Forwards from the Graveyard (Rise of the Bands episode)

Not to be confused with Hyperus18's American ethics and science-based Zombie Land Saga adaptation of the same name.
"Forwards from the Graveyard" is the second episode of Rise of the Bands.
Previous: Shortcut to Stardom
Next: Varicella Rocker Virus
==Synopsis==
This episode involves a Halloween Dance at the school. Meanwhile, Derrick and the band find a new amp, but it turns out to be cursed, and when they play it in the graveyard it brings the dead back to life as zombies.
==Plot==
The episode begins on Halloween at Crestview High School. Via Dolorosa, the horror-themed visual kei metal band, is preparing for their gig at the school’s Halloween Dance. The scene opens with Ryan Mejia (Mortis) and Taehwan Song (Timoris) trembling in the darkness of the school’s old auditorium. A shadowy figure approaches, revealed to be Derrick Stark (Doloris). Despite his bright personality, Derrick’s dramatic entrance scares Ryan and Taehwan. Derrick, amused, tells them to relax.
Uriah Blackwell (Oblivionis), the band’s leader, and Astrid Lee (Amoris), the energetic drummer, enter with a mysterious object. Uriah announces they’ve found a cursed magic amp with a glowing skull, perfect for their Halloween performance. Derrick is excited to use it for their gig, while Astrid, always up for a challenge, is eager to see its effects.
However, they face a problem: the Halloween Dance is being organized by a strict school committee that has not approved their performance. Determined, Derrick suggests using the amp to play in the nearby graveyard, drawing the students there with their music. Despite their reservations, the band agrees, knowing their performances often have unexpected outcomes.
At the school, Nick Mallory, the charming and popular football captain, is preparing for the dance. He’s at the graveyard, mourning his pet dog’s grave. Unbeknownst to him, Via Dolorosa arrives to set up their gear. As they begin to play, a bolt of lightning strikes the amp, causing it to glow ominously.
Their music, combined with the amp’s eerie power, awakens the dead. Zombies emerge from their graves, including Nick’s dog, which bites him, turning him into a zombie. The band, initially oblivious, interprets the groaning zombies as audience feedback. When they realize they’re surrounded by zombies, they grab the amp and flee.
Meanwhile, the Halloween Dance is in full swing. Students, including Kate and Allie, are enjoying the festivities, unaware of the looming danger. Nick Mallory, now a zombie, arrives at the dance. The students mistake the zombies for people in costume. The dance proceeds chaotically with Nick trying to eat brains while students think he's part of the act.
Via Dolorosa retreats to a nearby shop where Derrick bought the amp. The shopkeeper, Chipper, informs them that their store policy doesn’t cover resurrection of the dead. Realizing they’re on their own, the band runs back to the school to stop the zombie outbreak.
Back at the dance, Uriah, always the strategist, formulates a plan. He notices the zombies are attracted to the music. Using this to their advantage, Derrick, Ryan, Taehwan, Astrid, and Uriah set up on the stage. Derrick grabs the mic and addresses the crowd, who cheer thinking it’s part of the show.
Via Dolorosa starts playing their song, “Back from the Afterlife.” The powerful performance, amplified by the cursed amp, mesmerizes the zombies, who start to dance and return to their graves. The students, thinking it’s the best Halloween performance ever, cheer wildly.
As the song ends, the zombies are fully back in their graves, and Nick Mallory returns to normal. He’s dazed but unharmed, and the students are none the wiser. The band, exhausted but triumphant, smiles at each other.
As the episode closes, Uriah steps forward. “We’re done. Your support means the world, everyone.” The band starts walking away from the camera, the screen glitches, and turns off, ending the episode.
==Characters==
===Major Roles===
*Ryan Mejia
*Taehwan Song
*Derrick Stark
*Uriah Blackwell
*Astrid Lee
*Zombies
*Nick Mallory
===Minor Roles===
*Kate Persky
*Allie Day
*Dog Nick
*Chipper
==Quotes==
==Songs==
*"Halloween Can Sound So Creepy"
*"Zombie Dance"
==Trivia==
==Gallery==
==See Also==
Category:Rise of the Bands