Bustin' a Major Groove
There was a hole in time -- a hole that cut through dimensions and crossed paths to worlds where things were completely different. When the pressure of time would build up, there would be a hiccup. Time would displace people -- throw them through dimensions, and put them somewhere completely different...
In this case, Ada and Ghent were lucky. There were worse places they could have ended up; however, when time pulled them from the basement of some twenty years before their present, it hadn't done so without some consideration. Which was why Ghent was standing outside a crowded bathroom in which Ada seemed to be trapped in. There was a lot of lights and loud music. Despite everything, time had been kind enough to at least dress them for the occasion.
Ghent blinked a few times and looked around. ?What the hell?? There were a few other men standing around, presumably waiting on their dates in the restroom. Ghent thought to reach for his gun, but it wasn't there. That made his brow furrow. The music was near deafening, from his perspective. One of the taller men lifted a brow at Ghent, who suddenly had seemed very confused.
Ada was being squished between bodies, and before she could stop, she'd poked herself in the teeth with the lipstick she was apparently trying to apply. There had to be at least ten other girls trying to use the mirror. For a second, Ada tried to get out of the group, but before she walked away completely, she made sure to get the lipstick off of her teeth.
"Getting antsy, kid?" The taller fellow, who was a few inches higher in height than the not so short Ghent, smirked at the Major. Some lewd reference, most likely.
Ghent peered at the man before him. It'd be obvious Ghent hadn't dressed himself, as he looked rather slick at that time. He had on a cotton black shirt that had some odd zigzag design and a zipper in the middle. His jeans were a slightly faded blue and tighter than Ghent would ever allow. His hair was spiked as it had been before the incident in Heor. When he realized what he was wearing, Ghent grumbled. He did, however, feel the sheath of his knife pressed against his back. ?Antsy? No, I don't think so.?
When Ada finally made her way out the door, two started shoving each other to see who would take Ada's spot in the bathroom. She watched for a second, then tried to understand some about her surroundings. Of course, there was a mass of people and nothing but music.
She was dressed much different than usual -- her hair was its normal color, but it was up in pigtails and teased into frizzy puffs. There was a checkered miniskirt, two belts, and a black t-shirt with a skull on it. She certainly looked lively, if nothing else.
Ghent saw Ada come out of the bathroom and quickly went to grab hold of her arm. He sighed a bit and shook his head. He had no idea what the hell was going on. He certainly didn't remember coming somewhere this loud. He blinked when he finally got a good look at Ada. It made him stop in his tracks completely.
"Ghent!" She was yelling as loud as she could, but it would still be hard to hear her. "What's happened?" Her arm reached out to grab his, trying to pull through the crowd to get closer. Of course, something wasn't right about that, because a moment later, there was movement in the crowd.
Everything lurched and moved, as the crowd started moving around where Ada had been. The crowd started cheering, and chanting. It sounded like "fight, fight, fight," but before Ghent would be able to think about it too much, there would be a taptaptap on his shoulder.
Even in these situations, Ghent knew when something was wrong. He certainly didn't know anyone present. Ghent paused slightly after the tapping. There was no way to warn Ada, so he tried to push her away a bit before he slammed his right foot directly behind him.
Someone wasn't happy. The person went down immediately, and seemed to stammer, trying to talk over the music. "S-sir! We're s-starting!" He shielded his face with one arm and held up a big sticker with "5" written on it. Over top the number, it said, "Rhy'Din Dance Off."
Meanwhile, Ada was apparently in some sort of catfight with another girl. There was some hair-pulling happening, but fore the most part, Ada had an advantage with the robot arm with displays that changed color with the music.
Ghent blinked at the sticker the man had lifted. He certainly made a mistake. He practically yelled over the music, as he offered the man a hand up. ?Forgive me for that! You snuck up on me!? He was unaware of Ada's catfight, as all the noise did a lot to kill Ghent's senses. He relied on his hearing at least as much as his sight.
The sticker was shoved into his hands, and the man righted himself. He seemed to be all right, so he leaned in to talk to Ghent. "Get your partner and meet up for solos in 5!" Then the man leaned back and turned to leave.
The crowd was still chanting, and making sure no one got in the way of Ada and the other girl, who was wearing a black top (halfway, at least) and a jean skirt. Ada was already holding the girl's face into the steel plate flooring, the other arm held back and ready to punch.
Ghent forced his way into the crowd to look for Ada. He had the sticker, of course. One look at Ghent's face would alarm the person that he was not at all happy. He saw Ada as he managed to get near the end of the crowd. He shoved his way into the open space that had been left for the fighting.
The girl on the ground was wearing a sticker on her back, but Ada was obscuring most of it, as she was sitting down on the girl's back to keep her pinned. There was a number on Ada's back, too, but she was wearing a cape with a lightning bolt logo on it, so her number was mostly hidden, too. Both girls' mouths were bleeding, although Ada had obviously come out for the better.
?Don't try anything!? Ghent warned the girl on the ground as he approached the pair. He looked at Ada afterward. ?Ada, come one, we need to go!? Things just always seemed to get more odd. Ghent shook his head a little.
The girl on the ground seemed shocked. But Ada pressed her face into the floor again, and stood up. She brushed herself off, giving the girl a glare, but then fell in line with Ghent. "Let's go."
As Ada moved, the girl on the ground pointed at Ghent and shrieked. "If you dance with her, we're over!" The sticker was a number 5 to match Ghent's, while Ada's was obviously a 7. "I always knew you liked those... those street girls!" But, before Ghent could even answer, the girl had stood up, pushed some people out of the way, and was leaving.
?...What the f*ck?? Normally, Ghent wouldn't be so vulgar, but he was very much confused. He looked at Ada for a moment, then to the retreating girl, and to his sticker. He had no idea what to do. ?Are you all right?? He got close to Ada and spoke in a normal tone. Any lower and she likely wouldn't have heard him.
Ada glanced to the spot in the crowd where Ghent's old dance partner had disappeared, then looked to him. "She started it." It was a matter-of-fact tone, as started wiping the blood from her mouth onto the back of her hand. "I think we're in some sort of competition." Wonder what tipped her off...
?It's a dance competition. I think I just lost my partner...whoever she was.? Ghent couldn't see the girl any longer, of course. He glanced down to the "5" he was holding and shook his head.
The music suddenly quieted, as the loudspeaker started to rumble. It mentioned the solo competition, and even called Ghent's name, as he had apparently pulled the short straw.
Ada looked up at the loudspeaker, then back to Ghent. "Uh... right. Well, I don't seem to have a partner..."
?I'll be your partner, of course.? Ghent saw no way out of the current situation than to just play along. He didn't know what time they were in, but it didn't seem like there was much choice in the matter at this point. He scowled a bit when he heard his name. ?Let's go.?
She couldn't help but giggle a little bit -- partnering up with Ghent for some sort of dance competition was something she never imagined would happen. So, she grabbed his hand and started in the direction of the announcements. Both were quickly ushered into the clearing around the dance floor.
"What music?" There was a manager, demanding away in Ghent's ear. Ada, meanwhile, was putting the sticky letter on the back of Ghent's shirt.
?What music?? Ghent looked surprised as he repeated the question. He had never done anything even remotely similar to a dance competition, so he had no clue he was supposed to pick the music. He only knew songs from Earth, as Heorians usually just replayed what music came over the odd airwaves the planets shared. ?I don't really know...?
The manager rolled his eyes and made a spinning motion to the DJ. "Get out there," was his only comment, before he went to go and talk to another contestant.
Ada shooed Ghent towards the open dance floor, showing him her fingers were crossed for him. She didn't say anything, though. And a thumping beat started in the background.
Of course, Ghent was more than nervous. It likely didn't show on his face, but really, he had no clue what to do. Dancing was a bit like fighting, right? Move fluidly, confidently. Ghent shook his head and little and finally finished getting out to the middle of the floor.
The music started to pulse and fill the club. The lights and lasers were put into motion, and before there was much of a chance for Ghent to change his mind, the whole club was jumping. Already, Ada was moving with the music, and was likely easy to pick out, since her arm was glowing so brightly, and in so many different colors.
Ghent sighed and listened for a few seconds as the music changed. Luckily, he had heard the song before. A nod later and he was in motion -- quick steps to the right that were timed with the bass. As the music shifted again and became more dynamic, Ghent mouthed the words. He planted both of his hands to the floor and swayed his body left to right, suddenly, he dropped his grip and was spinning on his head.
The crowd was going wild, and Ada just stood by the side of the dance floor, mouth hanging open. She was seeing a side of Ghent she'd been completely unaware of. And, well, she felt he might have been unaware of it, too. Of course, she still cheered for him, yelling out her praise and listening to everyone cheer. It was not a type of moment Ada was used to, but she seemed to be enjoying it.
Of course, once Ghent had the rhythm and could hear the response, it only encouraged him. In a move that was more martial arts training than dancing, he came out of the head spin with a high angled kick. The momentum was enough to spring him to his feet. He spared a brief glance at Ada, but was on the move again afterward. The beat picked up and Ghent moved in time with it. One foot in front of the other in fairly quick succession, it gave the illusion of moving, though he wasn't actually going anywhere. The beat stopped and so did he. No motion. When it came back, Ghent took a couple of steps backward and then flipped himself. He landed in a push-up position, which he actually did a pair of with his right hand behind his back.
The audience seemed impressed, and nearly cheers overtop the music. But when the beat came back, everyone started moving again, and it was just loud music again. Towards the end of the song, the DJ came over the speaker and called out, "Would you give it up for number 5, everyone? He sure defended his title, didn't he?"
?Title?? Ghent murmured the question to himself as he stood back on his feet. He wiped at his brow with a hand. He hadn't exerted himself like that in a while and certainly not in that way. He was rather stunned with himself when he headed back towards the crowd to get to Ada.
They announced the next solo dancer, and that person was already trying to take Ghent's alleged title. On the sidelines, Ada looked like she was just going to explode. As he got closer, she seemed to bounce excitedly, obviously ready to say or do something.
Ghent was embarrassed more than anything. He certainly smiled at Ada once he made it to her, but he put a hand behind his head and scratched at his scalp. That action only seemed to come out when he was feeling sheepish or bashful.
As soon as he was close enough, Ada threw her arms around him and hugged him pretty tight. "That was amazing! You looked like a pro!" Even if he was supposed to be a pro, according to the announcer. "Oh, I'm so proud of you!"
?I had to do something...? He was still smiling, but all the praise was making him blush. He hoped all the lights would mask that, despite the burn he felt in his cheeks. He spoke just loudly enough to be heard.
She pecked him on the cheek and gave another squeeze before letting him go again. "Should we go?" Ada wasn't sure what to do, since they had ended up there. There seemed to be more dancing to come, and she wasn't sure if they were supposed to stay or not.
?I haven't the slightest.? Ghent's competitive side forced him to take a glance at the contestant who was currently trying to best him. He didn't say a word about it, however.
"I think we should go!" She reached out and took Ghent's hand, pulling him in the direction of the nearest exit. The music was still blaring, but it seemed to be getting less obtrusive, as they neared the outside walls. Ada didn't stop until a big seven blocked her way. And behind the sticker, there was a large man, who was dressed like a dancer, and didn't look happy about Ghent and Ada teaming up.
Ghent frowned, of course. There was a five to match him, there had to have been a seven for Ada. He didn't let go of Ada's hand, but he did lift his dark eyes slightly to see exactly whom the seven belonged to.
And weren't they lucky? It turned out to be Jad behind the seven -- only Jad who had eaten the proper veggies, because he was huge and looked a lot like a body builder. "Ditchin' me, now? Before pairs?"
Ada frowned and shooed Jad aside. "We're done. I'm sorry..."
Jad looked surprised, and pointed at Ghent, "And you?"
?Uh...yes, I'm done as well. I'm sure someone will outperform me.? Ghent squinted at the fellow for a moment and shook his head. ?See you around, Tyler. ? He hoped they knew each other in this odd place as well, or he might end up getting punched.
Jad shook his head and moved aside. "Whatever. I'll send her stuff over." It seemed things had been more personal than just dance partners.
Still, Ada seemed relieved and squeezed Ghent's hand, before pushing her way out the door. It opened up into a dark alley, which was much quieter and darker than inside had been...
((This is adapted and edited from the play of March 19th, 2008, with permission. For more information, please PM Adalia Dodd.))
There was a hole in time -- a hole that cut through dimensions and crossed paths to worlds where things were completely different. When the pressure of time would build up, there would be a hiccup. Time would displace people -- throw them through dimensions, and put them somewhere completely different...
In this case, Ada and Ghent were lucky. There were worse places they could have ended up; however, when time pulled them from the basement of some twenty years before their present, it hadn't done so without some consideration. Which was why Ghent was standing outside a crowded bathroom in which Ada seemed to be trapped in. There was a lot of lights and loud music. Despite everything, time had been kind enough to at least dress them for the occasion.
Ghent blinked a few times and looked around. ?What the hell?? There were a few other men standing around, presumably waiting on their dates in the restroom. Ghent thought to reach for his gun, but it wasn't there. That made his brow furrow. The music was near deafening, from his perspective. One of the taller men lifted a brow at Ghent, who suddenly had seemed very confused.
Ada was being squished between bodies, and before she could stop, she'd poked herself in the teeth with the lipstick she was apparently trying to apply. There had to be at least ten other girls trying to use the mirror. For a second, Ada tried to get out of the group, but before she walked away completely, she made sure to get the lipstick off of her teeth.
"Getting antsy, kid?" The taller fellow, who was a few inches higher in height than the not so short Ghent, smirked at the Major. Some lewd reference, most likely.
Ghent peered at the man before him. It'd be obvious Ghent hadn't dressed himself, as he looked rather slick at that time. He had on a cotton black shirt that had some odd zigzag design and a zipper in the middle. His jeans were a slightly faded blue and tighter than Ghent would ever allow. His hair was spiked as it had been before the incident in Heor. When he realized what he was wearing, Ghent grumbled. He did, however, feel the sheath of his knife pressed against his back. ?Antsy? No, I don't think so.?
When Ada finally made her way out the door, two started shoving each other to see who would take Ada's spot in the bathroom. She watched for a second, then tried to understand some about her surroundings. Of course, there was a mass of people and nothing but music.
She was dressed much different than usual -- her hair was its normal color, but it was up in pigtails and teased into frizzy puffs. There was a checkered miniskirt, two belts, and a black t-shirt with a skull on it. She certainly looked lively, if nothing else.
Ghent saw Ada come out of the bathroom and quickly went to grab hold of her arm. He sighed a bit and shook his head. He had no idea what the hell was going on. He certainly didn't remember coming somewhere this loud. He blinked when he finally got a good look at Ada. It made him stop in his tracks completely.
"Ghent!" She was yelling as loud as she could, but it would still be hard to hear her. "What's happened?" Her arm reached out to grab his, trying to pull through the crowd to get closer. Of course, something wasn't right about that, because a moment later, there was movement in the crowd.
Everything lurched and moved, as the crowd started moving around where Ada had been. The crowd started cheering, and chanting. It sounded like "fight, fight, fight," but before Ghent would be able to think about it too much, there would be a taptaptap on his shoulder.
Even in these situations, Ghent knew when something was wrong. He certainly didn't know anyone present. Ghent paused slightly after the tapping. There was no way to warn Ada, so he tried to push her away a bit before he slammed his right foot directly behind him.
Someone wasn't happy. The person went down immediately, and seemed to stammer, trying to talk over the music. "S-sir! We're s-starting!" He shielded his face with one arm and held up a big sticker with "5" written on it. Over top the number, it said, "Rhy'Din Dance Off."
Meanwhile, Ada was apparently in some sort of catfight with another girl. There was some hair-pulling happening, but fore the most part, Ada had an advantage with the robot arm with displays that changed color with the music.
Ghent blinked at the sticker the man had lifted. He certainly made a mistake. He practically yelled over the music, as he offered the man a hand up. ?Forgive me for that! You snuck up on me!? He was unaware of Ada's catfight, as all the noise did a lot to kill Ghent's senses. He relied on his hearing at least as much as his sight.
The sticker was shoved into his hands, and the man righted himself. He seemed to be all right, so he leaned in to talk to Ghent. "Get your partner and meet up for solos in 5!" Then the man leaned back and turned to leave.
The crowd was still chanting, and making sure no one got in the way of Ada and the other girl, who was wearing a black top (halfway, at least) and a jean skirt. Ada was already holding the girl's face into the steel plate flooring, the other arm held back and ready to punch.
Ghent forced his way into the crowd to look for Ada. He had the sticker, of course. One look at Ghent's face would alarm the person that he was not at all happy. He saw Ada as he managed to get near the end of the crowd. He shoved his way into the open space that had been left for the fighting.
The girl on the ground was wearing a sticker on her back, but Ada was obscuring most of it, as she was sitting down on the girl's back to keep her pinned. There was a number on Ada's back, too, but she was wearing a cape with a lightning bolt logo on it, so her number was mostly hidden, too. Both girls' mouths were bleeding, although Ada had obviously come out for the better.
?Don't try anything!? Ghent warned the girl on the ground as he approached the pair. He looked at Ada afterward. ?Ada, come one, we need to go!? Things just always seemed to get more odd. Ghent shook his head a little.
The girl on the ground seemed shocked. But Ada pressed her face into the floor again, and stood up. She brushed herself off, giving the girl a glare, but then fell in line with Ghent. "Let's go."
As Ada moved, the girl on the ground pointed at Ghent and shrieked. "If you dance with her, we're over!" The sticker was a number 5 to match Ghent's, while Ada's was obviously a 7. "I always knew you liked those... those street girls!" But, before Ghent could even answer, the girl had stood up, pushed some people out of the way, and was leaving.
?...What the f*ck?? Normally, Ghent wouldn't be so vulgar, but he was very much confused. He looked at Ada for a moment, then to the retreating girl, and to his sticker. He had no idea what to do. ?Are you all right?? He got close to Ada and spoke in a normal tone. Any lower and she likely wouldn't have heard him.
Ada glanced to the spot in the crowd where Ghent's old dance partner had disappeared, then looked to him. "She started it." It was a matter-of-fact tone, as started wiping the blood from her mouth onto the back of her hand. "I think we're in some sort of competition." Wonder what tipped her off...
?It's a dance competition. I think I just lost my partner...whoever she was.? Ghent couldn't see the girl any longer, of course. He glanced down to the "5" he was holding and shook his head.
The music suddenly quieted, as the loudspeaker started to rumble. It mentioned the solo competition, and even called Ghent's name, as he had apparently pulled the short straw.
Ada looked up at the loudspeaker, then back to Ghent. "Uh... right. Well, I don't seem to have a partner..."
?I'll be your partner, of course.? Ghent saw no way out of the current situation than to just play along. He didn't know what time they were in, but it didn't seem like there was much choice in the matter at this point. He scowled a bit when he heard his name. ?Let's go.?
She couldn't help but giggle a little bit -- partnering up with Ghent for some sort of dance competition was something she never imagined would happen. So, she grabbed his hand and started in the direction of the announcements. Both were quickly ushered into the clearing around the dance floor.
"What music?" There was a manager, demanding away in Ghent's ear. Ada, meanwhile, was putting the sticky letter on the back of Ghent's shirt.
?What music?? Ghent looked surprised as he repeated the question. He had never done anything even remotely similar to a dance competition, so he had no clue he was supposed to pick the music. He only knew songs from Earth, as Heorians usually just replayed what music came over the odd airwaves the planets shared. ?I don't really know...?
The manager rolled his eyes and made a spinning motion to the DJ. "Get out there," was his only comment, before he went to go and talk to another contestant.
Ada shooed Ghent towards the open dance floor, showing him her fingers were crossed for him. She didn't say anything, though. And a thumping beat started in the background.
Of course, Ghent was more than nervous. It likely didn't show on his face, but really, he had no clue what to do. Dancing was a bit like fighting, right? Move fluidly, confidently. Ghent shook his head and little and finally finished getting out to the middle of the floor.
The music started to pulse and fill the club. The lights and lasers were put into motion, and before there was much of a chance for Ghent to change his mind, the whole club was jumping. Already, Ada was moving with the music, and was likely easy to pick out, since her arm was glowing so brightly, and in so many different colors.
Ghent sighed and listened for a few seconds as the music changed. Luckily, he had heard the song before. A nod later and he was in motion -- quick steps to the right that were timed with the bass. As the music shifted again and became more dynamic, Ghent mouthed the words. He planted both of his hands to the floor and swayed his body left to right, suddenly, he dropped his grip and was spinning on his head.
The crowd was going wild, and Ada just stood by the side of the dance floor, mouth hanging open. She was seeing a side of Ghent she'd been completely unaware of. And, well, she felt he might have been unaware of it, too. Of course, she still cheered for him, yelling out her praise and listening to everyone cheer. It was not a type of moment Ada was used to, but she seemed to be enjoying it.
Of course, once Ghent had the rhythm and could hear the response, it only encouraged him. In a move that was more martial arts training than dancing, he came out of the head spin with a high angled kick. The momentum was enough to spring him to his feet. He spared a brief glance at Ada, but was on the move again afterward. The beat picked up and Ghent moved in time with it. One foot in front of the other in fairly quick succession, it gave the illusion of moving, though he wasn't actually going anywhere. The beat stopped and so did he. No motion. When it came back, Ghent took a couple of steps backward and then flipped himself. He landed in a push-up position, which he actually did a pair of with his right hand behind his back.
The audience seemed impressed, and nearly cheers overtop the music. But when the beat came back, everyone started moving again, and it was just loud music again. Towards the end of the song, the DJ came over the speaker and called out, "Would you give it up for number 5, everyone? He sure defended his title, didn't he?"
?Title?? Ghent murmured the question to himself as he stood back on his feet. He wiped at his brow with a hand. He hadn't exerted himself like that in a while and certainly not in that way. He was rather stunned with himself when he headed back towards the crowd to get to Ada.
They announced the next solo dancer, and that person was already trying to take Ghent's alleged title. On the sidelines, Ada looked like she was just going to explode. As he got closer, she seemed to bounce excitedly, obviously ready to say or do something.
Ghent was embarrassed more than anything. He certainly smiled at Ada once he made it to her, but he put a hand behind his head and scratched at his scalp. That action only seemed to come out when he was feeling sheepish or bashful.
As soon as he was close enough, Ada threw her arms around him and hugged him pretty tight. "That was amazing! You looked like a pro!" Even if he was supposed to be a pro, according to the announcer. "Oh, I'm so proud of you!"
?I had to do something...? He was still smiling, but all the praise was making him blush. He hoped all the lights would mask that, despite the burn he felt in his cheeks. He spoke just loudly enough to be heard.
She pecked him on the cheek and gave another squeeze before letting him go again. "Should we go?" Ada wasn't sure what to do, since they had ended up there. There seemed to be more dancing to come, and she wasn't sure if they were supposed to stay or not.
?I haven't the slightest.? Ghent's competitive side forced him to take a glance at the contestant who was currently trying to best him. He didn't say a word about it, however.
"I think we should go!" She reached out and took Ghent's hand, pulling him in the direction of the nearest exit. The music was still blaring, but it seemed to be getting less obtrusive, as they neared the outside walls. Ada didn't stop until a big seven blocked her way. And behind the sticker, there was a large man, who was dressed like a dancer, and didn't look happy about Ghent and Ada teaming up.
Ghent frowned, of course. There was a five to match him, there had to have been a seven for Ada. He didn't let go of Ada's hand, but he did lift his dark eyes slightly to see exactly whom the seven belonged to.
And weren't they lucky? It turned out to be Jad behind the seven -- only Jad who had eaten the proper veggies, because he was huge and looked a lot like a body builder. "Ditchin' me, now? Before pairs?"
Ada frowned and shooed Jad aside. "We're done. I'm sorry..."
Jad looked surprised, and pointed at Ghent, "And you?"
?Uh...yes, I'm done as well. I'm sure someone will outperform me.? Ghent squinted at the fellow for a moment and shook his head. ?See you around, Tyler. ? He hoped they knew each other in this odd place as well, or he might end up getting punched.
Jad shook his head and moved aside. "Whatever. I'll send her stuff over." It seemed things had been more personal than just dance partners.
Still, Ada seemed relieved and squeezed Ghent's hand, before pushing her way out the door. It opened up into a dark alley, which was much quieter and darker than inside had been...
((This is adapted and edited from the play of March 19th, 2008, with permission. For more information, please PM Adalia Dodd.))