KJ plugged "Thunder" into an amp and began tuning it up. He sat on a stool that faced house left stage right and looked out at the vacant club. It didn't matter to KJ if there were a thousand there that night or a few dozen. This was the place where he and his band mates showed what they were made of.

Not a lot of band mates came up to KJ while he was tuning up, and if they did they said nothing more than "hey" or "hi." KJ would acknowledge them with a nod and a "sup." This was a time when he and Thunder would firm up their connection to one another. KJ would treat this instrument like it was the Holy Grail and he was a Knight who had just found it. This was more than just a musical instrument to him. To KJ this was an extension of himself his being his soul. The others in the band cared for their instruments and KJ respected them for that, because it was this way of looking at how they felt about their instruments was how they felt about what they did. By nature KJ didn't say too much, but he lived for that moment after they were introduced, the crowd came to life, and Nicky would count it out, "1,2,3,4!" In that moment KJ would feel enough energy and spark in him that could light up the Vegas strip. KJ admired and respected his band mates to the highest degree, and to him they were all the family he had. 

There was one person in the band that he really liked and that was Ana. He had worked at the restaurant owned by her parents for the last two years washing dishes. KJ kind of took it upon himself to watch over Ana and made sure that no one hurt her. KJ also admired Ana because she was one helluva drummer, and insisted on pulling her own weight when it came to her equipment. Seeing her take her seat behind that kit always made KJ smile.

Once Thunder was tuned and KJ felt in sync with it he set it on his stand. KJ went over into a darkened corner of the backstage area as was his custom. He knelt down said a silent prayer and crossed himself. Once he was done he sprung up as though he had been shot out of a cannon, threw a few punches like he was entering the ring, and said, "All-right let's rock it!" KJ made his way back to the stage area ready to lay it down with Thunder.