Alt waited for the commercial break to be over. He wasn't sure how this interview could be as rough as Maxwell's or Demetri's because he wasn't even from this world so Theody wouldn't be able to dig up the type of dirt as he could with actual humans. Soon Theody was smiling wide and welcoming Alt to the show.

  “So Alt, I realize this must be a stage name. I found it rather easy to track down all the other band members' real names, which of course I have agreed not to reveal to my audience because of confidentiality reasons. However I've had the most difficult time finding anything at all about you. It seems like you literally didn’t exist before joining this band. Also there is the fact that you look so much like your brother that it's almost scary. Even the most identical twins have subtle differences. So tell me why you are so hard to figure out?” Theody asked eagerly.

  “I'm not from around here.” Alt shrugged.

  “Ah, sure, but not even one public record? Was it like a switched at birth thing or what?” Theody asked.

  “I suppose.” Alt grinned. Theody looked frustrated by these answers.

  “How did you come back into contact with Dem?” Theody asked.

  “I sorta just showed up at his house one day. It was kind of an accident.” Alt said.

  “Your answers are very vague. You also claim to be dating someone, and this secret person has literally never been spotted anywhere at all.” Theody said suspiciously.

  “He's not from around here either. Plus he is always super busy. I barely get to see him anymore. I'm sure maybe someday…” Alt faulted and was silent as he held back his tears.

  “Seems like a delicate topic.” Theody mentioned. “Now I have been keeping track of the band's social media page specifically to prepare for this interview. But it seems today during the live stream you had a relatively tense moment with Vee, and I even enhanced the audio to hear him tell you and I quote “I'm sorry about the misunderstanding yesterday. It won't happen again.” What did he mean by this?” Theody asked suspiciously. Alt was on edge now.

  “My band mates are like my family, and I mean all of them, not just Dem. But no family in the world gets along perfectly all of the time. Sometimes we disagree, sometimes we argue, but at the end of the day we love each other. When we fight, we apologize. That's part of loving someone properly.” Alt said earnestly.

  “So what was the misunderstanding then?” Theody asked curiously.

  “Vee can be a bit aggressive, a lot of times he gets triggered and throws his attitude around for no reason, but of course I know deep underneath that harsh exterior, he's just a big softy. So I accepted his apology and we went about as usual.” Alt said in amusement.

  “Well good to hear you are so forgiving. I am glad that I could have you on the show!” Theody said.

  “Samezies.” Alt said.

  “Up next Your Mystery Writer! After these messages!” Alt left the stage and was greeted by the others who were all amused at his responses.

  “+A Alt. Great job.” Zach mused.

  “No problem.” Alt said in amusement. He took a seat seeing Vezaias grinning at him.

  “I throw my attitude around for no reason?” Vezaias chucked.

  “Sometimes. Please don't punch me or anything.” Alt said with a nervous laugh.

  “Nah, you're good.” Vezaias grinned.

  Remington sat very nervously next to Vezaias with their hands clasped as it was now his turn to go and be interviewed.

  “Relax Rem.” Vezaias said in concern.

  “I can't help it. I have a lot of horrible things he could ask me that I'm not looking forward to answering.” Remington said near in a panic.

  “Just be honest. You'll be okay.” Vezaias reassured him.

  “Are you nervous?” Remington asked.

  “Fuck yeah I'm nervous I'm a fucking delinquent remember?” Vezaias chuckled, then he kissed Remington's forehead as Alt returned and it was time to take the stage. Remington got up and headed for the designated chair. He sat and pinched his pressure point trying to keep focused as the commercial break ended and Theody introduced him.

  “Welcome Mystery! It is great to have you on my show!” Theody announced.

  “Yeah, thanks.” Remington said awkwardly.

  “So how are things going now that you are famous?” Theody asked, looking interested.

  “Uh, well alright I guess.” Remington said sheepishly.

  “I understand the band is making a lot of money now, you must be rich! Have you made any big purchases lately?” He asked eagerly.

  “Only one. I bought a house.” Remington said in relief. This question wasn't too bad.

  “A house? Wow, it must be nice having a new place to live.” Theody said sincerely.

  “Well it wasn't for me, I don't live there.” Remington said with a smile.

  “Oh? You have so much money that you bought someone else a house? Who did you give it to?” Theody asked, looking interested.

  “My sister.” Remington said looking proud of himself.

  “Your sister? What a great brother you must be. Was she happy with the gift?” He was even more interested.

  “Very. She really needed a nicer place to live.” Remington said.

  “Why, that's wonderful. I'm glad that your only remaining family member is benefiting from your fame now. You lived with her for several years, didn't you?” Theody asked. Remington caught the implication ‘only remaining family member’ and was hesitant to answer and wondering where he was leading this conversation too.

  “Well, yeah.” Remington said nervously.

  “And you as I understand were on public assistance, and didn't work at all or help her in any way while you lived with her. Correct?” He asked.

  “Um…” He choked up. “I was a student.” He said hoping to curb the accusation.

  “A student, right, but she had a medical proxy over you, correct?” He asked.

  “Well yes….” He stammered. “I was having a lot of issues then. I secluded myself, only going to class and then going home to lock myself in my bedroom. I couldn't make medical decisions for myself.” Remington said looking pained.

  “So you were somewhat of a freeloader.” Theody mused.

  “I was suffering.” Remington said, sounding frustrated.

  “Yes, suffering. As I mentioned before I did some research, and I am very good at research. Well I won't say exactly how I found this but I have here a newspaper clipping. I will leave all the details out such as the newspaper title and the date, but it reads

  “One ‘a date I won't mention’ police responded to the scene of a crime ‘at address I won't mention’ about a domestic disturbance, where officers found a 47 year old man, and a 39 year old woman, and 19 year old man dead. The 19 year old was apparently stabbed to death, the woman strangled, the older man with his throat cut. Two people were found at the scene and have since been arrested and taken into custody.” Theody lowered the paper to look at Remington who was white as a ghost.

  “Now that sounds familiar. Doesn't it?” Theody asked. Remington was silent.

  “Who do you think the two people were that were arrested for this crime?” Theody asked. Remington was frozen and couldn't answer.

  “Answer him Rem. It's okay.” He heard Vezaias's voice whisper in his mind.

  “Uh…I……I was.” He choked out.

  “And the other?” Theody asked.

  “Hmph…Vee…” He said with a cringe.

  “So you were arrested for the murder of your family?” Theody asked seriously.

  “I was.” Remington said, trying to control his voice.

  “But you never went to prison. Why?” Theody asked.

  “I….humm….” He choked.

  “You killed them but you got off Scott free?” Theody asked firmer.

  “No! I didn't kill my mom, or my brother! I was trying to save them!” Remington jolted.

  “Not your mom or brother? What about your father?” Theody asked intensely.

  “I uhhh….” Remington tried to reel in his emotions. The ground around him began to vibrate. Theody noticed.

  “Rem stop it!” He heard Vezaias shout in his mind. Just then the rumble ceased as Vezaias shut off his talent. Remington swallowed hard.

  “It was self defense. He was strangling my mom. He had already killed my brother. He was going to kill me next.” Remington said with a painful cringe.

  “Huh, so you have actually killed someone.” Theody paused, looking serious. “Not the sweetheart everyone thinks you are now are you?” Theody said in amusement. Remington was struck by this and slowly sank inside his own mind. He felt so far away that he couldn't hear Theody trying to get his attention anymore.

  “Mystery? Hello?” Theody chuckled at his unresponsiveness. There was commotion backstage and suddenly Vezaias was pushing past the stage manager who was trying to block his path. Vezaias charged onto the set heading straight for Remington.

  “Hey, the interview isn't over yet, what are you…” Theody began.

  “You shut your mouth! He is fucking traumatized by that day you stupid asshole!” Vezaias snapped at him angrily then quickly tried to help Remington resurface. He cupped the back of Remington's neck and his cheek. Remington jolted in fear with a loud shriek while struggling out of reflex elbowing Vezaias in the jaw. Vezaias only pulled him into a hug, ignoring the panicked attack and held Remington tightly.

  “It's me! Chill! Everything is alright! I'm here for you!” Vezaias soothed. Remington immediately calmed down and sobbed into Vezaias's neck.

  “Why would he hurt me like that?!” Remington sobbed harder now that he was completely lucid again.

  “Because he was a bastard. I got you, you are safe okay?” Vezaias reassured him. He then scooped Remington up out of the chair and took him off stage. Theody could be heard telling the audience they would cut to a commercial break. Vezaias sat down with Remington attached to his neck as he cried for a few long minutes. The others were also there to console Remington as he calmed down.

  “We still want to do the last interview.” The stage manager insisted. “The commercial is already over. You should be on stage.” He pressed.

  “Fuck off.” Vezaias snapped at him.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “No Zay, it's fine. I feel better. Go do your interview.” Remington said, getting up to let Vezaias stand.

  “Are you sure? I really don't give a fuck about this interview.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “Yeah I'm better. Thanks for helping me. Just go, it's alright.” Remington insisted. Vezaias got up and kissed him then left to the stage where Theody was stalling the audience and waiting for him to come and sit. Vezaias took his seat looking very serious.

  “Well what an outrageous show we have had so far. Welcome Vee! It's great to have you. Glad you are still willing to do your interview.” Theody laughed mildly.

  “Sure whatever.” Vezaias said in irritation.

  “Whoa looks like someone is angry. Now I see what Alt was talking about. So let's get to it shall we?” Theody said in amusement.

  “I'm fucking waiting.” Vezaias said impatiently. Theody only looked more amused. The live show would have to bleep out the bad language.

  “As I was asking Mystery, there were two arrests the night his family died. You were also arrested that night. What were you charged with?” Theody asked.

  “Accessory.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “But you also were never convicted. Why?” Theody asked.

  “Because there was plenty of evidence to prove that I didn't do it. Obviously.” Vezaias said, throwing out a harsh attitude.

  “And who helped represent you?” Theody asked. Vezaias looked even more angry.

  “My father.” He said suppressing his anger.

  “Who just happens to be a very prestigious attorney. Correct?” Theody asked.

  “Sure.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “And this arrest, it wasn't the first time you've been in trouble is it?” Theody asked.

  “Nah, I'm a fucking delinquent. All of my friends know this.” Vezaias said looking amused now.

  “A delinquent you say. That's a good one. So there is a list of supposed charges you have been arrested for. Battery, assault, theft, possession of drugs, weapon charges, and this one is surprising, accessory and conspiracy to commit mass murder? Wow Vee. You are a domestic terrorist?” Theody asked, looking over astonished.

  “Allegedly.” Vezaias said, looking amused.

  “And how did you get out of that one?” Theody asked.

  “My father.” Vezaias said angrily.

  “Hmm. You sound pretty angry when I mention your father even though he seems to get you out of a lot of serious trouble.” Theody said seriously.

  “Che, that's because my father is an even bigger asshole than I am.” Vezaias said seriously. Theody looked amused again.

  “Okay what about this one, in 9th grade you were charged and convicted of battery of a classmate in school the same night the kids house burned down resulting in the death of one 7 year old child.” Theody asked seriously.

  “I was in fucking jail when the fire started.” Vezaias said through clenched teeth.

  “Then when you were in 8th grade a classmate was pushed into the road and hit by a car resulting in death after a fight with you?” Theody said seriously.

  “He fell. It was an accident.” Vezaias said.

  “Hmm, strange.” Theody hummed. “Looks like we know very little of your very questionable past. Here is the real interesting thing I found out though. Looks as if you have a brother. Correct?” Vezaias was even angrier now. “According to this he was recovered from a drug bust when he was seven years old. Looks like he was in horrible condition, then he was left in the custody of your father.”

  “Sounds accurate.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “And why have we never seen him before?” Theody asked curiously.

  “Because my brother is a fucking recovering drug whore.” Vezaias snapped.

  “Easy! Well I also found that your father's law firm suddenly ceased all activities shortly after your first concert. He left several clients and is now considered a “missing person”. Do you know where he is?” Theody asked very seriously.

  “Maybe he went to hell where he fucking belongs.” Vezaias said angrily.

  “Hum, you really don't like him do you?” Theody asked.

  “He used to beat me until I was unconscious. I'm sure he is dearly missed otherwise.” Vezaias said sourly.

  “You're not at all concerned about where he is?” Theody asked.

  “He disowned me when I was 17. We aren't exactly on speaking terms, or rather I couldn't give a fuck less.” Vezaias said.

  “I feel like you are a bit hostile right now.” Theody chuckled.

  “Nah I'm great. What else you wanna talk about? My drug whore mother that abandoned me? How my father liked to pay for his pleasure? He found a real fine woman that was good enough to afford and ended up getting her pregnant? Kept her around because of the kid? I'm sorry because of me? Oh, and ended up having baby number two because what the hell right? Why not throw another innocent life into the mix? Oh and then they ended up in such a toxic relationship that everyone suffered over it? So they split and that bitch took my brother and we couldn't find him for five years? You want to make sure that everyone knows how she left my brother in a dirty drug house alone for days at a time? We didn't see him again until the police found him in that raid? Then my father felt so guilty that he over compensated for loving my brother and he never hurt him, but he sure enjoyed beating the shit out of me? Let's just drag all the horrible skeletons out of my closet shall we?” Vezaias was on his feet now looking very aggressive. Theody looked anxious. “Then how I was so stressed out trying to care for my brother because he was scared of my dad, while getting the shit kicked out of me everyday, that I started drinking heavily and using drugs and eventually selling drugs so that my brother wouldn't whore himself out. Then things just got so out of control that I ended up in jail and rehab and suicidal and pointing a gun at my own fucking head wishing that I had the courage to blow my fucking brains out! You wanna fucking talk about that?!” Vezaias shouted at Theody. Theody was silent.

  “Do you know what made me better? What fucking helped?!” Vezaias paused. Theody only shook his head no.

  “I got one last chance to turn my life around and then I met Mystery, and I fell in love with him. Then I waited to finally be with him and spent a year homeless and sleeping under a bridge while everyday considering that I should jump off the bridge and end it all. Then I was shot and killed. Sure I'm alive again after being asleep for 15 days, but when I woke up, I officially joined the band. Everything was different. It changed my life. You like dragging out the worst shit that has ever happened to me? Fine. Just don't forget to mention how being here still, being with these guys in this band, and dying for them, well it made me into something you could never explain. Those band members are my family, and I would jump in front of 1000 bullets for them! If you were hoping to ruin that then fine go for it because being fucking famous and shit isn't at all what I fucking care about. You could take away all the fame and money and even the music. As long as I still have them.” Vezaias said seriously. Then he didn't bother waiting for a cue to leave and he exited the stage.

  Everyone was impressed with Vezaias as he walked backstage. Though Remington was well informed about Vezaias's past, the others were not. They watched him in admiration as he sat next to Remington who was immediately ready to comfort him.

  “Talk about a colorful past. Your fans are going insane right now.” Zach said as he closed his computer.

  “I was honest.” Vezaias said unamusingly. Just as everyone was preparing to leave, Theody approached. Vezaias immediately stood up looking aggressive. Remington jumped up to block him.

  “Easy now, I come in peace.” Theody said, holding up his hands in defense. “Look I feel like because of my platform, that it's my job to weed out the people who don't deserve to be famous. So I go hard purposely to shut out those that can't handle it. You all have been through some terrible shit. I cannot imagine how shitty it's been for you. I will say though that out of everyone I've ever interviewed, y'all have handled it in the best way that I've ever seen. There are still mysteries that I couldn't solve but I think y'all deserve to be famous. You are all super talented, and after all the bullshit you've been through I can see why your music hits so hard for so many people. Just enjoy it and don't let anything stop you alright?” Theody said with as much sincerity as possible.

  “Well I appreciate the acknowledgement.” Vezaias said seriously as he began to relax.

  “Well you have my approval. Maybe I can check out your next show. Just try and relax, your intensity is intimidating.” Theody joked.

  “Are you joking? This is only like 10% of his intensity. I think he put a cap on it for the interview.” Maxwell said seriously. Vezaias cracked a smile and everyone laughed.

  “We’ll send you some tickets.” Vezaias said now upbeat and amused.

  “I appreciate it.” Theody said. Everyone left now to go back to the music studio. Zach set up a watch party for a live stream where the fans could attend online and see the band members as they waited for their album to drop. He also hired a bartender to serve drinks and there was a toast where he congratulated the band on their success so far. Vezaias was eager to sit and relax and drink a jack and coke. Remington was at his side but quickly noticed that he seemed distracted.

  “What's wrong Zay?” Remington asked.

  “It's just a big day today. So much has happened. Awards and shitty interviews and now this album is about to drop. Well I just really wish the rest of the fam was here to celebrate with me.” Vezaias said mildly.

  “Lux and Eph? I can go get them if you want. I would like them to be here too actually.” Remington said.

  “Would you? I really miss them both and it's been a rough day.” Vezaias said, looking emotional.

  “Of course!” Remington leaned over and kissed Vezaias then got up to go someplace secluded to open a portal to base. He quickly searched for Lux and Ephraim, finding them in the smoking room.

  “You're back!” Lux was thrilled and quickly put out his cigarette then got up and hugged Remington.

  “Well I came here to find you both! We are having a small party for the album drop tonight, Zay and I really want you to come!” Remington said eagerly.

  “Really?? And hang out with the band??” Ephraim was excited.

  “Yeah so if you wanna come then let's go!” Remington said. Lux wasn't as keen on going to the party since socializing wasn't his thing, but he reluctantly followed Remington and Ephraim through a portal to the party. Vezaias was eager to see them and they were each greeted with a hug, kiss, and much enthusiasm. They all sat together after getting some drinks and focused on the countdown to the album drop. As soon as DigiMusic released the album the sales shot up. There was over 10,000 preorder sales that hit instantly which broke a record for the most preorder sales from any independent recording artist on DigiMusic. The casual sale began to climb rapidly, smashing through the previous record's total immediately.

  “You have already sold more than twice as many albums than your last according to by hour sales. Congratulations you are all currently 50,000 dollars richer and sales are still climbing rapidly.” Zach said looking amused.

  “Shit, that's insane.” Vezaias said in disbelief.

  “MusicDude is live right now talking about your interviews and you new album. I think he wants to connect. Anyone up for another interview?” Zach asked.

  “What do you think? Should we do it?” Vezaias asked Remington.

  “I’ve been interviewed by him before. He's a lot easier to talk to than Theody.” Remington said. Vezaias slammed the rest of his jack and coke and stood up.

  “Sure, let's do it.” Vezaias said. Everyone gathered at the interview station and waited for Zach to set up the Livestream with MusicDude. Ephraim and Lux stayed off camera since they were not technically band members. Ephraim though was very eager to watch Vezaias and Remington get interviewed since before he reconnected with Vezaias he had literally stalked moments like this relentlessly. Soon the stream was active and MusicDude was eager to see the band members all together.

  “Hey guys, glad to get another interview with y'all today! First I wanna say congratulations on your nine nominations for the R.A.G. awards coming up! That is fantastic and very well deserved!” MusicDude said with enthusiasm.

  “Thanks!” Demetri said cheerfully. Everyone also acknowledged this. “We were completely blown away by being nominated that many times, it's just crazy!” Demetri continued.

  “Well I plan on having a watch party live on stream during the awards and we here at my channel will be rooting for you to win.” MusicDude said very upbeat.

  “Shit we've already won just by being nominated.” Vezaias said in amusement.

  “That's very gracious of you. The one chance I had to interview y'all it was only Dem, and Mystery who I was able to speak with. I am super excited to see the rest of the band today, especially you Vee. I believe you were in the hospital still when I interviewed Dem and Mystery. I am glad to see you so full of zeal!” MusicDude said amusingly. Vezaias grinned.

  “Thanks bro, I'm super glad to be here with my family and celebrate our achievements so far.” Vezaias said.

  “You did unload a rather massive amount of information to the audience today about your personal life. Theody thought he could bash you down with all that investigation but I think your strategy of unloading the honest truth about your past really threw a wrench into his plans.” MusicDude highlighted.

  “I’ve always been a private person but it's difficult to do that now that I'm famous. I figured someone would drag it out into the open eventually so why not be the one to do it myself? I don't pretend to be a nice guy. I will always be the first to admit what a huge asshole I am, and I don't sugar coat myself for anyone. You either like me or you don't, I could give a fuck less. Yeah I was a delinquent for most of my life, but I care about shit too. I think I have already proven that I would die for anyone here in this room if I had too.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “That's so raw, and I really like your attitude, along with a lot of other fans. There were a few things I wanted to highlight on your interview and maybe get some commentary on it. Excuse me while I check my notes. Here when Theody expected Sunshine to have a negative reaction to being singled out as the worst member of the group, his reaction was fantastic. I just wanted to know what the hell was going through your mind at the time?” MusicDude asked in amusement.

  “I felt like he was trying to explain to a penguin that it can't fly. Shit but at least I won't be drowning any time soon.” Maxwell chucked. Everyone laughed at his comparison.

  “Classic Sunshine. I love the response. Okay next Dem when Theody asked you about what Vee's response was to how guilty you felt, can you walk us through that moment?” MusicDude asked.

  “Well that was the day the first album dropped. We were going to watch the sales count but Mystery showed up at my house to tell me Vee was waking up so we left right away to the hospital. The first thing Vee said to me when he saw me was ‘It worked? You are safe?’ and I just about lost my shit. I asked him right away why he would push me out of the way like he did and he told me he couldn't just stand there watching someone point a gun at me and do absolutely nothing about it. Then he told me if I had a problem with it that I could just fuck off." Everyone laughed at this. “So I told him how guilty I felt and how it would have been my fault if he died and that's when he told me not to be stupid. So yeah he definitely let me know what was up.” Demetri said amused but still emotional over the memory.

  “And I wouldn't have changed it for anything.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “Y'all have been through so much. Alt, he brought up a lot of questions that didn't seem to have real answers, or rather maybe you just weren't interested in giving answers. I just wanted to tell you I have never seen Theody so frustrated in all my life. I really don't have a question but I wanted to say thanks for that.” Alt looked amused.

  “It was amusing to make him sweat about how incomplete the interview was.” Alt said with a laugh.

  “It was amusing for me too. Okay Mystery, do you feel like Theody stepped over the line when he brought up the article he found about your family's passing?” MusicDude asked.

  “Well not exactly. He was just doing his job. It's just when I am faced with the reality of what happened that day I sort of freeze and well I'm still very traumatized from it.” Remington said sheepishly.

  “You are far too nice, that guy was being a prick.” Vezaias scoffed.

  “Well it was heart wrenching to see you choke up like that. I'm glad you are doing better now.” MusicDude said seriously.

  “Thanks.” Remington said meekly.

  “And Vee, you obviously had the most outrageous reaction to Theody, would you say you and him will hold a grudge over these interviews?” MusicDude asked.

  “Nah, after the interview was over he and I came to somewhat of an understanding. I still think he's a prick though.” Vezaias mused.

  “Fantastic, is it alright if we take a few viewer questions?” MusicDude asked eagerly.

  “Sure.” Demetri said. Everyone else agreed.