It was decided that the team, and especially Remington would take some time off. Though Solaris was unhappy about this he also agreed that time off would help, and that this mission would take much longer to train for than Solaris had hoped for. Also the activities that were scheduled for the time off were important to the humans.

  Vezaias would be very busy during the first few days of their vacation, trying to prepare for things that were to come. He had been very particular about all of his projects, including running the prison, fixing the library, getting the music studio up and running, planning the wedding, and managing the mass amounts of money that he was making from the various different areas that he was profiting from. Everything seemed to be on schedule and falling into place just as he had hoped for. Although he was dreading it, he had one person to talk to in order to try and amend the situation as a whole. He landed in the prison bedroom alone looking very sullen. There sat his father looking very chewed up, and not nearly as well put together as he used to look. His hair was frazzled and all askew. He wore plain scruffy sweat pants and a blood stained white tank top. He was no longer well groomed and clean shaven.

  “Dad…..” Vezaias said softly. Vincent was quiet staring at the floor. It was a long tense moment.

  “I'm getting married.” Vezaias said. What was he hoping for? His father to congratulate him? If any reaction at all?

  “Solaris has skipped several days. Did something happen?” Vincent asked sorrowfully.

  “There were unexpected offerings. That doesn't matter right now. I want to talk to you.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “I've been asking to talk to you for months.” Vincent said as if in monotone.

  “I have been angry at you….” He paused. “…..and mom….” He paused again. “……so angry that the negativity nearly rots my mind. You ripped me to shreds on a daily basis. Maybe now you understand how much I suffered.” Vezaias said seriously.

  “I do and I am sorry for it.” Vincent said solemnly. It was quiet again. Vezaias took a deep breath wondering what to say now. His mind was completely stuck for a moment.

  “Congratulations.” Vincent said. Vezaias looked up dully. “I am glad you found someone who makes you happy. I wish you both well.”

  “Three actually. Eph, Lux, and Rem are all here with me. I hope to be with them forever.” Vezaias smiled looking emotional. “….I want to forgive you and let go of my anger. I want you to be there for me. I will be leaving to go somewhere dangerous. While I'm gone I need you to manage the responsibilities that I am leaving behind until I return.” Vezaias said seriously. Vincent was quiet for a moment.

  “I would be honored to do this for you.” Vincent said with a hint of relief. “Vezaias you have really grown to be the strongest man I've ever met, dwarfed in comparison to the man my father wanted me to be.” Vincent said with near admiration as he looked at his son.

  “Shut up, you know that shit pisses me off.” Vezaias said in irritation.

  “Just take the compliment alright?” Vincent said in mild amusement.

  “Ugh, whatever. I will be meeting with you often now to show you all the things I have been working on so you can get familiar with my projects and be responsible for them in my stead. I want you to attend the wedding and there will be some preparation needed for that too. You are still required to provide one meal a day to Solaris.” And with that Vezaias left the bedroom to move on with his busy day. He landed in the bedroom where he found his group waiting for him.

  “Let's go.” He ordered them. They all followed very obediently to the office where Demetri was waiting to leave with them. Eventually they found themselves in reality through a portal to a hotel room that the band had set up so they could attend the awards to which for appearances they flew out a day earlier to make sure they would be ready to go when it was time. They then departed to where they prepared to get ready for the huge event tonight. Zach went straight to updating everyone on the band’s online stats, profits, and new offers. The band had been on hiatus since the end of their tour, while still active on social media, they had made zero public appearances and hadn’t accepted any requests to be interviewed or perform anywhere, even though demand for this was at an all time high. Today would be the first public appearance and performance since the tour and it was uncharted territory because this was a rather formal occasion, with their first red carpet appearance ever, then a live performance on stage, while preparing themselves for the event that they could possibly win any of the awards that they had been nominated for.

  “Did anyone write any acceptance speeches?” Zach asked. The whole room was silent. Zach only looked amused.

  “I'm just gunna wing it.” Demetri said finally. “It's not like we have an extended list of people involved in our music. We are independent after all.”

  “True.” Zach replied. The next item on the agenda was getting dressed for the awards. This was a very important aspect of going to the awards because they would be on the red carpet being interviewed and one of the most popular questions they would be asked is “What designer are you wearing?” The band's stylist had already fitted them and prepared what they would wear which would be coordinating very stylish but grungy suits. They would be somewhat flashy, but comfortable to wear while on stage. Vezaias immediately jerked his tie to loosen it, and tousled his shirt under his unbuttoned overcoat.

  “Alright there will be several places you will stop and let the news stations photograph you, please pose as instructed. Be respectful of the other celebrities around you, do your best to answer all interview questions in a timely respectful manner, no swear words or offensive hand gestures, that goes especially for you Vezaias.” Zach paused looking amused. Vezaias smirked at this and everyone chuckled. The band had a limousine ready to take them to the arena where the awards would be held while a crew was hired to transport their instruments for them. Only the band was allowed to be on the red carpet so Zach, Ephraim, and Lux who were allowed to attend with the band had to drive separately and skip the red carpet and enter from another direction. The atmosphere in the limo was rather upbeat and Vezaias was quick to pour a large whiskey on ice to calm his nerves as they drove to the arena. Remington clung to him resting his hand on Vezaias's thigh while feel exhilarated over the situation. They waited for their turn to exit the vehicle at the long landing strip where the red carpet was at. Vezaias poured another drink of expensive whiskey then slamming it down as they were now next in line to hit the red carpet.

  “Are you nervous?” Remington asked.

  “Extremely.” Vezaias replied as he tapped his heels anxiously.

  “Relax babe.” Remington rubbed Vezaias’s leg lovingly.

  “Like that is going to convince me to calm down.” Vezaias said in playful annoyance. Maxwell exited the limousine first, followed by both Demetri's, then Vezaias and lastly Remington. Vezaias escorted him by the arm to make sure that people knew they were an item. Now that he was walking down the red carpet, he put on his most confident brash face possible for the cameras that were photographing the band as they traversed the long walkway towards the entrance. They stopped at the first station where camera men from one of the five major broadcast networks began to take pictures and record video, next was a short interview with the network's official journalist. The questions all seemed to be very similar from station to station.

  “I’m here with Nobody In Particular, how are you folks doing tonight?”

  “We are super excited to be here!” Demetri answered. The others agreeing with him.

  “How does it feel to be at the RAG awards for the first time?”

  “Its a bit overwhelming, we were never expecting to make it this far when we made the band official.” Demetri answered.

  “Are you aware that if you win the majority of the awards that your band is nominated for it would break a record for the most awards won by an independent recording group in their first year?”

  “We had no idea. We weren't expecting to get so many nominations, let alone win any of them.” Remington answered.

  “We are up against some real veterans of the industry who have been making music for much longer than we have. Of course we are hopeful but if we don't win then the award will obviously go to someone who is well deserving. Either way we are super glad to be here.” Demetri answered. The interviewer moved on down the line now targeting Vezaias specifically.

  “And how are you and your fiance doing tonight?” The lady asked.

  “Very well thank you.” Vezaias answered. Remington only blushed from being referred to as Vezaias's ‘fiance’.

  “We all know you have a reputation for being outrageous and obscene during live interviews and appearances. Should we expect any shameless behavior tonight?” She was very keenly interested in his answer.

  “Let me check my schedule.” Vezaias paused then looked aloof for a moment. “Damn it says that I don't plan that shit. I prefer it to happen organically. The fuck you think?” Vezaias said smoothly. The journalist stammered at how to reply for a moment as if unprepared for this response. “But if you'd like, I can give you a private indecent demonstration. I have been known to be a vulgar degenerate for hire.” Vezaias said smoothly with a carnal smile. The lady nearly dropped the microphone, she was so taken back. Remington snickered at his side. Vezaias then tilted his head in amusement watching her try to scrape together her composure but before she could they were now being ushered to the next interview station.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “So how is your group relationship going?” The next journalist asked.

  “Very good actually.” Vezaias said in amusement.

  “Mystery, do you ever get jealous of the others, since Vee has obviously been spotted on some sort of public outing with each of the other two participants?” The journalist asked.

  “Actually I am very glad that each of us get a chance to spend time together one on one.” Remington said earnestly.

  “You do not find it the least bit difficult to completely satisfy no less than three romantic partners?” The journalist asked presumptuously.

  “Only those who have difficulty satisfying even a single person worry about this type of thing, I on the other hand have more than enough stamina to go around.” Vezaias said audaciously. The journalist was stunned for a moment.

  “And….are your other two partners here tonight?” The journalist tried to save the interview.

  “They are in fact, and I cannot wait to take my seat with all three of my life partners.” Vezaias said in amusement.

  “Well we cannot wait to see you all together as well.” The journalist closed the interview. They moved on now down the line posing for photos then continuing through the interview stations. The rest of the questions were all lighthearted and fashion related. Finally they made it to the entrance of the arena where they could proceed to their designated seats. Zach, Ephraim and Lux were already there waiting for them. It would be a long wait before the awards would actually start. The cue for the live countdown began and soon the host was doing his monologue to open the awards ceremony. There were a lot of categories that Nobody in Particular were not apart of so the group sat at watched trying to look as interested as possible as the other categories were announced one by one, for the genres ‘Pop’, ‘R&B/Rap’, ‘Alternative’, ‘Country’, and lastly Rock/Metal. The first award that went down the line was for best song in each of the following genres, Rock/Metal coming up last.

  “For best song on a Rock/Metal album the nominees are:” The announcer read off all the nominees including Nobody In Particular.

  “And the winner is….”

  There was a pause as the presenter tore open the envelope to view the results. The cameras all focused on each of the nominees to get their reaction when the winner was announced. Vezaias held Remington's hand firmly and the band members as a whole were filled with anticipation.

  “And the award for best song on a Rock/Metal album, the award goes too:…..” there was a long dramatic pause. “Nobody in Particular for their song ‘Endlessly Forever' on their album ‘Endlessly Forever'.” The presenter announced. Immediately the band jumped to their feet in triumph. Vezaias and Remington took a moment to accept hugs from Ephraim and Lux before walking down the aisle, up the stage stairs and gathering together on stage. The presenter handed Demetri the trophy which looked like a woman with wings spread out holding a microphone made of what seemed like solid gold. Demetri began their acceptance speech.

  “Wow this is unbelievable. Thank you so much. This song was very special, and I knew as I read the lyrics on paper that it was going to sound amazing once we were on stage. I could just feel the emotions pouring out of the words. Of course Mystery is the one responsible for the lyrics. So I will pass it off to him.” Demetri said in awe. Remington approached the microphone to say something.

  “I can't believe this right now. I wrote this song while I was suffocating. The near crushing pain I felt after watching Vee get shot that night after Pistol Whipped. I felt like maybe I would have to wait an eternity to see him again. I put that honesty into words and Dem, added the notes perfectly capturing that moment in time for me. Now that I look back I know I will always cherish my time with Vee from now on until the end of time. Thank you to all of my band members for helping me push through when all of my stars had gone out.” Vezaias hugged Remington with a great deal of pride then the band exited the stage. Backstage there was a station that they had to stop at and do a quick interview before they could be released during a commercial break to go back to their seats. The next award was for best performance from a Rock/Metal band.

  “….and the Nominees are:”

  “The winner for best live performance is…” Vezaias was on edge. This was after all his first performance after he returned from the dead. He had never had the ambition to become a musician. So he wasn't very hopeful that his presence on stage could possibly gain him an award like this.

  “…. Nobody In Particular!” This was more overwhelming than the first award. The band once again gathered on stage and accepted the award. Demetri made sure to usher Vezaias to the microphone since it was in fact mostly his time to shine. He cleared his throat trying to compile what he should say. Zach was right, he should have written an acceptance speech.

  “The first time Dem asked me to get on stage I hate to admit this……but I was terrified. I was homeless and I had relapsed after several years of sobriety. I had no direction with my life and getting up on that stage was the last thing I wanted to do. But I faced that fear and then afterwards I took those bullets without hesitation. I was dead for 15 days. When I woke it was like I was reborn, a new person. The next time I got on stage I was finally free. It still scares me to step up and put myself out there, but with my friends here with me, it always gives me the courage that I need to face that fear, and that's what made that performance so perfect. Thank you everyone.” Vezaias said with a smooth humbled voice. They all headed backstage again. The next award was for best lead vocalist in a Rock/Metal band. Or course Remington was far too humble for his own good and had convinced himself that he was probably not going to win.

  “….and the winner is…..” Vezaias held Remington's hand, seeing the doubt on Remington's face as he waited for the winner to be announced. He was trying to focus on looking like a gracious loser which distracted him from comprehending the name that was announced.

  “Mystery Writer, for his performance on the album ‘Endlessly Forever'!” Vezaias immediately hugged him which he couldn't seem to react to right away.

  “You won! Hey, snap out of it already!” He heard Vezaias say enthusiastically.

  “I won?” He asked in bewilderment.

  “Yes! For fuck sake common!” Vezaias helped him stand and he received hugs from everyone before walking shakily to the stage alone. He was handed the sparkling gold trophy that was much heavier than he realized it would be. He vaguely thought about how the gold color nearly matched Vezaias's eye color. He approached the microphone and tried to gather his thoughts to compile them into an acceptance speech.

  “Wow, this is so overwhelming.” He cleared his throat before speaking again. “When I was a child I loved music, writing, and theater. My parents however did not believe these were respectable career paths. They expected me to get a real job like construction, or engineering, or welding, which they viewed as a real man's job. These things are great worthwhile things for a lot of people, but they weren't who I was. So they actively stomped all over my ambitions for most of my life. I am free from those restrictions now and whenever I get on stage, behind a microphone, behind my keyboard, I unlock that door that I stuffed my dreams into in order to hide them to make my parents happy with me, and I let all that creativity, all that ambition, all those parts of myself that I stifled away for so long come out and flow like a breeze through the open plains of my life. I will never minimize who I am anymore, not for any reason, or for anyone. I want to thank Creepy, who isn't here tonight, for barreling into my life like a cannon ball and showing me that I can fix the broken pieces. To Dem for showing me how my words can make beautiful songs, for encouraging me to let my emotions flow, and nurturing that creativity when I needed it most. And to Vee..” Remington was now brushing away tears. “…thank you so much for not giving up on me, for not moving on, for dancing on your own for a while, even though you suffocated without me, for waiting for me to come back and believing that some day I would return, because here I am and now I am here to stay. I love you so much Vee. Thank you to all my fans who have followed my journey, and to anyone who has ever felt like hiding themselves to please other people, this one is for you!” Remington finished. He turned feeling euphoric and dizzy and he walked off stage to be interviewed. He stood in a daze as the journalist asked him questions. He was humble and sheepish as he answered the questions.

  “How did you feel when they announced your name?”

  “Well I was ready to applaud for someone else. Vee had to snap me out of it because I couldn't even comprehend that I had won.” He said looking embarrassed.

  “How are you going to celebrate your win tonight?”

  “I'm sure Vee has an afterparty planned, but honestly I want to crawl in bed and sleep, maybe then I will wake up from this dream.” Remington said humbly. The journalist all chuckled at his response.

  “Where will you keep your trophy?”

  “I have no idea. I don't think my brain hasn't made it past being nominated yet. Maybe at the new studio?” Remington said sheepishly. Remington made his way back to his seat while receiving more congratulations and hugs from the others. The next category was Best Rock/Metal album.

  “The winner for best Rock/Metal album goes too….” Everyone held their breath. “…….Don't Go That Way for their album ‘Wrong Turn Tuesday’!” Everyone sobered and clapped for the winner of this category. So far they have won three out of four categories. The next category was for best Rock/Metal band.

  “…..and the winner goes too…” There was a dramatic pause. “Don't Go That Way!” The band members remained gracious and clapped for the winner. The next award was for best new recording artist of the year.

  “And the winner is…” From the two last categories the band members were all much more humble as they waited for the winner to be announced. “…. Nobody In Particular!” They were on their feet instantly hugging each other in celebration. They headed to the stage.

  “It hasn't even been a year yet since that first performance at Pistol Whipped. A year ago Sunshine and I were still doing amateur shows in our basement. Mystery was locked in his bedroom, Vee was homeless, and Alt had never played the drums before, and here we are on this stage accepting this award. Man it's so unbelievable. I would like to thank our manager. He doesn't get enough credit for keeping us organized, on schedule, and aware of important things like exactly which words Vee shouldn't say on live television, to which he always ignores…” Demetri paused as the band members all laughed.

  “How the fuck you think you can sensor me?” Vezaias blurted out, making everyone laugh more.

  “And thanks to our stylist and crew who help us prepare for things like this, but most of all thank you to our fans. Whether you’ve been around since our garage days or you are just now getting into our music just know we appreciate each of you! And thank you to the Recording Artist’s Guild for all the nominations and awards after all we are Nobody In Particular!” Demetri said with enthusiasm. They headed off stage. The interview was easy, because all the journalists had interviewed them more than once now that they had won multiple awards. They got back to their seats and waited for the two biggest awards of the night. Best album overall meant that their album was better than any other album from any genre.

  “…..and the winner of best album overall is…..” This award was very sought after. They were up against all the top selling artists in the country. The group held their breath. “…. Nobody In Particular!!” Immediately the group jumped up in celebration hugging each other then enthusiastically heading to the stage to accept their award. Demetri made sure to direct Remington to the microphone to give the acceptance speech.

  “This is just amazing. I really can't believe it yet. The album, ‘Endlessly Forever' is a documentation of 15 days of pure torture….” He began. Vezaias was next to him, putting an arm around him and smiling that smooth smile that he was so very good at. “….15 days of my life that, at the time I didn't know it, but it completely changed all of our lives. Not just from being nobodies to being Nobody In Particular with a best selling album, but from human beings who were disconnected, closed off, afraid, and unsure of ourselves, into humans who aren't afraid anymore, who are free to love and be loved, express ourselves, be true and authentic so we can live our best lives, so I want to encourage all of you out there, to do the same. We can all learn how to love our flowers properly, as well as ourselves. Thank you so much.” Remington spoke with passion.