Chapter 3 - Past demons and new beginnings

* Digit, Starr, and Nando stand just beyond the entrance to the music school dragon got his license from. While dragon sits on the Hood of his car defiantly with his arms and legs crossed.

Dragon: I can't believe I'm actually here again.

Digit: This is our only lead so we have to do this.

M.L. Starr: Yea, we have to go in.

Nando: Come on dude.

Dragon: Why do I have to go in there any way? I told myself that I would never step foot in that place ever again.

Digit: Because two potential band members come to this school, and we need to convince them to join us.

M.L. Starr: Besides, your the leader. Convincing these guys to join, can only be done by you.

Nando: Don't you wanna accomplish your goal?

* Dragon ponders this thought for a moment and realizes that Nando is right. He hops off his car and begins walking through the gate. After a few steps inside, he stops and looks over his shoulder.

Dragon: What are you guys waiting for? Let's go.

* They all smile at him and begin to follow him inside the school. After walking around a bit, digit pulls out his phone. So he can find some details on the potential band members.

Dragon: So, who are these guys anyway?

Digit: According to the website, ones a keyboard player and the other is a Dj.

M.L. Starr: Wow, at least now we don't have to worry about finding a Dj.

Dragon: Maybe, but there's no guarantee that these guys will even agree to join.

M.L. Starr: True, but it's worth a shot.

Digit: Yea, we gotta try.

Dragon: True, so what else does it say about them.

Digit: Well, their names are Z.N. and phoenix.

Dragon: Kool.

Digit: It also says that their usually in the auditorium, because they spend their time in there practicing.

* After discussing it a bit, they all finally arrive at the schools auditorium. When they open the door, they are greeted with the sound of electronic music and awesome keyboard playing. They stand at the back of the auditorium, observing the twos music making skills. And as they are just about to really get into the song, a speaker on stage begins to burst into sparks. And proceeds to blow out completely.

Digit: Damn.

Z.N. : Bloody hell man, that's the fourth time this week that that speaker has blown out.

Phoenix: I know man, what are we gonna do? How are we suppose to make music, when we don't have a speaker to amplify it.

Dragon: Maybe we can help you out.

* Z.N. and Phoenix finally notice dragon and his friends

Phoenix: Who are you guys?

Dragon: The names dragon, these are my friends. This is is digit.

Digit: Sup.

Dragon: And M.L. Starr.

M.L. Starr: Hi.

Dragon: And this is my buddy Nando.

Nando: Howdy.

Dragon: Me, digit, and Starr are working on putting a band together. We heard about you guys, and you have exactly what we need for our band. What do you say?

Phoenix: We'd love to help, but we don't got a speaker no more mate.

Z.N. : Yea, the darn things gone and kicked the bucket.

Nando: I think I can help.

* Everybody turns and looks at Nando.

Phoenix: Really!?

Nando: Yea, my friend taught me how to fix sound equipment. This should be an easy fix.

* Nando pulls out a tool kit seemingly out of nowhere and gets to work

M.L. Starr: Where did those tools come from?

Dragon: He always carries those with him. He likes to show case his skills every now and then.

Digit: Kool.

* After a few minutes, Nando finishes fixing the speaker

Nando: That should just about do it.

* After those words, Z.N. rushes to play a pre recorded track over the speaker. And after pushing a few buttons, the speaker comes to life and fills the auditorium with energetic music.

Z.N. : Great Scott! The speaker, she lives!

Phoenix: Thanks man, we really appreciate it.

Nando: No problem.

Dragon: So? What do you guys say now?

Phoenix: I don't know man, we're really not sure.

Z.N. : We've never really thought of being apart of a band.

Phoenix: Yea, we're not really sure what to do mate.

Z.N. : Lately, we've just been focused on the bloody talent show.

Phoenix: Exactly, we really wanna try to win the talent show.

Z.N. : Yea, since we lost the fucking first time.

Dragon: First time? But they only have one show each school year. Wait, do you guys even go here?

Phoenix: We use to back in the day man. We graduated a while back.

Z.N. : Indeed, but earlier this year they invited us back and offered us the chance to become music teachers!

Phoenix: Ever since then, we've been getting trained to be teachers.

Z.N. : The best part is, they allow trainees into the show.

Phoenix: They said they do that in order to see how the trainees skills match up to the students. I don't fucking know man.

Z.N. : What we do know is that we took the bloody chance, so that we could redeem ourselves.

Dragon: Wow, things are really different. Everything has changed so much since I went here.

* Dragon begins to walk slowly all over the stage. All while remembering the good times he had when he was in music school. He then comes to a stop center stage and looks out to the empty auditorium. While he does, a single tear emerges from his eye and rolls down his face. He then realizes what he's doing and wipes it away. Then he proceeds to turn and talk to the guys.

Dragon: What if we help you win the talent show?

Phoenix: What? How? They only allow students and teacher trainees.

Dragon: We're not gonna perform with you, we're just gonna provide you with the equipment you need to win. I've got a friend whose got the hook up on all the equipment you need.

Phoenix: Really!? Awesome.

Z.N. : Fucking A, we may actually win this one!

Phoenix: I know man, this is great. Thanks mate.

Dragon: No problem, well we'll talk to you later about the details. It's getting late, and I'm hungry.

Phoenix: Alright then.

* Before leaving, they all exchange contact information

Phoenix: Well, we better start practicing. This contest won't be easy.

Dragon: Alright then, see ya.

Phoenix: Ciao man.

* The gang leaves the auditorium and head for dragons car.

Digit: So, can you really pull this off? With getting the equipment I mean.

Dragon: Oh yea, for sure. I got a friend who's family owns a music equipment store. He'll give me and anyone I know any type of equipment. As long as I promote his family's store a bit.

M.L. Starr: Kool

Dragon: Yea, he even agreed to work the equipment for me if I need him to.

Digit: Nice.

Dragon: By the way Nando, I've been meaning to ask you something.

Nando: What is it?

Dragon: I was wondering if you could be our roadie. My friend will be operating the equipment, but we need someone to move and set up the stuff whenever we play a show.

Nando: Sure bud, sounds fun.

Dragon: Kool.

Digit: Do you think these guys will be able to win the talent show?

Dragon: Whether they win or lose doesn't matter. We just have to make sure we get them on board. But I'm pretty sure we can.

* They all go their separate ways and meet up again the next day. Their gonna get the equipment today, so digit picked up everybody in his truck. Later they all arrive at dragons friends music equipment store. They walk in the door and are greeted by dragons friend mike.

Mike: Sup, what can I do for you today?

Dragon: We're gonna need some really high end equipment.

* Dragon then proceeds to ask for all sorts of equipment. Including new speakers that can handle high levels of bass. Sub woofers, laser lights, new mixing boards, and even smoke machines.

Mike: Is that all, or do you need more?(said sarcastically)

Dragon: Na, this is good. Thanks man.

Mike: No problem, don't forget to promote the shop.

Dragon: Don't worry, I got you. See you around.

* After that, they load the equipment in the truck and head to the school.

Digit: Are they really gonna need all this stuff.

Dragon: If they wanna even have a chance, then yes. I know from experience, the judges are harsh. If you can't cut it, they don't want you on stage.

M.L. Starr: Damn.

Dragon: Yea, but honestly what did you expect? The music business is pretty harsh these days.

Digit: True.

* They finally arrive at the school and start taking the stuff to the auditorium. They find, Z.N. and Phoenix practicing like they usually do.

Phoenix: Woah, this is some awesome looking stuff man.

Dragon: Yea, my buddy mike really hooked us up.

Z.N. : Fucking A man, we'll win for sure.

Dragon: No offense, but I'm not entirely sure about that. But it definitely will give you guys a fighting chance.

Phoenix: Thanks man.

* Z.N. and Phoenix both fist bump dragon

Dragon: No problem, just promise me you'll do the best you can.

Z.N. + Phoenix: Will do!

* They both say as they give a thumbs up.

Phoenix: We better get practicing if we're gonna be ready.

Dragon: Yea, if I'm correct. There's only two weeks left until the show.

Z.N. : This be true, we got a lot of ground to cover.

Dragon: We'll be here helping you with the equipment.

Phoenix: Really?

Dragon: Yea, we got you covered.

* Dragon and his friends spend the next two weeks helping Z.N. and Phoenix. The day before the day of the show, they all go out and celebrate all the hard work they did.

Phoenix: I would just like to say thank you for helping us.

Z.N. : Without you, we wouldn't have been able to come this far.

Dragon: It's not a big deal, we're just glad we could be helpful.

* With that, everyone grabs their glass and stands up. They toast to the special occasion by clinking their glasses together. The next day, the talent show finally arrived. One after another, people displayed amazing talent. But every other act was told to get off stage mid performance. Z.N. and Phoenix were scheduled to go on before the final act of the night. And as they waited for their turn, things got really intense.

Phoenix: What are we gonna do!? What are we gonna do!? Everybody else was so much better than us!

* Phoenix grabs Z.N. and begins to shake him

Phoenix: Game over man! Game over!

* Dragon walks up to Phoenix and slaps him

Phoenix: Ow!

Dragon: Get a hold of yourself man! You guys can do this, this what you've been training for. I believe in y'all.

* Phoenix is still shocked by what dragon did, and ponders his words for a moment

Phoenix: Your right, thanks man. I really needed that.

Dragon: No problem.

* It's finally Phoenix and Z.N.'s turn to go on. They go on stage and give the most epic performance of their lives. With Phoenix spinning the tracks like a pro, and Z.N. playing the keyboard like a master. Not to mention, dragon and his friends awesome work with operating the equipment. When they finish, the crowd gives them a loud cheer and an even louder applause. They bow to the audience and proceed to walk off stage.

Phoenix: Dude, that.....was...awesome! We totally blew them away!

Z.N. : I know right! That was the best bloody performance we've ever given.

Phoenix: Dragon, thanks again man for all your help.

Dragon: No problem, I'm just glad we could help.

* After some time, the last performer finishes. And the judges tally up the results. Then the moment of truth comes. One of the judges announces the winner. And to everyone's dismay, it's not Z.N. and Phoenix.

Digit: Damn.

M.L. Starr: I can't believe this.

Nando: All that hard work....

Mike: ....gone to waste.

Dragon: Guys, don't worry. All of that wasn't for nothing.

Z.N. + Phoenix: It wasn't!?

Dragon: No, you guys may not have won. But you still gave a rocking performance. And that's all that matters, the audience did cheer for you after all.

Phoenix: This be true mate.

Z.N. : Yea, we did a fucking better job than we did last time.

Dragon: Exactly, that's what really counts at the end of the day.

* The gang decides to leave, but the audience suddenly breaks into a loud chant.

Audience: Z.N.! Phoenix! Z.N.! Phoenix! Z.N.! Phoenix! Z.N.! Phoenix!

Phoenix: Do you here that? Their cheering, for us?

Z.N. : It would seem that they are.

Dragon: What are you guys waiting for? Get out there!

* Z.N. and Phoenix rush back on stage and give one last spectacular performance for the night.

Digit: Wow man, this is amazing.

M.L. Starr: I know, I can't believe it.

Dragon: It's like I told you guys, it doesn't matter if they win or lose. I know that they have some amazing talent.

* Eventually, Z.N. and Phoenix finish their performance. And the gang decides to leave the school.

Phoenix: I still can't believe the audience wanted an encore.

Dragon: Well you shouldn't sell yourself short. You guys have some amazing talent. The kind we need in our band. What do you say? Will you join us?

* Z.N. and Phoenix turn to each other and nod to one another

Z.N. + Phoenix: We're in!

Dragon: Great, we'll talk more later. See ya.

Phoenix: Ciao man.

* And with that, they all go their separate ways for the night. Dragon and Nando get back to their apartment and crash out for the night.

Dragon: Time for some well deserved rest.

* The next day, dragon and the gang met up so they could discuss their next move

Z.N. : So, now that we're on board.....

Phoenix: What's the plan mate?

M.L. Starr: Well, now that we have you guys. All we need to do is find us a back up guitarist.

Digit: Kool, so we're almost complete.

Dragon: Actually, that's not entirely true.

M.L. Starr: What do you mean?

Dragon: Well, I decided that I'm not gonna play lead guitar. Only vocals, and nothing else.

Phoenix: But why?

Dragon: I don't even know, I just thought it would be better for me. I prefer singing over the guitar.

Z.N. : Alright then, so now what?

Dragon: Well, so far we have a technician and a roadie.

Mike: Sup.

Nando: Howdy.

Dragon: We got a bassist and a drummer.

M.L. Starr: Hi.

Digit: Yo.

Dragon: We got a keyboard player and a Dj.

Z.N. : Ay.

Phoenix: Sup.

Dragon: And then I'll be singing and writing the songs. All we need now is a lead and back up guitarist. Anyone got any leads.

Digit: Nothing.

M.L. Starr: Nada, but I'll keep looking.

Z.N. : Me and Phoenix know people who are willing to do it.

Dragon: Really!?

Z.N. : Except they're both in bands already.

Dragon: Damn it.

Nando: I just texted a friend of mine who said he would do it if he wasn't already busy with school.

Mike: I may own a music equipment store, but you guys are literally the only ones I know who play instruments.

Digit: My friend said he's in between bands right now so he's too busy to do it.

M.L. Starr: My friend isn't texting me back for some reason.

Nando: You know, I use to play a bit of guitar. Maybe I could do it?

Dragon: Do you have a musician license?

Nando: Well, yes but.....

Dragon: Then you can't do it. The music council would be all over our ass if they caught you playing without a license.

Nando: True. I'll try and see if I can find it, its around here somewhere.

Dragon: Okay, anyway we can't exactly afford for them to be on us right now.

Digit: What do you mean?

Dragon: It's because of something that happened to me a few years ago.

Mike: Why not elaborate for us?

Dragon: Hold your horses, I'm getting there.

* Everyone waits with breathless anticipation

Dragon: Years back when I was in music school, I got caught cheating.

Z.N. : What!?

Dragon: Yea, Starr knows about it. And I was gonna tell you guys at some point.

M.L. Starr: I only know what I heard in rumors, I don't know the whole story.

Dragon: Anyway, it was the day of the final test. It was gonna determine whether or not I became a musician. Me and.....me and my ex best friend we're excited because we had been looking forward to becoming musicians.

Phoenix: Why is he your ex best friend?

Dragon: I'm getting to that. We had just finished performing for the music council. The teacher comes forward and tells us that someone cheated on the test. Because they apparently stole one of the answer keys to the test. And he said that when we got back to the classroom, everyone's desk would be searched.

Narrator 2: I feel like I should get some popcorn.

Narrator 1: You idiot, there's no time for that. Now shut up and pay attention to the story.

Dragon: We got back and he searched a few peoples desks. But he didn't turn up anything, until he got to my desk. He found the answer key inside and I told him that I didn't know how it got in there. He didn't believe me, and neither did the music council.

Digit: Really?

Dragon: Really. They said that I wouldn't get my license and I had to retake the whole course. But they also said that I was suspended from taking the class. My suspension lasted four years.

Phoenix: Damn man.

Dragon: Then, two years into my suspension. My ex friend texts me and asks if we could meet up. I said sure, because I hadn't seen him since graduation. When we met up, we talked and caught up. Later in the conversation, he tells me that I wasn't the one who cheated. So I asked him who it really was.

M.L. Starr: Yea?

Dragon: And then he tells me that it was him!

Nando: What!?

Phoenix: Damn.

* Everyone looks at dragon with shocked expressions on their faces

Dragon: He told me that he cheated because he was afraid that he wasn't gonna pass the test. And he framed me because my desk was the closest at the time. We argued about the whole thing, he kept apologizing. But that wasn't important to me. What was important, was the fact that he lied and by the time we met up. He was already famous, what made it worse was that we had promised to get famous together. But he went and threw me under the bus. I told him that he had to tell the music council the truth. He said he wouldn't do it because he was afraid of their consequences. So I punched him. Then told him our friendship was over and that I would find a way to bring him to justice. And that's my story.

* Everyone sits there in silence, tension slowly building

M.L. Starr: Well you know what? Screw him, you were right to unfriend him.

Digit: Yea, we'll help you take him down.

Dragon: Really!?

Nando: Yea dude, we're with you.

* They all slowly put their arms out and begin to stack their hands on each other's hands. They all smile at dragon, until he finally puts his hand in the middle

Dragon: Thanks guys, I really appreciate this.

Phoenix: No problem man.

Dragon: Here's to a new beginning, like it or not. We're gonna take down crusher no matter the cost!

* They all cheer, and begin working towards their goal