Put To the Test
Maka's POV
I looked at the mirror and looked at myself and sighed. I loved being able to sing on that stage, it just felt so right . . . I've always wanted to sing for a living, but . . . Suddenly flashes that night ran through my head and I closed my eyes tightly and then suddenly I heard footsteps. I turned around to see seven people walking toward me. Suddenly I recognized all but one person. They all stared at me, which made me a little uncomfortable and nervous.
"Maka Albarn . . . is it?" The one guy I didn't recognize asked.
"Y-Yes . . ." I replied and he held out is hand and I shook it.
"It's a pleasure to meet a talented girl like yourself. My name is Stein and theses people behind me, well . . ." Stein said.
Suddenly they began to take off their disguises and my eyes widen a little bit to surprise. They all smiled at me but one, however I ignored it.
"Oh you're the band Soul Eater . . . No wonder you looked familiar . . ." I replied and they looked a little shocked.
"Did I say something wrong?" I questioned and they just laughed and smiled at me.
"No it's just the first time, someone who knows us doesn't flip out and ask for our autographs!" The girl named Liz said.
"Oh . . . so wait a minute, what brings a popular band like you doing at a bar/club like this?" I questioned.
"We just happened to stop by . . ." The guy named Soul said and he kind of gave me a death glare.
"You see we've been on a search to find a girl vocalist for our band . . . We think with a girl vocalist we will rise to be number one's greatest band around the world!" The guy named Kid explained.
"So is that why your back here to speak to me?" I questioned.
"Hey don't go jumping to conclu-!" Soul shouted, but was quickly stopped by Stein who held a hand over his mouth.
"Actually yes . . . that's exactly why we're here. We would like to offer you the chance to be part of Soul Eater!" Stein said.
"You totally rocked it out there!" The girl named Patti shouted.
"You were just amazing Maka!" The girl named Tsubaki said with a smile.
"Yeah, you should totally join our band!" Liz replied.
"You may not be such a great star like me, but with my training and advice I think you'll manage somehow!" The guy named Black Star said.
"So what do you say? Are you in?" Kid asked.
"Y-You really . . . want m-me to join!?" I stuttered.
They all nodded their heads, except that Soul guy. He was just looking away. I thought about it for a moment and then opened the curtain a little and saw Sid laughing and my good for nothing father. I'll admit this isn't a glamorous life, but it was still my life. . . Suddenly memories flooded threw my head again as I remembered something. I quickly turned away from the curtains and faced them.
"Can I think about it?" I questioned and they looked at me surprised.
"Sure . . . we leave tomorrow though . . . I've got to say though . . . Usually most people would jump at a chance like this." Stein said.
"Well . . . I'm not like most people . . ." I replied.
I bowed my head to them and then left with a lot of thinking to do.
Soul's POV
"Do you really think she'll join us?" Tsubaki asked.
"I really hope so; I haven't seen someone with that kind of Soul and passion in a long time!" Liz exclaimed as she laid on the couch of our tour bus.
"That's just what are band needs more of too." Kid replied.
"Guys! How many times do we have to tell you!? We don't need anyone, we can get to number one by ourselves!" I shouted.
"Even, so Soul . . . I have a feeling she might be good for this band . . . even if you disagree . . ." Liz replied and I got up from where I sat and decided to go to sleep.
Maka's POV
I sat in my bed and couldn't sleep a wink. I kept thinking about the offer today. I really want a shot at this whole band thing especially since it's with Soul Eater, but . . . Was I ready for that life again . . . Memories flooded once again into my head, but then I quickly heard voices outside my door. I could hear my father outside my door with another one of his lady friends. I was so sick of this! I looked at my mother's picture on my night stand and saw Papa, Mamma, and me all happy like a family.
Of course that all changed when Mamma found out about Papa cheating on her and she left me all alone . . . The last thing I ever received from her was a postcard with a note saying I will love you always my dear Maka and will always be thinking of you . . . Suddenly I began to feel sad, but then I shuck my head. To be honest I hated my life right now . . . always the honor student, the good two shoes, I want to change all that and be who I want to be. I want to sing with that band!
Morning came quick and I started packing like crazy. I also grabbed my guitar as well. Can't leave without it. I looked at my room one last time and I looked in the mirror and smiled. This is what I want . . . I placed a note on my dresser for my father in case he wonders where I am. He knows my number in case he needs to call, but I probably won't answer. I opened my bedroom window and started to climb out of my room. I landed on the fire escape and started to climb down with my stuff.
Just one more stop before I leave. I went back to Luck Thirteen and saw Sid already at the bar getting ready. He greeted me with a warm smile as I went over to him.
"I take it you're leaving to accept that offer?" Sid said to my surprise.
"How did you know?" I questioned.
"That's because I came to see if you would accept our offer." A voice said behind me and it was Stein.
"I know this is what you always dreamed of Maka, so please be careful and come back and visit sometime." Sid smiled and I quickly hugged him and he hugged me back.
"I will . . . I promise . . ." I replied.
"So are you ready Maka?" Stein asked and I slowly nodded my head and he smiled.
He led me to a huge tour bus that was almost as big a normal size house. He stepped inside the tour bus and I quickly followed behind. Stein introduced me to the bus driver Justin, but he didn't really pay attention since, he was listening to some really loud music through his ear buds. Stein then opened the door and I saw all the band members talking and laughing in what seemed like the lounge area. I took one step in and all eyes were on me. Suddenly Liz and Patti hugged me tightly causing me to fall back and Tsubaki helped me up.
Black Star and Kid shook hands with me and greeted me warmly. I turned to Soul and noticed he was glaring at me and I shivered a little bit. Liz then gave a glare to Soul and he just growled. Soul then turned his head away from me.
"Well I'll let you all get to know each other while I work on the tour." Stein said and left.
"So Maka, why don't you tell a little bit about yourself?" Liz said and I saw all eyes were on me.
"Uh . . . Well as you know I worked at a waitress and sort of singer at the Lucky Thirteen . . . I graduated high school at 16 and I'm currently 18 . . . umm . . . My parents are divorced and that's really about it." I replied.
"You graduated when you were only 16?" Tsubaki asked shocked.
"Yup," I replied.
"Talented and smart," Kid said and I blushed a little.
"So what made you want to join our band in the first place Maka?" Black Star questioned and I saw Soul now staring at me and waited for my answer.
"Well . . . To be honest, this has always been a dream of mine to be in a band." I answered.
"Have you been in a band before?" Patti asked and I flinched a little by that question and gave a small smile.
"Yeah . . . but . . . it just didn't work out . . . However, I never expected in a million years to be a part of Sour Eater!" I exclaimed and suddenly I heard a loud bang on the table.
I turned and saw Soul glaring at me. I could see through his crimson red eyes that he wasn't exactly happy I was here. He got up from where I was and walked toward me and when he got close, I fell back on the couch as he stared me down.
"You're not part of the band yet! I need proof that you're good enough to be in this band, before I can accept you!" Soul shouted.
"Soul!" Liz said grabbing his shoulder, but he shrugged it off.
"It's ok Liz . . . What do I need to prove to you in order to apart of this band?" I questioned and he smirked and he leaned closer to my face making me a bit nervous and I blushed a little.
"One song . . . of my choice . . . You sing the song perfectly and then I'll accept you. Do we have a deal?" Soul said.
"You've got a deal." I replied and he lifted his hand to me and I shook it and then walked away.
"He doesn't really seem to like me very such does he?" I asked and they all gave a weak laugh.
"Don't worry Maka . . . He has a hard time trusting people that's all, but soon he'll accept you." Liz replied and I gave a confused look.
"He doesn't trust people?" I questioned.
"No need to worry about that, but more importantly you should be prepared for what Soul has planned for you." Black Star said.
Soul's POV
Suddenly Kid entered the room and I could already tell what he was going to say.
"You know . . . you should really give her a chance Soul . . . She's not as bad as you think . . . She's a really nice girl . . ." Kid said and I groaned.
"Look if this girl is going to be in our band, I need to test and see how good she is . . . I'll admit she's got talent, but until she can sing one of our hard songs I don't really care . . ." I said and laid on my bed.
"All I'm saying is just try and be a little nicer to her ok? She already feels like an outsider as it is." Kid said and left.
Maka's POV
The tour bus stopped and Justin told us to leave so him so he could get some rest before we head back on the road. As I exited the bus with everyone, I looked around and stared at everything at amazement. I never traveled much, but I always wanted to travel around the world.
"Hey . . . Tiny Tits let's go!" I heard Soul call out and I glared at him and he just smirked.
I followed him and the rest of the group. We headed to this bar and once I stepped inside, my eyes went wide open. There were tons of people and some really great music. I saw some singers on stage with a band rock it out. I was so amazed . . . Suddenly I kept bumping into people, until Liz, Patti, and Tsubaki helped me. They were really nice to me and even considered me their friend. We made our way backstage as some guards let us in. I was a little confused, but then Soul threw some clothes at me.
"Go change you perform in about ten minutes . . ." Soul said and my eyes went wide open.
"Wait! I'm singing right now!? I didn't even get to practice the song!" I cried and he smirked.
"Exactly . . . To be a singer, you got to be prepared for the unthinkable . . . Now go get changed, unless you've given up?"
I glared at him and then left in a huff to go in change. Liz helped me get ready since, she's like some fashionista as Patti and Tsubaki helped me feel less nervous.
"Don't worry Maka you'll be fine . . . I'm sure you'll do great!" Tsubaki said cheering me up.
"Just don't think about yourself messing up, or tripping on stage, or-!" Patti exclaimed.
"Not helping Sis!" Liz shouted and Patti apologized and I got nervous again.
"There all done . . . Now you look hot, that no one will be able to take their eyes off you!" Liz shouted and everyone nodded.
I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed trying to stay calm. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and Soul, Black Star, and Kid entered. They all grinned at me as I blushed. Soul then handed me a piece of paper . . . It was the song I was supposed to sing.
"Make You Believe by Lucy Hale . . . I've heard of this song like maybe once or twice!" I exclaimed and fear rose in me.
"Well you're on in about two minutes . . . Break a leg . . ." Soul said leaving.
I looked at everyone who just tried to comfort me. Not long after they left and told me to just look at them in the front row in case I get to scared or nervous. I know stood on the side of the stage waiting to be called up. My heart was racing and I felt my pulse rising. I was so nervous right now! Suddenly they called my name and I slowly made my way to the stage. Wow . . . this was a big crowd . . . There must be like a hundred people . . . I've only sung in front of maybe thirty . . . I looked to the band as they waited for my cue. I looked out and saw everyone was waiting for me to start. I looked to the front and saw everyone who smiled at me and I smiled back. I saw Soul smirking at me as I held the microphone close to me and with that I turned my back to the band and they began to play.
Plug in the mic, open the curtains. Turn on the lights, I'm through rehearsing.
I turned toward the crowd with a look of determination and began singing with confidence.
"The feeling ignites, I'm in control. The crowds in the palm of my hands. All my fans stand, what is the truth? What's an illusion? You're searching for proof, but are you certain? Whatever you see is what you get. If words paint a picture then I betcha I can getcha yet.
I started swaying my hips with the music and using hand gestures to create the mood of the song.
"I'll make you believe in me. I can be what you want me to be, tonight is the night. Where I make you see, that I can be anything, anything, anything."
I glanced toward everyone who was cheering my on like the rest of the crowd. Then I glanced at Soul and pointed to him as I sang this verse and I saw him give a grin.
"I'll make you believe in me. I can be what you want me to be, tonight is the night.
Where I make you see. That I can be anything, anything, anything."
I started to get more into the song after this verse and acted a little sexier.
"I got nothing to lose, I've been exposed. I'm paying my dues, playing the role. I'm breaking the rules, flowing the flow. I've got the whole world nodding "yes" like some bobble heads."
I started to dance and sing more and nod my head to the beat of the song and caught another glance at Soul who was actually smiling. "I'll break a sweat, if you wanna. Confess all your sins, you know you got 'em. The rooms in a spin, the fever's pitched. I swear there's no doubt I'm legit, I'm no counterfeit."
I looked away from him and then back to the crowd and pointed at myself as I smile to them as they cheered me on.
"I'll make you believe in me. I can be what you want me to be, tonight is the night
Where I make you see. That I can be anything, anything, anything. I'll make you believe in me. I can be what you want me to be, tonight is the night. Where I make you see. That I can be anything, anything, anything."
I sang my heart out to the crowd and I could hear my new friends cheering me on, including Soul who I saw grinning at me.
"I'm not shy, boy I can be what you want. Your bright shiny toy, you just have to respond. The clock never stops, but baby, it's time. There's no doubt in my mind. That I can make you believe."
I acted a lot sexier for this part and I even got some guys to have a nose bleed, which was pretty cool. Then I got down on my knees as I sang at the ending of that verse.
"I can be what you want me to be, tonight is the night. Where I make you see. That I can be anything, anything, anything.
Then I got back up from the ground and continued to dance and sing and point to the crowd and gave them a smile.
"I'll make you believe in me. I can be what you want me to be, tonight is the night. Where I make you see. That I can be anything, anything, anything. I'll make you believe in me. I can be what you want me to be, tonight is the night. Where I make you see. That I can be anything, anything, anything. I'll make you believe in me. I can be what you want me to be, tonight is the night. Where I make you see. That I can be anything, anything, anything. You want from me . . ."
Once the song ended I waved and then glanced to Soul and gave a wink to him and I saw him give a small chuckle. I blew a kiss to the crowd and said my good-byes and headed off stage. Once I changed back to my clothes I was greeted by everyone who kept giving my compliments. Suddenly Soul came toward me and everyone went silent. Soul held out a hand to me and I took it and he gave a small smile.
"Alright, I guess I'll have to accept you . . ." He said and my eyes went widen in shock.
Soon everyone cheered and hugged me tightly and I smiled at everyone. I've met a lot of great people today and for the first time in a long time, I felt happy . . .
