Okay, finally this story gets an update. I decided to update now instead of later. What's more, this is where the real fun starts. Get ready to feel the heat. R&R, PM, and Enjoy!
Chapter 14
Miami, Florida, 10:35am
The group arrived at the Karaoke Crab; a beach-themed resturaunt that had table, booth, and bar seating and a small stage with some technical equipment for the lyrics and microphone. A waitress came up to them, and said, "Welcome to the Karaoke Crab. Table for ten?" Robert nodded, and she led them to a booth table near the stage. They seated themselves and ordered drinks, and she asked if they would like to look at the song list. "We have karaoke Monday through Saturday, and on Saturdays we have showdowns."
"Showdowns?" Maka asked, interested in what it could be.
"Yes, two singers each sing one song and the audience chooses who they thought was the winner."
"I'll do a showdown," Robert said, a knowing grin on his face.
"Alright, I will need your name and the name of who you are challenging."
Robert thought for a moment, then said, "I'm Robert Greenwood, and I challenge Guy Johnson."
Guy smirked and stood, "You're on."
The waitress told them to follow her and Robert thought to himself, 'Wait, I can't sing. Why did I-'
"Because I told you to." Robert turned around, watching Guy walk behind him. "Not him, you idiot. I am the voice in your head, a part of you."
'Let me guess, the other voices are also part of me?'
"Quite correct, but we will only show ourselves when an opportunity presents itself."
'Oh, like when you told me Guy was going to take Maka away from me?'
"There are things that I know that you don't. For example, Guy isn't who he says he is." Before Robert could reply, a big slap on the back literally knocked him out of his thoughts.
"Robert Greenwood, haven't seen you in a long time." Robert turned around and smiled.
"Likewise, Big John." Big John was a well built man with tousled black hair and stubble. He wore a dirty white shirt, white apron, and tan shorts.
"Ha ha, its been what, five or six years since you last came here? Last time I saw you, I could pick you up and set you on top of the freezer." Big John laughed, Robert chuckling a bit.
"Yeah."
"So how have you and your folks been?"
Robert looked away, and said, "My dad...he left."
Big John patted his back, and said, "Sorry to hear that. Well, almost time for the showdown." He handed Robert a composition notebook, "All the songs are there, just say which song number you want and we'll get it set up for you." Robert saw he was right next to the stage and sat down on one of the steps. He looked through the list and began to think about the last time he came here.
Flashback
It was six years ago. Robert and his dad had arrived at the Karaoke Crab about an hour after arriving in Miami. They were on their annual father son trip, and Robert chose to go to Miami this year. They would only be here for a day, then return home in the evening. They went to an amusement park for almost the entire day, then went to the Karaoke Crab for dinner.
They met Big John for the first time, and his father requested Robert sing a song. Robert picked the easiest one he could find and whispered it into his father's ear. He was given a microphone and walked onto the stage. He opened his eyes as the music began, and froze. There were so many people, he didn't want all these eyes on him. He felt a hand on his shoulder and noticed the music wasn't playing anymore. He looked over his shoulder and saw his father with a microphone in his hand.
"It's alright, Robert," he said, "I'll be right here, singing along with you the entire way." Robert's fear went away, and he faced the crowd once again, and the two began to sing, "This Little Light of Mine".
Flashback End
Robert was brought out of his thoughts by the same voice from before, "What are you doing idiot?! Pick a song already!"
"I know which one to pick." It was the female voice this time, "Song number 67." Robert looked down at the page and saw the song she indicated.
"You have got to be kidding me."
"Robert!" Robert snapped up to see Big John standing in front of him, "You got a song picked or what?"
'Screw it.' "Song 67." Big John nodded and told him to get on stage. Robert set the composition book on the seat and walked up the steps, Guy already up on stage.
"Okay, folks," Big John announced into the microphone, "are we having a good time?" The crowd cheered, and Big John said, "Alright, well its time for a showdown!" He held the last word out, pointing his finger out to the now chanting crowd.
"Showdown! Showdown! Showdown!"
"Today, our contestants are Guy Johnson," he waved to the crowd, greeted with cheers from mostly the girls. "and Robert Greenwood," a bit louder cheer than Guy's, and Robert smirked. "Now, today is a very special day. In this showdown, we have a special effect on the contestant's performance; singing in a low voice, singing a completely randomized song, who knows what'll happen!?" He pulled a slip of paper from his pocket, and said, "And our effect is...Song Swap! Contestants must now sing each other's songs!" The crowd cheered and Big John gave the two a slip of paper. Robert looked at what he would now be singing, Monster by Skillet, and the voice said, "Perfect."
Big John directed Robert off stage and said into the mic, "Our first contestant is Guy Johnson, singing I'm a Believer by Smash Mouth!" The crowd cheered and Guy took the mic. As the music began, Robert walked off towards the restroom and went in. He went up to the sink and ran some cold water. He cupped his hands and rubbed his face, trying to clear his head.
He heard the door open and close, momentarily letting in the music, and heard someone behind him say, "You okay, man?" Robert looked up and saw Soul in the mirror. Robert nodded and pulled some paper towels out, and Soul said, "Maka wanted me to come check on you." Soul walked over to one of the stalls and opened the door. He paused for a moment, and asked, "So why did you pick that song?"
Robert was silent for a moment, and made up, "It was a random choice. I was about to pick another one, but it was too late." Soul nodded and went into the stall. Robert wiped his face with the paper towels, and wadded them up after. He looked into the mirror, taking his glasses off then putting them back on.
Suddenly, his reflection winked at him. Robert's eyes widened, and the reflection said, "Don't worry, it's just me." Robert recognized it as the voice he had been hearing the most, "I'm just here to tell you something. You won't win this contest on your own, so you'll need my help. When the song comes on, just let me take over." Robert heard the crowd cheering, meaning Guy had finished, and his reflection said, "Better hurry." His reflection went back to normal and he heard Soul flush the toilet. Robert immediately left the restroom and walked up to Big John.
"Your ready?" Robert nodded and Big John handed him a hands-free mic. "You can do whatever you need to improve your performance: body movements, voice tone, whatever. Just give them a good show." Robert attached the mic to his ear and got up on stage.
"And now," Big John announced, "our second contestant, Robert Greenwood singing Monster by Skillet!" The crowd cheered and Robert looked out at the crowd.
"Just let me take over."
'Fine, have it your way.'
As the music came on, Robert's vision suddenly turned red. He felt intense pain in his head, and gripped it tightly with both hands. He began to stumble back, holding one hand behind him, then stumbled forward onto one knee.
The secret side of me, I never let you see. I keep it caged but I can't control it.
Robert slowly rose to his feet, his voice sounding more gruff than normal.
So stay away from me, the beast is ugly. I feel the rage and I just can't hold it.
Robert staggered back, holding one hand out and looking away from the audience. With his back to the audience, he hunched over and held his head in his hands.
It's scratching on the walls, in the closet in the halls. It comes awake and I can't control it.
Robert slammed an open hand on the ground and began clawing it like he was being pulled away, actually bringing up some of the wood from the stage.
Hiding under the bed, in my body in my head. Why won't somebody come and save me from this make it end!
He clutched his arms and then his head, as if he was tracing a virus. He then turned to the audience, showing only one of his eyes, which was darting back and forth frantically.
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin, I must confess that I feel like a monster. I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun, I must confess that I feel like a monster. I, I, I feel like a monster, I, I, I feel like a monster.
Robert began thrashing around, looking like he was dancing while having a seizure. Half of the time, his face was covered by a hand.
My secret side I keep hid under lock and key, I feel the rage and I just can't hold it.
Robert stopped in the middle of the stage, and raised his head up slowly, revealing an insane-looking smile on his face.
Cause if I let him out he'll tear me up break me down. Why won't somebody come and save me from this make it end!
Robert lifted a shaking hand in front of his face and began moving it down, as if he wasn't in control of it.
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin, I must confess that I feel like a monster. I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun, I must confess that I feel like a monster. I, I, I feel like a monster, I, I, I feel like a monster
Robert began thrashing again, his voice becoming more forced. He began looking around the resturant and noticed Maka and the others, all with uneasy looks on their faces. He then noticed the door opened and saw two people come in. The first was a man with gray hair, a lab coat and a screw in his head; the second was a woman with yellow hair, a black dress and an eyepatch. Both seemed very familiar to him, and the moment they saw him, it was like they knew him.
It's hiding in the dark, its teeth are razor sharp, there's no escape for me it wants my soul it wants my heart. No one can hear me scream, maybe it's just a dream, maybe it's inside of me. Stop this monster!
Darkness began to claw at the edges of his vision, and it felt like he was being stuck with millions of pins and needles. His chest felt tight, and his breath came short. It was like the song was making him go insane.
I feel it deep within it's just beneath the skin, I must confess that I feel like a monster.
Robert stopped center stage, head completely lowered and body shaking violently. He raised his head, one of his eyes glowing red, and on the last four words his voice lowered, making it sound like he was an actual monster.
I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin, I must confess that I feel like a monster. I hate what I've become the nightmare's just begun, I must confess that I feel like a monster. I kind of lose control, it's something radical, I must confess that I feel like a monster. I, I, I feel like a monster. I, I, I feel like a monster. I, I, I feel like a monster.
He once again began to thrash, this time like an animal-a monster even. At the final part of the song, he jumped down to his knees and brought his hands down as the song ended.
His vision went back to normal, and he began to breathe heavily. His ears were ringing, and soon cleared up to hear loud screams and whistles. He looked up to see the entire restaurant was giving him a large applause. He stood up, but was almost knocked down again by Big John.
"Now that was awesome!" He exclaimed. "How about it folks, was it Guy Johnson?" A loud cheer came from the audience. "Or was it Robert Greenwood?" The entire restaurant erupted in cheers, some of them even standing up. "Looks like we got ourselves a winner!" Big John slapped Robert on the back again, and Robert winced. Guy stepped off stage, as Big John asked Robert, "So how do you fell kid? Feel like an encore?"
The crowd began chanting "Encore! Encore!" and Robert smiled. Suddenly, he got a bad feeling in his stomach.
Big John asked again, "You feeling alright?"
"I feel like I'm gonna be sick." Robert jumped off stage, running immediately for the restroom. Once inside, he slammed open the door to the stall and unloaded his breakfast into the, formerly, clean white bowl. He heaved a few times, making sure he wasn't going to do it again. He flushed the toilet and staggered over to the sink. He held onto the sides of the sink, unsure if he was going to fall, and heard the door open. At first, he thought it was Soul again, but instead found it was someone worse.
"Pretty good performance out there." Robert looked at the mirror and saw the reflection of Guy. "I really liked how you moved around the stage. Made you look like an actual monster." Robert coughed, and noticed flecks of red in the bowl. "You know, that song you chose, I bet it was for someone special, am I right?"
"What's it to you?" Robert said, momentarily turning his attention away from the red flecks and into the mirror.
"Oh, just thinking about what would happen."
"What?"
"If you never got the chance to really tell her how you feel." Robert looked in the mirror again, and saw Guy's left iris was sliding down, revealing red underneath. "Soul Protect, Release!" Robert ducked down as the mirror shattered into thousands of pieces, and swept his legs across the ground. He hit his target, but failed in knocking him down. Guy, or whoever he was, reached down and picked him up by the throat.
"You think you can stop me, quarter-witch?" He pulled out something from behind him, and Robert saw it was a flask with green powder inside. He uncorked it with his mouth, and vapor started to come out. He waved it in front of Robert's face, who couldn't do anything but breathe. "Nighty-night," was all he heard before he slipped into unconsciousness.
When he woke up, he found himself in a bed. He could smell ocean water, so he wasn't in a hospital or at the hotel. He opened his eyes and looked around. It was a small room, the walls and ceiling looked like they were made out of a tropical forest. He noticed there was a computer with papers on the desk it was on, at the far end of the room. He saw an IV next to him, which led down to his left arm, and tried to sit up. He heard someone walk in and heard a calming voice say, "Oh good, you're up."
Robert saw Ms. Marie in the doorway with two plastic cups of iced tea in her hands. Robert sat up and took the IV out, even though Ms. Marie objected to it.
Once it was out, Robert leaned back and weakly asked, "Where am I?"
"This is a beach house Stein and I rented. It's modest, and cozy, I just wish Stein hadn't brought his computer along." Ms. Marie handed Robert a cup and he took it carefully. Once he had a firm grip on the cup, he began to drink the cold beverage greedily.
He finished and handed the glass back to Ms. Marie, and asked, "How long was I out?"
"About four hours, almost five." Robert looked at the clock and saw it was already past three, and heard a second voice.
"Good to see you're awake this early." Robert and Marie looked at the doorway to see Stein with an unlit cigarette in his hands. "I assumed you would have woken up later. I even thought of taking you back to Death City." He took the chair next to his computer and brought it over to Robert, sitting in it backwards. "Marie, would you tell the others that Robert is awake?" Marie nodded and left, leaving the two alone.
"Robert," Stein said, turning to grab something off the floor, "what do you see here?" He showed Robert a card with an ink blot on it, and Robert looked. The blot was oddly shaped; in some places it seemed to curl, at the top it looked like an arrow, but one-or rather three-part caught his attention.
There were three spots near the top, close together, that were shaped like eyes, only turned upward. He looked at it only for a short time before he saw the three spots turn red. He moved back a little, and the ink blot suddenly jumped at him, a gaping red mouth ready to swallow him. He rolled off the bed, falling off and landing on his side. He looked up, waiting for the ink blot to show itself. Instead, the head of Dr. Stein appeared.
"It's just as I thought, maybe even worse."
They heard the door open, and Robert heard, "Rorworgah, Robert rokgah."
Robert looked at where the sound had come came from and screamed in terror. In the doorway was the dark figure from his dream. Robert scrambled backwards, knocking down the bedside table with Ms. Marie's tea. "Stay back. Whatever you are, get back!" Robert shouted, trying to get away from the dark figure. The figure came closer, extending a clawed black hand towards him.
Robert threw both of his hands forward, "I'm warning you! Get back!" The figure came closer, and opened its mouth.
"I said stay back!" Robert's hands erupted in flames and shot a jet of flames at the figure. The figure stumbled back and fell, and the flames disappeared. Robert calmed down and looked at the figure again. He stood and noticed its hand; it was no longer black, or clawed. Instead it was more like a human's with a white colored glove. He looked at the figure's face, and pure terror from realization struck him.
"Maka."
OH! Burned in more ways than one! R&R, PM, and are you glad I'm back?