Summary: As I said this is the second part of the last ones and the ending as well. Hope you liked this work if mine as it was the first for me. This is where the bands perform and of course LJ decide which band will she rise for her tour, but not everyone have their deserved good ending. If you liked drop a Kudos for me and comment what did you like or disliked. The auditorium buzzed with excitement, the air electric with anticipation as students filled the seats. Backstage, a different world existed — a cacophony of last-minute tuning, hushed voices, and the nervous energy of the performers preparing for their moment in the spotlight. Amidst it all, VVURM DRAMA stood together, their nerves a shared current between them, watching the acts through the slightly parted curtains. On stage, Naser exuded a calm confidence, the perfect master of ceremonies. His voice, steady and clear, welcomed the audience and introduced each act with flair, keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging. Despite his own physical challenges, his presence was commanding, and he moved with a grace that betrayed no hint of his asymmetric wings. As the show progressed, Fang, Trish, and Reed observed their fellow students perform. There were bands that brought heavy rock anthems, solo artists with acoustic guitars singing heartfelt ballads, and even a group of dancers that told stories with their bodies. Each performance was unique, showcasing the diverse talents of Volcano High's student body. Watching the other performers, Fang felt a rollercoaster of emotions. Admiration, as a particularly talented guitarist took the stage; relief, when a group experiencing technical difficulties recovered with grace; and an ever-growing anxiety about their own impending performance. "You okay, Fang?" Trish asked, noticing her friend's clenched fists. "Yeah," Fang replied, though her orange eyes kept darting to the stage. "Just...what if they don't like us?" Reed, overhearing, joined in. "They will," he stated simply, a reassuring certainty in his voice. "We're VVURM DRAMA. We've got this." Their conversation was paused as they watched a powerful performance by a poet, her words a raw story of struggle and triumph. It was a reminder that tonight was about more than just music; it was about expression in all its forms. Finally, as the act before them concluded, the trio felt the swell of their heartbeat synchronizing with the palpable excitement of the crowd. It was almost time. Naser took to the stage once more, his voice calm yet carrying an excitement that was infectious. "And now, for our final act of the evening, let's hear it for a band that's about to take flight for the first time on stage. Give it up for VVURM DRAMA!" The applause was thunderous, a wave of sound that crashed over them as they took their places, the curtains rising once more. Fang's gaze met Naser's for a brief moment, a silent exchange of encouragement, before they all turned to face the crowd. The lights, the faces, the cheers, all faded into the background as they started to play. Fang struck the chords, Trish brought in the thundering rhythm, and Reed's fingers flew over the drums. The music, their music, filled the auditorium, each note a piece of their souls shared with the world. And in that moment, they weren't just Fang, Trish, and Reed; they weren't students, or even dinosaurs. They were artists, they were musicians, they were VVURM DRAMA, and this was just the beginning. The energy in the auditorium was electric, a tangible current that connected every soul as VVURM DRAMA delivered their heart-pounding performance. The audience was a sea of movement, bodies swaying, heads banging, and voices rising to meet the sound of the music. The sheer enthusiasm and joy in the room were palpable, each song the band played amplifying the exhilaration. As they reached the climax of their final song, the cheers and applause were deafening. The three members of VVURM DRAMA, drenched in sweat, out of breath but high on adrenaline, shared a brief, triumphant look. They had poured everything they had into their music, and it felt like they had truly touched the hearts of their peers. However, amidst the standing ovation and the roar of their classmates, Fang's gaze inadvertently drifted to the back of the auditorium. There, she saw the enigmatic figure of the producer, the black and white dinosaur with the spiky jacket, standing aloof. Unlike the ecstatic students around her, the producer's face was inscrutable, her expression giving nothing away. And then, just like that, she turned and exited the auditorium, her departure quiet and unnoticed by everyone except Fang. A sinking feeling nestled in Fang's stomach, a sharp contrast to the euphoria she'd felt seconds before. The image of the producer's impassive face flashed before her eyes, mirroring the haunting scenes from her recurring nightmare. Despite the applause that still resonated around them, Fang felt the weight of disappointment begin to settle in. Seeing Fang's sudden change in demeanor, Trish leaned closer, her voice barely audible over the cheers. "Fang, what's wrong? We rocked it!" But Fang couldn't respond, her focus somewhere far. Reed, picking up on the shift, frowned in concern. "Hey, you okay?" Trying to mask her unease, Fang forced a smile. "Yeah, just tired, I guess. We did give it our all, didn't we?" Trish and Reed, though slightly unconvinced, smiled back, attributing Fang's mood to the exhaustion of their performance. They joined the other students in celebration, reliving the best moments of their performance, laughing and cheering with youthful abandon. Despite her attempt to stay present, Fang's mind was elsewhere, grappling with the fear that her dream was a premonition. 'What if we weren't good enough for the producer?' the thought nagged at her. But then, as she looked at Trish and Reed, their faces aglow with genuine joy and satisfaction, and heard the ongoing cheers of their friends and classmates, another thought struck her. 'Isn't this what music is truly about? Touching hearts, sharing our souls, and feeling alive?' Fang realized that success wasn't just the approval of a single individual, no matter how influential. Success was this moment, the connection they'd made, the emotions they'd stirred. They had created art tonight. Taking a deep breath, Fang decided not to let her fears tarnish their triumph. She joined back in the conversation with Trish and Reed, her laughter more genuine this time. Whatever the future held for VVURM DRAMA, they had ignited a spark this evening. And that in itself was a beautiful beginning. The backstage area was buzzing with the residual energy of the show, performers milling about in varying states of elation and exhaustion. The members of VVURM DRAMA, still riding the high of their performance, didn't immediately notice the figure waiting for them, poised with an air of authority that quieted the space around her. She was unmistakable, the producer known as LJ, her short black and white hair almost a visual echo of the stark contrast between excitement and apprehension that filled the room. Her presence commanded attention, and as Fang, Trish, and Reed approached, the rest of the room seemed to fall away. "I'm LJ," she introduced herself, her voice carrying a weight that belied her small stature. "I own Lava Java, the premier venue for up-and-coming talents. Tonight, I witnessed passion, potential, and the raw energy that live music should have. You all brought something unique to the stage." The tension in the air was palpable as LJ paused, her eyes scanning over the hopeful faces before her. Fang felt Trish and Reed's hands clutch at her own, a silent, united front as they waited for the verdict. "However," LJ continued, "Lava Java has room to feature only one new band. A band that not only has the music and the vibe but also a certain... marketability." Another pause, deliberate, as the bands held their collective breath. "The band I choose is... Swamp Babies." A cacophonous mix of cheers and groans filled the space, the three guys from Swamp Babies whooping loudly, their earlier mockery forgotten in the face of victory. Fang felt her heart sink, the weight of disappointment a physical ache in her chest. She glanced at Trish and Reed, seeing her own feelings mirrored in their faces. LJ wasn't finished, though. "This industry is tough," she said, her voice rising to be heard. "It's not just talent, but luck, timing, image... a whole package. Keep honing your craft. Keep making connections. Keep playing, anywhere and everywhere. You never know who's listening." Her gaze lingered on VVURM DRAMA for a moment longer before she turned to congratulate Swamp Babies. Fang barely heard the rest of LJ's advice. The words were a blur, lost in the rush of blood in her ears as she processed the rejection. Without a word, she pulled away from Trish and Reed and bolted, needing to escape, to breathe. She didn't stop until she was outside, the cool night air a sharp contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside. She leaned against the school building, allowing herself a moment to just feel the disappointment, the frustration, the injustice of it all. They'd worked so hard, and it had felt like enough, like they were enough. But now... "Fang?" Reed's voice, laced with concern, broke through her thoughts. He and Trish had followed her out, their expressions a mix of understanding and their own hurt. "Fang, talk to us. We're in this together." Fang looked up at her friends, her bandmates, and the solidarity she saw in their eyes was a small balm to her bruised heart. They were still VVURM DRAMA, still a team. And this setback, while painful, was just one moment on the journey they'd embarked on together. "I... I just need a minute," she managed, her voice hoarse. "Then let's talk. Plan our next move. Because this," she gestured back towards the school, "isn't the end for us. Not by a long shot." The trio was huddled together, the world around them narrowing to just their shared disappointment and the plans that lay shattered at their feet. Fang was on the verge of breaking down, the tears that glistened in her eyes a testament to the passion and hope she had poured into this dream. Trish and Reed were each grappling with their own emotions but remained steadfast, providing a united front for Fang. Their conversation was a mix of raw emotion and pragmatic discussion, analyzing every moment of their performance, what they might have missed, and where they could have shone brighter. The sting of rejection was fresh, and it tainted every memory of what they had believed was a spectacular performance. All the while, unbeknownst to them, LJ stood a short distance away, observing their interaction with a thoughtful expression. She didn't interrupt, allowing them the space to process and lean on each other. It was only when their conversation started to circle, rehashing points already pored over in meticulous detail, that she chose to approach, her clapping soft but definite in the quiet of the night. "Passion, dedication, unity in the face of adversity," LJ began, her tone serious yet not unkind. "These are the hallmarks of a band with the potential to go far. But potential needs to be honed, directed, and sometimes... redirected." Fang wiped at her eyes, sniffling but attentive. Reed and Trish stood a little straighter, their expressions a complex mix of hope and apprehension. "You're all incredibly talented," LJ continued. "But talent isn't enough on its own. You need a clear vision, a unique sound that's unmistakably yours. Tonight, I saw a band with heart, but I also saw a band still searching for its identity." She turned her gaze to the Swamp Babies, who were still reveling in their victory. "Swamp Babies know who they are and what they bring to the stage. They're ready for the rigors of a tour, for better or worse. But you," she turned back to VVURM DRAMA, "you're not there yet. And that's not a failure. It's an opportunity." LJ's words, while difficult, carried a truth that resonated with Fang, Trish, and Reed. They were silent for a moment, absorbing her advice. "Where do we go from here?" Fang asked finally, her voice steady despite the tears that still lingered. "Back to the drawing board," LJ said with a small, encouraging smile. "Find your style, your voice. Play more gigs, write more songs, make mistakes, and learn from them. And when you're ready, come find me. If you bring to the stage the same energy and unity I saw here tonight, with a sound that's authentically yours, we'll talk about what comes next." With a final nod, LJ left them to their thoughts, the night suddenly seeming a little less dark and the future a bit more promising. There was work to do, and VVURM DRAMA was more than ready to face the challenge. As LJ turned to leave, she paused, her hand delving into the pocket of her spiked jacket. She pulled out a business card, stark black with her contact information embossed in a glossy, fiery font. Without turning back, she extended her hand to Fang, who, after a brief hesitation, reached out and took the card. "This doesn't signify the end of your journey, only the beginning of a new chapter," LJ said, her voice firm with the weight of experience and the softness of genuine belief in their potential. "When you find your essence, your true sound, and you know that what you're creating is undeniably VVURM DRAMA... send me a song. If it's what I think you're capable of, we'll talk about what's next." Fang clutched the card, feeling the sharp edges press into her skin, grounding her in the reality of this second chance. LJ's silhouette receded into the night, leaving a silence that hummed with renewed purpose. The trio looked at each other, the earlier despair slowly morphing into determination. They all understood the magnitude of what was being offered - not immediate success, but the opportunity to earn it on their terms, to grow and define themselves not just as a band but as artists. "We have work to do," Trish said, a new resolve steeling her features. "A lot of it," Reed added, a small smile pulling at his lips, reflecting the resilient spirit that bound them together. Fang tucked the card safely in her pocket, feeling its presence like a beacon. "Then let's get started. We have a sound to find, music to create, and a song to send." They grouped together, a huddle of shared dreams and unwavering support, under the starlit sky that suddenly seemed to shine just for them. The night was no longer a curtain of disappointment, but a blank canvas, vast and waiting for the first notes of VVURM DRAMA's true symphony. Under the vast canvas of the night sky, the trio stood in silent solidarity, each lost in their thoughts yet profoundly connected by their shared passion and the journey that lay ahead. The campus around them, once buzzing with the cacophony of the show, had quieted, though the echo of their performance still seemed to linger in the air. Fang broke the silence, her voice steady, "This isn't the end we wanted, but it's the beginning we need." Trish, usually the most upbeat, nodded, her violet hair catching the moonlight. "We'll take this chance and make it count. We're going to find our sound, our voice in the music world." Reed, ever the quiet thinker, added, "And we'll do it together. We started this as a band, as friends. No matter what the future holds, that's how we'll continue." With a collective breath, they made a pact then and there, not with words but with a look that passed between them, a silent promise to their art, to their friendship, and to the journey they'd embarked on together. As they slowly started to walk away from the school, their shadows stretched long on the pavement, the weight of disappointment lifting with each step. The night was theirs, and so was the music. They laughed and joked, the earlier tension dissipating, replaced by dreams of rhythms yet created, lyrics yet written, and stages yet conquered. The story of VVURM DRAMA wasn't ending; it was just beginning. Their path wouldn't be easy, but it was theirs to walk, and they would walk it together, come what may. As the stars twinkled overhead, it was as if the universe itself was in agreement. The world was vast, opportunities endless, and for Fang, Trish, and Reed, this was just the first note in their long, melodious saga that was yet to be written.