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Chapter Text

Ureil picks up his glasses as he gets up from his desk sitting in front of him was eight files, four boys and four girls not the sharpest or the best tools in Tal Dolrie High’s arsenal but the tools that Uriel had need of for this particular situation

Orion Hunter: Has past as a petty thief due to her less than stellar homelife seems to have dropped or suppressed the ability after she joined a local dojo and learned to channel her anger, she also learned to put her mind to her task starting up a blacksmith club creating weapons out of all kinds of metals including a prized sword named after one of legend, Excalibur, aside from being a blacksmith and trained martial artist Orion keeps to herself, aside from taking charge of blacksmith, Orion shows her green thumb as part of gardening club and archery club

Rounding the corner Uriel turns the corner stopping for a moment to look at the art projects done by some of the juniors continuing again his feet moving with purpose

Percival De Rolo: Percy is a shy boy, he is one of the schools top engineering students he’s also a survivor of the attack on his wealthy family from a rival crime family named the Brairwoods with the help of his friends last year they worked together to defeat the crime family and bring the heads to justice while saving the other surviving member of the De Rolo family, Cassandra

Passing down the math corridor Uriel passes his wife as she teaches 9th grade math bearing down towards the Abyssal class

Keyleth: A daughter of travelling community called the Ashari Keyleth has left them and taken time from her Aramente to gain some more worldly experience, she is head of the gardening club which she runs with her girlfriend Vex'ahlia and other nature lovers despite her future as the leader of her people she’s incredibly humble

Vex’ahlia Vessar: The other half of the twins, she is extremely savvy and head of Emon Highs archery club, her savviness helps other clubs to manage their finance, like her brother she resents her the last name of Vessar, she also has a large Newfoundland dog called Trinket which she refuses to be away from

Descending the stairs Uriel exits the east stairwell continuing on leather shoed feet towards his destination

Pike Trickfoot: Pike was taken from her immediate family and given her great grandfather due to her immediate family being criminals and caring very little for the young girl, her family much like Grog’s suffer from a congenital growth defect however unlike Grog’s Pikes family is much shorter than the average person, much like the twins once Grog and Pike where placed together the two were completely inseparable, her following of the goddess of healing and light Sarenrea lead her to being an avid member of the first aid helpers helping those who injury themselves while she also strengths her medical knowledge under her grandfather

Scanlan Shorthalt: Pride of the music course, has a criminal record for possession of Class A substances but manage to wiggle his way out of anything using his charisma and charm.

Cutting across the quad Uriel passes the sports and combat department where the more physically profienct students spent their time bearing towards the gym where faint drums, bass and guitar can be heard

Grog Strongjaw: His file shows a past history of abuse from his Uncle Kevdak following the passing of his father Stonejaw, when it was discovered Grog was placed under the care of Pike’s grandfather alongside Pike making the two almost inseparable, he is also afflicted with a condition where he is abnormally large despite his larger frame he’s incredibly gentle with his friends and social worker using his larger frame he has lead the school wrestling team to back to back wins

Vax’ildan Vessar: One of the pair of twins; Vax has a chequered past much like Orion, he and his sister are two of the stealthiest students in the school. He was once a part of a gang called the Clasp landing him with an unfortunate criminal record for petty theft and attempted murder however after a chance was handed to him he’s made an impressive turnaround and has actually helped to incarcerate other members of the gang additional note for all staff the last teacher to use his given last name, Vessar, was given a ride on the back of an ambulance after getting a concussion from a blow to the head for the hilt of Vax’ildan’s switchblade

The eight friends had met five years ago in Stilben Middle School bonding quickly and getting themselves into scraps and getting out of them by the skin of their teeth eventually forming a band, Vox Machina, the Voice of the Broken Machine, standing outside the door to the gym the crash of drums, the boom of bass, the screech of guitars and croon of vocals can be heard as Uriel pushes open the door standing centre stage was Vax’ildan leading with vocals on either side was Orion and Vex playing guitars Pike and Scanlan are set on risers to make up the height difference on the drummer risers can be seen Grog banging away on the kit as Percy’s oil stained fingers dance across his keyboard, according to Scanlan all the patched where created by Percy or Orion, and finally Keyleth’s constantly chlorophyll stained fingers move across the frets and strings of her bass guitar. “Ahem.” Ureil clears the eight musicians look up from their instruments

With this interruption from Uriel there’s an abrupt squeak as the two guitar’s of Vex and Orion come to a stop, a bum bass note from Keyleth halfway between two runs and a dull thud as Grog’s foot stamps on his kick pedal one last time. “Principal Uriel.” Orion says slinging her guitar to her back a buzz happening as the jackhead comes free from the Gibson guitar with custom modifications done by her and Percy suddenly Uriel jumps as a large canine comes bounding across the gym towards Uriel

“Trinket, down!” Vex shouts, clicking her tongue as the large Newfoundland dog goes bounding back to his mistress. “So sorry Principal Uriel.” The brunette apologises

“It’s quite all right, he just startled me.” Uriel says “Is there a reason why you’ve come to practice sir?” Vax asks sliding the mic back into it’s stand. “Take twenty Tary!” He shouts the blonde gets up from his chair backstage and goes to stretch his muscles

“Yeah we can’t exactly allow you into the band it’s the principal of the thing.” Scanlan jokes suddenly under Uriel’s elbow

“Not entirely, Scanlan, I’m here because I need your help.”

Chapter Text

The group offer a perplexed look they’d saved Uriel once when he’d been kidnapped by a criminal known as the Dread Emperor and they were in know to be in his debt for that save, however they knew Uriel was a high comptent man if he was asking for their help it has to be serious. “How pray tell can we help?” Percy asks

Uriel fiddles with his jacket nervously and clears his throat. “Have any of you heard of the global superpower Thordak Co. from Wildmount? Well the company has joined with four other companies Umbrasyl Motors, Vorgaul Weapons, Raishan Dynamics and Brimscythe Aeronautics. Together they call themselves the Chroma Conclave and they seem to have their sights on Emon High. I got a letter from the Cinder King himself, the head of Thordak Co. saying he will buy the school and demolish to make room for a new corporate headquarters here in Tal’Dorie.” He explains nervously

“So what do you want us to go and kick the shit out of the Cinder Fuckhead?” Grog asks with his usual abrasiveness

Pike reaches up and puts a hand on Grog’s shoulder. “I’m not sure that’s what Uriel has in mind.” The gnome says to her best friend

“Indeed despite your lack of skill for planning the eight of you seem to pass through fire on bravado alone.” Uriel says

“So what's in it for us?” Grog asks

“Not right now dude. Leave the haggling to Vex.” Vax whispers elbowing Grog low in the ribs

“I’ll put some thought into it, though the obvious reward is not having your whole school turned into one big industrial district.” Uriel explains

“We’ll see what we can do.” Scanlan says

“How long have they given you?” Vex asks in a calm and ven voice as she begins making plans

“A month.” Uriel replies

“Right.” Orion exhales formulating plans too

“Any of them nearby?” Vax asks giving his sister and similarly pasted friend some side eye

“Umbrasyl Motors CEO, Umbrasyl himself, is holed up in Westruun. But please don’t-” The group gives a simultaneous nod as they begin packing away their instruments the click of latches can be heard as Keyleth, Vex and Orion put their guitars back into their cases as Vax, Scanlan and Pike put their vocal mics into their cases before Vax begins helping Grog put his kit away while Orion begins hefting both hers and Vex’s Kempers into their case

“Who’s turn it to host? Percy’s right?” Scanlan asks

“Nope, Cass is sick.” Percy says putting his keyboard into its case. “What about Greyskull?” He asks standing up again pushing his glasses up his nose

“Is it still standing?” Grog asks

“I still run through that forest, the roofs leaking but it’s still standing.” Orion says picking up her jacket

“We’ll meet up there. Freddie you got one of your surprises?” Vax asks in a low whisper

“I’ve got one left.” Percy nods picking up his share of the gear

“We’ll put the gear in Kiki’s van and head to Greyskull.” Vex says taking Keyleth’s hand for a moment before going back to packing up the gear

“I’ve gotta stop by my locker. Orion, you good to take my keyboard?” Percy asks

“I gotta ya.” Orion smiles

“Scanman go with him if you run in to any teachers do what you do best.” Vax says giving Scanlan a knowing look

Percy de Rolo was an inventor by nature so of course he had a bomb in his locker walking along Percy pauses and looks at his white hair in the reflection of the trophy case running his fingers through his hair he continues walking. “Hey, Percy, wait up! I’ve only got little legs, man.” Scanlan protests

“Come on, Scanlan we’re nearly there.” Percy says rounding the corner to the algebra corridor the red metal lockers lining the wall are cool walking along the row of lockers Percy stops outside his own taking his lock into one hand Percy twists it with the other 742-916-844 sliding the door open slightly Percy slides his hand up Percy catches the tripwire removing the booby trap from the door before opening the door all the way taking out the binder on top, which contained his sketched plans opening it to the back Percy removes the false cover to reveal a custom foam cradle most of the spots are empty but one of the spots is device of his own making, it was effectively a miniature claymore it didn’t do anything to wound it was just a momentary flash taking the syringe that was there too, it was vaporised gasoline then the voice of Scanlan can be heard from round the corner

“Oh hey Victor. How’re you doing this fine evening?” Scanlans’s voice echoes down the hallway

"Very well, Scanlan." Victor says stuffing both objects into his pockets Percy comes back round the corner

“Ah, Victor, just the man I was looking for. Is there any chance we could meet to discuss our arrangement? I don’t have the money on me right now but it’ll be in the janitor's closet by 4pm tomorrow.” Percy promises

“Ah yes, I understand, just leave the money where you find the black powder at 4pm.” Victor says in his hoarse voice giving the white haired tinkerer a knowing wink

“Come on Scanlan the others are waiting for us.” Percy says exiting the school walking towards the carpark the sun glints of Percy’s glasses

Chapter Text

On the walk to Keyleth’s van Scanlan reflects on how much Percy had changed when the group had met him Percy had been covered in scars and malnourished placed under the care of Pike who reconisged the signs of a beating but so savage it was likened by Pike to a torture

Percy had arrived about a month after the others had met Uriel had assigned Percy to Pike, the boy had lived with the twins till the group had liberated Percy’s family home and saved his sister Cassandra. “Took you guys long enough. Run into a teacher?” Orion asks throwing her down her cigarette crushing under high top heel

“Sort of, set up a meeting with Victor. Gonna need access to the forge tomorrow, if that’s all right with you?” Percy asks

“That’s fine.” Orion says getting into the back of Keyleth’s Volkawagen van

“Where’s Grog and Pike?” Scanlan asks noting the lack of his girlfriend and her best friend

“Went to check the conditions of Greyskull.” Vex announces from the front seat, as Keyleth’s girlfriend Vex got first dibs on front seat, looking back Vex sees a sleeping bag tucked in the corner near the front seats. “Kiki, darling, are you still sleeping in here? I told you that you could come stay with me and Vax anytime you want.” She says brushing her fingers along the line of Keyleth’s chin

“I don't want to feel like I’m encroaching on your home life.” Keyleth says with big sad green eye

“Darling, I love you, you could never feel like you're encroaching on me or my home life.” Vex smiles capturing Keyleth’s lips with her own

“If we could hit the road.” Scanlan says clearing his throat

“Yes, but go slow. I don’t think Keyleth’s insurance covers homemade bombs it would be a good obituary.” Percy says

The van comes to a stop as the group gets out of it, it felt odd walking through the forest towards Greyskull to Vex this was the place she fell in love with Keyleth while she also escaping her father. “Feels weird to be back here.” Orion says her foot picking its way through the brambles

“Yeah we haven’t been here since we were kids.” Vex agrees picking Keyleth up bridal style

“Vex'ahlia Janet Ellison! Put me down!” Keyleth shrieks with laughter as Vex smiles

“Never, I’m just treating my girlfriend with proper care, a ladies feet should never walk through brambles.” Vex smiles carrying Keyleth across the threshold of Greyskull

“Well, at least the roofs still standing.” Orion comments pulling an old dusty blanket from the table accidently showering herself, Keyleth, Percy and Vex in dust picking up a photo there’s eight kids pulling faces and goofing with each other. “How old are we here?”

“We must be about 12 or thirteen there. Christ I forgot how fuck ugly I was.” Vex says

“You're beautiful to me.” Keyleth smiles giving Vex a kiss

“Vex you still got those wipes?” Orion asks looking at the dirty mugs on the side

“Yeah.” Vex throws the anti bacterial wipes to Orion who begins methodically cleaning mugs which much to everyone's surprise were still there by now Pike has returned from the roof and Keyleth has set a round of soft drinks on to the table. The silence around the table was tense and palpable, in their past it had been simple infiltration mission rescuing Cassandra from the clutches of the Briarwoods for Percy’s vengagce, breaking into the masion of a high ranking goverment officail to prove he slaughtered and raped Orion’s sister but this was different, these were billionaires with and army of lawayers of scurity they were eight teenagers in a band. This requires forethought not their usual style of blundering in first and thinking afterwards

As they stand waiting for someone to speak Keyleth’s phone ringing breaks the silence glancing down at her phone Keyleth sees her fathers name on the caller ID. “Hi dad.”

“Keyleth I’m calling about Pyrah, Raishan Dynamics, they just demolished it--” Korrin’s voice seems almost too quick to hear

Keyleth didn’t hear anymore as her whole body begins to quake as her phone drops to the ground images of children lying dead under rubble cut down by tractors and bulldozers folding in on herself Keyleth begins to whimper. “Kiki!” Vex gasps at the sight of Keyleth trembling, hugging herself on the floor with Vex occupied comforting Keyleth on the floor she’s a little busy to answer her phone picking up her sisters phone

“Ah, Vex’ahlia I got cut off. Is Keyleth okay?” Korrin asks his voice panicked both for the loss of his friends and the lack of communication with her daughter

“Actually sir, this is Vax’ildan Vex’s brother. Keyleth got her message but began panicking but Vex is comforting her. Is there any more information I can relay?” He asks

“Just ensure she does not continue with her Aramente for the moment I fear that Terrah or Vesrah may be next.” Korrin warns. “I will be in contact when I know more.”

“Right so she is not to continue her Aramente, am I right?” Vax asks

“Yes this is incredibly important until I say so Keyleth is not to continue her Aramente.” Korrin repeats

“Yes, I will ensure she gets this message.” Vax says hanging up the phone quickly in the time that has elapsed Keyleth seems to be on a more even keel

“Hey, hey, I promise you that we will fix this once we have stopped this you and I will go and help rebuild Pyrah brick by brick.” Vex promises peppering Keyleth with soft kisses

“Okay, what did my father want?” Keyleth asks with a sniffle

“He just asked me to implore you not to continue your Aramente. At least until he says otherwise.” Vax answers

“I understand.” Keyleth nods

“I got it.” Orion announces. “I’ll be back.” She announces

“Where are you going?” Vex asks leaving Keyleth as Orion begins sprinting through the forest

“To find us a way into Umbrasyl Motors!” Orion shouts her voice trailing into the wind

Chapter Text

“These are the plans for Umbrasyl Motor headquarters, and this Umbrasyl’s office.” Orion says spreading out the plans on the table

“How did you get that?” Pike asks

“Uh, never mind.” Orion dismisses

“How many security checkpoints?” Vax asks

“Four on the most effective route, two on the stealthiest route.” Orion says pointing and tracing through both routes

“There’s no way we can get past all of them.” Vex says

“Exactly which is why we’re not taking the doors.” Orion unfurls a second map.

“Air ducts.” Vax smiles. “What are the dimensions?”

“5 foot by 3 foot.” Orion answers

“Not a chance in hell of me or Freddie fitting in there, then.” Vax sighs

“Who said you were going in there?” Orion smirks

“No way, not a chance.” Vax says

“I’m the only one who can fit and have relevant experience. Plus I am a walking weapon but if it’d make you feel any better we could walk in the door and demand an appointment with Umbrasyl.” Orion says

“Could I fit?” Vex asks

“In theory.” Orion answers

“Right, so what’s the plan?” Grog asks

“So I need a bit of time but Grog and Pike are going to stay outside blending in with the activists that are protesting Umbrasyl Motors newest factory which is dumping sludge into the lakes making it extremely toxic.” Orion says as Grog and Pike nod. “Vax and Scanlan you two are gonna be in my car on the west side of the headquarters.” Vax and Scanlan nod. “Keyleth and Percy you’ll be here in Keyleth’s van on the east side of headquarters.”

“I like it, you're covered on three sides.” Vax nods

“Meanwhile Vex and I will be in the air ducts.” Orion says tracing the path in the air duct

“Right. What are we looking for?” Vex asks

“Any way to stop the Chroma Conclave from destroying Emon High.” Orion says

“Right. Where’s our entrance?” Vex asks

“We are going in here.” Orion points

Sitting in the van Orion thinks about how she's tried so hard to leave this life behind, closing her pack Orion twists her ring; it was a symbol of her rebirth and leaving behind that life. “You good?” Percy asks putting a hand on Orion’s shoulder

“Yeah, yeah. Just thinking about how I tried to leave this life behind and now I’m back here.” Orion sighs

“Hey, this isn’t going back to this life this is for the greater good.” Percy comforts

“Yeah, you’re right.” Orion says as the van squeals to the stop climbing out Orion and Vex sprint across the parking lot

Taking out a powered screwdriver Orion begins removing the screws from the vent cover. “After you.” She smiles boosting Vex into the vent before following behind sliding the vent back into place

“Where we going?” Vex asks as Orion takes out the map and a torch shining the beam down

“This way for about 200 metres then we’re going right.” Orion says

“Lead the way then.” Vex says flattening against the metal wall of the vent shaft as Orion crawls past the two moving in silence through the metal tubes holding up a hand the two stop there’s another metal creak as the metal at both ends of this tube begin to bend

“Oh, no!” Orion gasps as the metal screams as the air duct falls through the ceiling

“Well this is bad.” Vex coughs crawling out of the metal tube

“Yeah, really bad.” Orion says coughing slightly stumbling as her head spins as she stumbles into a burly half orc security guard

“What are you doing here?” The half orc guard growls grabbing Orion by her lapels

“Nothing.” Orion lies tensing up

“All right…” The half orc reaches back for his radio Orion’s neck swings forward savagely thwocking off the half orc’s skull as he drops to the ground shaking her head Orion stumbles back coming to her senses as an alarm starts blaring clearly Orion’s headbutt was too the guard had clicked his radio and raised the alarm

“Go, go, go!” Orion yells as security begins chasing her and Vex through the corridors

Hopping a barrier Vex feels like her arm is being torn off. “Where are we going?” She asks

“To the parking lot! This way!” Orion yelps pushing Vex down another corridor before coming to a stop outside at a floor to ceiling window

“Why are we stopping?” Vex asks. “Orion we gotta go, we’re still on the second floor.” After a moment of looking the window up and down. “Oh no, oh no, no, no you don’t.” She protests as the pair are off running Orion’s shoulders crash through the window the pair roll across the tarmac Orion coming to her feet immediately while Vex is pulled to hers the pair take off towards Keyleth’s van idling in the parking lot as the pair stumble across the tarmac a large group of Orc and Half Orc security guards bust out of the door into the east carpark

“We so gotta go!” Orion exclaims running faster letting go of Vex’s hand as the two flat out sprint ignoring the pain shooting through both of them as the Volkswagen van hoves into voice. “Go! Save yourself and I’ll hold them back.” She says dropping into a wounded fighting stance

“No, this isn’t the real fight. We stay together.” Vex says grabbing Orion by the hand running dragging Orion now

In Umbrasyl’s office

“Well, Thordak, you wanted to see how Uriel would respond to the destruction of his school.” Peering out of his blinds, Umbrasyl watches Keyleth’s van tear out of the parking lot. “Well he sent those kids that took out Delilah and Sylas Briarwood & Ulysse Gantok.”

“Make them pay for costing us money, have your security destroy them.” Thordak says

“Yes, sir.” Umbrasyl says, hanging up the phone before pressing on the intercom. “Pamela, can you send Clelmikmiarud Naryax in please?” He asks

“Certainly sir.” Pamela says as Umbrasyl settles into his seat

Chapter Text

“Keyleth floor it.” Orion pants slamming the door shut as two bolts sink into the far wall of the van

“What happened?” Keyleth asks flooring the van out of the parking lot

“Their roofing and vent system are not up to code, let's say that.” Orion says as the van shakes

“Uh, we got a tail.” Percy says looking in the mirror as a bolt blows it off

“Uh, weapons?” Vex asks

“Just this.” Orion says holding up a pocket knife

“Keyleth, how fast can this go?” Vex asks

“Uh, I don’t know but if I blow this up, it ain’t gonna be good.” Keyleth says

“Left, down the alley!” Orion shouts

“Okay.” Keyleth says slamming the wheel hard left as the door slides open Vex screams as she nearly falls out the van only to be caught by Orion’s outstretched leg with a heavy grunt Keyleth gets the van back on four wheels

“Keyleth cut the lights and the engine.” Orion whispers as the unmarked black cars tore past them in the alleyway

“Where do we go now?” Percy asks

“Back to Greyskull.” Vex sighs

The drive back to Greyskull was quiet. The van came to a stop Orion’s ears prick up as a sound of tiny almost imperceptible crunching leaves and snapping twigs. “Someone’s here.” She whispers then there’s a bellow as an orc guard bursts out of the trees grabbing Orion in some form of constrictor hold lashing her head back a warm wet spot forms on the back of Orion’s head the nose of the Orc breaks. “Run!” Orion shouts taking off sprinting slamming the door to Greyskull the four people press their backs against the door as the gaurds slam against the door now Vax, Scanlan and Pike are pressed against the door on the opposite side

“Could use some help over here!” Vax yells pressing against the door as the horde of security slam against

“Little busy over here!” Vex responds pressing against more security

“Anyone any ideas?” Orion asks looking round for an escape

“The roof!” Percy points

“Grog, need a boost!” Orion shouts climbing up onto the young drummer's back and then up onto his shoulders with both feet planted slightly unsteadily on Grogs shoulders Orion begins feeling around the half dark jumping slightly Orion smiles when she sees Pike’s on Grog’s arm. “Pike catch.” Orion drops her lighter into the young gnomes hand who immediately strikes it providing a light with a pair of pounding fists the rusted corrugated roof pops out as Orion scrambles out wincing as a sharp edge to the next panel cuts in

“Coming up!” Pike says grabbing Orion outstretched non bleeding hand, allowing herself to be pulled in next Scanlan is yanked up with a yelp followed quickly by Keyleth, Vax, Vex and Percy finally Grog jumps up scrambling onto the roof

“Any suggestions now?” Vex asks

“Anywhere but here?” Scanlan suggests picking up Pike Grog sets off running as Orion picks up Scanlan carrying him on his back like Luke carried Yoda on Dagobah

“Run!” Vax yells as the group runs across the beams that support the roof before they reach the end dropping down Grog catches Pike and Scanlan as Orion and Vax flip off the roof in near perfect synchronicity before Percy, Vex and Keyleth leap off the roof with less than grace tucking both gnomes up his wings Grog takes of running as the humans follow after the goliath

Stopping for a moment Orion keeps her body tense nodding to Vax who takes out his pocket knife while Percy, Keyleth, Scanlan and Pike catch their breath. “We need to get out of here. Too exposed.” Orion says her nerves still tense

“Where would we go?” Pike asks

“The place that won’t be under surveillance.” Orion says picking Pike up putting the young gnome onto her shoulder

Knocking on the door Taryon opens the door. “You would not believe the day we’ve had.” Orion sighs as Taryon opens the door

In Umbrasyl’s office

“So, how many are there?” Thordak asks the five CEO’s that make up the Chroma Conclave as well as a sixth man

“Eight, four girls and four boys. This one put two of my men in the hospital.” Umbrasyl says showing the zix people round the table a picture of Orion her face blurred in the middle of her savage headbutt

“What of the others?” Brimscythe asks, he was younger and a Scot he was typically sent to the back of conferences when the five met up

“The Vessar twins, Vex’ahlia and Vax'ildan. They could prove difficult.” Umbrasyl says setting the school photo of Vex and Vax’s mugshot from his arrest

“Who else?” Thordak asks

“Percival de Rolo. One of the only two surviving members of the de Rolo family and star witness in the case against Sylas and Delilah.” Umbrasyl says putting Percy’s school photo on the table next to Vax and Vex. “Princess Keyleth of the Air Ashari, is set to be their leader one day.” He continues setting Keyleth’s photo next to Vex, Vax & Percy

“Well she was gonna be in charge of the Fire Ashari before I demolished it.” Riashan smiles evilly, for the only woman on the Conclave she was probably the most evil

“The final four members are Grog Strongjaw his family suffers from gaintism alongside him are Scanlan Shorthalt and Pike Trickfoot the pair both suffer from a growth deficit.” Umbrasyl says setting Grog, Scanlan and Pike’s photos on the table next to the others. “Finally we have Orion Hunter, the one responsible for this. She's also responsible for the downfall of Gantok,” He says putting Orion’s photo before tapping the picture under the groups headshots

“Do we have a plan?” Thordak asks

“We have their houses under surveillance as well as where we followed them back too. As soon as they show up we’ll have them in our grasp.” Umbrasyl promises

“Do not make promises you can’t keep.” Thordak warns in a low voice

“Of course boss. But we do also have Clelmikmiarud.” Umbrasyl says taking a seat again

“If we have nothing else to discuss, we should return to our own offices.” Thordak says getting up and rebuttoning his jacket before leaving the office followed by the other

Chapter Text

Taryon was surprised when the band he worked with arrived on his doorstep, Orion bleeding and Vax with a tense grip on is pocketknife he knew Principal Uriel had given them some sort of task but he was not privy to it. “Come in, come in.” Tary says stepping to the side as eight members of the band he produces and engineers for steps into his house

“Maybe we need to rethink the plan.” Percy sighs sitting down in one of the coaches cuddling into Vax. “Umbrasyl Motors nearly killed us.”

“Maybe we need to quit.” Vex says wincing as a sore spot moves

“Maybe Vex is right, we're eight kids in a band and we’re in way over our heads.” Vax admits agreeing with his twin sister

“I think that you can’t quit now.” Tary says sitting down on the high back chair

“What?” Pike asks

“If you quit now all of us will lose the school.” Tary says

“How exactly do we fight…?” Vax is cut short when the door to Tary’s home busts in and a large heavy set man walks in with a heavy crossbow in hand

“Shit!” Orion exclaims throwing herself between the bolt and Taryon as she goes to the ground the bolt seeming to peirce as blood pools onto the ground in Tary’s front room

“Orion!” Keyleth gasps looking at the bleeding and not breathing young woman on the floor however no one is willing to move

“Stop trying to fight the Chroma Conclave and this ends.” The attacker says slinging his crossbow onto his back before leaving

“Orion, hold on.” Vex says as Pike takes out a bandage and begins winding it and binding the bolt

“Hey, you hold on.” Vex says grabbing hold of Orion’s hand

“If I don’t make it, I love you guys.” Orion smiles

“You don’t get to quit.” Vex says with a nod from Pike confirming the wound is now bound picking Orion up carefully the drive to the hospital was palpable once Orion was in surgery the penny drops while Tary is getting coffee Vex speaks up

“Tary’s right, we can’t quit now but we have to find a different way to fight.” Vex says taking control of the tense silence

“How do we fight the Conclave? We’re just a band.” Vax’s eyes open as he starts thinking in the same way that Vex is

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Vex asks with a smirks

“Revolution Radio?” Vex asks

“What are you guys talking about?” Orion asks walking out on a cane

“We’ve got a new plan.” Vex smiles

Arriving at Greyskull the group are still confused. “So Vex gonna tell us what your planning?” Scanlan asks

“We’re gonna start a Revolution Radio.” Vex smiles

“You keep saying that but we still don’t understand.” Grog says

“I think I do. Vex wants to take control of the airwaves and start playing our music and spread what the Conclave are doing.” Orion says walking on the cane closer to the table

“Exactly. We just need somewhere off the grid and safe where we get access to the radiowaves.” Vex says

“I think I know the place.” Orion smiles

Eventually after several twists and turns at Orion’s direction the group arrives at a large space with a metal tower clearly a radio tower. “This is it.” Orion says open the rolling door to reveal the already soundproofed room it’s a little drafty but they’ll get some space heaters. “It’s perfect.” Keyleth says

“It’s a little drafty but we can fix that.” Orion says shutting the door

“Time to get to work.” Vax says

Chapter Text

Rolling out a long bundle cable, Orion exhales before pulling out her earring a tiny communication device Percy created which can fit snugly in the groups ears allowing for communication or eavesdropping. “Perc how we looking?” She asks pressing the earring down

“Almost hooked up out here. Then we’ll be able to test the broadcast. You good there?” Percy asks

“Yeah we’re all set up here. So you better get back here.” Orion says

Meanwhile Vex and Vax are on their way back from convincing the radio executive to give them access to their radio; they were on board when they found out that Thordak and the rest of Conclave would probably shut them down. “Do you really think this could work?” Vex asks

“Having doubts, Stubby?” Vax asks

“No, not at all.” Vex smirks

“You’re having a brilliant idea and it’s gonna work, Stubby. Believe in the idea.” Vax says

“I’ve always hated that nickname.” Vex smirks

“Okay going live in 3, 2, 1.” Tary counts down before holding up his thumb. “Welcome to Revolution Radio live music all night long. But first a message about why we started this whole thing.” He explains pushing up the fader activating Vex’s vocal mic

“Thank you, we started this to fight someone who call themself the Chroma Conclave who plan to tear down Emon High and already destroyed Pyrah ancient home of the Fire Ashari.” Vex says

“And now a song.” Tary says as he pushes up the faders on the rest of the mics as Grog’s drum kit begins banging

[Vax]
“Hear me, they say I'm pretty
Hoping I'm dead by thirty
I hate my mirror, 'til she's pretty
If she's pretty, they might like me”

[Vax & Vex]
“They act like they don't want me
Save it for the family
They act like they don't want me
Guess I let you touch me 'cause”

[Vax, Pike & Scanlan]
“I, I see you every night
Like the chapel of my eye
Your clothes so very tight
You're my virgin of the-
I, I see you every night
Like the chapеl of my eye
Your clothes so vеry tight
You're my virgin of the night”

[Vax (Vex)]
“Please love, I want control (control)
Take back what is old (old)
At least I've got my money
Guess all I'm worth is fucking money”

[Vax & Vex]
“They act like they don't want me
Save it for the family
They act like they don't want me
Guess I let you touch me 'cause”

[Vax, Pike & Scanlan]
“I, I see you every night
Like the chapel of my eye
Your clothes so very tight
You're my virgin of the
I, I see you every night
Like the chapel of my eye
Your clothes so very tight
You're my virgin of the night”

[Vax, Pike & Scanlan]
“Your clothes so very tight
You're my virgin of the night
Tell 'em to be nice
You're my virgin of the night
Too pretty to be kind
You're my virgin of the night”

The group continues play pausing only to rehydrate and eat with sun beginning to peek in through the windows the band decide to stop playing ending the broadcast. “Thank you, you’ve been listening to Revolution Radio and now again a message from the band.” Taryon says

“Thank you, tonight our Revolution Radio goes out as it always does to The Chroma Conclave. As always we’re fighting the companies since they demolished Emon High School putting hundreds of kids out of education, so we’re asking you to fight what they’re doing by razing family homes and putting good families out of their homes.” Vax says

“How do they not find us? I mean we’re broadcasting live on every channel. I mean the source must be traceable.” Orion says

“We bounce the signal off low earth orbit satellites masking our location.” Tary explains

“Who’s low orbit satellites?” Vax asks

“The radio stations we broadcast on and the Darrington one.” Tary explains

“Well we’ll be back tomorrow, same time.” Vex says clicking her tongue as Trinket bounds to her mistress heels before taking Keyleth’s hand

“I gotta go too.” Orion says

Walking into the dog shelter Orion yawns. “Ma’am how can we help you?” The receptionist asks

“I’m looking for a dog, something that needs a lot of help.” Orion says

“Well let’s see what we can find for you.” The reception says

Walking back Orion casts her eyes over the scruffy dogs when sitting near back is a silver grey haired husky, seeing Orion the husky pads up to the cage putting her paws on the top of the cage. “Hello, look at you.” Orion says rubbing the fur at the top of the dogs head

“She’s one of our older dogs, when we got her she was very skittish but she seems to be warming up to you quite nicely ma’am.” The receptionist says

“I’ll take her.” Orion smiles twenty minutes later Orion and the dog named Osmon were walking out with Osmon on her lead

The next day the group went to see Uriel to inform them of their new plan. “He’s expecting you.” Uriel receptionist says

Walking into the office the bags under Uriel's eyes are heavy. “Ahh how goes the fight, I heard you on the radio last night.” He says

“Thank you, sir. How are you?” Vax asks

“Tired, Thordak’s pushing harder and the town halls just approved his permits.” Uriel says

“So he’s won?” Percy asks

“The Conclave haven’t won the war, just this battle, we can keep fighting.” Vex says

“I’m calling an assembly to inform everyone before first period.” Uriel sighs standing up

Walking into the gym the band sits on bleachers Vex and Orion scritching Osmon and Trinket behind the ears as Uriel walks out and up to the lectern. “Today I received some truly terrible news, this school is closing, a group has purchased the land we will be creating a series of meetings to discuss new schooling arrangements. Now your dismissed to your classes however I need Vax’ildan, Vex’ahlia, Keyleth, Percival de Rolo, Scanlan Shorthalt, Pike Trickfoot, Grog Strongjaw and Orion Hunter to remian behind.” Uriel says as the whole school filters out leaving the eight musicians and two dogs behind

“What can we do to help?” Vex asks once everyone else has left

“You can go back to your secret station and keep making music. Tary says he’ll meet you there.” Uriel says

Chapter Text

Getting out of the van the group walks carefully to avoid the new alarms rigged up by Orion, Vex and Vax. “So Uriel officially gave us the green light so we’re doubling down on the radio. Let’s get to work.” Vex says flopping down on the couch cuddling with Keyleth as they do while Trinket flops onto his dog bed

“So what’s the plan?” Tary asks sitting in the chair where his mixing desk is

“We need to get everyone in one place to fight the Conclave.” Orion says

“What are you thinking?” Percy asks sitting Vax’s lap on the damaged high backed leather armchair

“We’re gonna put on a concert. Tary, here’s a list of people that owe me favours they’ll get you the stuff you need. Can we trust you?” Orion asks

“Sure.” Tary says taking the list from Orion

“Where are we going?” Keyleth asks as Tary leaves

“Well, I’m not sure.” Orion sighs falling into the welding swing

“We need clothes.” Percy says

“Where would we go?” Vax asks looking his boyfriend

“There’s a place I know of. It’s a small shop.” Percy pauses

“What’s the catch?” Orion asks looking up

“It’s deep in the Conclave’s territory.” Percy says through his teeth

“We’ve no choice. If Percy thinks we should go, we have to.” Orion says as the group piles into the van with Percy directing the shop was small and hidden away down a small alleyway

“Kamaljiori’s Curious Shop of Colthing.” Orion says reading the sign

“Well, let’s go in.” Vax sighs as they get out of the van and walk up to the shop

The bell over the old shop rings as the group walks in. “Hello. Welcome to this curious shop.” The woman says looking up from what she is stitching. “I am Osysa, how can we help you?” She asks

“We were told that you could outfit us for our concert tomorrow?” Vex asks

“Ah you must be the band Vox Machina. We have been waiting for you.” Osysa says putting down the jacket she was working on before speaking a few quiet words in an ancient language before the wall swings open to reveal a man surrounded by jackets, boots, bands, cuffs, button pins, pins, rings & occasionally the odd musical instrument

“Ahh we have waited many years waiting for you to arrive. I am Kamaljiori. I assume you’re here about the Vestiges?” He asks putting his glasses on the desk

“We are sir. So how does this happen?” Pike asks her nose and eyes barely visible over the desk

“The Vestiges call to you. You do not choose the Vestige, it chooses you.” Kamaljiori says the whisper can be heard turning to his left; he grabs Vax by the wrist dashing off the group and turns down corridors before they find Vax and Kamaljiori. “This is the Deathwalker’s Ward.” He holds up an old but beautiful leather cuff inscribed with intricate detail

“It’s beautiful.” Vax says pulling the cuff onto his wrist there’s a second whisper from the same box that the Deathwalker’s Ward came from, removing the silver button Kamaljiori pins it to Vax’s leather jacket lapel.

“And this is Whisper, they have been bestowed upon you.” Kamaljiori says the air seems silent but then it is filled with the same whispers again grabbing Vex’s wrist the group takes off running

“Well at least we’re getting good cardio.” Orion exhales as they come stop seeing Vex looking at the hair clip that Kamaljiori has placed in her hands

“It is called Fenthras, it is made from mithril. May it serve you well.” Kamaljiori says

“How do I look?” Vex asks threading the clip in her hair

“Like an angel.” Keyleth smiles kissing Vex momentarily before they take off running as Kamaljiori drags Grog lightly

“These are Titanstone Knuckles, may they ensure you never lose your grip our your rhythm.” Kamajiori says with another wooden box with a pair of fingerless leather gloves

“Thank you, sir.” Grog says with a slight bow before they’re off running as Scanlan is nearly yanked off his feet as he’s dragged by Kamaljiori

“This was once mine. It is called Mythcarver. I think it has found a new home.” Kamaljiori says handing Scanlan a studded leatherbelt as it is placed in Scanlan’s hand it shortens until it would fit around Scanlan’s waist perfectly

“Thank you sir.” Scanlan says wrapping the belt around his waist through the belt loops of his short jeans before Pike is also pulled off her feet by Kamaljiori they run for just a few paces before he removes

“These are the Boot of the Dawnmartyr, may they serve you well.” Kamaljiori holding out a chunky pair of boots which Pike takes they are held closed by two clasps which look like a sun which is rising and spreading it’s rays as Pike looks at the beautifully crafted boots Keyleth is taken off running before they come to a red, orange & green dress which is taken off the rack

“This is the Spire of the Conflux. May it serve you well.” Kamaljiori says handing Keyleth the green, red & orange dress

“How does it look?” Keyleth asks holding it against her body

“Gorgeous.” Vex smiles taking Keyleth’s hand kissing the redhead on the cheek as they take off following Percy and Orion who are being pulled by Kamaljiori

“This is called Cabal Ruin.” Kamaljiori turns to Percy holding a black leather coat with a gold trim. “It calls to you.” The aged tailor removes Percy’s sweatshirt before the pair do some strange movement almost like a dance before Percy is wearing the new coat

“It’s beautiful.” Percy says twirling the ends of the coat splaying slightly

“This is yours.” Kamaljiori says taking a leather coat similar to Percy’s but with silver inlays and dusted with stars. “It was your mothers. She gave it to me I always hoped it would fnd it way to the Hunter family. She called it Starlight.” He says throwing it to Orion who immediately removes her World War II aviator coat slipping her arms into the worn leather coat

“I love it.” Orion says putting her hand into the pockets finding two items a pair of black lensed and rimmed Raybans sunglasses and in the other a strip of pictures her mothers together they look young

“You are ready. We will be cheering for you all.” Kamaljiori says. “Be warned though the forces of the Chroma Conclave move against you, they will try to stop you.” He warns

“We have a plan for that.” Orion winks pushing the tails of the coat out as she slides her hands into her jeans pockets

Returning back the group felt slightly strange, they felt more confident those who hadn’t already slipped into their new Vestiges. “What do we now?” Percy asks as they return to the warehouse pulling his new coat closer around him

“We should make an announcement.” Orion says setting up the mics pushing up the volume on them before tapping the keys. “Hello and welcome back to Revolution Radio with a special announcement.” She says into Tary’s mic

“Yeah that’s right we are making an announcement tomorrow we will be doing a concert from 7:00am to 7:00 pm in The Cloudtop Park so come see us and to the Chroma Conclave if you want our lives come and get ‘em!” Vex says

“This has been Revolution Radio, signing off.” Orion says before ending the transmission

“Tary says he's already at the park.” Keyleth says

Thordak clenches his jaw. “... if you want our lives come and get ‘em!” Vex says through the radio in a moment anger the glass of scotch in his hand goes flying across the office

“Susan inform the other members we’re taking down Vox Machina tomorrow.” Thordak says

Chapter Text

Orion closes the lid to both guitar cases whistling as Osmon comes bounding in. “Hello, girl!” She smiles rubbing the dogs fur around her neck and face then the phone starts ringing. “Hello?”

“Orion Hunter?” The voice on the other end says

“Who is this?” Orion asks

“So it is you. Listen there’s a backdoor you can use TCP Port 218 to access the severs but you better hurry they’ll find it soon and close it.” The voice says

“Who are you?” Orion asks

“Just someone who wants to stop the Conclave just like you.” The voice says before the line goes dead kicking her computer chair out Orion’s fingers move quickly there’s millions of dollars are going out of the company to what Orion later finds are dummy corporations with this proof Orion begins to dump this into an email before taking off for one last job

The group exhales it’s just after dark and with just the nine it was going to take all night to get set up. “We should get started then.” Orion says adjusting her beanie

“We could help.” A voice from the dark says as Vax and Oroin draw their pocket knives as Osmon raises her hackles and growl

“Who are you?” Vax asks taking out his lighter

“An old friend.” A second voice says as the pair step into the light revealing themselves to Uriel and Allura

“Principal Uriel, Allura. What are you doing here?” Orion asks running her hand along Osmon’s hackles as they settle

“We’re here to help.” Uriel says as Allura claps her hand and a bus pulls up out gets Kima kissing Allura briefly before Garthok and other members of the Clasp get off the bus

“Kima says you need help fighting some CEO’s?” Garthok asks

“Yeah, who knows much about electrical work?” Vax asks

“A lot of us did, given the change in security before we went down.” Garthok says

“All right, let’s get to work.” Vex says

With everyone’s help the stage was built Tary had a handful of helpers who he’d trained, the PA system was set and In Ear Monitors were in the bands ears. “Tary, little more overhead from Grog’s kit in mine, mate. And the kick too?” Orion asks

“Sure. Grog hit the kick for me for a bit?” Tary asks

“Sure.” Grog’s foot begins pumping the kick pedal for a moment before Orion holds up her thumb

“The whole kit for me now Grog?” Tary requests

“Will do.” Grog begins playing a series of complex drum fills before Orion holds up her thumb which is when Grog stops

Sitting on the large flight cases on the floor the group looks nervous. “We ready?” Vex asks

“I guess.” Percy says slipping into Cabals Ruin

“Then let's’ do this.” Orion says putting on Starlight and picking up Restoration, the guitar she built by hand after defeating Gantok and his brother Nakamoto.

As the crowds begin to gather with the set time of 07:00 the band walks out adorned in their Vestiges from Kamaljiori, their lucky mementos such as Keyleth’s headdress and Vex’s feathers thread in her hair and their instruments taking their positions they let out a collective looking out in the crowd Percy settles as he sees Cassandra and Kaylie her partner waving their arms furiously, Keyleth smiles and gives Korrin a wave who returns Vex and Vax smile at each other while Scanlan smiles at his sister Kaylie and Orion remembers all her training pushing the nerves Grog clears his throat as Vax steps up his microphone. “Hello we are Vox Machina and we are the voice of the people. This first song is one we call Fly!” Vax yells as Grog’s drums start booming Orion’s left foot pushes first her distortion pedal followed by her overdrive pedal and then finally her chorus pedal

[Vex]
“Let me hear your voice to bring me down
I'm waiting for your lips to bring me 'round
My life's shame and sorrow falling back
Lead me from my head down underground
Lying down until my soul turned flat
Feel the magic break inside me now
Ooh, ooh”

[Vax and Vex]
“Fly
Fly
Fly
Fly”

[Vex]
“Lift me to the stars and take me 'round
Fill my soul with light, my heart with fire
The sky longs to see the sun go down
To be among the stars till dawn comes 'round
Ooh, ooh”

[Vax & Vex]
“Fly
Fly
Fly
Fly”

[Instrumental Outro]

Pressing the buttons of her pedals Orion slides her capo onto the first fret as she and Vex begin playing the same tune. “This next song is Drive it Like You Stole It.” Vax says

[Vax]
“You just can't stand the way that I walked out from the wreckage
Can't understand the way that I turned myself around
I tried to terminate this war with you
But you won't let it go, you keep coming back for more”

[Vax]
“Freedom, I'm takin' it back
I'm outta here, no turnin' back
In a baby blue Cadillac
Just when I was stallin', I heard an angel callin'”

[Vax, Pike & Scanlan]
“This is your life, you can go anywhere
You gotta grab the wheel and own it
And drive it like you stole it
Roll it, this is your life, you can be anything
You gotta learn to rock and roll it
You gotta put the pedal down
And drive it like you stole it
And drive it like you stole it”

[Vax]
“We get stuck in the dirt and we can't see where we're going
We face all kinds of hurt and the friction slows us down
But I won't be waiting here for the world to win me gold
I'll leave your dust behind me, stranded in the road”

[Vax]
“Freedom, I'm takin' it back
Attitude, I'm givin' it back
In a baby blue Cadillac
Just when I was stallin', I heard an angel callin'”

[Vax, Pike & Scanlan]
“This is your life
You can go anywhere, you gotta grab the wheel and own it
You gotta put the pedal down and drive it like you stole it
This is your life
You can go anywhere, you gotta grab the wheel and own it
And drive it like you stole it, roll it”

[Instrumental] once Orion is done with her solo the band stops playing their instrument and for a short while begin clapping to the drum beat which Grog has stopped playing

[Vax, Pike & Scanlan (Scanlan & Pike)]
“This is your life
You can be anything
You gotta learn to rock and roll it
You gotta put the pedal down
And drive it like you stole it
(Hoo, hoo, hoo-ooh-ooh)
And drive it like you stole it
(Hoo, hoo, hoo-ooh-ooh)
And drive it like you stole it
(Hoo, hoo, hoo-ooh-ooh)
And drive it like you stole it
(Hoo, hoo, hoo-ooh-ooh)”

A few songs later the band is taking on drink and a little food, swallowing a mouthful from her beer bottle, Vex looks up and sees Syldor walk into the park. “This next one is a cover of a song by All American Rejects. This is Gives You Hell.” Vex smiles as Orion and Percy begin playing the opening to the track

[Vax]
“I wake up every evening
With a big smile on my face
And it never feels out of place
And you're still probably working
At a nine to five pace
I wonder how bad that tastes”

[Orion, Vex, Vax, Grog, Pike, Scanlan, Keyleth & Percy]
“When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
When you walk my way, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell”

[Vax]
“Now where's your picket fence, love?
And where's that shiny car?
And did it ever get you far?
You never seemed so tense, love
I've never seen you fall so hard
Do you know where you are?”

[Vax, Pike & Scanlan]
“And truth be told, I miss you
And truth be told, I'm lying”

[Orion, Vex, Vax, Grog, Pike, Scanlan, Keyleth & Percy]
“When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
When you walk my way, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
If you find a man that's worth a damn and treats you well
Then he's a fool, you're just as well, hope it gives you hell
I hope it gives you hell”

[Vax]
“Tomorrow, you'll be thinking to yourself
"Yeah, where did it all go wrong?"
But the list goes on and on”

[Vax, Pike & Scanlan]
“And truth be told, I miss you
And truth be told, I'm lying”

[Orion, Vex, Vax, Grog, Pike, Scanlan, Keyleth & Percy]
“When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
When you walk my way, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
When you find a man that's worth a damn and treats you well
Then he's a fool, you're just as well, hope it gives you hell”

[Vax]
“Now, you'll never see what you've done to me
You can take back your memories, they're no good to me
And here's all your lies, you can look me in the eyes
With the sad, sad look that you wear so well”

[Orion, Vex, Vax, Grog, Pike, Scanlan, Keyleth & Percy]
When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
When you walk my way, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell
When you find a man that's worth a damn and treats you well
Then he's a fool, you're just as well, hope it gives you hell”

[Vex, Vax, Grog, Pike, Scanlan, Keyleth & Percy (Orion)]
“When you see my face, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell (Hope it gives you hell!)
When you walk my way, hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell (Hope it gives you hell)
When you hear this song and you sing along, no you never tell (No you never tell)
Then you're the fool, I'm just as well, hope it gives you hell (Hope it gives you hell)”

[Vax (Orion)]
“When you hear this song, I hope that it will give you hell, (Give you hell)
You can sing along, I hope that it puts you through hell”

“This next song is for my perfect girlfriend, Kiki this is for you.” Vex smiles as Orion begins playing the opening to Don’t Dream It’s Over

[Vex]
“There is freedom within, there is freedom without
Try to catch a deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're travelling with me”

[Vex, Pike, Scanlan & Vax]
“Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now, when the world comes in
They come, they come to build a wall between us
We know they won't win”

[Vex]
“Now I'm towing my car, there's a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion but there's no proof
In the paper today, tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the TV page”

[Vex, Pike, Scanlan & Vax]
“Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now, when the world comes in
They come, they come to build a wall between us
We know they won't win”

[Instrumental Break]

[Vex]
“Now I'm walking again to the beat of a drum
And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead, barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release”

[Vex, Pike, Scanlan & Vax]
“Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now, when the world comes in
They come, they come to build a wall between us
You know they won't win”

[Vex (Pike & Scanlan)]
“Don't let them win
Hey now, hey now
Hey now, hey now
Hey now, hey now
Don't let them win
They come, they come
Don't let them win
Hey now, hey now (yeah)
Hey now, hey now”

“This song is not anti American, it’s anti war!” Orion yells as she and Vex begin playing the opening while Vax disappears backstage for his acoustic guitar

[Intro]
“Say hey!
Chaaaa!”

[Orion (Vex)]
“Hear the sound of the falling rain
Coming down like an Armageddon flame (Hey!)
The shame, the ones who died without a name
Hear the dogs howling out of key
To a hymn called "Faith and Misery" (Hey!)
And bleed, the company lost the war today”

[Orion, Pike, Scanlan & Vex]
“I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
On holiday”

[Orion (Vex)]
“Hear the drum pounding out of time
Another protester has crossed the line (Hey!)
To find the money's on the other side
Can I get another Amen? (Amen!)
There's a flag wrapped around a score of men (Hey!)
A gag, a plastic bag on a monument”

[Orion, Pike, Scanlan & Vex]
“I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
On holiday”

“Lights out!” Orion yells as the lights drop leaving the band in darkness

[Orion]
"The representative from California has the floor"

[Orion, Pike & Scanlan]
“Sieg Heil to the president Gasman
Bombs away is your punishment
Pulverize the Eiffel towers
Who criticize your government
Bang bang goes the broken glass
And kill all the fags that don't agree
Trials by fire, setting fire
Is not a way that's meant for me
Just ‘cause, just ‘cause
Because we're outlaws, yeah!”

[Orion, Pike, Scanlan & Vex]
“I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies
This is the dawning of the rest of our lives
This is our lives on holiday”

Vex’s booted high heel clad foot shifts slightly, depressing the tremolo pedal on her pedal board as she begins playing the opening to Boulevard of Broken Dreams while Vax begins playing the acoustic parts of the song

[Orion]
“I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me, and I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one, and I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk a-”

[Orion, Pike, Scanlan & Vex]
“My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone”

[Orion]
“Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah”

[Orion]
“I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the borderline
Of the edge and where I walk alone
Read between the lines
What's fucked up, and everything's all right
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive, and I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk alone
I walk alone, I walk a-”

[Orion, Pike, Scanlan & Vex]
“My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone”

[Orion]
“Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah
I walk alone, I walk a-”

[Guitar Solo]

[Orion, Pike & Scanlan]
“I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one, and I walk a-”

[Orion, Pike, Scanlan & Vex]
“My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone”

[Instrumental Outro]

Putting his acoustic guitar down Vax runs his fingers through his sweaty hair. “This song is one we call Come Over (Again).” He says Orion begins playing her acoustic guitar

[Vax]
“Fall asleep with a lighter in your hand
You can't fake it, that's telling
Smoke so much you can't even stand
Tell your dad that it's weed he's smelling
I don't, I won't, I guess
You're too young to know her
I think I'll go to sleep
I won't think about you
Until I think about when you tell me”

[Vax, Scanlan & Pike]
“Come over again
Come over again
Ooh”

[Vax]
“Smoking through the window, see the lights
They're always dimmer when you're stoned
Chained by your expectations I want you to know
I see how you used to be before you knew me
I'm just so sick I can't even look at myself
It's a mental hell when you said”

[Vax (Scanlan & Pike)]
“Comе over again
(And you said)
Come over again
(And you said)
Comе over again
(And you said)
Come over again
Ooh”

[Vax, Vex, Orion, Scanlan & Pike]
“Take her name out of your mouth
You don't deserve to mourn
You just love the attention
Or do you get bored?
You like the power you have
Hope you get caught in the law
Do you think that you're happy?
Just wait till you're sure
Pity she's a whore
And you said”

[Vax (Scanlan & Pike)]
“Come over again
(And you said)
Come over again
(And you said)
Come over again
(And you said)
Come over again
Come over again
Come over again
Come over again
Come over again
Yeah”

“This performance is over. And all of you are under arrest.” Thordak says

“No, I think you’ll find yourself under arrest.” Orion smiles

“On what charge?” Thordak asks

“Extortion, fraud, embezzlement, racketeering and multiple charges of murder and assault in the first degree and that’s before get into the human rights violantions.” High Bearer Vord says arresting Thordak. “Thanks for the tip by the way Orion, you were on the money there.” He says

Flashback

“High Bearer Vord.” Orion says with a bow

“Orion Hunter. How can I help?” High Bearer Vord asks

“The Chroma Conclave. I think you’ll find it interesting if you searched Thordak office.” Orion suggests

“What are you insinuating?” High Bearer Vord asks

“That Thordak and the rest of Conclave are up to their necks in illegal stuff.” Orion says

“We’ll take a look.” High Bearer Vord says

End of flashback

“You little bastard!” Thordak roars slipping free charging down Kima knowing she’s weaker than Orion moving like lightning Orion strikes like a snake catching Thordak in the jaw with her heel

“Stay down punk.” Orion says pulling on the lapels of Starlight

Chapter Text

With the Chroma Conclave defeated the band were running on a high as they came off stage. “Oh, you were so good!” Cassandra exclaims hugging her brother

“Thanks Cass.” Percy smiles ruffling her short cut hair

“Well done, bro.” Kaylie smiles bumping her elbow against Scanlan’s ribs good naturedly

“Thanks, sis.” Scanlan says slinging his arm around her neck

Walking out of backstage there’s a gaggle of reporters running the gauntlet the group make it to Keyleth’s van pulling out before anyone can catch tem for too many questions it wasn’t till a few days later the group made the news they were sitting around in Whitestone when Shaun Gilmore came on with a report. “Today it appears that Vox Machina won as Thordak, Brimscythe, Riashan, Umbrasyl & Vorgaul were arrested alongside all their employees, so to the members of Vox Machina wherever you are this humble reporter thanks you. This is Shaun Gilmore signing off.” He says as Pike kisses Scanlan with a smile while Vex kisses Keyleth who blushed furiously while Vax hugs Percy before kissing him

“We won. So what happens now?” Vex asks with an exhale

“Well…” Keyleth gets down on her knee. “You could marry me?” The redhead asks opening her ring box it wasn’t much but to Vex it was the biggest shiniest diamond in the world

“Yes, yes.” Vex smiles tearily taking Keyleth’s hand and kissing her

A few days later the group gathered in townhall Vex waiting to go in. “You nervous?” Vax asks linking arms with his sister

“Terrified. I mean I love her but what if we screw it up?” Vex asks

“Stubby that girl dotes on you like Percy dotes on me, you’ll be fine.” Vax promises

“Do you reckon you’ll ever get married?” Vex asks

“One day, soon.” Vax smiles as the doors open walking down the aisle Vex has a death grip on Vax’s shoulder reaching the end of the aisle Vax takes his place next Vex opposite his boyfriend who is on Keyleth’s side

“Now does anyone see any reason why these two may not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The officaint says Vex looks out and smiles seeing Orion sitting with Selena in the row behind Pike and Scanlan with Grog sat on the opposite side with Tary, Kima and Allura. “Right then, repeat after me. I , Vex'ahlia, take you Keyleth to be my lawful wedded wife in sickness and health for richer or poorer.”

“I , Vex’ahlia, take you Keyleth to be my lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health for richer or poorer.” Vex repeats sliding the silver wedding band onto Vex’s finger

“I, Keyleth, take you Vex'ahlia to be my lawfully wedded wife in sickness and health for richer or poorer.” The officiant says

“I, Keyleth, take you Vex'ahlia to be my lawfully wedded wife in sickness and health for richer or poorer.” She repeats sliding the platinum wedding band onto Vex’s finger

“I now pronounce you wife and wife you may kiss.” The officiant steps back as Vex and Keyleth take their first kiss as a married couple the rest of the year was uneventful the group was now preparing to graduate when a phone call came out of the blue sitting in math class Orion’s phone begins buzzing. “Hello?” She says answering the unknown number

“Is this Orion Hunter of Vox Machina?” The woman on the other end of phone asks

“This is she. And you are?” Orion asks

“I’m Zahra Hydris. I represent the recruiting department for Slayer’s Take Records. We listened to your band's demos, we were wondering if you would be interested in a record deal. We could meet for dinner in the Cloudtop District tomorrow?” She offers

“Sure, yes, absolutely. Thank you so much.” Orion says hanging up the phone

Sitting down to lunch the smile on Orion’s face in unwipeable. “What’s got you smiling so big?” Keyleth asks

“Remember we sent those demos out to the big labels on a chance? Well I got a call from Zahra Hydris she wants to meet us and possibly sign us.” Orion says

“You’re joking.” Scanlan laughs

“No, this is happening.” Orion smiles

Arriving in the Cloudtop District the next night the nerves are settling in pulling out her comb Orion sweeps her hair again. “Let’s go.” Vax exhales

Sitting down the group looks the red skinned tiefling in the eye as she sips her martini. “So you’re the voice of the machine, Vox Machina. You’re becoming quite the heroes first the Briarwoods then Gantok and now the Chroma Conclave.” Zahra smiles

“So how does this work?” Orion asks

“Well my bosses instructed me to offer you a two record a year deal with merchandising & touring.” Zahra says

“We’ll take the deal on one condition, we keep working with Taryon Darrington. We wouldn’t be here without him.” Vex says

“That can be arranged.” Zahra says waving her hand as a glass of champagne is placed into each band members hand. “To a long and prosperous future.” She toasts

“To a long and prosperous future.” Vox Machina toasts

Wit their future as a band secure they focussed on graduating they passed their exams Vex, Tary, Percy and Keyleth passing with flying colours while others passed with varying degrees of success. Sitting in the gym in their cap and gowns the group were thinking about their futures with the band becoming such a huge thing Keyleth had stepped down passing on the mantle to the next one in line they were quite happy to get their diplomas and leave getting Keyleth’s van and driving to their new apartment closer to the studio when suddenly they looked up. “And now finally we have the award for exceptional service to the school normally we only give this to one student per graduating class however today we give it to the group known as Vox Machina so please put your hands together for Vex'ahlia Ellison, Keyleth Ellison, Vax’ildan de Rolo, Percival de Rolo, Scanlan Shorthalt, Pike Trickfoot, Grog Strongjaw, Taryon Darrington and Orion Hunter.” Uriel says as the graduating class begins to clap as the band and their producer nervously shuffle to the stage

“Thank you Principal Uriel.” Vax says. “We didn’t do anything special, we just don’t like bullies.”

Thus begun the world domination of the group know as Vox Machina sure they’d fight and argue about just anything everything but at the end of the day they were family and that was more important than anything else they always keep Vestiges close and remember everyone who’d help them to become who they were today.