[u][b]Arcadia[/b][/u] Mist filled the stage as lights went up, stroking to the crowd with a maddening pace that could only match the hype of the beat. Already the crowd was on their feet, feeling the energy of a Sasayaki’s voice and Isaac’s unmistakable talent for rousing the crowd like the head cheerleader at a peep rally. More lights flooded the stage, revealing Klank with an edgy reluctance on a set of massive drums that encircled him, two hammers pounding to beat into a live system, scratched and altered by an energetic Peanut, bouncing between the discs and sound board with a large porcelain mousehead covering him, and the occasional flame hitting the skies with eternal glory. Sierra was just to the side, pumping out mist and assisting on the piano with a determined hop, a guitar made of Ice slung on her back for shredding emergency. To his left and were Phin, also reluctant on bass, but much in character of the breed, and Bighead, towering over the others with a long glossy blue dragon-headed guitar that was fit for a giant, enjoying ever second. [url]https://youtu.be/7JUvmzvFpgU[/url] The first song blasted through like their pop album debut, Sasayaki singing through with Isaac on backup and dancing. Peanut was determined to amp the crowd, hitting the beat heavily while every else played low key, Sierra joining Isaac on the front with what could only be described as battle dancing, never wanting to be out shined. [url]https://youtu.be/15JCb6P60Vw[/url] The crowd remained on the edge of their seat as the first song conclude, wondering what new poppy verse would come next, but they were blown back as Klank and Bighead took over, Klank’s frustrated hands pounding the beat with same determination of a mid-battle build, and Bighead pounding his gigantic head back and forth as faced Isaac and his powerful vocals, Bighead’s fingers fiercely moving between the strings. Sierra, never wanting the be undone, slid to Isaac’s other side and facing Bighead, shredding the guitar with icy accuracy and a glare that could kill. Phin didn’t want to join in, but understood the gravity of the situation. Standing firm to the crowd and setting the beat. [url]https://youtu.be/HgzGwKwLmgM[/url] Roars filled the stands as the last song started, a lone spotlight hitting Isaac and Sasayaki, both choosing to harmonize as the rest of the crew fell back to normal levels of hype to let the two shine as they hopped around the stage with soul as sierra took back to piano. The crowd seemed to know this sound, the faint sound of voices joining in as the song raged on. Peanut continued to support with pyrotechnics, perfectly in tune with sounds, though, nearly hitting an angered Klank who was almost appearing happy before the incident. Finally they drew the crowed down as the lights dimmed, claps echoing through the stage when the entire area light up. A large colosseum came into view, one of many one island, along with other area’s reserved for various activities and more, this particular arena set up with two stages facing each other, with people flooded in the middle and around, and a podium to the side with three chairs, with three daunting figures observing. The first judge rose, an adorable mink that Isaac tried not to notice, but unmistakably drawn to. “Like, OMG,” she stared, perking up out of her chair and peeping up like the most devoted fangirl. “I absolutely loved you guys! Sierra, girl, you are fireee.” A satisfied smirk found her face as the bouncing bunny girl continued. “This crowd was feeling y’all, and I’d vote for you a thousand times over if I could. Chow my little love birds,” she said with a wink. The next judge rose, a heavyset man with an oversized mustache that twirled into a hypnotic circle, and a voice that clear looked down on anyone that wasn’t scene. “It was a show, that is for sure. Bighead, you were the star of this performance, giving the technical expertise to the axe that I haven’t seen in some time, and Klank was excellent with both speed and timing.” He began to twirl his mustache as the words set in. “However, I can not discredit the soul brought to the stage by Wiggs and Bedge, who blew me away with their love letter to mt past with “Don’t go breaking my heart.” The two celebrated with a tear felt hug and jumps of joy as Sasayaki stared the two down, a murderous intent in her chain. Finally, the last judge rose, 8’5”, wide as house, a glare with grit to destroy dreams, and a tight shit that went up to his ribs that read [i]BABY.[/i] “I,” he paused, “was not impressed. It is clear to me that this group is still a bunch of strangers trying to come together to for what consider [i]cool[/i] music. Peanut, I was appealed by you take on what was supposed to be a joyful beat, and it in fact, stole all the joy from my soul, only slightly more disappointing that that ridiculous mask.” The words set in with a drop of the fiery squill’s head. “Sierra, if you spent more time on you craft than the other musician’s your performance might have been salvageable. Klank, your rhythm on those drums can only be describe a teenage boy trying to figure out love making with his very disappointed first girlfriend. Phin, do I even have to comment? Bighead, you were a distraction the entire performance, and the only thing bigger thing than your head is your ego.” The crew started to exchange looks, wondering what they would do if the battle was lost, and how they survive if the worst were to happen. Isaac stepped up, Sasayaki amplifying his word. “I’m sorry you didn’t like our performance, but I can assure you, we gave it everything we had, and that’s saying something.” The man laughed. “I am sure, little bounty hunter. As much as I hated parts of your show, you and Sasayaki really brought a passion to every word, and not even that firey rodent can take away from that, and that is why I have decided to vote for your band, Sailing Sirens.” The crowd roared, pleased with the class, and Isaac bumped his fist to his chest, then raised his finger to the sky. An image suddenly appeared in the center of the arena, a shadowy man barely visible, with a large sign in his hand prominently labeled “GM.” The judges took their seats and the crowd quickly calmed down to hear his words. “Your crew, Bighead, has proven to be entertaining, and thus, I have decided that you all will participate in this years games. He tapped his sign on the ground, and the crew vanished into the island, each separated to the waiting room to their next challenge, as was customary in the great pirate games. “Bedge, Wiggs, I’m afraid you have lost this battle, and thus are subject to judgement.” He tapped his hammer on the ground again, and a giant wheel appeared in the sky, spinning furiously. Quickly it spun, until it slowed down to a creep, nearly landing on death by 1000 scorpions, until inching over to banishment. The hammer hit the ground again, the two vanishing back onto their ship, which they were so quickly stolen from when sailing too close to the island. All around the world people cheered from the video Den Den, for the great pirate games, a yearly tradition of victory and brutal defeat head finally begun. “For those of you tuning in for the first time,” the man spoke, “welcome to my island, Arcadia, where the rules are my own, and anything can happen. Most of our contestants will perish to the wheel’s mighty judgement, but those who overcome their obstacles, outsmart their competition, and win our heart, will be given the ultimate prizes as granted by me, you humble GM, and at the very least, be pardon for their crimes and leave this land with their life, for this year,” he said with a mischievous wink. “And don’t forget to Den Den in to let us know what you want to see, and who your favorite contestants are! #Shipitorshipout #Bloodbeatslove #Greatpirategames” The screen faded out, and Isaac found himself in a cold room with Sasayaki luckily still over his shoulder, nothing but a bed to rest, and a nightstand with one light, and enough food and water to hold him over into the door opened, with anything behind it. “Welp,” Isaac said back to Sasayaki, “Looks like those assholes finally found me,” he said with a satisfied grin, knowing that if he were to die here, it would at least be a flashy death.