In the back of a dimly light bar, a group of about fifteen people watched as a goofy looking group of dudes played some groovy reggae jams on stage. They played with soul, branching off into blues, funk, even hip hop and punk rock. The lead singer played his drums with fury, as he sang to the thunderous drum beat of one of their more up beat songs.

His long hair waved around as he frantically smashed the drums. The drummer then raised his drum sticks, and threw them to the crowd. The guitarist looked on at his long haired, bearded buddy and smiled.The guitarist then touched his bald head, and shouted out "Thank you for listening! GOOD NIGHT!".

After getting minor applause, the trio collected their things and packed everything into the back of the drummers van.

"Dude, Karl... What was that **** about throwing the sticks in the middle of the climax of the song!? I was right about to go into the guitar solo!" shouted the Frank, guitarist, rocking a goatee. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his torn black jeans pocket, and lit one of them up. After inhaling a big drag, he slumped down on the van and started to pout.

"Listen Frank, I got a lot of stuff going on at work. It's been slow in the area, but I'm back logged looking at old files." Karl apologized, grazing his beard and bumming a smoke off of Frank. Karl is a detective for the Lake Valley Police Department.He has been working there for 10 years. Karl is now in his thirties. Making it big with his band is something hes always dreamed about,so he continues to play shows. Frank was his partner for the a few years, but retired this past year. He is in his forties, so Karl calls him the "wise one," but really Frank doesn't know ****.

"Ah whatever, you better be more focused next week. It's gonna be a big show.It is Thanksgiving night after all.We'll probably get thirty, maybe 40 people... At least.." Frank got back up, heading towards the passenger side of the car.

"Uh guys, I'm gonna go. Gotta meet up with the girl" John, the bassist went for a high five, but Frank slapped him in the face instead. His pale face was now bright red.

"Dude, what the hell?! You guys are always making fun of me, and beating me up! You're lucky I put up with it." John started walking away, giving them the middle finger. John was still in college, and pretty much was just a filler. He didn't really any input on writing the songs, and he was more or less the bands punching bag.

"Ah, why he is such a pussy?" Frank and Karl laughed, then they both got into the bright orange van, and drove off towards Frank's house.

After driving for a little while, they pulled up to Frank's house. After helping him load his guitar and amp back in his house, Karl waved him off and drove off towards his place. Once he got home he waltzed his way into his bed. Immediately landing face first on a pillow, crashing out fast. It was 3:03 am.

What seemed like minutes later, Karl's alarm clock went off, signaling the day had begun. He headed into the bathroom, and answered nature's call. After showering up and trimming up the beard, Karl headed downstairs for a morning smoke and coffee. He checked his phone and noticed 20 missed calls and 10 voice mails.

"Oh ****, it's 12 o clock already? Damn, I'm like 3 hours late. The Lieutenant is going to kill me. Must be something big if they called me that many times." Karl grabbed some Strawberry Frosted pop tarts, and headed out the front door. As he walked outside, he noticed it was raining pretty bad.

"Of course...****ing rain..." Karl said under his breath, he headed back inside and grabbed his coat. He then headed back out and headed towards his van. Karl reached for his cell phone, and called in about the crime scene.

"Hello, this is Detective Karl Kish, what's going on? I received a bunch of phone calls. Sorry, I slept in late." Karl explained himself, while driving through the busy, rainy streets.

"Karl! Where the hell have you been? Lt. Kyle is screaming for you. We got an ugly crime scene off of Lakewood Terrace, 134 Crimson Street. You better get there quick, forensics is already on the scene of the crime. " said Karl's long time secretary Rose.

"Thank you Rose, you have a nice day, you hear?" Karl exclaimed, laughing at the talk radio he was listening to.

Rose had already hung up, so Karl headed to the crime scene. When he got there he noticed caution tape and several people taking photos outside. Karl parked and got out of his van. He walked over to the front of the apartments.

"Karl! Good morning! Crime scene is on the second floor, room 3. Man it is ugly! How'd the show go bro?" said a tall skinny photographer. His name was Leroy, he was always at every crime scene, but he isn't significant. He's kind of a dick actually.

"Yeah dude, uh, I gotta get in there. Later." Karl walked away with his dead down, ignoring Leroy's attempts at a high five.

"Oh okay man! I'll talk to you later man! We should totally jam!.. " Leroy's exclaimed, his annoying ass voice could be heard even 25 feet away, yet Karl just kept on walking away from him.

As Karl headed into the room where it all happened, he saw his partner Candace. She was a pretty brunette in her 30's, but was happily married. She was texting or something on her phone when Karl walked up to her. She always wore suit and ties, which weirded people out, except for Karl.

"Good morning lovely. What's going on here? What went down?" Karl questioned, the two of them standing outside of the apartment.

"Good morning sunshine. Listen, you better get in there. It's pretty brutal. I gotta go file my report, I'll see you at the station later?" Candace smiled, and walked out of the hallway.

"Yeah, I got you. See ya later" Karl headed into the apartment, it was littered with hundreds of posters on the walls. There were movie posters, band posters, and some graffiti looking ones. There was also a Ibanez guitar hanged on the wall, it was mahogony neck with blue a blue finish and Jazz Pickups. Karl walked over to it first.

"Damn, this is sexy guitar! Holy ****!" Karl picked it up and started playing "Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix.

"Karl don't touch that ****! It's evidence. Ah, why are you always such a goof ball..." exclaimed a short black man. He had dreadlocks, and a Rastafarian accent. This man, Damien, was head of Forensics at Lakewood Valley Police Department. Unfortunately for Karl, he was also a racist.

"Damien! Buddy! Come on man, don't you want to just take this "evidence" and get out of here? Call it a day?" Karl jokingly said, as he continued to play.

"Seriously man, I'm sick of you. Look at the crime scene, and get out. You smell like pot." Damien headed into the back of the apartment, and proceeded to collect evidence.

"Man, what a dick.." Karl put down the guitar, and proceeded to follow Damien. He saw a body on the ground, with what looked like line marks around his neck.

"What the heck? Was he strangled or something?" Karl questioned the officers examining the scene.

"Detective Kish, nice to see you awake. Well it looks like this musician guy was murdered here in his own home. Somebody crept up behind him and choked him out with guitar strings. He didn't steal anything, or at least that's what we think. Nothing looked out of the ordinary other than that." The faceless officers explained to Karl.

"Hmm, killed by guitar strings..Kind of ironic eh? This guy was definitely a musician, otherwise he wouldn't have that wicked guitar in the back. Whoever did kill him, must of known him well. Why else would they only break in and take his life?" Karl said as he examined the room.

"Beats me, I'm just here because I have to be." Said another officer.

Karl continued to look around for clues. After searching for awhile. he headed back out of the apartment, he needed to write up a report about the crime scene. As he headed back outside, the rain finally let finished pouring down from the gray sky. The sun could be seen pouring out of a dark corner. Karl headed back into his car, and drove off towards the station.

As he parked into his spot, Karl noticed a shaggy looking kid walking into the station with his partner, Candace. He hacked a cigarette before heading in. As he finished the rain started pouring back in. Soaking wet, he quickly walked inside the station.

The smell of smoke followed him as he walked into the elevator. Right before it closed Damien crept in.

"Oh great, it's you." Damien gave Karl the cold shoulder.

"So nice to see you too. Did you guys find anything DNA wise from the scene?" Karl questioned, ignoring Damien's prickish ways.

"Well, we found some fingerprints on the guitar strings. Apparently the killer left the kill weapon at the scene of the crime. They were from his friend. Hes in a band, like you.He's here actually. Swears he had nothing to do with it." Damien snarled, his eyes burning red.

"Long elevator, huh? Well, yeah I think I saw him walking in before. I'll be questioning him soon I'm assuming. I'm getting the feeling he did it, I mean it's the only logical explanation." Karl said, while spacing out staring at the ceiling.

"You are such an idiot. Oh look, the elevator is over. Fantastic." Damien walked out of the elevator and towards his lab.

"Man, I don't get it. That dude seriously hates me." Karl said as he walked out and headed towards his desk. He headed toward the interrogation room and saw the shaggy looking kid again. Candace walked out of the room looking stressed out.

"This kid doesn't know anything. He was in a band with the victim, they were best friends. I don't think he had anything to do with the murder." Candace explained as she paced back and forth.

"Well, maybe he knows somebody who would want to harm the victim. There has to be some reason why he was murdered. Let me ask him a few questions." Karl said as he scratched at his head.

"Go for it, I'm going to go get some coffee. Good luck." Candace walked away and Karl headed into the room. There was a pale blue cover on the wall and the ceiling was all white. A gray table sat in the middle, where the shaggy kid sat.

The shaggy looking kid was only 19, just graduated from high school. Got held back in second grade, only class he ever got an A in was Band and Music Theory. He was wearing a Bad Brains shirt and eyes were as red as the Kool Aid guy.

"Hey man, what's you name?" Karl asked, as he walked around the room.

"Chuck...Chuck Watkins..." explained the Shaggy kid now known as Chuck.

"Okay Chuck, what can you tell me about your friend? I need to know if there was any reason why he would be murdered. Did he have any enemies? Ever get any dangerous threats? Crazy ex girlfriends?" Karl questioned, in a serious tone.

"Well we were in a ska band...Since elementary school...Aw man...That *******...Whoever did this! You should be looking for him! Not talking to me! I didn't do anything!" Chuck screamed, pounding his fists on the table.

"Listen up Chuck, you need to calm down. I understand he was your friend. I'm in a band, I know how devastated I would be if one of them passed away. Well maybe not John, but that's beside the point. Listen, you can help me find this ******* who killed him. You just need to tell me everything, anything you may know that could help." Karl stomped his fist on the table, yelling at first but then quieting down.

"No, he didn't have any of those. No threats, crazy ex girlfriends, or anybody who would want to kill him. I'm sorry I have no idea who would want to kill him!" Chuck cried out, as he looked on the ground.

"It's okay man, I don't need to ask anymore questions. You can go home now." Karl said, then he walked out of the room and back towards his desk.

Karl sat at his desk for awhile trying to connect the dots on this mysterious murder. He couldn't find any conclusive evidence to pin the murder on anybody. It was as if the person who killed him was invisible, they left no trace of their presence. After a long day of no progress, Karl headed back home at around 7 pm.

He immediately walked over to the couch and turned on the television. He watched a little bit of Arrested Development and did a few bong tokes. Eventually he just crashed out right there. Several hours passed.

"RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING"

"Who's calling me now?" Karl said, as he stumbled off the couch with a half eaten bag of Cheetos stuck to his lap. It was 3:03 am.

"Hello? Detective Karl Kish? We need you on scene, there's been another homicide. I think we may have a case." Rose, Karls secretary explained sounding cheerful as always.

"Ahhh, damn it.. Okay, I'll get ready. Where's the location?" Karl finally was standing up straight, as he put on his jacket and grabbed his jeans.

"I'll text you the address. Goodbye Karl." Rose said, then hung up.

"Okay, thanks Rose! Rose?" Karl shrugged, then hung up. He checked the text and left his house, heading to the new crime scene. It was in the heart of Lakewood Projects. As soon as Karl pulled in, you could see all sorts of graffiti and people living on the streets. Karl used to hang out here a lot when he was a kid. As Karl pulled up the house where the homicide occured, the scene was buzzing,and over eight police units and several detectives were on the scene already.

Karl parked, and headed up to the to the front door. As soon as he walked in, Leroy showed up.

"Karl! What's up dude! Gooood Morning!" Leroy, the tall prickish photographer was at it again.

Karl walked right past him, and headed back towards the heart of the crime scene. He saw Damien and Candace chatting. Karl headed over towards them. He then saw the victim. It was a skinny white kid, young probably in his early twenties. He had drum sticks stabbed through his eyes and heart. It was a brutal scene, and Karl felt a little sick after seeing it.

"Damn! This is disgusting. " Karl said as he held his stomach, trying not to vomit.

"Yeah, this is really disturbing..." Damien laughed, he loved the site of blood so this was kind of comfortable to him. Damien is a freak.

"Yeah Karl, this guy was killed just a few hours ago. It looks like he was tortured first though. There were scratches and bruises all over his arms and legs. Whoever did this, enjoyed it. " Candace explained, while too holding her stomach.

"So this is kind of similar to this afternoons homicide. Both musicians, both brutally murdered in their own home." Karl said, he was on to something.

"Well Well Well.. Sounds like some body ate their Wheaties this morning." Damien laughed.

"Ah, F you Damien. I don't know why you hate me so much, but you can go to hell!" Karl said, now looking in the other direction.

"Jeez, calm down bro.I was just kidding, and I like your theory. I think your onto something." Damien said, while tapping Karl on the shoulder.

"Oh wow, sincerity from Damien? Is that really you in there?" Karl poked at Damien's head.

"Okay you two, quite screwing around. Let's check the scene for clues." Candace yelled, acting like the mom of the group.

The three of them and several officers scoped out the whole apartment. Aside from Star Wars collectibles, and various drums bongos and other percussion instruments, they didn't find anything useful. Karl was about to leave until he noticed a flyer on the wall.

"ATTENTION! ALL BANDS IN
THE LAKEWOOD AREA!
CALLING OUT ALL BANDS!
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
DECEMBER 25th!
1pm-11pm
MANY WILL ENTER
ONE WILL WIN BITCH!"

"Hey Candace, did you see this flyer?" Karl handed the flyer over to Candace.

"No, whats the significance? You and your band gonna sign up?" Candace laughed, and handed it back to Karl.

"No no no, maybe this kid was in a band too. Perhaps he was gonna enter this battle of the bands, and that's why he was murdered. Maybe theres a connection? I don't know, it's the only thing to go off of now. Do we have any of his friends names or numbers? Let me know, I'm on this." Karl said, as he continued to search for clues. He then headed back to his desk at the station.

Karl searched through file after file and was trying to find a connection to the new victim and the battle of the bands. He was able to contact the new victims friend. The friend confirmed that the new victim was in a band also. Their band was indeed entering the Battle of the bands mentioned on the flyer.

"Candace! Candace! I figured it out!" Karl was running around the whole station. It was now 5 pm, Karl had been awake since 3 am.

"Whoa, slow down. Figured out what?" Candace was sitting at her desk, getting ready to head home.

"The new victim, you know the kid who got impaled by drum sticks? He was in a band, and they were going to enter the Battle of The Bands. I think his murder had something to do with that. Maybe somebody didn't want them to win. " Karl explained, waiting for Candace to answer.

"Well okay, but that still leaves us without a witness, or a possible suspect." Candace said, while grabbing her purse and things from her desk.

"I'm heading out, See you tomorrow." Candace walked away, out the station and back home.

Karl tried to reach Chuck, the friend of the first victim.It was his only source on any of the murders the last two days. Searching and searching for clues, it lead him to try and contact Chuck. He wasn't able to reach him for several hours, but finally did reach him around 7 pm.

"Chuck? Do you remember me? I interviewed you about your friends murder." Karl asked.

"Yes...I remember you. What do you need?" Chuck said, quietly.

"Well we have another musician murdered. I need to know if you and your band were going to enter the Lakewood Battle of the Bands." Karl questioned, anticipating the answer.

"Well, we were already entered but now we cannot even play. We don't have our singer songwriter and guitarist..." Chuck said, then he started to cry.

"Oh, whoops. Sorry man, but you guys were entered into the competition? Interesting...So was the recent victim. How big is this battle of the bands anyway?" Karl thanked him and hung up.

"Well it's the regional, the whole entire area. Over 50 bands tried out, only 10 made it. We were primed and ready to go too. Ah, it sucks." Chuck sighed.

"Well it seems like somebody is trying to cut off some of the bands. Maybe it is one of the bands in the competition? I don't know what's going on. I will try to figure it out Chuck,whoever they are, they must be stopped."

"Thank you, and good night." Chuck sighed a breath of relief and then hung up.

"Holy ****, I found a connection between these two murders...But why would somebody kill off two members from different bands...I need to figure this thing out before it gets ugly.."

Karl continued to research and try to find more connections for the case. Before he knew it, it was 12 pm. He left the station and headed home after the busy day...

5. David Hasselhoff: Jump in my Car


"A Hot Cup of Hoffee" The green screen shots are to much

4. Eddie Murphy: Party All The Time

"Man Party all the time is probably the funniest bit Eddie has ever done!"
"It wasn't a joke..."
"Oh sheet..."

3. Survivor: Eye of The Tiger


You could make a music video with a bunny hopping around in a field to this song and it would still be inspirational. But whenever I watch this video I can't help but laugh.

2. Armi Ja Danny - I want to love you tender


Got some wicked dance moves hahah

1. David Hasselhoff- Hooked on a feeling


Doesn't get much better than this,. OOGA CHACKA OOGA OOGA

10. Isaac - Dead Space

"Goddammit, I trusted you! **** you... and **** your Marker!"


Poor Isaac had no idea what he was getting into, which is one of the reasons why he was chosen by me. This dude wasn't really prepared for what he was about to get into. When a routine cleaning mission goes wrong, Isaac had to defend himself from ruthless and vicious monsters. Among all that he had to find a way out of the ship he and his crew mates were trapped on. When he found out his missing girl friend may be in the same ship, Isaac knew something was up. Entering even Zero Gravity chambers to save himself and it teammates, Isaac defined a next generation game *** He rose to the test, and did what he had to do. Isaac is a reminder of how a normal person, can be a truly super one.

9. Super Mario - Super Mario RPG :Legend of the Seven Star
"YAHOO"


While Super Mario may be an iconic legend, his platforming games never had a truly deep story so there wasn't much room for character development. When Square and Nintendo collaborated on this awesome game, they were able to create an awesome story out of the series wonderful settings. Square told us an epic tale. Mario had to collect the legendary stars to save the world from a greater evil than Bowzer. He got new friends while exploring the world. Visiting lush jungles, deep sewers, a active volcano and even a hill of stars. All the while teaming up with Bowzer and Peach to settle the score against the greater evil. This game is a classic, and Mario really shines as an amazing hero.

8. (Insert Your Name Here)- Dragon Quest VIII

"....."


The main character in Dragon Quest VIII had no real name. His default name was Hero though. He was a quiet, and brave young man. He never spoke a word through out the game, which brought on some much needed development. You learned enough about throughout the journey, and learned of his early life in the post game..Little was known about him and he reminded me a lot of the main characters from the old Dragon Warrior games. He wielded swords,boomerangs and spears. Along side of him was his trusty partner Munchie, who would help you solve some puzzles in the adventure.That whole game was like one long nostalgia trip, and he blended quite well into the driver's seat.

7. Dr. Gordon Freeman- Half Life Series

"....."


Just a normal scientist, until one day an experiment goes horribly wrong. Gordon became an iconic legend after this game. He is just like Isaac because he had no idea what he was getting into. Gordon wasn't prepared for what awaited him at the lab that day. He made the best of his situation, and came out on top. That is hard to do, and Gordon Freeman made that sh*t look easy. All's my homie needs is a crowbar.

6. Terra Branford- Final Fantasy VI

"Life will go on! There will always be people, and dreams!"


A strange and mysterious woman is who you start the game as. She is the only human ever born with the ability to use magic. The empire finds a way to her and realizes they can use her. They put a slave crown on her and control her. After getting the crown removed she joins the Returners. Terra was so special because her mother was a human and her father was an esper. Espers were summpn creatures in Final Fantasy VI world. Because of this Terra had phenomenal power, and was one of the strongest characters in the game. Her interesting story, and magic skills make her a great character. She was also the most important character of that great game, and its enchanting storyline.

5. Darc- Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits

"I'm the strongest Deimos ever!"


In this Arc the Lad title, there was a on going battle between the two dominant species, the humans and the deimos. The Deimos were beast like creatures that could walk and speak like humans. The player got to see the game from the two perspectives throughout the game. You played as a young human man and a young deimos. Darc was a deimos. He faced many struggles growing up and never had an easy life. His father was a deimos and his mother was a human. The way of the deimos was to rule you must be stronger than the others. Darc fought his way until he was the king of all the Deimos. When given the choice to save the humans or destroy them, he let them live out of pity. Darc was an anti-hero all through the game, and his final decision shows that he had heart too.

4.Samus Aran - Metroid Series

""Why am I still alive?


Samus is one awesome character. She has been fighting off intergalactic wars against strange creatures for years now, and she doesn't look like she will be stopping anytime soon. What makes Samus so interesting is that in the first one, most of us played through it thinking they were playing as a robot dude or something of that nature. She takes off her helmet at the end and you see who it really is underneath. I think alot of gamers will agree with that that moment was one of the biggest WTF!?! moments they had seen in awhile. Not only that, she has various abilities and weaponry that no other game can match. Whether she shoots ice and fire beams from her awesome cannon on her arm, or rolls into a ball easily squeezing into a space no one else could. Samus is one of the most unique and bad a** characters in all of gaming.

3.Crono- Chrono Trigger

"......"


Crono is another example of being in the right place at the wrong time. He just went to a local fair one day and ends up getting transported 400 years into the past. He didn't foresee this, Crono just wen't to go have some fun with this friend Lucca. He ends up traveling all over the time frame in his quest to restore order to the world. His companions are from all over the time line, and they create a rag tag group of adventurers. Crono was a great ally in battle as well, and had powerful abilities too. In my humble opinion Chrono Trigger is the greatest game ever made. Crono goes through a lot throughout his adventure, and even gets resurrected at one point. Crono is a really well written character, and one hell of a hero who speaks with his actions not words.

2. Solid Snake- Metal Gear Series

"Unfortunately, killing is just one of those things that gets easier the more you do it."


Only one person could take down an entire military operation in 15 hours. That guy would be Solid Snake. Infiltrating a discrete and dangerous terrorist organization is no easy task, and he went in armed only with a pack of cigarettes and a codec. Using stealth and the shadows as his ally, he slowly but surely took down the enemy. One by one, he defeated the once vicious army. Again even in his old age, Snake was able to defeat more threats to his beloved country. Snake defined what it means to be a hero. He wasn't bestowed with magical abilities, or a ten foot sword. Snake just made the best of what he had, be it a weak pistol or a cardboard box. Solid Snake will be remembered as one of the most important figures in all of video games.

1. Link- The Legend of Zelda Series
"SEYAAAAAHT"


I think it's safe to say that amongst all of video games heroes, Link has faced the most odds. In each iteration of the franchise, he faces amazing dungeons littered with enemies and tough puzzles. Link always finds a way to solve these troubles, and is always ready to help no matter the cost. Sometimes he just gets caught up into things against his own will. Be it fate, or just his destiny, whoever dons the green cloak is always ready for whatever Ganon and his minions bring him. There have been many different Links throughout the series, and they have all been able to rise to the occasion. Link may not ever speak, but that doesn't matter. He speaks with his actions. Link defends Hyrule over and over again, and never questions it. Link is a true hero in this sense, he knows what he needs to do.



So who are your favorite video game heroes ever?

As the sun light poured in the room, Karl felt a sense of peace. For the last 24 hours he had seen nothing but death and despair. Friends losing friends, band members losing band members, it was all a fog of hate. When he was lying in his bed that morning, it just felt like the only security he had at that point.

The birds seemed to be chirping awfully loud that morning as Karl waltzed his way down the stairs into the kitchen. He forgot to set the coffee maker the night before, so now he had to sit there and make it. As he stood there awaiting his caffeine fix, he thought about the new case that had been unfolding the last few days.

Now there were two murders in the last 24 hours. Both of them were significant band members to their group. Both were brutally murdered by their instrument of choice. Whoever was doing this, knew this people well and killed them in a cruel fashion. The victims never saw it coming.

"I need to find this ****er..." Karl belched as he munched on some Smores pop tarts. He lit up a "cigarette" and took a few puffs. He spaced out for a little bit then grabbed the coffee when it was done.

Then Karls phone started ringing.

"Hello?" Karl questionably answered.

"Hey man." said the mysterious voice.

"Who is this?" Karl asked, confused.

"It's Frank! Your guitarist! In our band! You know!" Frank? said.

"Right! Frank! What's up man, I'm getting ready for work." Karl said, going back to light his cig.

"Well I was wondering, you trying to have band practice tonight? " Frank asked, then dropped his coffee shouting **** immediately after.

"Huh? Well, maybe I got this big case going on. Gotta find this dude, he is killing off musicians. Punk ass Micheal Myers wanna be." Karl laughed, caughing.
"Haha I hear that, well let me know. We got that show in a few days. Peace" Frank said, hanging up.

Karl finished up his coffee, pop tarts and cig and headed outside to his van. He headed to the Lakewood Valley Police Station.

Arriving at the station, Karl parked, got out and headed up that familiar elevator to his desk. Damien could be seen in his lab, singing Bob Marley songs and dancing like a idiot. Candace was sitting at her desk minding her own business. Then an old buddy of Karls walked up, Dwayne Carlson.

"Is that you Karl? Karl Kish? Get over here man!" Dwayne Carlson stoop 6'5, wore gold chains an had a wicked afro. He was practically Shaft. He had won various medals and honors for his work in the police department. He trained Karl when he first started up.

"What's up Carlson? How you been?" Karl shook hands with his hold friend

"Nothing new really, my kid had a kid. That was a little weird. Can you imagine me, a grandfather?" Carlson and Karl look at each other and start laughing.

"So what's this case I'm hearing about? The musician killer you're calling him?" Carlson focused now more on the police work.

"Well yeah, that's what I'm thinking right now anyway. As far as I know, both victims were in bands that were going to play at this upcoming Battle of The Bands. They were both key members of their respective bands,both killed in a brutal fashion by their own instruments." Karl explained that, for like the fifteenth time.

"Wow, that is extremely disturbing..Both murders happened yesterday? What about the other bands? We should check up on the members. We need to make sure that whoever is killing them, doesn't kill anymore." Carlson explained and Karl agreed.

"I'll head to the venue of the Battle of The Bands, get all the bands information. We need to stop this before it gets out of hand. I'll be back soon." Karl said, he started walking away but Dwayne stopped him.

"Wait, let me come with you. I haven't been out on real police work in awhile." Dwayne and Karl walked out and headed down the elevator.

"You know, you didn't have to come. I could have done this by myself." Karl sighed

"Why the beef? I just wanted to get out of that god awful office. Got any trees?" Dwayne laughed.

Karl pulled out a doob and the two of them headed out of the elevator and over towards Dwaynes car. They headed to The Stone Pony, the venue where the Battle of The Bands would be played. The rain came back half way there. The dark clouds symbolized the dark times ahead.

As Karl and Dwayne pulled up the venue, Dwayne pulled out his wallet.

"Hey, do you want to see my grandkid?" Dwayne smiled, as he handed Karl the picture.

"Haha, he looks just like you!" Karl laughed, as he reached for his badge.

"It's a girl.." Dwayne sighed.

"OH! Well! It's a beautiful baby girl! So about the case?" Karl awkwardly laughed, then tried to change the subject real quick.

"Yeah yeah. Well I suggest we head in there, ask him anything he knows about the bands, then ask him for the band list with names of all the members. We need to warn them." Dwayne got serious, and then got of the car.

"Yeah good call, alright let's head in there." Karl said, then getting out of the car.

They walked over to the front door of the venue, and walked in. It was a rusty old building, it had seen better days. Apparently some real well known groups have played there, but no one remembers their names. The ceiling was all black, possibly tar build up from fans chain smoking cigarettes all these years. Dwayne and Karl walked over to the receptionist.

"Excuse me? Hi, I'm Detective Karl Kish of the Lakewood Valley Police Department. This is Dwayne Carlson, also a detective. We need to ask you a few questions. Is that okay?" Karl said looked into the receptionists eyes. She was in her early 20s. Ditzy blonde, pretty but with half a brain. She looked at Dwayne and Karl for a minute.

"What is this about? I think you may have the wrong place guys." the receptionist sighed, obviously not interested and trying to get rid of them so she could continue to do nothing.

"No, I am sure we are in the right place. This is where the Lakewood Valley Battle Of The Bands is to be played, correct?" Dwayne asked, putting his hand firmly down on the table.

"Whoa, excuse me sir. Yes this is where it will happen. Why are you interested in signing up?" the receptionist asked, while combing her long blonde hair.

"No nothing like that. We have had a couple murders in the last 24 hours. Both victims were members of bands prepared to perform at the concert.We were looking for any information you might have on them." Karl asked her, fed up with the small talk.

"OH MY GOD?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?! WHO?!" the receptionist stood up, shocked and now was the one looking for answers.

"The victims according to the report filed by my partner are John Frick of The Tides, and Wes Chambers of The Sponge. Would there be any reason for them to be murdered? Did they have a bad history when any of the other bands? Anything at all you can tell us would be really helpful." Karl said looking at his papers.

"Well, I don't know much about the bands..Or the people in them..I just know them from seeing them in here every once in awhile. I'm sorry..." the receptionist girl started to pout.

"It's okay. Well, do you have the list of bands and members in each? Contact information for each of them?" Dwayne looked at her, and could tell she didn't know much.

"Well I do have band members information. It's a list of all the bands and their member's, but I only have contact information for one member of each band. That is all that is required. " the receptionist explained.

"Okay, well can you make me a copy of that? I'm going to need to give the other members a heads up. I don't want anymore lives lost." Karl said, as he reached over to the receptionist.

"Yeah sure. Here you go sir." the receptionist handed Karl the list.

"Thank you for your time Ms. Have a nice day." Karl smiled, then him and Dwayne walked out of the venue heading back towards Dwayne's car.

"Well it's something I suppose. We needed to start calling up these kids and letting them know there is a musician killer on the loose. Any of these kids could be next. Let's head back to the station." Dwayne said, as he got back into his car.

"Yeah that's all we can really go off right now." Karl sighed, as he lumped back into the passenger seat.

The two of them rode off back to the station. As they pulled up, Karl received a call on his cell phone.

"Hello? Yes this is Karl, the one and only. What?" Karl then had a look of disgust on his face.

"What is it? Karl? " Dwayne looked puzzled, as he tried to figure out what was going on.

"Okay, I'm on my way." Karl hung up the phone.

"Karl, answer me man! What's going on?" Dwayne questioned loudly now, he needed to know.

"We got another homicide, it's looking like it was another musician. Rose is going to text you the location of the crime scene. I'll meet you there.. " Karl got out of Dwayne's car and ran off to his van. He immediately headed in the direction of the newest crime scene.