1 Chapter 1 - prologue

Narrator 1: Music has always been an amazing thing. It is the embodiment of the feeling in our souls. Music is one of man kinds greatest forms of expression. In the beginning music was made for fun. It was intended to put smiles on people's faces. But as the years went on, music became a way to speak out against oppression. Then it became all about fame and fortune.

Narrator 2: People began to lose sight of the true meaning of music. And eventually, man kind went too far. They truly lost sight of why music was created. They became blind in that moment. It almost resulted in the destruction of music forever. Until one man stood up to protect music. Even tho he was almost imprisoned for his words, he was still willing to fight for music. And on that day he said....

Man: Why ban music!? If you do that, the only result will be an up roar. I mean sure this band before us today might have went too far. But that doesn't mean we should get rid of the one thing man kind has benefitted from for years. In today's world there are rules and guide lines for pretty much anything. Why not just do the same for music?

* There is light chatter and mumbling throughout the room.

Judge: With all due respect, can I ask you something?

Man: go right ahead sir.

Judge: Why are you so quick to defend music? Even after everything you saw, why?

Man: Because music is a vital part of society, and it deserves a second chance. Plus, music once saved me. So I want to do everything in my power to save it!!!

* For a while there is a long intense pause, and eventually the judge begins to speak again.

Judge: Well in light of these powerful words I have decided my verdict. Music will not be banned, however there will be a new set of laws created by myself and the other Supreme Court judges. In order to prevent any future incidents. And these new laws will go into place two weeks from now. They will undoubtedly change the world of music as we know it.

Narrator 1: The courtroom bursted with smiles and cheers at the judges final verdict. After all, music has just been saved.

Narrator 2: Although that doesn't necessarily mean that it was a good thing. In fact you will be surprised by the outcome.

Narrator 1+2: From that moment on music became very different. The new laws about music shook the world to its very core!

Narrator 1: From there, the rules of the game had changed. Rather than get rid of music, they decided to just make it harder for people to become musicians.

Narrator 2: Instead of instituting just a few laws, the Supreme Court drew up a whole constitution that would regulate music. It went into place 7/16/2031. And it became known as the constitution of music.

Narrator 1+2: With that, musicians everywhere had to play by a new set of rules.

Narrator 1: I can tell you one thing, people didn't like it one bit.

Narrator 2: Some people even wanted to start riots because of this!

Narrator 1: But in the end people decided to just except it. Unfortunately they had no choice in the matter. They either had to except it, or not play music at all. And those who were very dedicated musicians definitely didn't want the second option.

Narrator 2: So they decided to suck it up and just go with it. However I'm not sure that was a good thing either. From the day the new music rules were set into place, the music world became ruthless. And I truly mean ruthless.

Narrator 1: The new rules caused various problems for many people.

Narrator 2: Some lost their families.

Narrator 1: Some lost their friends.

Narrator 1+2: But in the end they all died for what they loved, and with that came a new era of music. It was known as the era of battle music!

Narrator 1: Our story begins with a teen who recently turned 18. His story is one of betrayal, like many he lost a friend. And now he's out for revenge.

Narrator 2: Well not revenge per-say. Rather, he wants some justice to be served. Especially after what his ex- friend had done.

* A white flash suddenly occurs. When it's done, we see a top view of a classroom. The frame the focuses on two boys sitting in the back. There both 13, one has short but kinda long wavy hair. The other one is bald but it works for him. There both wearing slightly faded jeans with a chain hanging on the side. Along with some black high top converse. Long hair is wearing a Metallica t shirt with a black jacket that has a patch on each shoulder. B is wearing a linkin park tee. It's Saturday and their in music class trying to get their musician licenses. As the teacher goes on and on, they talk to each other but whisper so the teacher can't hear them.

Long hair: Dude! Can you believe it? Just one more Saturday class and we'll finally be legit musicians.

B: I know right!? We've been waiting a whole year for this. We just need to pass the big test next class. I hope we can do this.

Long hair: Don't worry man, we got this. After all that training we did, we should be able to pull this off.

B: I don't know dude, my grades haven't been so good. I still don't get why they want us to know all of this stupid technical stuff.

Long hair: I don't get it either man. But the important thing is that we're almost done. Soon we'll be verified, and we'll finally form a band like we always wanted.

B: True dude, soon we'll be able to bask in all the fame and glory we've always wanted.

Long hair: You know it, man.

* They both fist bump each other.

Teacher: Before I forget class, I'm gonna pass back your quizzes from last class.

* The teacher hands the quizzes to the first person in each row. Then they pass them back to each other.

* After a couple of seconds, everyone gets their tests back.

Long hair: Sweet! I got another A. What did you get dude?

B: I got a freakin D man. I told you my grades haven't been that great. The teacher says if I don't get at least a B on the big test, I'll fail the class. Then I have to wait to take the class again. I don't think I can wait that long.

Long hair: Don't worry about it dude. We got a whole week to prepare for the test. I'll help you study, then we'll both become musicians.

B: Really!? Thanks dude, I really appreciate it.

Long hair: Hey, what are best friends for man? With enough hard work, we'll both be able to live out our dream.

* They both fist bump each other again.

Narrator 1+2: With that, their fates were sealed. They both had no idea what was about to head their way.

* So the two boys spent the next week studying in an epic " Rocky " style montage. Fast forward, it's Saturday again. Long hair was outside listening to music under a tree. Mean while, b was inside trying to get some extra studying done. But instead he ended up panicking.

B: Crap! Crap! Crap! What the hell am I gonna do!? I spent the whole week studying and I haven't learned a thing!

* B sits down at his desk , trying to calm his nerves.

B: It's alright.... It's alright.... I'm sure everything will be fine.

* The P.A. Turns on, and someone begins an announcement.

⭐️ Attention students, due to unforeseen events. The test time has been moved. The test will begin in 15 minutes, I repeat. The test will begin in 15 minutes. Thank you.

B: Shit!

* Panicking once again, b doesn't know what to do. His gaze falls upon the teachers desk. He remembers that the teacher always keeps the answer key to quizzes and tests in his desk. Not sure what else to do, he decides to go and take the answer key from the desk. He decides that he has no other option if he wants to be a musician. He takes it and puts it in his desk before the test. A few minutes after, the teacher and the other students enter the classroom.

Teacher: Alright class, please be seated so we can get started. You will have 1 hour to answer 35 questions. Once everyone is done, you will then play an original piece for the music council. And display your combat skills, while showing off the instrument that you've built.

* The teacher begins to hand out the test. Long hair then turns to whisper to b.

Long hair: Good luck dude.

B: Thanks man.

* Unfortunately, b didn't get the chance to talk to long hair about his situation. So he had no choice but to just keep quiet and take his test. He read each question, and to him. It felt like he was looking at another language. So in the end he decided to use the key. But he missed a couple on purpose so it wouldn't look suspicious. Eventually everyone finished their tests and moved on to the next phase of the exam.

Narrator 1: You know, if someone doesn't say it now. I will eventually.

Narrator 2: It's okay, I got you.

Narrator 1: Awww, but I really wanted to say it.

Narrator 2: How about we say it together?

Narrator 1: Okay.

Narrator 1+2: Shit is about to get real.

* A while later, everyone has finished their performances. And the teacher addresses the class.

Teacher: Everyone, I have an announcement! It would seem that one of your classmates has cheated on their test.

* Everyone looks at each other and mumbles about who it could possibly be. At this point, b begins to tense up.

Teacher: Yes, someone has cheated. Because the answer key has gone missing. But what the cheater didn't realize, is that whenever we have a test. I print two answer keys just in case someone decides to cheat. And the first key is gone. So when we get back to the classroom, everyone's desk will be searched.

* Hearing this, b decides to give the class the slip, so he can dispose of the key. But by the time he got there, the class was already down the hall. So he rushed to his desk, and put the key in the closest desk he could reach. Once he sat down the class began to enter the room. After everyone got seated, the teacher began to search the desks. He got to b's desk and found nothing. B gave a secret sigh of relief when the teacher found nothing. However, he began to feel bad when the teacher got close to long hairs desk. When he finally opened his desk, the teacher let out a loud "ah ha" !

Teacher: Ah ha! It looks like we've caught our cheater.

* Everyone turned around and gasped with surprise.

Long hair: Wait what!? I swear, I have no idea how that got there.

Teacher: Well I'm sorry to say this mr. Ramirez, but the odds are not in your favor. Your desk was the only one with the answer key in it. Follow me, the music council will decide what to do with you.

* Long hair gave a heavy sigh and followed the teacher out of the room. All the while, b was beginning to regret his decision. A while later, long hair was waiting to be questioned by the council. Because they were still busy going over everyone's performances. After some time, he was finally called upon by the council. He stepped into the room which had a table in the middle. And the five music council members were seated at it.

Council member 1: So, you must be the one who was caught cheating?

Long hair: ummm, I guess so?

Council member 3: Do you have anything to say for yourself?

Long hair: Look, I know how this looks. But you have to believe me, I have no idea how that answer key got in my desk.

Council member 5: Well now that you mention it, we did find it odd that someone with grades like yours should want to cheat.

Council member 2: However, no other evidence was found that linked this to anyone else. So there's nothing else that can be done.

Council member 4: * nods silently in agreement *

Council member 3: Due to the nature of your actions, we have made a decision regarding your punishment.

Council member 1: You will not be getting your musician license this year, and are here by suspended from taking the class again.

Council member 3: You will not be allowed to take the coarse for exactly 4 years from today.

Council member 5: Only then will you be allowed to try again.

Council member 2: And maybe without cheating next time.

Council member 4: * nods silently in agreement *

Council member 1: For now, we ask that you leave. We hope that you have learned something from this and we wish you the best of luck.

* Long hair slowly begins to walk out of the room. He puts his hands in his face, as tears begin to fall from his eyes. All while keeping his head down and sobbing.

* A week later, graduation finally came. A medium sized stage was set up in the court yard. Along with a number of rows of chairs. Everyone from class is already seated. The teacher is on the stage, getting ready to address the class. A weird looking machine rests in the middle of the stage. Long hair is a few feet behind the rows of chairs leaning against a tree. While wearing a pair of sunglasses to conceal his worn out eyes. The teacher begins to speak.

Teacher: ummm...yes? Hello? Testing 1, 2, 3! Oh, okay. Good morning class. I commend all of you on your performance in this coarse. You are all, officially musicians!

* The students all cheer and whistle at these words

Teacher: Okay! Settle down everyone.

* The crowd slowly falls silent

Teacher: Today is truly a special day. When I call your name, you will receive your musician license. And you'll be scanned by the " Rockstar name generator ". It will scan your personality, along with your likes and dislikes. And from there, it will create your new name.

* The crowd cheers once again

Teacher: When I call your name, come up and receive your license. Afterwards you will be scanned.

* One by one they all received their licenses and their names. While long hair stood in the distance watching, a tear slowly rolled his face. After some time, it was his friends turn. The teacher handed him his new crisp license. Then the teacher pulled a lever and the machine scanned him. After some time, the machines monitor flashed his new name.

Teacher: Mr. Sanchez, your rockstar name is....crusher! Congratulations sir!

Crusher: Thank you

* Crusher then turned and smiled at the audience. Even though his face said he was happy, his eyes said he was sad and ashamed. Long hair notices this in his eyes, but decides to brush it off. After a while, everyone leaves to start their new lives as official musicians. After the ceremony, crusher notices long hair in the distance. He calls out to him before he can walk off.

Crusher: Hey dude!

* Long hair turns around and notices crusher waving at him. They both walk over to each other.

Crusher: So....

Long hair: So....

Crusher: I can't believe this is it.

Long hair: Me either, congrats man. You really earned that license.

Crusher: Thanks, but I really don't deserve this.

Long hair: what are you talking about dude? You deserve this. I mean look, you worked really hard for this. And in the end, that work payed off.

Crusher: Thanks man, so what are you gonna do?

Long hair: Not much I can do. I'll just have to ride out these next four years until I can try again. And just hope that the time goes by fast.

Crusher: Yea, i still can't believe what happened. That was such a bummer dude.

Long hair: Yea well, at least one of us is getting to live out the dream. Good luck out there dude, I hope everything goes well.

* Long hair extends his arm out for a handshake. Crusher hesitates for a moment and then returns the handshake.

Crusher: Thanks, you too.

Long hair: Try and keep in touch, okay? I wanna get an idea of what the musician life is like.

Crusher: Sure thing dude, see ya around.

Long hair: Later man.

* And with that, the two friends part ways. They haven't called or texted each other for about two years. Until one day. Beep! Beep! Long hair gets a text from his old friend crusher.

Crusher: Hey dude. Hope your doing well. It's been a while since we last hung out. How about we meet up somewhere?

Long hair: Sure, sounds good. How about our old hang out spot?

Crusher: Sounds good, I'm free at 7. I'll meet you there at a little bit after that.

Long hair: K, see you then.

* After that, long hair tosses his phone aside. He looks at his clock and it reads 4:30. He lies in his bed wearing only black shorts and staring at the ceiling. He decides to get up and shower. Afterwards, he practices his guitar until 6:30. Then he hops on his bike and heads to town. Even though the meeting is at 7:00, he left now because he lives on the outskirts of town. In sort of a country like area, and it takes a few minutes to get to town.

Narrator 2: Remember when we said " shit is about to get real " ?

Narrator 1: Well, now it's really about to go down fo real!

Narrator 2: Yea, we probably shoulda waited until now.

Narrator 1: Who wrote this anyway?

Narrator 2: Some sixteen year old in high school.

Narrator 1: Someone should tell him to write this better.

Narrator 2: Sshhh! You idiot! If you say the wrong things, he'll leave us out of the story. And then we'll be out of a job!

Narrator 1: Opps! My bad.

* Long hair finally arrives at him and his friends old hang out. A burger place they use to love eating at. It's now 7:05 and long hair sits at a near by table, waiting for his friend. Ten minutes later, his friend walks in and he waves him over.

Crusher: Dude! What's up!

* He says with a Hollywood smile that's clearly fake. But long hair doesn't notice.

Long hair: Long time no see man.

* Crusher then takes a seat opposite of long hair.

Crusher: So how have you been?

Long hair: I'm doing good. Just been trying to practice my guitar when I can.

Crusher: That's good.

Long hair: And you, your clearly doing well for yourself. I saw some of your shows. Your band sounds amazing.

Crusher: Thanks, but I tell ya. It wasn't easy forming " steel skeleton ".

Long hair: Ha, yea. I bet.

Crusher: Well anyway, look I didn't text you just so we could hang out. I also wanted to tell you something. Something really important.

* The look on crushers face that was once happy, turns to a look of dismay.

Long hair: Sure man, shoot.

Narrator 1: Okay, now this is what we were talking about.

Narrator 2: Yea, just wait.

Crusher: Look, remember when we were in musician school? And you got accused of cheating?

Long hair: Yea?

Crusher: Well, obviously your not the one who cheated. Some one framed you, and I know who.

Long hair: Really!? Who!?

* At this point, crusher faces down so he doesn't have to look at his friends eyes.

Crusher: It was......me.

Narrator 1: And boom goes the dynamite.

Long hair: ..... What?

Crusher: I'm sorry dude, I had no other choice. I took the answer key because I didn't think I could pass the test. I didn't think I was gonna understand the material. And I was right, because I didn't get it. So I used the key to at least give myself the grade I needed to pass.

* Long hair sits there with a blank stare on his face

Crusher: However, my plan back fired. Because the teacher found out someone cheated, and decided to search the desks. When I found out, I gave the class the slip so I could get rid of it. But by the time I got there, the class was close by. So I panicked and put the key in the closest desk. Which was your desk.

* Long hair decides to face downward.

Crusher: Look, I never intended to frame you. I just panicked. There weren't a lot of options at the time.

* Crusher extends his arm and puts his hand on long hairs shoulder.

Crusher: Look, it's all in the past. Now that I've explained it.....

* Long hair quickly frowns and swats crushers arm away. Then he proceeds to punch him in the face. Crusher puts his hand on his face and sits there aw struck by the whole ordeal.

Narrator 2: ooo, that's gonna leave a mark.

Long hair: Do you know what I went through?

Crusher: No but.....

Long hair: These last couple of years have been hell!!!!

* At this point, everyone in the place turns to face the commotion

Long hair: While you were busy living it up, I was stuck here with nothing! I couldn't even get a job at a music store, because people heard about what happened. And they hated me for it. All because of YOUR mistake.

Crusher: Look I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen to you. I mean at the time, your desk was the only one close to me.

Long hair: No one had to be affected by this! You could've just came clean about it. Or you could've just failed.

Crusher: But then I would've had to wait. I didn't want that.

Long hair: I would've done it!

* Crusher is now surprised and intrigued by this reply

Long hair: Look, you could have just let yourself fail and then retake the class. I would've waited for you to finish, hell! I would've even helped you to understand the material.

Crusher: But, that wouldn't have been fair to you.

Long hair: And framing me was!?

Crusher: Like I said, it was just a stupid mistake.

Long hair: You should've told me sooner.

Crusher: I was gonna.....

* Crusher faces his head down again

Crusher: ..... I was too scared. I was afraid of what the council was gonna do to me. Especially since I had low grades. They would've banned me from music school for life.

Long hair: You don't know that.

Crusher: And you do!?

Long hair: No, but I do know that you shouldn't have done what you did!

Crusher: Look, the important thing is that now that I've explained everything. We can finally move on from this experience.

Long hair: What!? Do you expect me to forgive and forget!?

Crusher: No, but we do really need to move past this.

Long hair: Maybe, just maybe..... I'll forgive. But I'm not forgetting this. You need to go to the council and explain what really happened.

Crusher: Are you insane!? If I do, they'll take my license away and ban me from music.

Long hair: Maybe so, but it's better than living a complete lie!

Crusher: I'm sorry! Okay! I'm really sorry, but I can't do it!

* For a while, there's a long awkward pause between the two of them. Everybody waits in anticipation, to see what will happen

Long hair: Fine! Then this friendship, is over! And I swear, I will find a way to bring you to justice.

* With that, long hair storms out of the burger joint. He leaves crusher sitting at the table, with his head hanging in shame. And he begins a long painful bike ride, all the way back home.

Narrator 1: For the next three years, they never spoke a word to each other.

Narrator 2: All because of fear and greed.

Narrator 1: A once great friendship, now broken apart.

Narrator 2: And trust us, it's only gonna get crazier from here.

Narrator 1: True, even though it was crazy from the start.

Narrator 1+2: The real story, starts now!