Chapter Text
Dark lights, loud music, Irreverent youth. These three elements set the mood of our scene. A garage filled with tools, boxes and used instruments, the sunlight coming through the thin opening of the gate. Three teens on a stage made of wood boxes. The one in the center is stealing all the attention, he’s playing a red guitar that shows signs of being used for years. The drums and keyboard follow the lead playing an upbeat exciting song, the lead sings along with the music. You could feel the energy filling the room, this is not your regular garage band, these kids have the potential of becoming a worldwide phenomenon. But not until further in time, as the only audience they have is their no1 fan and manager, a girl of the same age striking a bright pink hair.
- Alright!! This was so good!!- The girl says when the band stops playing
- You’re biased Ames! – The lead says while tossing his guitar away.
- I just have good taste! You guys are definitely going to win the competition.
- I’ve already told you, we aren’t going there to win or lose, we’re going there to have fun…
- And get our sound out there! – The guy on the drums shouts.
- And also that.
- yeah, sure. But as your manager I can’t just ignore the prize. I can’t have any more of those nasty burgers.
- eghh, don’t even mention that – he shivers.
- If you want better food, win the competition!
With defying smile, she stares at the boy that responds with a sigh.
- ... alright!!! Hey boys!
He calls them and puts his arms in each other’s backs
- Are you guys ready for the last meh burger of your lives?
Friday, 7pm at a parking lot.
The place is crowed by all kinds of people from all kinds of groups. There are colorful lights everywhere contrasting beautifully with the dark sky. The staff set up the place considerably well, this year they really invested in illumination. The host gets on the stage and announces the opening of the competition.
- WELCOME EVERYBODY!!! Welcome to the 5th year of the garage band competition. This time with more band than ever! And to pair up with the we will be awarding the best band with the biggest prize yet! But now, without any further ado, the show begins!!!
The crowd cheers excitedly each time a new band comes up on stage. Our group is supposed to be already getting ready for their turn, but they want to see the others play, this is all so much fun! Band comes in band comes out, everyone is so talented here!
It’s their turn, the Host introduces them
- We’re getting close to the end, just two more bands and it’s over! But now directly from TEAM SONIC!!
The excited audience makes noise but not for long, cause the music has already begun, it’s exciting, it’s fast, the leading member starts singing. Everything works in perfect harmony, creating a both energizing and inspiring sound, their charisma captivates the public, everyone is dancing to the rhythm, jumping and singing. It’s clear to everyone that they are going to win, nothing before has been quite like this.
It’s over, the people are shouting SONIC TEAM asking for more.
The lead takes his place at the center of the stage
- HEY everybody!!! Thank you for having us! I’m Nick! But you can call me Sonic. On the keyboard (??) is the best player, Miles! And over there on the drums the incomparable Knuckles! And this was SONIC TEAM. Thank you!!!
They leave the stage ecstatic, people really liked their sound! Prize or not this is what they really wanted! Sure, playing just for each other is fine and all, but other people enjoying their thing and being able to inspire others? That’s the difference between a hobbyist and someone with a true passion.
Amy Rose, their manager is waiting for them with tears in her eyes. With her arms open to give them a big hug. When the host gets on the mic again.
- WOW that was SICK. Ohh I wouldn’t want to play after them... But let’s all be courteous and give a warm welcome to THE ARK!!!
The audience cheers again, still dumbfounded by the last band but upholding the obligation to make noise for every band that gets up there. The stage is dark, almost pitch black, only the silhouette of three people is visible. Silence. And then a lone piano plays a minor melody. It’s involved with melancholy and grief. This gets the attention of Sonic, he slowly diverges from his group hug to look closer to the stage. And as with the music, the whole ambient starts to darken, the stars that lit the sky are no longer there. And as with the sad melody the air gets colder, a chilling breeze passes by.
And suddenly, the guitar breaks in with flashing lights. I each flash you could almost see their features, but not for long enough. But when the lead touches the mic, when they breath in deep, at that moment the lights stead and focus on him. Wearing an Black and red outfit, punk. His face expression a dangerous look, a feeling that is also present in his voice. He doesn’t sing, he screams. Screams that can reach the deep corners of your heart.
Sonic’s eyes are fixated on him, his ears can only listen to the music, his body no longer moving, now too focused to dance. The lyrics are dense and sometimes incomprehensible, but somehow, he still understands. When the bass comes strong is like a thunder, when the synth rings haunting sounds he feels like crying. He feels his cheeks getting wet, then his forehead and then his shoulders. It’s raining. And it’s raining strong, muffling the sound.
Some people run to find shelter, he stays there, he doesn’t care if he gets soaked. The band doesn’t stop playing, it’s like they don’t feel the rain at all.
Until a bolt of lightning struck just 3 feet away from the lead. The loud thunder comes at the same time, forcing everything to stop.
With that Sonic snaps out of his trance and realizes Amy trying to get his attention.
- SONIC DO YOU HEAR ME?? SONIC ???
- Whoa Amy don’t need to shout, we’re practically occupying the same space.
- Are you kidding me?? I’ve been calling you for a whole mirain!! C’mon we need to get out of the rain!
- no but- wait! They haven’t introduced themselves yet
- And they’re not going to! The stage is on FIRE and we are next if we keep standing here. Hurry!
Sonic reluctantly complies and follows ( more like “is dragged by”) Amy to where his friends are waiting.
- There he is, ugh you’re soaking wet dude.
- Sorry for that knux, I couldn’t blink watching this last performance.
- What,? You mean this last one that just screamed all the time?
- What are you talking about? He wasn’t screaming.
- I dunno man he sounded so angry.
Amy breaks in before Sonic has a chance to respond.
- Sorry to interrupt you boys but are we going or not????