A/N: Before we begin, I have a bit of explaining I want to do.

So, for those of you that didn't see the Spacebattles post or Shangri-La Author's Note a few weeks ago: My computer died, then revived with some brain damage; my own brain refused to continue writing at the weekly pace; I had too many story ideas, so I'm gonna release a third fanfic soonish; and to top it all off, I'm still worldbuilding for an original, expansive fantasy novel/series I plan to write, because writing might be my best shot at a normal job.

What this means: For the foreseeable future, I'll be focusing more on quality over quantity, and updating irregularly. Chapters should be bigger and more detailed, but I can't promise anything more than one or two a month. I don't like the change, but it's better than the slow burnout I was starting to have following a weekly schedule, and it lets me write what I want more. I will not abandon Tarantism, though: I have every intention to see this story to it's end.

Enough talking, though. Enjoy the chapter!

Tango 2.1

I was really getting tired of playing hooky.

It wasn't like I wanted to go to school; Emma and her pack of followers made it so I couldn't even enjoy the learning side of things, let alone the social stuff. I couldn't even be a successful student, and I was honestly starting to lose interest in trying. No, it wasn't a desire to be at school that made me want to stop skipping.

I was just getting tired of the look bus drivers gave me when I wasn't in school.

"Are you sure you have the right bus, miss?"

I nodded, stepping out of the light rain and adjusting my bag. "I'm sure." I swiped my pass, and made my way to a seat.

Dad had cornered me after my run yesterday morning. Told me he was going to seek legal help, that he'd pulled me out of school for the week. I'd groaned internally, of course; he had no idea that I'd basically not attended Tuesday, and missed half the day before that. And that was just this week. I tried to tell him that I was fine, but he insisted.

After I realized the futility of my argument, I'd pretty much just gone to the library and finished the Maggie Holt book. Not the best use of my time, but one that had certainly kept me from caring about my doomed GPA. But today? I couldn't think of anything. Except the one, obvious option.

So here I was, riding a bus to my new 'job'. It wasn't like I had anything better to do.

But first? I figured an offering was in order.

"Hey, I brought donuts!" I yelled up as I climbed the spiral staircase. If I was guessing right by body size, Alec and Brian were the only ones here. This was quickly confirmed as I reached the top of the stairs. Yup; one skinny couch potato, and one… incredibly buff shirtless guy.

Be cool, Taylor.

"I am so glad you joined us," Alec said, drawing my attention. "Dance fights and donuts; the true benefits of villainy."

"Wouldn't that be money and freedom?" I asked, walking across the loft to set the donuts on the counter, then stripping off my rain-dampened hooded sweatshirt. Brian noticed me and stopped doing popsquats.

Alec got up, replying easily, "Well, yeah, but it's what you get to use those perks on. Delicious things and crazy parties."

Brian walked over, now wearing a gray tank top that fit like a glove. "Hey, Taylor. I thought you had school today?" He looked down to the counter, raising an eyebrow. "Donuts?"

"Yeah. My dad took me out of school for the week. As for the donuts, I didn't get breakfast, was headed this way, and figured it might be a good idea." It was a small lie; I had actually eaten breakfast. The donuts were a tension breaker, but they didn't need to know that.

"Well, thanks, I guess." He took one, while Alec fetched a paper plate and piled a few on it. I took one myself. For a minute or two, Brian and I just leaned against the counters and enjoyed our sugar-glazed confections, while Alec headed back to the couches.

"You know, I actually haven't had a donut in a while," Brian said.

"Really? Neither have I." Great, a donut conversation. I guess that's what I get for manipulating people with them.

"Yeah. My dad didn't like sweet stuff."

"Hmm." God, I had nothing interesting to say. "Your dad?"

Contrary to my expectations, he just said, "Yeah." The word was laden with context. Rough topic, I guess. I was just not good at conversation. I tried again.

"So, what are you up to today?"

"Oh, I'm just doing some training," he replied, "part workout, part practice." He glanced at the box. "Which means I should probably not have another donut."

I nodded, smiling slightly. "I doubt it would hurt, but you're probably right."

He gestured over his shoulder. "You want to join me? Never hurts to know how to fight."

"Um… sure? I've got nothing better to do, I guess." He did have a point. I might be pretty fit, but I had no idea how to fight.

We made our way over to the area behind the couches, near the punching bag. He continued talking as we walked.

"Do you do anything for exercise?"

"Yeah, I started running a few months back. Figured it might be a nice idea, since I wanted to be a cape."

"That's good. I wish the rest of the team would think like that. Building endurance is really important for the whole cape scene, even if we do have ways to get away faster. You would not believe how hard it is to get Alec to do a push-up. So, have you ever done any fighting?"

I thought of several incidents where Sophia has gotten physical. "Not really. None that I've won, that's for sure."

"That's fine, I'm not exactly an expert or anything. I mostly just pick up stuff that's useful in a fight, you know? A little bit of everything." He shrugged, then motioned to me. "Okay, put your fists up." I did my best impression of a boxing pose. "Let's see. You're too stiff, and you need to protect your core more. Try to loosen up a bit." After watching my attempt at relaxing, he demonstrated it himself. "See how I keep my hands up, but don't tense my muscles?" I nodded, and did my best to mimic him. "Much better. Okay, I'll teach you some basics, then we can do a few basic sparring matches, if you want."

"Sure." I'd probably lose, but hey, gotta learn somehow.

He spent the next few minutes explaining some of the little details I'd need to know in a fight. Tricks to knock people off balance, a hold or two, how to punch and kick. I did my best to remember everything I could. The contact was pretty distracting, but I managed.

"Okay, let's do some sparring. I'll go easy on you, but don't let that stop you. I can take a hit. No face shots, and try not to break bones or bruise too hard, alright?" I nodded and got ready, but he gestured to his ears. I was confused for a moment, and he clarified. "You should probably take out your earbuds. They could get in the way."

Oohh… Let's go!

Cut off my music, when 'Another One Bites the Dust' just started? No way. "I'll be fine," I replied. "I always have them in."

Steve walks warily down the street, brim pulled way down low. Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet, machine guns ready to go.

"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you." He took his stance. "Go when ready, I guess."

Are you ready, hey, are you ready for this? Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?

I waited a bit, moving around him, looking for a good opening.

Out of the doorway the bullets rip, to the sound of the beat, yeah.

I threw a jab, and he deflected it.

Another one bites the dust…

I backed off, and he countered. A hook from his right.

Another one bites the dust…

I dodged, but he turned the swing into a throw. I hit the padded mat.

And another one gone, and another one gone…

I got back up. I couldn't afford to be that bad. He'd barely taken ten seconds to deck me. "Again."

…Another one bites the dust!

"Alright. Try to be more aware of your opponent this time."

Hey, he's gonna get you too! Another one bites the dust!

I nodded, focusing more on my senses of him. Feeling the rhythm of breathing and heartbeat, making sure to watch his arms tense and flex as he readied himself. "Alright, let's try again."

The music built up for the second verse. This time, he was the one to act first. A test strike, easily dodged.

How do you think I'm gonna get along, without you when you're gone?

I threw a feint, then grabbed his arm when he struck back, trying to throw him off balance.

You took me for everything that I had, and kicked me out on my own!

He shook me off, then we circled again. "Good try, but I'm heavier, so throws are hard. You've gotta use my weight against me."

Are you happy? Are you satisfied? How long can you stand the heat?

Use my opponent's weight to my advantage? I could do that.

Out of the doorway, the bullets rip! To the sound of the beat! Look out!

I punched at him, and he ducked.

Another one bites the dust…

I followed with a low kick, but felt, too late, the sweep that took that leg out from under me.

Another one bites the dust…

I sprawled, but recovered. He was moving in, though. Perfect.

And another one gone, and another one gone, another one bites the dust!

I returned the sweep, knocking him flat on his butt.

Hey, I'm gonna get you too, another one bites the dust!

I reached out a hand to help him up. Once he was on his feet, he said, "We'll count that one as a win for you, I guess. Let's go again?"

Another one bites the dust…

"Sure." The song still had a bit to go, and I wasn't too sore yet, so why not?

…Another one bites the dust, ow! Another one bites the dust, hey hey. Another one bites the dust, heey…

We got ready, standing off.

Ooohh, shaah!

He clenched and unclenched his fists, and I adjusted my feet.

There are plenty of ways that you can hurt a man, and bring him to the ground!

I started this time, swinging in time to the beats. He dodged back, but couldn't retaliate.

You can beat him, you can cheat him, you can treat him badly, and leave him when he's down!

Each point made by the song was punctuated by a strike against his guard.

Are you ready? It's ready for you, I'm standing on my own two feet! Out of the doorway, the bullets rip, repeating to the sound of the beat!

I backed off, giving him space. He moved forward, smiling at the exertion, and I grinned too.

Another one bites the dust…

He jabbed, and I took a hit to the left shoulder, probably leaving a light bruise.

Another one bites the dust…

Another jab, but this time the hit was glancing off my right arm as I tried to dodge. My earbud cord swung wildly at the movement, as did my hair.

And another one gone, and another one gone…

He was firing more shots, but I could see them coming in his body language. I ducked one, and got in close.

Hey, I'm gonna get you too, another one bites the dust!

I delivered a punch squarely to his stomach, and he doubled over. I backed off. Shit, I didn't mean to hurt him too badly. "You okay?"

"Yeah," he said, straightening up, "I'm fine. I think that's enough for now, though.

I was skeptical, and the hand on his stomach didn't help. "You sure? That looked like it hurt."

He waved it off. "It's fine. Gut shots hurt, but I'm used to them. We'll spar more another day, I just need a break." He smiled thinly. "You're a fast learner, that's for sure. Good job."

"Thanks, I guess. Just good timing." I shrugged, and he turned away, which I took as my cue to go.

"Sure," he mumbled sarcastically as he walked away, "good timing."

I made my way to the bathroom, taking a quick shower to get the sweat off. I didn't have any spare clothes, but hopefully the ones I had on wouldn't be too bad. Brushing my hair with my fingers, I walked out of the bathroom.

What to do now?

Well, Alec was here. Maybe us human-controllers could bond or something.

I went to the kitchenette, grabbed the box of donuts, and made my way over to the couches, where Alec was playing some game. I sat quietly a minute, eating another sugary pastry, then leaned over and offered the box to him.

"Thanks," he said, taking the box with his good arm. He set it down beside him and went back to the game.

I leaned back into the couch, watching him play a bit. It was an arena fighter, and once I puzzled out the displays, it was pretty entertaining. Alec was playing as Chevalier, and fighting his way through the probably-fictional villains one by one, facing off against such memorable names as "Doctor Sinister" and "The Dark Lady". A short string of curses led up to his defeat against "Victorious", the main bosses' lieutenant or something. Slumping, he grabbed a donut and stuffed it in his mouth, then waved at the floor.

"What?" I asked, when he gestured again.

He took the donut out of his mouth. "Grab a controller." He put it back.

I did so hesitantly. I wasn't exactly experienced with games. They were fun to watch, but I never really had a way to play them. Ironic, considering my new 'job'.

Alec picked Versus mode, and a city streets arena. The character selection screen came up.

He glanced my way. "You ever play before?"

"No," I replied.

"Go with Legend. Simple combat, great mobility, tons of health."

I scrolled over to the Protectorate leader and selected him. "How do you play?"

"Basic controls are Y for heavy attacks, Z for normal, W and X for specials and grabs, and the sticks do movement. Figure the rest out on your own, you'll get it pretty quick."

I studied the controller, barely noting as he picked Chevalier again. I spent a few moments familiarizing myself with the positions of the buttons, adjusting my grip. Alec started the match, and we were off.

I got my ass handed to me. Despite Legend's flight and ranged attacks, my inexperience and button-mashing were no match for his experience and combo usage, using Chevalier's massive cannonblade to swat me out of the sky. We did a rematch, and I lost again, having been unable to dodge thanks to the limited stage size. A third match went no better. It took four matches before I got lucky, found a cheap shot, and exploited it to victory.

He responded by beating me without taking a hit. We decided to both try new characters after that. It was obvious he would keep winning if this continued.

"So," I said, picking Mouse Protector after some deliberation, "how are your ribs?"

"Really? That's the best conversation you've got?" He picked one of the villain characters, 'Malefax', who was apparently the evil lord of edginess if his name was anything to go by. Our characters began their intros on the megamall stage. "They're fine. Probably gonna switch to a wrap instead of the sling tomorrow."

"That's good," I said, doing a dash attack to start it off. "Glad to hear it's healing."

He fired off a wave of dark energy, and I teleported out of the way. "Hey, I've got it better than Tats. Broken arms are a bitch, and burns suck too."

I slashed at him, then blocked another blast with my shield. "Yeah. Wish we had a healer, or something."

He snickered, unleashing a brutal combo. "What are we gonna do, recruit Panacea?"

I retaliated, smacking his character between two teleport markers. "Good point. I don't want to be on New Wave's bad side."

"You might be a bit late for that, yeah? Being a villain and all?" He broke the combo, but there was hope; he only had a tiny bit of health left. I just had to stay alive.

"Maybe," I said, dodging several blasts. "That kind of sucks, actually. I always wanted to be a hero." I managed to get a slash in, taking his darkness-oozing edgelord down to a sliver of health. "Until, well, I realized how screwed I would be." I didn't say the obvious: either I'd have to never use my power on my opponents, being stuck using bugs and rats for everything, or get caught and go to jail if I ever accidentally screwed up. Alec had taken the former path, and I respected him for it, but if I was going to be a cape, I would be doing it on my terms, not the system's.

Alec got me with another blast, and I realized I might be in trouble, so I let the conversation drop. He was still at a sliver of health, but had started playing very offensively, forcing me to back off. I was in the red myself, now, and couldn't land a hit. I slashed, and he dodged backward, then leaped to the left, knocking a seller's stand in my direction. It caught me before I could teleport again, and I watched helplessly as he finished me off with a blast of darkness before I recovered.

"Well, Miss Antihero, I hope you like it here," he said, grabbing the last donut as the victory cutscene played. "You're one of us now." He stuffed the donut in his mouth, and hit rematch.

I pondered his words a moment, then shrugged. He was right: one way or another, I was part of something now. I had friends, money, and things were looking up on my normal life too. Becoming a villain was probably the most positive change to my life in years.

I just hoped I wouldn't regret it.