CHAPTER SIXTEEN: ALL OR NOTHING

August 2, 2004

 It’s now August, and No Rules were having a meeting with their managers and their marketing team. Now that NR won the lawsuit, they were able to film the remaining ‘musical’ scenes of Dare 2 Dream. They even changed the theme song from All Around the World to Open Your Eyes.

 NR not only got the rest of their music, they also got back their European and American producers and songwriters; their old logo; their original choreographer; their stylist; their PR team; and their small franchise, which had a small clothing line. But since NR had finished recording their third CD, they didn’t need the old producers and songwriters. Since Alex’s work as a choreographer for the band was really good, the manages promoted him as the band’s official choreographer. NR already had a new logo designed for them; they fired their old PR team; they kept their stylist; and they kept their franchise.

 Now the members are at meeting to discuss how they’ll will ‘come back’. They’ve decided to make a few adjustments to their Tonight-era costumes. They’re planning to premiere their comeback single, Redemption, in the beginning of October.

 Then Peter asked this question to them. “We’re thinking of having a live band whilst you sing live on the telly for first time. Are you going to dance, or can you play instruments?”

 Edward said, “I can play the guitar, but it’s been a whilst.”

 So NR went to an instrument storage room at EMI. Edward played some note. The managers liked what they heard, but they left he needs a few lessons. They decided to make him the band’s guitarist.

 When everyone left the room, Alex decided to stay behind in the room. He picked up the guitar Edward played, and started playing some notes.

 Sophie noticed that Alex was missing, so went back to the storage room. She saw him playing the guitar. She was surprised by how good he was. “Alex, I didn’t know you could play the guitar.”

 Alex stuttered, “Erm, I-I d-did. Until I w-was 12. I’m n-not as g-good as I u-used to b-be.”

 Sophie then grabbed Alex’s hand, and took him to the managers. Alex played some notes, and the managers decided to also make him NR’s guitarist, even though he also needs a few lessons.

 It’s now the beginning of October. NR have gotten a slight makeover, and have filmed the music video for their comeback single, Redemption. They now at the studio of a TV show called Top Of The Pops. They’re about to premiere their single, which was written by Alex. There’s not much choreography for the song,

 They’re backstage, waiting to perform. Everyone was nervous, but no one was as nervous as Alex. Sophie noticed this, so she encouraged him, “Alex, you’re gonna do great. We’ve come so far to not give up. We fought, and we’re gonna keep fighting for No Rules. We’re going to win, I just know it.”

 Alex said nervously, “I-It’s just that I’m scared. W-What if we fail? What if we lose everything we fought to get back? What if it‘s all for nothing?”

 Sophie gave a reassuring smile. “It won’t be. You worked the hardest in this band. You were juggling your exams with our TV series, recording our comeback CD, choreographing us, writing songs, and fighting in the lawsuit. You deserve this. No Rules deserves you. I remember when you joined this band, a lot of people thought you were a useless freak. Now you’ve helped us so much. We’re going to succeed because of you.”

 Alex smiled, and he and Stacey kissed. Soon it was time to perform. The members got on stage. Edward and Alex got their guitars. They went to their designated microphone stands. They were going to sing live on TV for the first time ever.

 The host announced NR’s name. The band started playing, and Edward and Alex played their electric guitars. The style was pop-rock. Alex sang his lines. He was a little nervous, but pulled through. Soon Ashley sang the bridge, and the whole band sang the chorus. Mariana sang next. A little later in the song, Sophie sang. Then Alex did an amazing guitar solo. The audience was shocked to see and hear how good he was since he was known as the ‘dancer’ of NR. After the chorus was sung, the song was over.

  The audience cheered and chanted No Rules’ name. Redemption was instantly a hit.

 It’s now the late December. skate5 were at a music store to see where NR charted. NR, a week earlier, released their comeback single, Redemption. The skate5 dragged Kimmy. They saw NR there, reading the chart. Then they heard screams of excitement.

 Kimmy ran over to see what was going on. Then she saw what she dreaded: Redemption was number 1! NR never had a number 1 single, and they finally did. Kimmy was furious. She then bolted out of the music store.

 At the same time, the rival bands B.A.S.E. and BG6 were sent texts to meet at the back of the music store. They weren’t sure what was going on, but they went there anyway.

 When they arrived, they saw a blonde girl. She turned, and it was Kimmy! She gave an evil grin as she said, “We are going to have fun taking down No Rules.”

 Will No Rules survive Kimmy’s wrath, or will they just get bigger in success…and members?

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IN THE VIDEO IS NO RULES' COMEBACK SINGLE, "REDEMPTION">>>