Colors Bite Sized Adventures EP1 - The Vocal Minority

After watching that clock tick and tock for lord knows how long, I am reaching the breaking point of my patience. As I sit at the end of our family table, sitting anxiously in my chair as I stare at that grandfather clock next to the fridge, I can feel my eyes going along with the little pendulum. Maybe I got my hair and make-up ready far too early after all, not to mention how early I threw on my lucky white sparkly dress, damn my nerves. From the corner of my eye, I can see Andy, judging me from the other side of the table.

“Hey, how long is it until I should get going?” I ask, having talked his ear about this meeting all day yesterday, so I hope he took it all in.

“You still have another 3 hours.” He replies, as deadpan as if he actually doesn’t give a crap about my schedule.

“Urrrgh really? How long have I been sitting here now? It feels like an eternity.” I say, putting my head in my hands on the table.

“About 10 minutes, at exactly... now.” Andy says, looking at his wrist watch.

“Oh.” I say, thinking of ways to pass the time and keep myself occupied.

“You’ve been pretty shaken up about this meeting thing all yesterday and today. Is this show really important to you? I thought you had opportunities falling from your ears, like you told me.” Andy says, taking my words a little too literally, it would seem.

“Hehehe. Trust me, I do. But this is different. This is only for Perm, the most sophisticated show bar in all of Central. The best of the best in the business go to this place, and it could be my one chance to impress them.” I say, walking over to him, as I shake him by the shoulders in half excitement and half barf-worthy nervousness.

“Well, just chill, okay? They’re not going to like an overeager beaver.” Andy says, getting out of his chair and going back to the living room.

Honestly, in light of everything that happened, and putting my mental capacity to the test, we should at least get some recognition for our efforts, but that mother hen, Roxy always has first say, and she says we should operate from the shadows. Where’s the fun in that? The others seem to agree, so who am I to judge? Just seems like a wasted potential, is all. Anyway, I should probably go find something to do for 3 hours before I drive myself insane.

Finding nothing better to do tonight, I write some potential lyrics down, and then watch some television until the fateful hour finally strikes. Picking up my bag, I head straight for the door, opening it as my hands shake a little.

“Hey, I’m off. Don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.” I say, knowing that he’s going back to his little training room to practice his techniques.

“Okay.” Andy shouts from the kitchen, not even poking his head through.

I grab my coat from the hook by the door, close the door and lock it from outside, walking into the night breeze, which always takes my breath away, even though I’ve experienced this most of my whole life now. I walk towards the main shopping district, and see the usual neon scene, where all of the nighttime bars and restaurants have finally come out to play, like giants made of lasers. Walking past all of the places, and all the people who are dressed in their best going-out clothes, I resist the temptation to go party it up as well, and head onto Perm, the most... plainest building in the row. I’m sure that the party is jumping inside, like how looks can be deceiving at times, I’m sure that’s what it is.

I open the door, and find out just how wrong I was, as everything just looks so bland. Looking around, I can see that there are more portraits than a modern day museum, and just as many artsy fartsy people, sipping down on their coffees and other drinks that have smoke at the top. There seems to be a house band playing tonight, playing some smooth brass on stage. This is bad, my music is a complete tonal separation from everything I can see here. Alright, so it’s a club for the arts, no big deal. I guess I’ll have to take it one step at a time.

I walk towards the main reception and register in with my name, as the clerk takes my jacket and leads me to the backroom. Looking around the room, I can see a lot of scenery backdrops of all shapes and sizes, along with all the awards that this place has gathered after such a small time. No way, THE Rose LaBelle played at one of these places before? So this business has been going for a long time then, and actually does get some pretty talented people sometimes... in my opinion anyway. From behind me, I hear the door open as a man in a suit steps out with what looks like a late Victorian style dance troupe with three men and three women, all dressed like they’re looking for their chamber pots or something.

“Well, that was certainly an interesting performance. We’ll get in touch once we reach a collective verdict. Thank you for coming by.” The man says, shaking all of their hands, before grabbing a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and unfolding it.

He looks my way, as I walk closer to him. His face is not that much of a looker, but a little light flirting regardless should be enough to tip the scales slightly to the favour of yours truly.

“You must be Blanchett Locksley. My name is Harv Ornstein. It is good to finally meet you, your reputation precedes you, as I’m sure you already know.” Harv says, shaking and lightly kissing my hand.

Although I would love to bat my hand away right now, and administer five across the chops, I know that would look poorly on my part, so I just smile and giggle politely, putting on my patented eyelash-heavy slightly-looking-up look I’ve been perfecting.

“Hehe, what a charmer. And don’t worry, I’ll play tonight as if my reputation depends on it.” I say sweetly, and though I am not sure of any reputation I have garnered, but I’m sure it’s got to be kick-ass.

“Excellent. Well, if you’d like to step inside, we can begin.” Harv says, opening the door for me to walk through.

Shortly after, walking into a smaller stage room, I am pointed on stage,as Harv watches from just below on the wooden flooring. Accompanying the house band that was set up for this process, seemingly knowing how to play the song I wrote, I pull off all the stops and perform with flying colours. Harv looks impressed, as he claps for me.

“Hmm, not bad, not bad at all. Alright then... you know what, yeah. How would you like to come down and play a set for the crowd this time next week?” Harv asks me, still smiling, finally able to see me perform, I bet.

“Of course. Oh, thank you, thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.” I say, welling up with tears of happiness, as I shake his hand a little more vigorously than intended.

“I’m glad to see you so happy. Your partner will be over the moon.” Harv says, as I beams brightly.

Suddenly, all of that excitement starts to drop into a pit of my stomach, my heart in my throat as I swallow it down.

“Wait... partner?” I ask, trying to rack my brain to remember what he is talking about, if he really does know who I am.

“Yes. Miss Candice Wells. I must admit that I was there during your set a few years ago now, and knowing that you and that Blanchett Locksley are one and the same, that’s why I was able to book you so easily, you guys are professionals.” Harv says, excitedly as he looks at the stage longingly.

Candice? He must mean Candy Baggs. I haven’t heard that name in years now. Oh god, I really don’t want to have to tell him the truth, but he’s going to know if Candy obviously doesn’t show on the day.

“About that. I’m afraid that our partnership ended a few years ago, and since then, Baggs and Lox disbanded.” I say, nervously laughing to myself.

“Oh. I see...” Harv says, as I watch the excitement in his eyes die within a second, giving way to disappointment... did we really have that much of an impact on people? We were just kids back then.

I don’t know how to save myself from this awkward situation, but there must be some way to keep this golden opportunity rolling. Not knowing what to say, I can feel myself starting to panic silently.

“But I have a new partner now, and we are even better than before.” I say, just opening my mouth and letting the words fall from my mouth like vomit, and getting me into just as much trouble.

“Oh? Well, that is interesting. I can’t wait to see what you bring to the table, Miss Locksley. Thank you for stopping by.” Harv says, gaining his excitement back as he opens the door for me.

I walk out of the room, and back into the main entertainment area, where the same band is still playing. Even though the band is duller than a butter knife, the crowd seems to be eating it up. I can be 15 times better than them, but what the hell am I going to do about a partner? Suddenly, that little lightbulb in my head goes off. I not long ago joined a group of modern-day vigilantes, so I’m sure that one of them knows how to put on a good show.

As soon as I set foot back in my house, I pull open my phone and open up a group chat function.

Blanche: “Hey guys. I know it’s a little late, but please come to my house at half 10 tomorrow for an emergency meeting. It’s urgent.

Lizzie: “Finally. I’ve been training for some time in preparation.

Nuko: “No fair, Liz. You’re going to be leaps and bounds ahead of us, for sure.”

Roxy: “What is this emergency?”

Blanche: “That’s a secret. You’ll just have to find out tomorrow ;p”

Poppy: “I’m worried.”

Andy: “How did the interview go, by the way? I heard you come immediately in and dash upstairs.”

Blanche: “Tell you all later. Good night peeps.”

I close the phone, just knowing that if I tell them right away, not many of them, if any at all, will attend. The best thing to do is just go to bed and hope for the best tomorrow. I blink and the next morning arrives, just as it’s always been... I never seem to have dreams. Anyway, I check my clock and see that the time is 6:15, just 4 and a half hours since I sent that last message. Ehh, screw it, a little lack of sleep wouldn’t hurt for once. Having just enough time to get myself looking dazzling again, the doors knock as I hang from the upstairs bannisters to watch Reeve open the door.

“Oh, it’s you guys. What brings you here this early in the morning?” Reeve asks them, letting them in and taking their shoes at the mat.

“It’s okay, Reeve. They’re with me. Come to the roof guys, I’ll meet you there.” I say, running up to the roof ahead of time.

“Will any of you guys want some tea? I was just about to make some myself.” Reeve asks, as I open the door leading to the rooftop stairs.

A few minutes later, everyone comes in with their cups of tea, except for Lizzie, who is already pulling out a packet of cigarettes, with Lyle on her shoulder, with that much of the sandman’s spell in his eyes, I’m surprised he’s not flopping to the floor. Everyone takes one of the chairs here, sitting in our usual spots like last time, even before this whole Decain thing kicked off. The early morning breeze cuts especially thick today, even though we are rapidly approaching summer. It looks like it’s going to rain soon, as the clouds suggest.

“So come on, Blanche. What is this big emergency?” Andy asks, looking at me with raised suspicions.

“Even you don’t know? I assumed you were in on it.” Nuko asks, looking surprised and a little worried.

“Alright guys. Please keep an open mind about this. Remember that thing I told you I went to last night?” I ask, knowing that I had been drowning on about it ever since I found out about the opportunity.

“Yeah, you were trying out for Perm, right? Do you know when you find out if you got it or not?” Roxy asks, looking at me as she rocks back and forth on her chair.

“Oh, I actually got the place.” I say, not even finishing my sentence before they all erupt in excitement.

“Wow, you did it? I had no doubt you’d pull it off somehow.” Andy says, playfully hitting me in the arm, laughing in happiness.

“There is another thing I should detail. The man in charge, he knew me only from my past band, Baggs and Lox. He seemed pretty bummed that we split up a while back, so... I kind of had to tell him that I got someone else. So... any takers?” I ask, nervously looking around the room to gauge their reactions, which vary.

“Oh. Sorry Blanche, I’m not confident enough to do that.” Roxy says, shaking her head at me, as her teacup shakes subtly in her hand, tracing her finger around it with the other hand.

“Come on Roxy. Anyway, I’m game.” Nuko says, seemingly quite excited.

“I was kind of hoping that it was going to be a monster or something, but sure.” Lizzie says, between puffs of her cigarette, the smoke dancing around her like toxic cloud fairies or something.

“For you, darling? Anything.” Lyle says confidently, as if he stands a chance with me.

“Don’t you ever have anything but girls on your mind?” Lizzie asks, dismissively as she doesn’t even turn towards him.

“Don’t you?” Lyle asks, in a moment of sass that while it was actually comical, warranting a small guilty chuckle on my part, none other would dare replicate it... I’m sure Lizzie is not the type to take banter lightly.

Lizzie looks at him, before scoffing and turning back to her cigarette, either lost for words, or doesn’t care about it that much.

“Same for me too. Anything I can do to help.” Andy says, looking not too bothered about it, which is better than nothing.

Staring at Poppy, who seems to be in a world of her own, I wait until she steps back into reality, and notices my gaze, pushing herself back up in her chair.

“Oh...yeah. Of course, I’m all up for it.” Poppy says with a bright smile, though I’m certain she doesn’t know what she agreed to.

“Come on Roxy, I’ve heard you before. You’re pretty good at it.” Nuko says, playfully poking her arm.

“I’m sorry. I just can’t. Thank you anyway for the offer, Blanche.” Roxy says, looking in my direction, before finishing her tea and leaving her chair.

“Alright. So let’s not waste any time. To my practice room. Surely one of you will be pretty good at this.” I say, walking everyone out of the room, as Roxy follows us all out.

We all walk past my bedroom, mostly filled with white and pink bird plush dolls, with wallpaper of the same caliber, before we come to my pride and joy, my personal recording booth, complete with kick-ass instruments that I always say I’m going to learn, but don’t. Thanks to the soundproof padding on the walls, I can play as loud and as long as I want and not worry about the noise complaints from the passers by.

I sit everyone down on little bean bag chairs I have scattered around the room, before turning on the microphone on the stand that everyone will be using.

“Alright, who’s first?” I ask, luring them in with a playful wink and a giggle.

“Me. Me! Step aside and watch as I knock the socks right off you.” Nuko says, taking the stand.

I boot up a music streaming app on my phone and give it to him to pick his best song. Within a few seconds, a manic drum beat starts to play, and he taps his foot to... some kind of rhythm that I’m sure I can keep up with. His singing style seems to be just exploded in pure noise, to the point where the probably deep and meaningful lyrics just dissolve, as I can’t even make out what the devil he is saying. After he is finished, he looks at me as if I was meant to be impressed.

“Well, you certainly did knock my socks off there... that’s about all there is left of me after that performance. I’m not saying you were terrible, but we are trying for some subtlety, and that was as subtle as an atomic bomb on our doorstep.” I say to him, feeling kind of bad about ripping his style apart, but I need this to go perfect, even if it means telling some harsh truths.

After Nuko walks back to his seat in a silent sulk, Lizzie takes the next spot. She chooses a much more somber feeling song done entirely with a soft piano and an acoustic guitar. While her singing voice is a little better than most, there’s something... off-putting about her choice of style, like how a small parasite can wipe out an entire city... I really have to stop these metaphors about genocide. When she is finished, everything that I had thought would happen, happened... the whole mood is gone, and everyone is just sitting around, feeling pretty bad about themselves.

“Lizzie. I’m not going to lie, you were great. The only problem is that your style of music, while it’s still good in some circles... you see, we’re looking for someone to show us a little more “we’re having a good time” and a little less “my dog just died and I’m having trouble coping tonight.” Alright, next.” I say, feeling terrible, like one of those reality tv judges who turn away an act despite their tragic sob story.

The rest of them play well, but it’s still not enough. Is there something wrong with me? I come in front of the group, hanging my head in disappointment. Roxy has gone to make some drinks downstairs a few minutes ago, so only the other five are still sitting down, looking at me as if waiting for the response, but unlike those corporate bigwigs who openly gave up their humanity for wealth, I care about people’s opinion of me to a degree, but I have to be truthful, just as I was before.

“Guys, I have been thinking... I... am going to help Roxy with the drinks. When I get back, I will tell you who I have chosen. Be right back.” I say, finding myself unable to tell them that they are all... not the best.

I see them all silently celebrating amongst themselves as I close the door, making more of an effort for me than I originally thought they would.

As I walk down the stairs, I find myself facing a moral dilemma, and every step I take makes it seem like the stairs are getting longer and longer. I somehow have to decide between the screamer, the downer, or just the borderline average, of which will become my new singing partner for the night. Suddenly, as I grow closer and closer to the room, I hear... singing, coming from downstairs. Wait, it’s actually everything that I’ve been looking for, like an angel has come to answer my prayers. I casually walk downstairs, trying not to creak any floorboards, as I notice the golden tones are coming from the kitchen. I poke my head over, and see just what I, and I’m sure what everybody expected. It is Roxy, singing to herself as she prepares everyone’s drink. Crap, she is good, but how do I get her to co-operate with me?

She notices me standing there by the corner, and immediately stops in her prime, going red in the face and turning away from me.

“Sorry. I sometimes do that as I work.” Roxy says, trying to justify herself, though there really is no need.

“No worries. You’re actually pretty good.” I say, smiling at her sweetly.

“Oh... thanks.” Roxy says, blushing in embarrassment even more, though I can see a small smile forming, even though she is facing away from me.

As she prepares all of the drinks on a big tray, I take this opportunity to stop her for a moment.

“Listen darling, I know it isn’t your jam, I totally get it. But please, I’m desperate here. Just one night is all I ask. I’ll give you anything you desire.” I say, just going out on a limb and taking the direct approach, leaving myself no other options.

“I’m sorry, I... anything, you say?” Roxy asks, actually catching her attention, though I’m now scared what it is she wants.

“Of course. Anything. You have my word. What do you say?” I say, picking up some of the cups and cans for the others, as she takes the tray.

“The newest Gaze Of Eternity is out now, and I spent all my earnings on bills and shopping. If you can help me acquire it, my services are all yours.” Roxy says, bargaining with me over something so... basic.

“Gaze Of Eternity? That’s a game, right? That’s all you want? I probably should have expected really. Fine. Let’s do this.” I say, holding out my hand to her.

“Hmm, singing partners, huh? Sounds scary, but fun.” Roxy says, taking my hand, but letting the tray fall a little, sliding the cups to the side, before she quickly saves them, only letting a small amount of drops fall to the floor.

We go back to the practice room, so I can break the bad news to the rest of the guys. That night, everyone goes back to their homes, but Roxy decides to stay a little while longer to practice, as Andy heads back to his training room. Roxy and I go back to the practice room, and close the door behind us. We both sit on the bean bags, both looking a little nervous and awkward.

“So, the first meeting of Rox and Lox can commence. Now, how are you with classier versions of pop songs?” I ask, the butterflies of excitement flying around in my stomach.

“Pop songs? Meh, I can take it or leave it. My musical tastes are mostly in the classical region, like Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, or Queen.” Roxy says, listing them all off with her fingers.

“Come on, those songs are all figments of crazes from eras long gone. My music tastes are the stuff of the present, and probably even the near future.” I say, not saying my music tastes are the superior choices, but they are the one that will draw more people, I can rest assured.

“Oh please, people appreciate a classic more than they do a novelty.” Roxy says, getting more passionate about this than I originally thought.

“Alright, alright, I’m sure we can compromise on this somewhere along the line.” I say, wanting to keep the peace and not make a scene... even though she was only in on this since this afternoon.

“Agreed. Hey Blanche, if I can ask something a little personal.” Roxy asks, poking her head up from her beanbag as she rises from the lounge position.

“Fire away.” I say, going into the lounge position with my arms behind my head.

“This Baggs and Lox business. What exactly happened there?” Roxy asks, going straight to the point, as I’ve come to expect of her by now.

“Oh that. My old partner, Candy and I, we were best friends growing up. We did everything together, and always in the same class from nursery, and all the way up to our school graduation. She was a smart girl, always did great on her exams, and so, she went onto college, while I didn’t. We still kept in touch though, and we decided to form a group called Baggs and Lox. Candy Baggs and Blanky Lox, we were called during that time, and people apparently loved it. We did play quite a lot, but she unfortunately moved away after finishing her college course, and I never saw her again. She didn’t even say goodbye.” I say, still often thinking about her, and wondering where she is right now.

“That sucks. I’m sorry.” Roxy says, looking away with regret, feeling like she opened up a wound from old times, though I am feeling better about it now.

“Don’t be. You know, in a way, you do kind of remind me of her. She was always into her technobabble and droned on and on about the workings of this and that.” I say, remembering her impromptu lectures as if they were spoken to me just yesterday.

“Then I’m sure we would have got along then.” Roxy says, giggling a little.

“Alright, this meeting is over. Let’s see what you can do, missy.” I say, helping her up from her bean bag chair.

We practice together, finally agreeing on some songs that we both enjoy. We practiced until our voices strained, only to pick it up again the next day. Before we knew it, the day arrives and I find myself in the same position that I was in this time last week, just staring at the clock in the kitchen, watching the seconds tick by like minutes. I once again got myself looking my best way too early. Andy is once again looking at me as he joins me at the other side of the table.

“A lot seems to have changed in a week, huh?” Andy asks, chuckling to himself.

“For now. But tonight, Roxy and I are going to shake the town to the core.” I say, still watching the clock.

“About that. Are you sure Roxy is going to turn up? I’ve only known her as long as you have, but her stage fright could keep her from coming tonight.” Andy says, making me doubt myself... as much as I would like to tell him that he is wrong, I honestly don’t know myself, but I’m going to continue to hope for the best, that Roxy pulls through for us.

After a brief moment of silence, my phone vibrates with some good timing. I open it up and see a message from Roxy.

Roxy: “Sup? Might be a little early, but I’m here and ready when you are.”

Blanche: “Wow, someone’s an early bird. Be right there, bbe!”

“She’s even earlier than I am. I’m out, so don’t wait up. Wish us luck.” I say as I grab my backpack from under the table and walk out of the front door.

I make my way back towards Perm, my heart nestling itself into my throat as it pounds. It’s funny that I am fine performing by myself, but when it is with another, I get nervous as hell. As I approach the swinging club, I see that the place has more of a turnout than the last time I was here... the perfect opportunity to show my skills to a wider audience. I just hope Roxy is ready. I walk through the door to the side of the building, and find the corridor I was in earlier. A big burly bodyguard opens the same door for me, as I find myself back in the interview room, where Roxy is waiting for me, sitting at the end of the little mock stage. She looks lovely in her stylish make-up and her sparkling blue dress, but she seems to be breathing heavily and on the verge of tears.

“Ready to get this party started, my-“ I try to ask her, as I sit down next to her, but she immediately grabs me by the shoulders.

“Blanche, I’m sorry. I can’t. I just can’t. I just saw all those people out there, expecting a show. They’re going to take one look at me and know that I have more rolls than a bakery. What do I do?” Roxy asks me, shaking me vigorously in a panic.

“Alright, just calm down. First of all, trust me, being a little thick is infinity better than being stick thin. Secondly, you’re going to put on a great show out there. You wanna know how I know? Because we’re a team. The other four may also be a thing, but we-“ I try to explain before she cuts in.

“Sorry, couldn’t help but mention that we have Lyle now too.” Roxy says, trying to insinuate that the addition meant anything to the conversation.

“As long as that damn bird attempts to look up my dresses every now and again, it’s only the six of us as far as I’m concerned. Anyway, it’s only us two that can pull this off. Who cares what the minority think about you, as long as the majority is cheering you on?” I ask, feeling myself getting pepped up by my own speech, so I hope it works on her too.

Roxy goes into deep thought, which I have come to expect means something amazing or something risky, before looking back at me with a smile on her face. “Alright, let’s do this.”

I excitedly jump to the floor, offering my hand to help her off, but she still looks doubtful deep down.

“Could I maybe just... have a few minutes? I packed something that could help my nerves.” Roxy says, petting her bag, which looks quite big... I really hope it’s nothing drug-related, this pretty face will not be welcome there.

A bodyguard comes in to escort us off, the most deadpan expression on his face, like he has done this over a thousand times already.

“Sure thing. I’ll warm up the crowd. You just come when you’re ready.” I say, trying to make it a little easier for her, as I close the door behind her.

Still feeling a little nervous, I walk behind the red velvet curtains at either side of the stage, peering out to see that the tables are mostly filled, though I’m not sure if it’s because I’m on, or if someone besides the house band is on.

“Ladies and gentlemen, these next two lovely young ladies may be starting out, but they are damn sure no beginners. Give it up for Rox and Lox!” The MC says excitedly from the side of the stage.

I walk through the curtains, immediately feeling at least a thousand eyes all fixated on me. As the house band starts to play, I sing through the first song on my set list, still wondering where Roxy had gone to. I really hope she hasn’t flaked out on me, after all we’ve been through. Then suddenly, when it comes to her part, her voice comes in from behind the curtain. Finally!

As the shadow she sets on the floor grows larger and larger with the spotlight, something steps out onto the stage... but it’s not Roxy. What comes is a strange female shaped robot, wearing the same dress as she was wearing a moment ago. She continues to sing, as if from a microphone feed. Too distracted and confused, I realise that this is my part too. Although the people seem to be talking amongst themselves, confused and unsure how to feel about this surprise, we get an applause when we finish the first song.

“Thank you, thank you. I have no idea where this robot came from, but I will go and get Roxy. Give me just five minutes and we’ll be back to work our magic.” I say, a little bit annoyed to see this machine show up in her place as I storm off stage with a painted on smile.

I walk back to the other stage room, where we were waiting together, and as I peer through the ajar door, I find Roxy still in there, back in her regular clothes as she hunches over a control panel with a small microphone at the top. I slam the door all the way open before she turns to me in surprise.

“Great show so far, huh?” Roxy asks, as if everything is all hunky-dory and completely normal.

“Great show? Yes, just the best. Even if I have to sing and dance with a literal cyborg out there.” I say, still feeling a little embarrassed.

“Actually, cyborgs are half human and half-“ Roxy explains, choosing to dodge the point entirely.

“Why didn’t you come? And where did you get that from anyway?” I ask, wondering how she even got that thing, let alone bring it in here without anyone noticing.

“I built this to be a decoy on our missions, a robot version of myself in case I needed an easy out. I’m sorry, but that robot out there is your partner for tonight. I saw all those people, I can’t do it. I just can’t. I’m sorry.” Roxy says, almost crying.

“...Fine. Stay in here then. It will be strange, but at least it’s not dangerous.” I say, feeling a little disappointed as I walk out of the door.

As I walk back to the stage, I start to hear sounds of chairs getting broken, and loud screams as they sound more and more distant. Oh no, please don’t tell me. I run towards the stage and find that Roxy’s pride and joy is destroying the entire place, leaving no chair unbroken, no people left, and a small concentrated fire just by the entrance. As it stands proudly next to the stage, feeling so great about having ruined my one chance, I can feel my temper rising as I walk towards it.

“What did you do? Why did you do this? I’ve had it up to here already, so it’ll make me feel a little better to dismantle you.” I say, running towards it, weaponless, but with the fury hotter than a thousand suns.

As I run towards it, it just winds back and whacks me in the stomach with the strength akin to a horse buck, knocking me back to where I started. I’m okay... wait, no I’m not, but I can still go for it. As I run towards it again, I can feel two hands on my wrist, pulling me back behind the curtains. I struggle free, not knowing who it is, then turn around and see Roxy, looking confused.

“Woah, woah. What happened out there? I lost power a moment ago.” Roxy says, pressing random buttons on the remote control with have zero use.

“Why don’t you look yourself? Your little creation is a massacre just waiting to happen.” I say to her, pulling the curtains open so she can see.

“No. No! Please stop it. Stop!” Roxy shouts, as she continues mashing buttons, whilst the robot continues to smash everything in its path.

The robot suddenly stops its current plan, and looks at us, noticing the controls in Roxy’s hands, as she continues to press stuff.

“That’s not going to work now. We got to get out of here.” I say, pulling her hand away, as I start to run for it.

“Wait. Follow me, I have a plan.” Roxy says, pulling me back towards the backstage area.

We run towards the room we just came from, and close the door. After Roxy whispers me the plan, we open the door again and see the robot just outside of it. Now donning our battle outfits and weapons... again, I have no idea how Roxy was able to get them in here... we work together to bring the robot to the floor by kicking out both its legs.

“How’s that, baby?” I ask it, acting confident, as we start to run down the hallway and back out to the stage.

“Alright, we did that. Now, we just go over to the main square? But it looked downed to me.” I say, confused about why we need to go there needlessly.

“Trust me, it’s not. She’ll be back up in no time flat, and when she does, she’ll be on our trail.” Roxy says, just before true to her words, the robot storms through the door with a harsh slam.

We run all the way through the streets, and arrive at the surprisingly empty city square, where the fountains all look lovely at night with their neon lighting inside, as they all spout water together in a diamond around the shrine. The robot follows us all the way here, and so, we can start the second step of the plan.

“So you wanna dance that bad, huh? I’m all for it.” I say, as I throw one of my daggers at it, though it just bounces right off it, falling to the floor without making any sort of damage to it.

The robot dashes towards us, as the two of us use our weapons against it. We do our best to bring it down, knowing that if it gets one hit in on us, it’ll hurt as much as 50 blows we’re dealing. It swings for me a few times, which I narrowly avoid, as I slowly coax it into a certain location. After the robot stands on the metaphorical X on the floor, Roxy sneaks up behind it and tries to hold it in one place.

“Sorry about this, my lady. It’s for your own good. Alright Blanche, now!” Roxy says, looking quite sad at it before we finish it off.

I run up and jump kick the robot into the fountain, as Roxy quickly dives out of the way. Making a giant splash in the water, the robot falls into the fountain, before an electric current flows through it, seemingly deadly to the touch as quick as a bullet through the brain.

Waiting until the current has stopped, we know that the deed is done, and we saved Watcher Central from what was going to be a mechanical rampage. Even though we are victorious, neither of us can muster up any sort of celebration.

“I’m just going to head home. I’ll see you soon.” I say, feeling disappointed as I walk away back towards my house.

Roxy just watches me leave, as I imagine she wants to say something, but thinks she will just make matters worse. I walk back through the streets, feeling the lovely night breeze on me, feeling a little cold in my outfit. As I return home, I just head straight to bed, not even touching the Chardonnay I picked out to celebrate our success tonight. After a few minutes of silence as I sit upright on my bed, now in my pyjamas, Andy knocks on the door and enters the room with a worried look on his face.

“You girls finished early. Did something hap-“ Andy asks, not sure of what to ask.

“I don’t really want to talk about it.” I say, cutting him off as I honestly just want some time alone for now.

“Alright. Well, Roxy’s downstairs. She says she wants to speak to you.” Andy says before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

With a small sigh, I jump out of my comfy bed and head back downstairs to see Roxy standing there with a pizza box in her hands, now in her regular clothes again.

“I’m sorry. Talk to me?” Roxy asks, wanting to make peace between us... I suppose I should.

A few minutes later, we sit on the sofa next to the television, which is playing some black and white movie, as we enjoy a pepperoni slice of diet-ruining perfection.

“Blanche, I’m sorry that I ruined your night. My anxieties got the better of me, I panicked and I got scared. I was scared I was going to fail and let you down, and in the end, I failed and let you down anyway.” Roxy says, looking quite upset by what happened.

“It’s okay. I’ll get another chance one day, I’m sure of it.” I say, hoping that the statement comes true.

“Still, you’ll probably be flying solo next time.” Roxy says, smiling at me, though I can tell that something is still on her mind.

“It’s not too late if you... still want to be partners. Just next time, be yourself and for the love of all things holy, please don’t bring another cyborg with you next time.” I say, knowing that next time will be the best, as I decide to go get that Chardonnay after all.

“Trust me, it’s gone for good now. It’s not a cyborg, it’s a- ...you know what, cyborg is fine.” Roxy says, still frothing at the mouth to correct my mistakes.

I pour us a glass each, as the ice cubes rise to the surface of the bubbly glass of pure class... the class glass, as I am calling it from this day onward.

“Well, this is it, here’s to the real start of the next best duo since bread and butter.” I say, raising my glass to Roxy.

“Then who can pick a better moment to raise a toast?” Roxy asks, as I smiles and giggles to herself.

We clink together our glasses and drink for tonight. We may have had a rocky start, and will likely not hear the end of this fiasco for a long time after, with all the news coverage I can see happening tomorrow morning, but this time, it’s for real. This time, we will be known across the world. Just you wait, mum and dad, it’s a different dream that what you planned for me, but I’m going to live it regardless. I can finally become who I truly am.

Craaash!

Suddenly, the back wall in the living room crumbles and breaks, exploding into little pieces on the floor. The robot from before jumps through, with most of its face missing to show its endoskeleton underneath, and the blue dress in tatters, all the while it is dripping with water and mud. Without a second to catch a breath, the robot comes charging at us two.

“HOLY SH-“