Hey! So THIS one is really a different FF, at least for me to write. I have been working on the idea since a few months now, but finally decided (after encouraging words by my friend & beta reader Patric) to share the first chapter with you.
I will write some of the lyrics myself, or use other songs - if that is the case - I'll link them in here.
The beat and concept of the lyrics are from this song watch?v=rsrDYTEicq8.
Enjoy and let me know what you think. Seriously, I cannot wait for your input.
Her heartbeat raced as sweat dripped down her back, soaking through her muscle shirt. She moved her body rhythmically to the West African hip-hop beats.
"Call me first. Not the second or the third — but first."
She clapped her hands together and the crowd went wild.
"Call me first! THANK YOU!"
Emma dropped the microphone, waving at her fans as she disappeared backstage.
"Damn, Emma," Ruby laughed, offering the sweaty musician a fresh towel. "This was SO AWESOME!"
"The crowd was on fire!" Emma panted, wiping the sweat off her face.
"Emma!"
She turned around and spotted her DJ.
"Hook! Your mixing skills were off the hook!" she teased. He mock-glared at her."No, for real, you were lit," she grinned, patting her DJ's shoulder. "Tonight, you were better than ever."
She grabbed a much needed bottle of cold water on the way to her dressing room.
"We're having a big, fat party on our tour bus!" Ruby announced, jogging past her.
Emma entered her dressing room and closed the door behind her, taking the soaked muscle shirt off. She smiled to herself as she searched for a fresh shirt, thinking about how far she'd come.
Within the past 2 years, Emma had made it. Sure, she'd recorded a few rap tracks before…but suddenly, one of them went viral! Now, every major music label was basically throwing record deals at her. Enticing no doubt, but Emma knew that once she committed to any one of them, she would have become their puppet. That's why she decided to build her own label instead. Together, with her friends and crew, she knew she could make it herself – even if it meant more hours and extra paperwork. She had never been known as a slacker, and anything was better than not being in control.
The music industry – especially the hip-hop scene – was all over Emma lately; the first female to overrun her male competitors by miles while making it seem so effortless. Of course, it was not in fact that easy. Many criticized her music, her style, her appearance. Some wished her to be more feminine. Her lyrics were blunt and definitely not for kids' ears. However, Emma told stories — about her life, the streets and living in the system as an orphan. Through her words, she encouraged people to fight, to survive and to not take anything for granted. Of course, not all her stories were so grim. She also celebrated the successes in her life.
Whenever the name 'Swan' appeared somewhere, people immediately brought up her newest hit 'Primo', a song about life, love, friendship and Emma being 'numero uno' — an ode to putting oneself first, if you will.
Finally finding more comfortable and dryer clothes, she put on a clean shirt with her signature leather jacket then left the dressing room. She turned to her manager, August, who was waiting for her.
"So? Where to next?"
He explained while his fingers moved quickly on his tablet's screen, "We'll be heading to Storybrooke. Although, it's not confirmed yet. Their Mayor is a bit...tough. Neal will call us as soon as he knows more."
"I hope he will agree, or that's a whole lot of tickets we'll have to refund," Emma sighed and grabbed her duffle bag.
"She." He corrected her.
"Huh?" She furrowed her brow.
"She. Storybrooke is run by a formidable woman," He clarified. "Neal says most people are intimidated by her. So let's pray the Madam Mayor finds it in her heart to promote the arts in her town."
"No way! I won't have some thug promoting their depraved music and morals – or lack thereof – anywhere near my town." Regina seethed at the young man in front of her desk.
Neal pinched the bridge of his nose while he listened to Regina's enraged rant.
"Listen, Regina," he swallowed, taking a deep breath. "I'm well aware that her music is – compared to the other artists that have held shows here – rather different." He scratched his scruffy chin. "However Storybrooke is a town that depends on tourists. They fuel this town, right?"
Regina's face was a mask of indifference as she looked Neal straight in the eye, "What are you implying Mister Cassidy?"
"Nothing really, only that Storybrooke could use some of Emma's range and popularity. Think of her however you want, but that woman knows how to attract people. All sorts of people." Neal smiled briefly at the imposing Mayor.
Regina clenched her teeth, but deep down she agreed with Neal. She didn't like it, but it could be good for Storybrooke.
"Fine. But I swear to god, Cassidy, if something happens, I'll make you and the agency pay for it." She growled in frustration.
Neal smiled while nodding, "Thank you. And Regina? Emma is not that bad. She will grow on you."
Regina huffed as she glared at the young man, "Out Cassidy."
The moment Neal left her office, Regina turned to her laptop and typed Emma's name into the search bar. The first video that came up was Emma's latest hit Primo.' Regina licked her dry lips as she clicked on the thumbnail. The first shots were incredible landscape pictures that appeared to be somewhere in Africa. The next scene was a blonde woman, running through a tour bus and laughing while another woman was chasing her. Regina had to admit, the West African hip-hop beat would animate anyone to dance, it sent positive vibes. Then the blonde woman turned around and started rapping.
We were first
First to conquer the platinum stamp.
Suddenly all the thugs were dancing to this West African sample.
Butthurt men lashing out at me for being a great example. (Woah)
Back in the day I was so broke, couldn't pay my bills
Didn't take long for my genius brain to come up with my skills.
In the next scene, Emma was onstage performing with her friends. After that, it cut to what seemed to be a backstage scene. Emma sat on a chair, laughing at someone, a lightly clad woman on her lap.
Regina stopped the video and leaned back, closing her eyes. So that woman and her crew would reside in Storybrooke from tomorrow until next week.
They drove through the night. It was almost dawn when Emma woke up and quietly walked to the tour bus kitchen. After fixing herself a coffee, she tiptoed to the lounging area. This tour was nothing she had ever experienced before. Traveling across the states, in a tour bus – with her friends, who were her family at the same time.
It was a dream come true.
She took a big sip of her coffee as her eyes took in the sunrise. She sighed quietly, closing her eyes.
"Henry, up!" Regina yelled.
"I'm up Mom!" He yelled back.
Regina scolded him lightly while walking back to the kitchen. Henry had just turned 14, and it looked like puberty hit him. She placed two pancakes on her son's plate as the boy entered the kitchen.
"Good morning, Mom," He kissed her cheek, sitting down on the big kitchen table. "Hey, is it true that Emma Swan will perform here?" Henry asked while he cut his pancake into pieces.
"You know her?" Regina asked him, baffled, while she poured herself a cup of coffee.
"Yeah?Everybody knows her, duh." He scrunched up his face in confusion.
"Henry, I do not approve of this, okay? I don't want you to listen to such crass music."
The boy rolled his eyes as he wolfed down his breakfast. "Oh come on, it's not that bad. Live a little."
Regina's eyes went wide and stared at him in shock, "What did you just say?"
"Live a little, Mom! You've been working so much. When was the last time you went out?"
"Henry! I'm doing my best to provide you with anything you want and need." She mumbled angrily.
"I know. I just want you to have some fun – at least once in a while." He kissed her cheek again, as he left the kitchen. "Love you. I'll see you after my basketball practice."
Regina sighed quietly and shook her head slowly. Her prince was growing up.
Emma and her crew rolled into Storybrooke at 10 a.m. Neal and his colleague, Jefferson, were already waiting for them.
"This looks really – idyllic." Emma noted while exiting the tour bus.
"Neal and Jefferson grew up here. It's a nice little town." August grinned as he took the bags.
"Hey guys," Ruby greeted the two agency members. "Where will we stay?"
"My Dad offered one of his houses up the street," Neal smiled, hugging Ruby briefly. "I first thought the bed-and-breakfast would be suitable, but considering that we'll be staying a little longer in Storybrooke than usual, a house would be better."
"Good boy!" Killian winked, patting Neal's shoulder, who rolled his eyes in return.
"I have to send my friends David and Mary Margaret a text with the info," Ruby exclaimed excitedly.
Emma just laughed at her friends, shouldering her backpack. That's when she spotted a black Mercedes Benz driving by them. The car stopped, and a woman with dark hair exited the vehicle. Emma swallowed slowly as she continued to watch the woman who was clearly walking in their direction.
"That is Regina Mills, the Mayor," Neal whispered.
"Damn..." Emma breathed.
