Rock Dog: The Final Call

Chapter 11 - Cry Out

Mid-January 2025

Mengcheng Indoor Stadium

January, in the middle of one of the harshest winters Mengcheng and the rest of Mengguo ever experienced. One Saturday night, however, many viewers across the island nation will tune in to watch one of the most viewed annual shows in Mengguo: the Mengguo Melody Grand Prix, held every January since being introduced in 2003, the competition brings in 10 of the country's top musicians into one city in Mengguo to fight for their chance to represent the country at Asia's biggest singing competition.

The competition has two rounds: the first round would see all 10 acts performed their song for ASF and it will be 50% televoting, 50% jury vote from eight other Asian nations. Only the top 3 advanced to the second round, the Superfinal. All three will perform again and this time, the points will be 100% televote, all points from the first round being reset.

However, that year will be a special year because of the much-hyped battle between two iconic acts who are friends in real life. Today, just for one night, it is personal.

8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

3pm

5 Hours Before MMGP 2025

First to arrive at the Indoor Stadium was one of the most iconic bands in the country as two SUVs escorting Rock Dog arrived with much fanfare on the ground floor. Riff and Skozz, the band's two trusty Heads of Security, got off from their driver seats and opened the car doors, bringing out the new 6-member Rock Dog squad. The crowd was anticipating them to arrive first, which clearly explained the screaming Rock Dog fans making up the members.

"Rock Dog! Rock Dog! Rock Dog!" the crowd screamed as the 2.0 squad (consisting of lead singer Bodi, first electric guitarist Trey, second electric guitarist Ash, bass guitarist Darma, drummer Grem and keyboard player Johnny), plus mentor (and former rock legend) Angus and agent Ian made their way across the Red Carpet to the press area, making sure the band do not let the hype drowned their concentration.

And now, it was time for the band to make their final preparations as they registered inside the press hall and proceed to their own Green Room. Besides the large communal Green Room at the front part of the stadium and before the main stage, each act has their own separate mini-Green Room, an enclosed room.

With everyone inside the Green Room, Bodi took off his beanie and got serious. "Let's get into action," the mastiff pumped up for the performance.

8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

5pm

Three Hours Before MMGP 2025

A couple of hours later, Swifty and his SwiftyTV crew registered inside. "You know who I am," was how he introduced to the MGTV staff as his wife and the rest of SwiftyTV followed behind.

While the rest of his team proceed to Swifty's Green Room, the white fox excused himself to find a certain Green Room. He knew someone would be inside and he wanted to check.