Ebenezer took the girl down the street. “This is far enough Eb.” She plainly stated with a smile.
“But this isn’t where you live. The whole thing about a date is the boy is supposed to take his date home and he’s supposed to get a good night kiss.” He looked at her absolutely confused by her logic.
“Well, this is where I want to be dropped off please.” She insisted.
Eb scratched the back of his head and looked at her. “I guess I can’t fight you on it… So what say we go see a movie next? There’s an old theater just down the way that does throwback movies, and since they’ve been doing throwbacks on old movies I thought maybe you’d like to go see Bram Stoker’s Dracula with me? I mean it’s a really good lov- I mean a good story.” He smiled goofily.
“I know Ebbi. I read the book.” She giggled.
“Y-There’s a book?” He asked feeling rather dumb. Veronica nodded her head.
“It was a book long before it was a motion picture. It’s a timeless classic that I’ve been a very big fan of for a long time.” She rattled off.
“Soooo Is that a yes?” He asked nervously.
“I’ll certainly think about it. In the mean time I wanna hear you play your guitar again. I wanna hear some more of what you know.” She said genuinely interested.
“Seriously? Like you really like my playing?” He asked astoundedly. “I mean my playing is okay, but it’s nowhere near as incredible as that song you played is...” He gushed.
“You don’t give yourself enough credit. Music like that is an art much like my classical playing. It’s something that many would be envious of.” She smiled sweetly.
Eb’s face reddened, the street lights coming on. Veronica looked up at the lights. “Alright, well...I need to get going so I will see you tomorrow?” She asked.
“But tomorrow is Saturday.” He stated rather dumbly. Not paying attention to just what she had said.
Veronica looked at him plainly. “Seriously? You didn’t get the hint? Alright well I guess you really weren’t all that seriou-” She was cut off.
“Eheheheh! Let’s not get too hasty there. I-I mean what I meant to say was… What time should I come back here?” He said sheepishly.
“How about around two tomorrow. We can coordinate your playing and we can go catch that movie you wanted to see. How does that sound?” The hound smiled genuinely.
“Alright I will see you tomorrow! It’s a date!” He snickered and grinned ear to ear scampering off. Ebenezer raced home with a dumb smile plastered all over his face. Opening the door he hollered. “Mom, dad! I’m home!”
“Well you’re home late.” His father said confused by his late arrival. You didn’t get detention did you? The last thing I need is to have to come pick you up on the weekend because you’ve been slacking off-” He was cut off.
“No dad. I got a date with this girl at school. She’s like. She’s the new kid and she’s super nice, but she seems like she’s playing hard to get. Dad what do I do?” His voice sounded urgent.
“You...You were on a date? As in with a girl? Like she’s your girlfriend?” It was if the words weren’t processing in his head.
“She’s not my girlfriend. Not yet at least...” He murmured. “Dude I’m asking for your help. I really like her.” He asked his father for advice. Not even moments later his brother slinked into the room.
“Did I just hear that my brother has a girlfriend. Wait a minute… you said she’s the new girl?” He piped up.
“Yeah her name’s Veronica. She’s actually pretty chill. We went on a date this afternoon.” A chipper sound raised in his voice as his tail wagged. Though his brother’s stare narrowed.
“Wait just a cotton picking minute! I saw her first!” He barked territorially.
“Dude calm down. Besides, staring a hole in the side of her head doesn’t mean ‘you claimed her.’” He rolled his eyes. “Besides you haven’t got a chance with her.” He riposted.
“Hey! If she ain’t marrying you she’s still free game bro. I mean as Queen Latifa said herself! If you love it put a ring on it.” He folded his arms in defiance.
“Wait wasn’t that Beyonce that said that?” Eb responded.
His father spoke up. “Victor leave your brother alone, Eb. Don’t antagonize and he won’t continue. It’s just that simple.” He looked at his son resting his hand on his shoulder. “Now then...When it comes to impressing a girl you gotta puff up your chest. Make yourself look tough! Girl’s naturally go for the types that can provide and look stronger.”
“Dad. She’s like almost at my hip she’s so short. She’s in Vic’s class for god’s sakes.” He said.
“Well that’s a good start! I mean you’re tall which helps. But where are you going to take the girl? I mean surely you have a plan!” He patted his son on his back.
“We’re going to go see a movie tomorrow. And she wants to see me practice too!” He said with an uplifted voice.
“Well alright then.” He pulled free his wallet from his back pocket and pulled out a couple bills. “Here. You can pay me back when you’ve got a job alright? Have fun with Victoria alright?” The older jackal smiled trying to be supportive. “I’m proud of you son.” He couldn’t help but say.
“...Thanks pops. I appreciate the help, truly I do.” He couldn’t help but smile, his father seemed like he was finally accepting him. “And her name is Veronica...Not Victoria.” He blushed embarrassed.
Victor stared daggers at his brother and pinned his ears back. “I’m watching you...” He scowled retreating back to his bedroom. All the while Eb made his way into the kitchen where his mother stood. She was making herself a cup of coffee when her son approached.
“So who is she?” His mother asked with a slight smile to her face. Clear that her emotions on the matter were a bit conflicted.
“Her name is Veronica. She’s new in town and honestly, she’s a really cool girl. Like she’s really smart and witty, and fun.” He prattled on.
“My baby boy is growing up too fast I can’t stand it.” She pouted. The woman’s dirty blond hair was tied up in a ponytail, holding a cup of black coffee. “So what’re you two going to go see?” She asked him arbitrarily.
“We’re going to go see that Dracula movie. I figured it’d be a good first real date movie y’know?” He smiled and rummaged through the fridge looking for anything to catch his eye.
“There isn’t much in there honey. If you want I can make you a sandwich. But when it comes to that movie, don’t you think that’ll be too scary for a young girl? I remember when it first came out...I didn’t sleep for what felt like weeks!” She smiled.
“Mom this movie is ancient. It’s not even all that scary. Like have you seen some of the new movies? I mean have you seen Ju-on mom?” He asked her.
“What’s a joo on? Is that like some kind of club going on now?” She asked him completely confused to what he was talking about.
“What? No mom, it’s a Japanese movie. It’s about evil spirits and junk. It’s like really fucked up.” He chuckled quietly. Pulling his head out from the fridge.
“Watch your language! Even if it is from another country you should still have respect by not saying the F word!” She spouted.
“Sorry, geez. I forgot that’s all.” He rubbed the back of his head. “Can you just slap some peanut butter on some bread? I’ll just munch on that. I’m not crazy hungry so it should be enough to kinda keep me tied over. Least till tomorrow with luck.” He followed up.
“Well alright, have you been practicing your mantras before bed?” His mother smiled sweetly. “If you want to cleanse your soul you’re gonna have to practice one each day!” She said in a singsong way.
“Yeah. Sure mom, I’ll make sure I get riiiight on that.” He watched her with the peanut butter sandwich, quickly snatching it out of her hands and zipped off. “Thanks!”
He went into his bedroom with a click of the door. Firing up his computer and looked at his desktop blankly for a moment. On the back was the five band members of Malice Mizer. Each of them dressed very appropriately for their band, one in a clown like outfit, another as a butterfly, an aristocrat, a porcelain doll, and a vampire. The dark undertones of the background complimented their outfits wonderfully. “Why were they so popular? I mean romanticism is great but it doesn’t win any record deals...” He pondered.
“Maybe since we’re a ‘visual kei’ band...Maybe we need some perspective. Eb you’re a genius!” He stopped furrowing his brow. “Dammit...How in the hell would we even get such things!?” He took two handfuls of hair in his hands. “Maybe we can fashion it? But we do need tryouts… I mean, we can’t go further if we don’t have material. I mean we can be a cover band for now until we have our own flare at least. Bring back the age of Malice Mizer to this day and age.” His words were hushed, a finger running over his screen slowly.
“I should probably head to bed early...Make sure I’m well rested for tomorrow.” He closed the laptop and pulled out his phone pulling up a conversation with Leon. “Dude. Practice tomorrow? Y/N”
Shutting his phone’s screen off he laid in his bed, his thoughts filled to the brim with ideas about the possibilities. Getting up shutting off his light, he hopped back into bed. His mind racing about the possibilities that ensued. “Maybe I can convince her...” He trailed off, closing his eyes.
Morning came around quickly, the boy was up at what seemed to be the crack of noon. His buzzer went off on his phone. He sprang forth from his slumber, the covers flew off him. Springing out of bed. “Shit, I need to get dressed.” He looked around and grabbed his phone, having gotten a message from Leon late last night.
“Yeah sure. Lemme know when.” Was all that the text said. Ebenezer rummaged through his clothes in his laundry basket; slapping on his favorite outfit, a bright green and black pinstripe button up and a black pair of skinny jeans. Rushing out the door. He stepped outside and walked his way to the bus stop. Stepping up he made his way downtown to where they last met.
When he made it to his stop she was sitting there patiently. Her was a bright bubblegum pink color. Baby blue bows, and a lavender purple coat. “Hey.” She smiled.
“Hey there! You uh, you changed your hair!” He laughed. “So uh, you ready for our little rendezvous?” He seemed to smile ear to ear.
“Yeah I suppose so. Though I expected you here earlier.” She touched her bun on the back of her head. “So you notice? I wasn’t sure if you’d actually notice such a subtle change.” She jested.
“Well if that’s what you call subtle I can only imagine what drastic is for you.” He smiled sheepishly. “We’re a little on the early side, why don’t we see if we can catch the showing early? I mean band practice isn’t until I give the word to Leon.” He wagged his tail.
“Sure, I don’t see why not. I mean I do love a good movie.” She smiled sweetly. “Where exactly is this theater?” She asked him.
“It’s right down this way.” He pointed due east. “We should make it there in about a half hour if we keep a good pace.” The jackal mentioned. The two began walking in the pointed direction, the sun was shining brightly outside. Helping stave off some of the chill that hung in the air.
While the two were walking Veronica noticed a sign hanging on a telephone pole. In bold black lettering it said the words: “Talent show got a special skill you wish to show off? Why not earn big for it! First prize $5,000 cash prize! 10 dollar fee for sign ups. Starts December 16th.” With it were several slips ripped off. There were two left on there. Veronica sneakily took one of the slips. “Hey Ebbi, you should totally audition for this. I mean you and Leon that is.” She relayed the information to him.
“No way...It’d be a total waste of money for us to. Especially with just the two of us. We need at least three more people to make this band successful. Then on top of it practicing… It’s just one big ordeal.” He scratched the back of his head.
Veronica scooted in front of him, blocking his walking. “You need to stop that. No more negativity. I mean you’re good. You’re probably the best I’ve seen. I can’t say much for your boyfriend. But you know.” She shrugged.
“For the last time he’s not my boyfriend!” He exclaimed with a snicker. “Although...Maybe we can do some tryouts. What do you say? Wanna put those magic fingers of yours to use? I’m sure you would make some serious headway in this band.” He grinned cheekily.
Veronica’s face turned a light hue of pink. “That’s not funny.” She looked down.
“No seriously, I mean your song you played was a testament of just how awesome you are!” He smiled excitedly. “You could honestly put us on the map with such amazing playing- I mean if you would want to be in a dumb band.” He laughed nervously.
“I don’t want to just be added to the band. I mean, I’d rather try out for the place. But I guess I kinda did that already...And knowing you, you’re not gonna allow that. So I suppose I can help you guys out. I mean what was your band’s name again?” She asked as the two walked along the sidewalk.
“We are Grievous 5. We are based off of the five stages of grief. Anger, bargaining, denial, sorrow, acceptance. I
mean as of right now all we’ve really done is covers of visual kei songs like Useless Sun, Filth in Beauty, Kaikou, Obscure.
To name some songs from bands. I’ve been looking into music theory classes so I can hopefully get into making my own music.” He blushed.
“If you want I can teach you a little bit. I mean I’m not the best at it but I can teach you a little bit about it.” She offered.
“W-wh-yeah! I mean hell yeah!” He exclaimed. His face beaming with delight. When the two finally made their way to the old theater they could clearly see that it was a bit on the shabby side. Eb coughed nervously and reached over to take her hand.
“What’re you up to?” She looked down at his shaky hand holding onto hers.
Eb immediately let go of her hand. “I… Was merely trying to help escort you across the parking lot. “His face flushed red.
“That’s… Very gentleman like of you.” She smiled sincerely.
“I-I’m sorry.” He chuckled with an awkward laugh. Veronica smiled and took his hand in hers. “You’re such a dweeb. If we don’t hurry up we are going to miss the movie.” She tugged him into the run-down building. Inside was a very dull listless fox sitting at the concession. Long white hair matching the pure white fur they sported. Hair tied up into a ponytail, on their name tag the name “Heather”.
“Welcome to Alexandria Cinemas. What movie can I interest you in?” her voice was very apathetic
“Yeah uh hi, can I get two tickets to the showing of Dracula please?” The jackal asked shuffling around in his pockets pulling out a few bills handing it to the person behind the counter.
“Thank you. you’re gonna be seated in theater two.” The feminine fox pointed to the theater with a big “2” over it. The jackal escorted the young woman over to the theater, it was dimly lit, there was almost no one in the theater hall. The rows of seats.
“Guess they saw it already?” He chuckled. “Maybe they were too afraid to actually watch it!” He boasted.
“Please, it’s more a romance than horror. It’s a dark love story told about forbidden fruit and that taboo subject of the darkness within each and every person.” She paused. “But also vampires and apparently how hot they are.”
“...I can barely tell when you’re joking with me sometimes with how you talk to me.” He scratched the back of his head.
The two made their way up the slope into the heights of the theater seats sitting down. Moments after the movie began playing, a horse drawn carriage with a man inside writing a journal on scene.
“Hmm...” Eb shuffled in his seat. “Shit.” He whispered.
“What? What’s wrong?” She asked.
“Forgot something important. I’ll be right back.” He stood up from his seat and scurried off to the lobby once again. Veronica shook her head and continued watching the movie. Moments later Eb came back with a bowl of popcorn.
“Forgot the popcorn.” He snickered.
“Seriously? That was your big emergency?” She rolled her eyes and took a handful of popcorn from him. “THAT! Is for being a dweeb.”
“H-hey!” He smiled and threw a piece of popcorn at her.
“Oh you’re dead...” She took her handful of popcorn pelting it at him.
“Wh-what the heck!” He exclaimed. A few nasty looks in the desolate theater. “Erk. Sorry...” He said embarrassed.
“Ahhhh...” She whispered leaning over. “You got yelled at.” She had a smug look on her face.
“Sh-shut up.” His face reddened.
The two finally settled down and began to really watch the movie. Eb’s hand was resting on the arm of the chair, Veronica slinked her hand over to his and took a hold of it. Eb’s face lit up with delight when she did, turning his hand upward, fingers lacing.
As the movie finally came to an end after several hours she let go of his hand and walked out with him. “I think the effects could have been waaaaay better.” Eb remarked.
“You kidding me? They were awful. I mean when Harker saw the count in the mirror; his expression was so fake.” She snickered. “So then you’re gonna get your friend to hurry up so I can watch you play right?” She said tugging on his shirt.
“Alright, alright. You seem so eager with this, I might as well...” He said embarrassed. Pulling out his cellphone and giving his friend a jingle. His phone held up to his ear.
“E’lo?” A deep voice resonated from the speaker.
“Hey, it’s Eb. You still down to get together for some practice?” He asked.
“Hell yeah! I’ll be at your place in thirty!” He clicked the phone off and Eb pulled his down from his ear.
“He...He hung up. He told me he’d be at my place in thirty minutes...That kid seems more pumped than you do.” He rubbed the back of his head. “I guess we should get going then.” He murmured nervously.
“You need to chill a little bit there Eb, you look like you’re gonna collapse any moment.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “What you gonna try and impress a pretty girl?” She snickered.
“Um...Well...” He groaned. The two walked down the street together finally making their way back to the jackal’s home in the suburbs. “Well here’s my place.” He noted. Upon closer inspection of his home he could see Leon sitting on his steps. “Did he seriously wait here this long just for me to get home?” He questioned.
“Heeeeey!” The skunk’s gaze met with his, drumsticks in hand. “Where the hell you been?” He asked, noticing the young lady beside him. “Ohhhhh so you finally got her to go out with ya huh?” He spoke up as he came closer.
“Not exactly. I wouldn’t want to cause a lover’s quarrel between you two. I’m just here to watch.” She gave him a seemingly innocent smile.
“Dude what do you tell her? I already told you I ain’t gay! I like girls.” He protested.
“D-don’t let her get into your head man. She does this because I think she gets some kind of sick pleasure out of it.”
“Darn it Ebbi why do you have to ruin my plans?” She smiled. “Let’s get this show on the road already! I wanna see what you two can do! After all this gloating about being in a band you gotta back it up!” She gave him a nudge.
“Ebbi huh?” Leon said with a smirk.
“Shut up Leon.” Eb rolled his eyes, “Alright alright! I’ll open the garage. Lemme just...” He paused stepping over to the white garage door in his driveway. Crouching down and pulling on the door. Much to his surprise the door refused to budge. “Huh… Dad must’ve locked the door. Gimme one second.” He stepped across the grass and slipped into the house. A few moments passed and the door opened up for them, quite noisily.
“Sorry about that. My dad seemed to have locked the door like I thought.” Inside the garage was a lot of tools in disarray on a bench, an old mower in the back of the room clearly used and used often at that. Inside the garage wasn’t a vehicle but there was a drum set as well as an amplifier plugged into an extension cord. “So yeah this is where the magic happens.” He laughed sheepishly. Leon wasted no time heading over to the drum set and began warming up.
“Yo, your mom isn’t home is she?” Leon asked.
“Nah, just my brother. My parents are out doing something or other.” Eb shrugged his shoulders.
“Good I won’t lose any sleep being loud and proud then if it’s just him. I feel bad when it’s your mom cause she’s such a nice lady. But your dad just makes me uncomfortable and I don’t get the right feeling y’know.” He said.
Eb pulled out his guitar, a simple electric guitar with fairly shoddily drawn pictures on it in white paint, poorly drawn red flowers. It was well worn but it showed just how much he truly practiced. “Why don’t we warm up with Obscure, since it’s fairly slow. Plus I think I finally got the chords to kinda sound like Dai’s when he plays.” He said proudly.
Leon nodded his head. “Hell yeah, that’s always a fun starter song!” The boy cheered in excitement. Eb turned on his amp, and let that electronic buzz fill the room for a moment. “Find a seat anywhere Veronica. I’m sure there’s a lawn chair in the back if you wanna go digging.” He smiled plugging the aux cord into his instrument.
It followed by two simple plucks of strings. Seconds passing with two more slightly higher string plucks. Before it turned into harsh chords, fused with the brusque drums to add to the harshness. “How many hangings tonight under the red moon? How deep will it sink inside eating skin that doesn’t match?” He began to sing. “And the vomiting at night begins. Don’t you remember?” He continued. The song continued with such strong hatred in his voice. Such conviction in the words. “Bloody baby and sacrifice!” He repeated.
As the song ended and the two lowered their instruments. “Dude! That was killer! The fur on my arms stood up when you sang that man.” Leon gushed.
“If it wasn’t for my finger slip in the middle of the song I feel like it would’ve been near perfect.” Veronica nodded her head clapping a little bit.
“Not bad boys, you did pretty well for yourselves. I will say you’re very in tune with each other. But Eb you’re right, you’re seriously lacking in other departments. You still need bass, you and you need something to help pull some extra tone, otherwise it’s gonna sound incredibly harsh and unappealing.”
Leon looked at her and spoke up defensively. “W-were tryin here! I mean we’ve only got two people and I mean most people don’t wanna play the kinda music we do. Least not at our school...” He muttered.
“Why don’t you hold try outs then? I mean I could help you out with adding some substance. I do have eight years of piano and three years of music theory under my belt. So I mean if you don’t need me.” She gave a sly smile.
“I mean yeah; we can always use a couple new members. I guess we can make some print outs and see how it goes. We’ll make them today and we will hold tryouts two days from now, how does that sound?” Eb asked.
“I think it would do you guys some good to have some new bodies in this band.” Veronica spoke up.
“Let’s get some fliers out today! Maybe hold them today even. I mean who knows who might show up!” Leon said excitedly.
“I have to agree with Leon, sooner may be a better.” She smiled.
“Alright, well let’s go inside print out a couple of sheets and staple them around town and see what happens.” Eb mentioned and opened the interior garage door. “After you guys.” He motioned.
Veronica and Leon stepped up the small stairway into the hallway of their home, upon their entry they could feel a presence watching them. “Do you guys get the feeling we’re being watched?” Leon asked with a shiver. “It’s kinda creepy..” He groaned.
“It’s just my kid brother. He’s obsessed I swear.” Eb rolled his eyes and called out. “Can you not be a creep for once and actually say hi! I mean seriously you’ll make more friends that way.” He hollered.
Out from his room Victor’s gaze could be spotted, stepping out the younger of the two siblings waves nonchalantly. “Please. Me staring at your ugly mug? I wouldn’t be caught dead.” He veered his gaze over to Veronica. “Why hello fairest. I don’t believe we’ve met. I do believe you’re the new girl correct? Though what you’re doing with a half-wit like my brother I do not understand.” He chuckled. “When you could be with someone far more charming and more successful.” He smiled.
Veronica turned to Eb. “That’s your brother?” She asked.
The jackal simply nodded his head. “Unfortunately yes.”
Veronica shook her head. “He’s so scrawny compared to you. Not to mention I think he’s in one of my classes, I always catch him staring at me.” She noted.
Leon guffaws looking at Victor. “Duuude. You’ve been caught hook, line and sinker.
“B-but darling don’t you understand?” He was interrupted.
“No. You’re a creep. But thanks, if I ever need a lackey to drool all over my shoes I’ll be sure to give you a call.” She turned to Eb. “So where is the computer and printer?”
“Uh...In the office.” He pointed down the hallway.
As the three walked into the office an old computer sat upon an oak wood desk. Eb sat down in the chair and turned on the monitor. He opened a document and began to jot things down on the word pad. “Alright, it’s got a title, a description, and where it will be held. Anything else we need to add?” He asked.
“No, I think you’ve got it all down. Now I just need to head home and get my keyboard and we will be more than able to get this party rolling.” Veronica snatched the papers as they printed from the computer rushing out the door. “I’ll be back. Thirty minutes tops!” She hurried off.
“What on earth do we do now?” Leon asked the jackal.
“I guess we can keep practicing.” Eb shrugged his shoulders. The skunk nodded his head following suit. “Why don’t you choose the song this time Leon? I mean I always choose.” Eb chuckled.
“Oh man...I mean...” He thought to himself. “Oh man.”
Eb slapped his forehead. “Come on you dimwit!” He laughed pushing him out of the office.
“Can we do Clash on the big bridge!! I know it is kinda silly but it’s super fun to play!” Leon pleaded.
“Easy, easy. Yeah we can play it. I know how much you enjoy the song.” He smiled rubbing the back of his head. “You gotta lay off the video games bro. There is more to life than playing games and smoking pot.” He laughed heading back into the garage.
“Shuddup! Alright let’s rock this! Make the entire neighborhood know just how awesome Gilgamesh really is!” He clacked his sticks together four times, and with that fourth time Eb came in strong. Between the two they played the fluid and fair tempo song. Eb alternating between highs and lows trying to compensate for notes.
Time seemed to fly by as the two continued to play, waiting for Veronica to return. “Sorry it took me so long boys...” The girl said winded, clearly having lugged her large keyboard all this way.
“Gah!” Ebenezer cried out putting down his guitar immediately and rushed over grabbing the keyboard from her. “Just ask for help! Geez, you’re gonna give me a heart attack.” He complained.
Veronica narrowed her gaze pulling her keyboard back from him. “I will be just fine thank you very much. I got it this far and I don’t need help setting her up!” She stuck out her tongue playfully.
“S-sorry! I just figured you’d be tired after lugging it all this way. Thought I would just y’know, help out a little bit.” He said bashfully.
Veronica was quick to set up her instrument. “What’re we playing anyway?” She asked.
“Hey that’s a good question Eb. She hasn’t been practicing with us so she may just be a bit of a fish out of water.” Leon responded.
“Do you know the song Bad Octopus?” Eb asked her.
“You mean that song from that one game? No totally not. It isn’t like I haven’t heard of it and listened to it plenty of times, what with my hundred something hours invested in the game.” She closed her eyes smiling accomplished.
“I think I love you.” Leon said bluntly.
“Whoa hahaha...Let’s not get in too much to that one. Let’s just play the damn song already!”
Eb rushes over to his guitar giving a quick glare over at Leon.
“W-what??” He shrugged his shoulders
Eb began the song with a fairly whimsical sound followed up with a faint twinge of urgency. The three were a little discordant at first but as the long song picked up Veronica seemed to pick up into the song better. Tempo slowing down Veronica had wrapped up the ending of the song on quite a strong note considering her beginning of it.
“Well not bad at all. Looks like Veronica has a little bit of homework to work on now doesn’t she?” Eb laughed.
“I do this for the good of the universe!” She cried out.
Leon looked at her very puzzled. “Uhh...Right, for the...Universe.”
Eb laughed. “Well maybe not the universe but definitely for the good of us! Who knows maybe we’ll get good enough that we can start doing gigs!”
The trio practiced for several hours on different songs when they were met with a young woman standing in front of their garage. She was a young fox white hair and even matching fur to boot. Something about her seemed familiar to the couple. “Hey...Didn’t we see you at the movie theater?” Veronica pointed out.
The young girl stepped forward, wearing a dark gray hoodie and a pair of jeans. “I...Is this the place for the try outs? I mean, I brought my guitar. I can’t do anything stupendous, but I thought maybe I could give it a shot.” The girl’s pleasant demeanor gave off a cheerful air around.
“Heather right?” Eb responded.
The fox’s face reddened. “How did you know my name?” She asked confused as to how he could have collected such information.
“Yeah Ebbi, how did you learn their name?” She asked giving him a fairly strong stare.
“Eheheheh. Well it was my keen intellect that led me to believe such. I mean when we went to the theater the first thing I asked was for the tickets. On her shirt was a name tag with the name “Heather” on it.”
“Oh that’s right!” She laughed sheepishly. “I completely forgot, you’re the couple that came to see Dracula today huh?” Her tail swayed back and forth.
“Yeah, we were there. Why not pull out your instrument, and give us a taste of what you can do?” Eb smiled and sat himself down on the ground watching with anticipation.
The fox set down her hard case pulling out a long bass, black with dark red streaks along it. She motions over. “Mind if I borrow your amplifier? I didn’t really feel like lugging both my guitar and my amp.” She chuckled nervously.
“Sure go ahead! I am itching to see what you can do!” Eb encouraged.
The vulpine grabbed the amp cord and plugged in. Taking a few good strums of her strings, that low twang of each one. The strums became plucks of the strings, slowly a rhythm began to form. Picking up in pace, her dexterous fingers plucking and strumming the thick metal strings.
“Well...She certainly has great potential. If she can get past the fact we do video game music, and covers of other songs. Since we’re so very low key people aren’t going to worry too much anyhow.” Veronica shrugged her shoulders. “What do you think Ebbi?” She smiled.
“I think she’d be fantastic! I mean with her and you we’re practically a whole band!” He laughed.
“What more do you possibly want Eb!?” Leon asked grumpily.
“Well our band is called the Grievous Five. Not the Grievous four or three!” He argued. “Nay! I won’t be fully satisfied until we finally become five!”
Veronica shrugged her shoulders. “You’re hopeless.” She rolled her eyes.
“So I take it that was enough then?” Heather asked.
Leon nodded his head. “Hell yeah! You kicked ass!” The skunk proclaimed.
“You did quite well.” Veronica smiled.
The fox blushed and gave a soft chuckle. “Thank you. I shall not let you all down.” She smiled proudly.
