he knew Ash wanted to put in some crowd participation.
"Alright you guys sing with me. 1, 2, 3, 4"
Ohh oh oh oh ohhhh
The crowd repeated it perfectly
Ash said again
Ohh woah woah ohhhh
Again, the crowd repeated perfectly
Ohh woah woah oh ohhhh
The crowd repeated for one last time before Ash continued the song
Let me live my life
I can go get my knife
Or I can pull out the one that you stuck in my back
For my suffering, you've got nothing to gain
My pain is your entertainment
Let me live my life
I can go get my knife
Or I can pull out the one that you stuck in my back
For my suffering, you've got nothing to gain
My pain is your entertainment
Let me live my life and pull out the knife
You know, the one that you stuck in my back
The one that you stuck in my back!
The song ended and the fans loved it! May couldn't hold it in anymore she began to tear up. Dawn noticed this and immediately checked on her.
"May are you alright? If you can't handle the music, we can lea…"
May cut her off
"I'm fine Dawn really. That song just felt so raw and emotional" She responded
Not wanting to miss the final song they shifted their focus back to the performance.
The crowd's energy reached a fever pitch, sweat and adrenaline coursing through the air like an electric current. Gary grinned at his bandmates, wiping his brow. "Alright, Pallet Town! We've got one more for you," he announced into the microphone, his voice dripping with excitement. "We're gonna close this night out with a classic, a song that screams pure, unfiltered adrenaline. Get ready for Kickstart My Heart!"
The fans erupted, their cheers echoing off the walls of the venue. Ash stepped to the mic, locking eyes with the front row, where May, Dawn, and Misty stood, transfixed by the performance.
Gary began the iconic guitar riff, the sound roaring through the speakers like a jet engine, while Brock and Paul pounded out the rhythm. The stage lights blazed red and white, strobing in time with the music.
Ash's voice cut through the air
When I get high, I get high on speed
Top fuel funny car's a drug for me
My heart, my heart
Kickstart my heart
Always got the cops coming after me
Custom built bike doing 103
My heart, my heart
Kickstart my heart
Ooh, are you ready girls?
Ooh, are you ready now?
Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, give it a start
Whoa, yeah
Baby
Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, hope it never stops
Ooh, yeah
Baby, yeah
The crowd sang back, their voices merging with Ash's. He jumped in place, feeding off the audience's infectious energy.
Gary tore through the next riff, his fingers a blur on the fretboard, his face set in concentration.
The band launched into the verse, Ash's voice dripping with confidence as he sang:
Skydive naked from an aeroplane
Or a lady with a body from outer space
My heart, my heart
Kickstart my heart
Say I got trouble, trouble in my eyes
I'm just looking for another good time
My heart, my heart
Kickstart my heart
Yeah, are you ready girls?
Yeah, are you ready now, now, now?
The tempo picked up, the relentless rhythm shaking the room as the audience bounced along. The girls in the front row were no exception—May was screaming every word she could catch, Dawn was clapping in rhythm, and Misty was headbanging with a huge grin plastered on her face.
When the chorus hit, Ash leaned forward, pointing his mic to the crowd, who roared back the words
Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, give it a start
Whoa, yeah
Baby
Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, hope it never stops
Whoa, yeah
Baby
Brock's drumming thundered like a heartbeat, and Paul's bassline grooved perfectly beneath the chaos. The band was unstoppable, and every person in the room could feel it.
Gary's solo tore through the venue like a lightning strike. His guitar screamed with each bend and shred, and he moved to the edge of the stage, making faces at the crowd. He even tossed his pick to a lucky fan in the front row, grabbing another without missing a note.
As the song built to its climax, Ash sprinted across the stage, leaping onto a riser and throwing his arms wide. "Sing it with me, Pallet Town!"
The crowd obliged, their voices nearly drowning out the band as they sang the final chorus.
Kickstart my heart
When we started this band, all we needed
Needed was a laugh
Years gone by, I'd say we've kicked some ass
When I'm enraged or hitting the stage
Adrenaline rushing through my veins
And I'd say we're still kicking ass
I say, ooh-ah
Kickstart my heart, hope it never stops
And to think, we did all of this to rock
Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, give it a start
Whoa, yeah
B-b-b-b-b-b-baby
Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, hope it never stops
Whoa, yeah
Baby
Kickstart my heart, hope it never stops
Whoa, yeah
Baby
Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart, give it a start
Whoa, yeah
Kickstart my heart
The final notes rang out, echoing through the venue like a victory cry. The band members stood together, beaming at the audience, sweat dripping from their brows.
Ash grabbed the mic for one last message. "Pallet Town, you've been absolutely incredible tonight! Thank you for sharing this moment with us, we're Rejected Alliance, and we'll see you next time!"
The crowd roared, the sound of applause and cheers filling the room as the band took a collective bow.
As the girls stood in awe of what they had just witnessed, May turned to Dawn and Misty, her face flushed with excitement. "That was... unbelievable," she said, her voice shaking slightly.
Dawn grinned. "I know, right? Who knew these guys were hiding this kind of talent?"
Misty nodded, her eyes still fixed on the stage as the band disappeared backstage. "I think we just witnessed something special."
May smiled, her heart racing. She wasn't sure if it was the music, the atmosphere, or something else entirely, but one thing was certain, tonight was a night she'd never forget.
Authors Note: Okay, you guys are probably wondering why I am reposting this story again. Well I wrote this story when I was a teenager and honestly my writing was shit back then. I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE SONGS ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE RESPECTIVE BANDS I MENTION. After years of practice and fixing the way that I write I can successfully say that I am confident enough to rewrite this story all over again. Don't worry I will still keep the old one uploaded in case people want to go back to the original. I plan on making it longer and better with more detail because everytime I go back and check out the old one I will admit that I cringe all the time especially when giving dialogue to these characters. Anyways I hope you all enjoy it. Feel free to message me and follow me on instagram advanceshipping_ and on Twitter/X MapleAshK
Songs I used were:
For Those About To Rock - ACDC
Welcome To The Family - Avenged Sevenfold
My Own Summer - Deftones
Let Me Live My Life - Saint Asonia
Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue