Dance Vigilantes
Chapter 26: Different Kind of Fame
The next day
Lakeview Highschool
Brynn's POV
It's very understandable that my body feels very sore after our little stint with those druggies last night. Being a vigilante can really hurt you. I'm surprised by body hadn't imploded from all the exhaustion, especially when I dance every single day! Thanks to those two bastards, I had some bruises that while few, absolutely hurt!
Second period was done and me, JoJo, Kelly, and Kenzie were walking along the halls when we see a commotion near our lockers
"Are those crazy fanboys trying to pry open my locker again?!" Kenzie screeched. She had some issues lately with people breaking in on her locker to find some Mack Z merchs they planned to sell to ebay. Some fans are just weird sometimes
"What do you even keep there? Gold?" Kelly asked
"Very very very important stuff!" Kenzie replied angrily
"So nudes then?" I joked and her fuming face was just priceless
"Very funny Brynn...let's just go and see what's going on there!" Kenzie shouts as she dragged us closer to her locker. We tried to squeeze through the crowd with JoJo acting as our human bulldozer.
"JoJo with a Bow Bow and a fuming hormonal locker owner coming through!" JoJo said as she pushed inwards. When we got to the clearing in the crowd, there standing with people asking, was Kamryn with a bright smile on her face. She saw us an beamed at us further
"Hey guys! Nice to see ya! Did the people got you pushed here?" Kamryn said with a bright smile
"Hey Kamryn! What's going on here? Are these people asking you out on a date or something?" I asked her
"Wha?! You're trying to make my locker into a vegas chapel?" Kenzie added with a perplexed expression. Kamryn laughed while the rest of us looked to her, confused
"And they say I go from 0 -100" JoJo muttered
"Way to jump the gun Kenzie. First of all, my locker is next to yours remember? Second, I was just talking to some friends then I showed them the selfie I had with Fusion the other night and -"
"Wait, you had a selfie with Fusion?! Let me see!" Kelly squealed as we followed her in checking out Kamryn's phone. There in the phone was a picture of Kamryn, having an excited look in her face with Kick Ass, Psyche and me as Starlight. It was weird how we were in combat suits yet we were posing in different ways for the photo.
"You had a photo with Kick Ass and Psyche!" Kelly squealed again
"Wait...who's the other one? I don't recognize her!" JoJo asked
"I think she called herself Starlight!" Kamryn replied
"Starlight? The same Starlight from LA? The one that saved our asses one night?!" Kenzie said in a rising excited tone
"Possibly hmm….did she had a pair of tonfas? Starlight was known for her tonfas" I asked, playing along
"Two of them with blades coming out of each!" Kamryn replied and she proceeded to recall the events that happened as much as she can in her perspective, not even leaving out how she helped me in capturing the druggie
"OMG that is Starlight and now she's with Fusion!" Kenzie shouted. Next I heard are people buzzing about how awesome Starlight is and one even went to Youtube on his phone to watch my earlier skirmishes. It was hard to fight the urge to smile. It felt like the first time I got famous for my dancing
"Man, I wish I could be like Starlight...a life kicking criminal ass. That would be so cool!" Kenzie mused
"You can say that again sister!" JoJo added
"Meh, I like to be more like Shadow" Kelly retorted. If only they knew how dangerous and handful it was to be a vigilante but I had to agree
It is cool to be me
DM DM DM DM DM
One week later
a week had passed. A week of being with Fusion. A week in fighting crime. A week that I still have not kill
And a week that gave me fame again. Well, a different kind of fame.
Apparently, even ordinary people can become paparazzis and take pictures of you when you're in action. I was apparently a hit with everyone. Everywhere I go, Starlight was the talk of the town. At home, at school, even in the studio! I had Kamryn and her selfie to thank for that. Her excitement bought Starlight in the limelight and sure enough, photos and videos of me appeared all over the internet and lots of people became fans
I do get kind of worried sometimes because of what might be the age group of most of Starlight's fanbase
I was in the library during the only free period I'm not with the girls, studying for a test. Even the usual silence of the library was replaced of whispers of how great Starlight is. Much to the annoyance of the librarian.
"Looks like someone suddenly has legions of fans" Someone said besides me as I heard and felt the chair in front of me be moved. I look forward fast, panicked that my identity may have been found, but I relaxed as I see it was Chloe and Saoirse.
"Hey Chloe! Hey Saoirse! What's up?" I greeted them
"Wow! No more calling me SD?" Saoirse said with a laugh
"When I learned how to pronounce it, I thought it was cool. Much better than SD….or Foxy!" I said with a big grin followed by Chloe's laugh as her face became stern with a cocked eyebrow to boot
"You really need to reconsider who you hang around among us" Saoirse huffed
"Humor her...anyway, just wanted to see how you doing with all the Starlight fame going on" Chloe whispered so no one would hear
"Well, it feels weird..nostalgic...fun I guess?" I replied with a unsure smile. Saoirse gave me a weird look
"I find it weird you feel that way. And nostalgic? Don't you have a legion of fans already?" She asked me. I felt uneasy, knowing where the conversation will lead
"I really don't have a huge fanbase anymore. Any of the girls too….ever since that one event" I answered, hoping it would be left at that note but Chloe's curiosity got big
"What incident? Anything that happened before you all came to Chicago?" Chloe asked me. I felt nervous. I didn't want to talk about the incident anymore and just wanted to move on but then again, how could I get away from it if we still feel the aftermath of the incident?
"Maybe I'll tell you all in another time. I don't really like to talk about it…." I answer them
"Come on Brynn. We can keep a secret" Saoirse reason but Chloe held a hand in front of her
"SD, Brynn is obviously nerved by the topic. Perhaps for another time, that okay Brynn?" She asked me. I gave her a small nod with an appreciative smile
"I guess you're right about that…" Saoirse conceded, smiling at me
"Thank you all for understanding. Well, better go now. Next period's about to start" I said to them. We said our goodbyes and I went off. One of these days, I might tell them all about it but it's not for me to reveal alone. We are many that were affected.
Chloe's POV
"You didn't come with me to just know how she was doing huh?" I asked the smirking Saoirse
"Well Mindy did say she wanted to know the whole reason behind their fall from fame" SD replied and I chuckle at her
"She should really get her memory checked. She's being forgetful lately" I say. Saoirse's smile turned to a grin
"If she heard that, I'm sure you're ass and pussy would switch places"
"Oh please! Just let her try and-" I started but a large thump on the table caused us to be startled. A large book, more like tome, that wasn't in the table before appeared and a looming shadow hung over it. We looked up and saw the snarling face of the librarian
"If you do not have any plans to respect the silence of this library, I suggest you ladies leave!" The librarian hissed. For some reason, when me and SD looked at one another, we hurriedly made our way out. Maybe it was because of the librarian and her vicious snarl.
Brynn's POV
Why did my next class have to be all over the other side of the school? Good thing I have a lot of time with me. I just said to Chloe and Saoirse that I had no more time as an excuse to get out of the topic to talk about our past. Glad they didn't chase me through. As I turned a corner towards the next wing, I passed by the music room and heard someone strumming a guitar faintly.
"Hmm...must be band practice" I said to myself as I proceeded to walk on but I stopped again as I heard someone from inside….singing
My darling savior oh so sweet
Shining wonder doing amazing feats
Clad in the shine of bright stars
Fighting towards a greater cause
The singing voice sounded male and damn whoever was in there was very good! I went in for a closer listen and tuned in further
Intimidating yet charismatic, badass but gentle
I wish for you to come for my call whenever danger beckons for it to come
I take a peek by carefully and silently opening the door and there in the center of the room, seated with a guitar in hand is Aidan.
All I want is to meet one last time
That goes by the name of Starlight
"Wait, is he singing about me?!" I whispered, not realizing that I pushed the door a little too further, making it creak and wide open. Aidan stopped singing and strumming his guitar and looked at the door, where it had me right in the open. He had an unsure expression in his face
"Uhh...hi there…." I mutter out
"Hi yourself! Were you sneaking up on me?" Aidan said with a smile, that was weirdly...so good to look at
"What makes you say that?" I asked, getting my composure back. His smile never fading
"Well it's one thing to stand by the doorway and it's another thing to crouch down in the doorway while leaning forward as if listening to something" He said with a light laugh and I mentally slap myself for my stupidity
"Well that makes sense...nice song by the way. You wrote it? Never heard it before" I replied to him
"Yeah! Been practicing it for over a week. Got my inspiration from when Starlight saved my ass that one night" Aidan replied. I felt my cheeks grow warm. Starlight's so famous, their singing songs about her.
"Wow! You must be pretty grateful for her huh?" I asked him
"So grateful! If it wasn't for her, I would be in the hospital right now!" Aidan said with glimmer in his eyes. He's like a kid excited for Christmas. I was feeling very flattered by his comments
"You know I'm sure Starlight would appreciate the nice comments and especially the song" I said with a smile
"Really? How'd you say that?" Aidan asked
"I just have a feeling" I said with a chuckle. Aidan looked at me weird and I mentally slap myself again for almost blowing who I was
"Well anyway uhh….you usually write your own songs?" I asked, weirdly, yet genuinely intrigued. He flashed me a smile once more.
"Yeah but only a few really come out to be sung but it's something I enjoy because it's a way to express yourself in a very artistic manner"
"Hey, just like how I do in dance! That is a good hobby!" I agree with excitement
"That's right! You know, I don't always talk about this to anybody but I really like your dancing. It's...unique, like how my cousin points out" Aidan said sheepishly. He loomed really adorable
"Looks like Mr. Rockstar has a soft spot after all...thanks for what you said" I said with a light laugh. I felt my cheeks warm up with the compliments as well but I try to mask it. Aidan scratches his head and looks more sheepish
"No problem with that...you want uh...have me right a song for ya?" Aidan asked. Now that was unexpected
"What?! Wow...you would really do that?" I asked him once
"Yeah...if you don't want to then it's fine...but I would like to know what you're answer would be" Aidan said, his smile returning in a shy way
"Gee...no one ever asked me if I wanted a song just for me...well…" Before I could answer, I heard the bell ring and that got me panicked
"Shit! Late for class!" I shout
"You better run then!" Aidan said with a laugh
"What about you? Oh nevermind, got to go! See ya whenever you are!" I say as I sprinted to my class, hoping I won't be late. For some reason, I wish I'd meet him along the hours again. He seems fun to be with
Later that afternoon…
SCDC
Nia's POV
Classes in the studio just increased two fold because of the wins from Starpower. When word came that we're back in action in the dance world, many flooded our doors for classes, that we needed to work double time! They also wanted to see the best dancer of Starpower, Steph but to some dismay, Steph did not really come in the studio after the competition, which was a shame.
I was taking a break from my class, in front of a laptop, updating our job posting for a choreographer on an online job ad. Usually, I have Kalani with me to do the postings but since she's having theatre rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet with Kamryn, I have to make do with the others, particularly, the two nutcases, JoJo and Kelly.
"You should put in "Must be willing to be enslave by minors" JoJo suggested besides me
"You should add, must be willing to work with someone who's actually in her mid 20's but looks like she's in her teens and must be pretty and sassy" Kelly added with a wicked grin
"You two are so eccentric, you know that?" I said to the two of them
"You secretly love it anyway" Kelly started
"Yeah so why stop?" JoJo added
"You two are so weird…" I conceded
"Why not add "if fat, must have a twisted sense of humor and double standards?" Kendall said as she arrived and sat besides us sipping from a water bottle. She still smelled funny and familiar…..
"Did you just reference Abby?" I said with a raised eyebrow
"May-bee" She said with a playful smile and roll of her eyes
"Whoah! Savage!" Kelly replied
"Nah, JoJo's suggestion was more savage" I said with a laugh
"Ha! Still the savage queen!" JoJo said happily as she raised her arms in the air and Kendall mock bowing afterwards
"All hail queen JoJo!" Kendall blurted out
Then suddenly we heard a loud screech that came from the Dancer's Den. We looked at each other, worry in our faces
"That sounded like Kenzie!" We said together as we ran to the den, expecting to see a distraught Mackenzie but when we entered the den, we see a confused Brynn, a possibly deaf Sarah, and a gleefully squealing Mackenzie. I looked over at the two other girls and they just shrugged
"What the heck just happened?!" I asked them
"Me and Kenzie were talking and when Kenzie looked at the phone after a selfie, she went squealing!" Brynn replied
"Whatever it is, I think one of my ears is deaf now because of it!" Sarah added. Kenzie then calmed down but still had a joyful smile in her face
"Kenzie? Is there something wrong?" I asked her, confused
"Yeah! I think you made the whole studio peek through here" Kendall addes
"I think she got hit by laughing gas! That creepy smile is disturbing me" JoJo said with a shudder
"Oh my god you guys! Johnny's coming!" Kenzie squealed
"I'm sorry Kenzie dear but huh?" I asked again, confused
"Johnny and his family are gonna move here in Chicago! No more long distance relationships! This is so exciting!" Kenzie squealed. Everyone then got relieved that it wasn't a serious issue and instead, got happy for dear old Kenzie. Three things always made her insane: Boredom, the stupid incident, and her long distance relationship with Johnny. If Johnny is to move here in Chicago, she's one less insane. She's so happy that her hug on me was choking me. Literally.
"Kenzie...can't breath…" I mutter out. She releases me, still all smiles
"Sorry Nia!"
"So when is he gonna come and move here?" Kendall asked
"Dunno. He doesn't know himself but the move is a sure fire!"
"Girls?! What's wrong?! We heard screaming here!" Gia said as she entered, panicked with Jill in tow
"The other kids got nervous and were wondering what went wrong in here" Jill added, who was also panicked. Behind them, we can see several peeps of our students. This is so embarrassing!
"It's a false alarm! Kenzie just got a little over excited about her boyfriend moving here in Chicago" I explained and Gia and Jill gave an embarrassed Kenzie a look that spelled a mix of irritation or relief
"Calm your hormones Mackenzie. Now everyone, gather in studio A. I have an announcement to make. Come on!" Gia said as she gave us a smirk. We all stood up and went to studio A. Jill did her part on clearing up the growing crowd.
"You know Kenzie, you should really know how to be licit in reacting to stuff. Especially when you just became a teenager" I said to Kenzie but she just gave me a weird look
"Licit? What's that mean?" Asked the still confused young woman. I smiled and playfully roll my eyes
"It means be proper now let's go and see what Gia has in store for us"
"You and your weird old talk…"Kendall said, appearing besides us
DM DM DM DM
We were now lined up on Studio A, just like when there was a big announcement back in the show. Minus Kalani of course. Gia seemed to be in a good mood based on her smile
"So, now that, Mackenzie's giddy loverush is over -" Gia started, looking over a still way over a moon Mackenzie
"Starpower was one amazing contest for us! Good performances and even two first places!" Gia said as she beamed over Sarah on the last part with the young girl blushing
"We got trophies in the shelves, attracted a lot of students l -"
"Got more women jealous of Gia's figure and Kendall's looks" JoJo interrupted resulting in some laughs. Kendall proudly flips her hair: a sign of confidence
"Thanks for that JoJo - anyway, Starpower was a great momentum starter. Why don't we continue it on?" Gia continued as murmurs were heard from all of us
"Agreed. Going on another contest would be salubrious not only to the studio, but to each of us as well" I voiced out. I got nothing but weird looms from everyone
"We sorry. We no speak you're 18th century language" Mackenzie piped in and I gave her a look that read really?
"Doesn't that mean something about benefits or something?" Sarah voiced and I gave her a nod
"Smart brain there Sarah. It means a thing beneficial for all. Going in another competition will bring in more opportunities for us!" I voiced
"Nia's right girls! So that's why in one month's time, we're entering to Jump dance competition!" Gia announced and everyone cheered for joy. Jump is one of the most prestigious dance competitions there is. Exposure to Jumo could mean victory for us back in the industry
"Calm down girls! It's one month's time but this ain't Dance Moms anymore. We use the remaining month to train for Jump! Is that clear?" Gia said with a determined smile
"Loud and clear Gia!" We all shouted together
"Now I would like to reveal the details now but we're missing two of our team" Gia said and that got everyone raising eyebrows
"Two? The only one missing here is Kalani" Kendall replied and she was right. Other than Kalani, we were all complete.
"Sure about that?" Gia replied back
When I got a look of the trophies however, I smirked as my eyes laid upon the best duet trophy
"I see….the second dancer is Stephanie, is that correct?" I said and Gia gave a smile and nod and everyone started agreeing
"Of course it's Stephanie girls. Weird as it may, but I do not believe one bit that she's a first time dancer" Gia said
"Yeah right! Steph is a sure fire first time dancer! If you see her at school, a lot of kids are literally bowing down on the ground when she passes. She has a reputation to uphold" Sarah butted in. Knowing how we see Steph's personality, I am not surprised
"But would she agree again though? She might not be up to a long term commitment and she might be interested anymore" Kendall said
"I agree with Kendall here! Steph can be a tomboyish cuckoo sometimes!" JoJo added
"But girls, she never said she's not gonna try again. Jog your memories!" Kelly reasoned back
"Well she does have a point. So when do we ask her?" I said. Then Brynn raised her hand, smiling
"I'll handle it. Mindy asked me for an errand and we'll meet up. Steph is the easy part anyway" Brynn offered
"Errand? What do you mean?" Kenzie asked, just snapping out of her Johnny fueled daze
"Just asking me to babysit the twins and Steph. She wants to talk to me about it" Brynn replied
"Wait? You said something about an easy part?" I inquired. Brynn gave a playful smile.
"The one who you need to really convince is Mindy"
The next day
The Farm
Brynn's POV
It was true that I was gonna meet Mindy and Steph but not for a babysitting job, those kids can make strangers piss their pants off if they're hostile. Perks of being Hit Girl's children. I was in the farm for a different reason
"Okay...keep it together...okay good...hold the clutch and….whoah! Nice air ride!" Mindy shouted.
I was mounted and running in one of the motorcycles in the farm, practicing my bike riding skills for my patrols. Mindy was planning to give me a motorcycle for patrolling and it makes me both nervous and excited. Excited, because I get to ride my own bike and not piggyback on the others. Nervous, because despite all this practice, I am still afraid to ride fast.
I drive towards Mindy, who had Stephanie by her side. Just the girl I need.
"So how'd I do?" I said as I took off my helmet. Mindy had her signature smirk on her face
"Pretty impressive! I think you earn a pass in driving your own bike" Mindy replied
"Wow. Thanks I guess!"
"But it would take awhile to arrive. It's still being tweaked by our friends from Wayne Enterprises so it can be fit for combat. Wished I could also tell you what kind of motorcycle it is -" Mindy started
"But let me guess, it's a surprise?" I finished
"Close but no cigar. It IS a surprise but I don't really know what type of motorcycle it is. Steph here picked it out for you" Mindy replied as she gestured her head towards a grinning Steph
"It took me awhile to pick but I'm sure you'll like it. Dave, Marty and me are the only ones who know about it. The bitch queen here might get her Pannigale dethroned as the best motorcycle when she sees it" Steph said with a laugh
"Whatever! A bike is a bike and the rider gives it its soul" Mindy retorted
"Whatever you say mum" Steph replied back. I literally have no idea what they're talking about
"Uhhh thanks again for the comment Mindy. I also like to request something to Steph" I said and they looked at me with a curious look
"What is it Brynn? Mindy started.
"Well you see…." I started and Steph's expression became apprehensive, like she knew what I was gonna ask. I explained everything about Jump and how it would be in a month's time.
"So you in? I know you don't like most of dancing but you're a great dancer! You'd rock the stage in Jump like what you did from Starpower" I pleaded. Both had a musing look on their faces
"Well I honestly still hate everything girly about it but if Steph likes to do it, I can't force her to not go but it's still her choice" Mindy declared as we look over Steph.
"Well I do hate some of it's concepts...considered it as a one time gig only to be honest…."
"Please Steph! We need you on the team! I promise to be good in Fusion! Plus, I'm sure Kaylee's gonna be there. You don't want her to rub herself on you do you?" I said, with the last part out of desperation but that got Steph's attention, giving me a steely look
"Well now you bloody mentioned Kaylee, I think I want to beat the shit out of her!" Steph declared
"Really? Thank's St-" I replied but Steph held her hand in front of me
"I'll join again..if you beat me in a race" Steph said, a smile appearing on her face
"I'm sorry what?" I replied back
"One lap around the farm. You beat me, I join back no questions asked" Steph said with her smile turning into a grin
"That ain't fair! You're a pro in the motorcycle!" I whined. If an average 10 year old asked me to race around with motorcycle, I would have laughed and beat said 10 year old. But Steph is not an average 10 year old. She is a literal child assassin that could kill me in seconds if I piss her off long enough.
"Well I guess you're gonna need to find a replacement if you can't suck up being a bitch!" Steph scoffed as she walked away.
"Wait! Okay….I'll do it. Just one lap?" I conceded. Steph turned back to me and her smile came back
"Yup and I expect you to go all out in speed because I won't hold the fuck back!" Steph answered and went to the barn to probably get her gear and bike. I look over Mindy with an unsure look and she just shrugged.
"I gave up all reasoning with that girl. She's a big nutcase as me"
DM DM DM DM
We were in a marked finish line, revving up our dirt bikes. Was this a bad idea? Yes, considering I am a little afraid and I am pretty convinced that Steph is gonna dust me good. Mindy was up front, in between us, hands on her hips.
"Okay fuckers! This is a one lap only race! Just one turn around the farm. First to get to the finish line wins and all stipulations made will take effect. On the count of three, both of you will go!" Mindy shouted, like she's an announcer on a racetrack. I look over Steph who had a helmer cover her whole face but her eyes tell that she was smirking.
"You lose, and I'll make sure you'll be my bitch!" Steph growled
"Bring it on short stuff!" I shouted back
"1….2…..3!" Mindy boomed and both of us flew forward fast on the dirt track. At first me and Steph were equal in speed but as we neared the first turn around the farm, Steph gained the lead while I struggled to turn. A very hard task considering Steph was banking as she turned her cycle. I revved up to gain the lead but she was always placing herself up in front so I can't pass her. The next turn came up and it was with the dirt ramp that had a few big rocks. I try to steady my speed while maintaining momentum so as not to be wiped out by the nearby rocks
Once me and Steph were in the clear, we both accelerated and flew up using the dirt ramp. I looked at Steph with awe and annoyance as she showed off and did a 360 in the air. I wasn't about to be beaten and be lost in the stunt. The moment the wheels landed on the ground, I made myself faster. Steph was still ahead but we were close enough that she can't block me up front anymore. The last turn towards the finish line is coming up.
I have to lead using that turn or else, Steph will have the sure victory. We needed her for the competition and no way was I gonna lose!
"I think I might need to do it now…." I mutter to myself. This particular thing was still on the practice stage but it might need an early application due to current circumstances. It's a stupid move but with opportunities, comes risks. Once we enter the last and sharpest turn, I shifted my weight left wise and banked myself and my motorcycle along the turn. Steph did the same by I was more aerodynamically proportionate so I gained more speed. Once the turn faded, I straIghtened up and revved my bike as fast as I could, gaining the lead. Despite the loud roar of my motorcycle, I can hear Steph's berserker revving of her own motorcycle, trying to gain the lead. I wasn't gonna give her the satisfaction of winning. She was neck to neck besides me and I was afraid she might get the lead but then I noticed I already passed Mindy, with Steph behind. I just won the race and I felt ecstatic!
DM DM DM DM
I stopped and drove back towards Mindy, who was smirking. Stephanie followed suit as she removed her helmet, a scowl on her face
"You seemed to enjoy that huh Brynn?" Mindy said
"It was fucking scary! But..at the same time I loved every minute of it!" I said with a wide smile
"I'm not! I bloody lost!" Steph howled
"But I have to admit, it was a damn great race and you did great Brynn!" Steph said with a softened expression
"Agree on that one. No doubt you earn the right to ride a bike on patrols" Mindy added
"Thanks guys! The practices really paid off! So….Steph, I believe we have a deal?" I said playfully to Steph who was scowling again.
"Fine! Kind of wanted to try it again anyway…."Steph grumbled and that made me hug Steph and mutter a million thank yous to her. Mindy looked at both of us in shock
"What the fuck did you do to my daughter to be a dance sissy?" Mindy said with a laugh