Stepping into the dressing rooms backstage, Stefani was pleased to find the other five members of the band getting in some last minute practice. From what she had seen, the concession stands were already operating at full capacity, and the volunteer for ticketing was hard at work. When everyone saw her enter, they wound down their practice in anticipation of some speech.
“Everyone, I can’t believe this is actually happening! I know each and every one of you have worked so hard to make this a success, and without you it would not be possible. I could stand here and bore you all day, but it would be better to just get out there and have some fun! That is what music is all about!”
Everyone seemed convinced by Stefani’s brief pep talk, as their eyes all flashed with determination. Taking her place amongst them, she began to hum a tune, the rest falling into chord immediately. Once the beat had taken off, Stefani awaited her cue before she began to sing. Finishing up their final practice before their set, they prepared themselves for their big moment.
When they came out on stage, everyone was a bit overwhelmed, but no one was as shocked as Stefani. From the looks of the auditorium, the vast majority of the student populace, along with many faculty and staff had chosen to attend. Compared to her previous ventures, this was far beyond a resounding success. With so many people gathered, she knew there was no choice but to put on a good show. Now that she was aware of her own powers, she had no problem with using them to her advantage.
As they had planned, they began with a couple of covers to popular songs in order to draw the crowd in. From her experience, students were not very interested in the classical artform, so they had come up with a plan as a group to ease them into different types of music. From the swaying of the crowd, and the people singing along, it was clear they had made the right choice.
Transitioning to something still fairly contemporary, but not particularly a cover, Stefani was happy to find the crowd was still enjoying the show. Though they were not quite as in sync due to the unfamiliarity of the songs, they still seemed just as enthusiastic by the performance. As planned, in order to best transition to something more classical in style, they performed a number steeped in melancholy that calmed the crowd, but did not lose their attention.
Finally it became time to try introducing a classical style to the campus again. With all her previous failed attempts, Stefani could only cross her fingers and hope for the best. Initially she thought it might be a good idea to use her powers on the crowd to invoke a sense of understanding and acceptance of the music, but she remembered how she felt when she first found out that her entire career might have been a sham thanks to her abilities. Instead, she came up with a different though somewhat similar idea.
To start off their classical pieces, Stefani had Anaar, much to his dismay, take center stage and begin with one of his own original compositions. Though he had been known to be capable of composing a number of different styles, she thought that by having him be the headliner and utilizing his star power, people would be much more willing to not only pay attention, but accept what he had to offer.
Stepping forward in his sleek black slacks, white button-down shirt, and blue bow tie, he raised his violin to play. Even though his hair was possibly one of the few things he did a good job of taking care of, Stefani had finally convinced him to wear it down and loose to accentuate the sharpness of his outfit. Losing himself in the tones of his song, the auditorium was rendered silent as he performed. It was so quiet it seemed as if everyone was holding their breath during his entire solo performance.
Finally the rest of the band joined in, weaving in fresh sounds and taking the composition to a higher level. When they had finished the piece, they were shocked to find the crowd had erupted into applause, which was the first time it had happened since the show started. There were cheers and hoots, but never applause.
Continuing on with more of their classics, the entire band played with renewed vigor, all of them seemingly living for the promise of the praise of the crowd. After their fourth classic, they came to a close of the show, the thundering applause and screams for an encore bringing them back out onto the stage. They had not expected the show to be such a success, but Stefani had insisted they had a good song prepared for the event the crowd did indeed want it.
Back on the stage, Stefani took to the microphone again, singing like she had never sung before. She had performed for crowds much larger than what was before her, but none of them seemed as important or satisfying as the gathering of students and staff in a place she was finally beginning to be able to consider home. To cap off the night, she decided to lace in just a bit of her powers, wanting to make the encore a true showstopper. With the concert complete, the band retreated backstage, absolutely exhilarated at their success.
Friends of the band members had been given special passes backstage for when the show ended so they could either shower them with congratulations, or comfort them in their failure. An excited Maggie ran up to Stefani with a bundle of pink roses, while Phavian grabbed Anaar, spinning him around, with Codi, Zenia, and Ryn in tow.
“Stef! You were so amazing! I knew you could sing, but you have the voice of an angel!” Peering over at the still captive Anaar, “I guess you were okay too.”
“I agree, Anaar gets a pass, but Stef, that dress alone made you the star of the show. All this smooth velvety skin…”
Spinning Anaar around, practically using him as a weapon, “Shut up Codi. Stop harassing the girl!”
Sending a violent shock at Anaar, “Fuck off! You are just mad your boy toy could never look that good!”
“Why am I the one getting shocked?! I’m the one being flung around like a stuffed animal!”
“You lot are bloody insane! I mean that in a good way.” She gives smiles to Anaar and Stefani, “And in a bad way!” Zenia then trades her smile for a scowl as she glares at Codi and Phavian.
Ryn walks up to Anaar, somewhat confused by his position, still hoisted by Phavian, “Anaar did you write that piece you did?”
Smacking Phavian over the head, “Will you put me down already?!” Clambering down from the now frowning Phavian as Codi snickered in response, “Yeah, I wrote that. Why do you ask?”
“Because it was beautiful! I never knew you were so talented!”
Spinning over to grab his arm, Stefani beams with pride, “Can you believe he had only been doing this for a year?! It is insane! I just knew when I heard that piece it would be a killer and needed to be in the show! I worked for weeks to get him to agree to it!”
“That’s my baby! Of course he’s got that talent for that ass-”
Pumping him full of voltage, Codi comes to stand over Phavian, kicking him a bit while he is on the floor. “Shut up! No one asked you! Why are you trying to take his moment?! Fucking attention whore…”
Sighing heavily and mouthing “Thank you,” Anaar turns away from a grinning Codi who was giving him a thumbs up. “Maggie, where is Dan?”
“Ugh! Don’t ask! He just had to get some more food from the concession stand before it closed! He knows those things make him all gassy…”
“Haha! You are going to have to deal with fuck farts tonight!”
Everyone turns to look at the grinning Phavian on the ground, with Maggie giving Codi a signal. Without anymore need for provocation, she zaps him again, over and over, as the rest of the members of the band look on in horror at the scene playing out. Stefani rushes over to assure them everything is fine, and it happens quite often, which only seemed to make them even more uneasy.
With the night an overwhelming success, the crew decide they should do something to celebrate. Anaar and Stefani agreed they would like to change first, so it is decided they would meet back up at The Rack in an hour. The event ended up being a much bigger spectacle than they expected, since Stefani had invited the rest of the band and their friends to the event as well. From there the word spread, and before they knew it, there was a full blown afterparty happening at The Rack
. With alcohol and fun flowing, Stefani could not help but beam with pride thanks to her first successful concert at Sophangence.
10
Seeking to be more independent and confident in his own abilities, Dan had been so far removed from his normal study sessions with Anaar that he found he had barely seen his best friend. In some ways he realized just how odd it was to think of Anaar as his best friend, when Anaar very clearly proclaimed his girlfriend to be his best friend. When asked why he could not have more than one best friend, he simply would have Hobb recite the definition of the world ‘best.’
Even still, as strange and almost incestuous as it felt, Dan not only accepted being second to Maggie, but was also happy for her to have Anaar. He understood just how smart and amazing Maggie was, far more than he could ever be, so she needed someone who could fulfill those needs for her. Because of his love for both of them, all Dan wanted was for them to be happy.
Lately though, Dan had found himself in dire need of time with his friend. Anaar never made him feel inferior for not being chosen to go on missions like him, but the absence which came as a result had its own way of pushing him down. If he took a step back and looked at everything, he noticed the days where their entire gang would have multiple meals together, or spend their free time together were rapidly dissolving. Everyone had something else better or more important to do.
Anaar simply did everything, except schoolwork it seemed, which admittedly made Dan more than a little annoyed. Maggie was on a never-ending quest to be the very best, while fighting for equality. Stefani seemed to be more transformed than ever, putting on successful concerts, learning how to control her powers and fight, and overall excelling in everything she put her mind to. Dan found himself as usual behind the curve, even though his friends all lauded his efforts.
Efforts. He had grown to hate the word. He knew everyone meant well, but he was tired of being the only one who made a good ‘effort,’ but never truly shined and took action. As much as it hurt his pride, he knew he could use the help. He could continue to make meager gains on his own, or he could take the help of the people closest to him so he could rise to the next level. In keeping with this line of thinking, he decided to reestablish his study sessions with Anaar. As expected of Anaar, he was more than willing to help, but what happened when they met up took Dan by surprise.
“It feels like it has been forever since we have done this.”
“Ain’t it though?”
“You know Dan, I didn’t want to crowd you because I knew you’d be fine on your own, but I really do miss these times. It feels good to just hang out, you and me.”
“Now ya know you ain’t missin’ teachin’ my dumb ass.”
Shaking his head, “It’s not about that. Sure we use that as an excuse, but I think that is just our way of making time for one another. Neither one of us are the clingy, pushy type, so we found a reason for us to get together.”
“I shouldn’t need so much help dat we can make plans based on gettin’ me better.”
“Why not?”
“Cause it ain’t right.”
“What’s improper about it? Everyone needs help, you are just the only one of us strong enough to admit it. The rest of us push against it and fight to maintain this air of excellence we really don’t have. No one is as genuine as you are.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, “Aww shucks, ain’t nobody ever made being a hunk of shit sound so good.”
Laughing hard aloud, “Call it whatever you want, we are all actors compared to you. Sometimes you just want to drop the guise and be yourself.”
“You be perty damn good when you be wit’ me so if dat is ya bein’ shitty, where can I sign up to be like dat?!”
“No, it’s not what you think. So often I think everyone expects me to have all the answers. When I don’t, people act strangely, as if I have done something wrong. Whenever I’m with you, even when I’m helping you, I don’t feel pressured to be sure of myself, or get things right. Instead I’m able to just wing it and hope for the best. All the while it feels like you are just happy to have the company. It takes the edge off.”
“Huh. Well keep wingin’ dat shit cause it work for me!”
Chuckling to himself, “It’s been so long since we did this I don’t even know where to start!”
“Well since you rather not have no pressure, I think we can save my Calculus for last. I never tried takin’ dat shit in high school and now I know why. The fuck you need them shits for?”
“I use Calculus constantly! How else do you think I use my explosions to such precise degrees?”
Giving him a blank stare, “Wut?”
“Yeah, utilizing a mixture of Calculus and Geometry, it allows me to know exactly how much force, in what area, and how often, in order to manipulate things with my explosions. Once you get the hang of it you realize just how useful it is in all aspects of life. Without it, I think it would be impossible to do many of the things I’m capable of.”
“Dat’s a real high ass bar. Ain’t nobody tryin’ to do all of dat! Well maybe helping me wit Calculus won’t be as bad as I thought. We still savin’ it for last though. I don’t wanna deal with it.”
“Well what do you suggest then? Has your martial arts training been going well?”
“Oh yea, it’s perty good. Don’t sound like it’s no shit like what you be doin’, but still I’m gettin’ better. Since you mention powers though, I got something I wanna show you.”
Perching with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, Anaar smiles happily with a nod. “Sure thing! Let’s see what you’ve got!”
Pulling out a deck of cards, Dan shuffles them with a smirk.
“So… you are going to show me a magic trick?”
“You damn bet I am!”
Dan continues shuffling the cards, then in mid shuffle, the cards burst forth, spinning around him like a helix. They do a number a turns and spins, then one half of the helix breaks off and spins around Anaar. Watching the cards in wonder, his eyes wide and gleeful like a child’s, he spins around in concert with the dancing cards. As he is transfixed in amazement, the cards return to Dan, orbiting him gently.
“That is so cool Dan! When did you pick up this new trick?”
Grinning happily, “It’s been a few weeks now. These thangs is really fun to play with.”
“Play with?”
“Yea! I could do dis wit’ da paper I normally use, but I don’t know how to put it. It be like, a pain in da ass.”
“Why is that?”
“Well, it be all floppy so you gotta make it strong, then the way it be flyin’ in the air be kinda weird if the wind catch it right way, not to mention just makin’ it move… It be a pain in da ass.”
Stepping up and plucking one of the cards from the air, Anaar recognized a small, but clearly present resistance when he attempted to grab it. Once he had it in his hand, he turned it over in his hand repeatedly, feeling the texture of the card.
“It has a coating, that doesn’t seem to bother you by the looks of it.”
“Dat’s one of the best thangs! You remember when I was first learnin’ ‘bout how different paper feel?”
“Of course, how could I forget. That was pretty exciting, and I wasn’t even the one experiencing it. You mentioned different types have a predisposition for certain applications.”
“Umm… Yea… Dat… Anyways, not long after I started feelin’ all dat, I was walkin’ by some of dem board games and I could feel somethin’ tuggin’ at me. Turn out it was all the paper in the boxes. I cain’t fucks wit no cardboard yet, at least not thick stuff, but I can tell it be there. Cards be a whole different story though. It do feel like somethin’ a lil off bout ‘em, but now dat I’m use to it, it don’t bother me none.”
“That’s so cool. You act like you need help from me, but in reality, you are just fine on your own. This coating, does it do what I think it does?”
“Aww why you gotta go and spoil the surprise?! Well I
guess ain’t no beatin’ round da bush now. They ain’t waterproof, but they damn close.”
“That means it is a great stepping stone for how to help with your weakness to water! How does it hold up with binding for barriers?”
The gently swirling cards shift to form a very rigid barrier in front of Dan. “They bind real good, but they don’t do so good wit folding, so they be best for barriers anyhow. They be real good for just throwin’ too. Cause the stuff they got on ‘em, it don’t do as good with the cuttin’ when they folded over, but the edges ain’t got nothin’ really on ‘em, so they kinda like them knives you use.”
Rubbing his chin, “Interesting… How do you make up for their weight? Also, they aren’t pointed, so I am presuming you just use them more like blades then?”
Looking at Anaar with a confused look, “What you mean?”
“About which part?”
“All of it.”
Sighing, “Well let’s take it one step at a time. The cards, like the rest of your paper is very light. That means even if you made something like say Maggie’s hammer, it still would just be a rough copy since it lacks one of the main components of a hammer, which is its weight. Though my knives are also light, they are designed for piercing, and thus their composition is weighted as such. So does it require you to put all the force behind it yourself since the paper can’t do it on its own?”
“I’ma go wit yes.”
“Okay, and by that same token, I don’t see it really being designed to puncture things. Examples like my knives, or Maggie’s arrows are something you can think of. In that case, do you just use them, almost like a tomahawk or something?”
“What da hell is a tomahawk?”
“A hatchet.”
“Why you ain’t just say that?!”
“Nevermind, so do you use them like that?”
Smiling broadly, “I ain’t got no clue!”
“Wait, so you have never applied this new skill, or at least theorycrafted?”
“I’ma go wit no.”
“Dan, it’s been weeks!”
Apotheosis (Song of Sophangence Book 3) Page 13