Mason's POV
“Alright you bass lovers, you beat thumpers, you absolute MADMEN!” Ana yelled into her mic, “ Tonight, we have a battle for the ages! Dj Helix...vs DJ Pon3...y’all I don’t know what to say, but get ready to get wild. In less than an hour, these titans will be battling tonight for your pleasure. So, what I need yall to do is is keep partying, keep eating food, keep drinking , and have fun!”
As Ana stepped off the stage, music began playing and the lights followed along. She walked and walked towards me in the audience. A few people in the crowd congratulated her on the event, but she only spared a few seconds as she approached me.
“Hey, you got one hour. Do what you need to do and be on that stage at 8. Do not do anything stupid. I know this is an event for you and Vinyl, but the club also needs this to survive alright?” she said in a stern voice, hugging me and getting close to me ear.
“Yeah...I got you…” I replied.
“You better get me,” She then sighed and kissed me on the cheek,” I’ll be in the main office doing some administrative stuff. I’ll get someone to handle the onstage announcements from here on out. See you stage and good luck.”
After that, she walked towards the office and disappeared in the crowd; I was left alone. The crowd was too busy dancing to notice who I was. I figured I’d find Vinyl and maybe talk to her a little bit. Maybe calm my nerves down a little bit. In this mess we called a club, I figured she would be at the bar, so that’s where my feet began to take me as my body once again conformed to the movements of the crowd.
The closer to the bar I got, the more memories of my drunken nights hit me.A smile appeared on my face as the good times kept rolling. Anastasia may have been right that I was developing a problem but hell, she could never deny the fun that came of those escapades. Out of nowhere, my mouth got dry and I started to crave a small drink. Nothing serious, but something to wet my tongue.
In that moment, I began rationalizing. “One small drink could hurt right?” I thought to myself as I leaned over the counter. “I can’t get intoxicated from one beer.” I thought, as I ordered one Guinness. “This isn’t going to hurt…” I rationalized, as I lifted the bottle to my lips.
I completely forgot about Vinyl, and my only focus was on the dark bottle that was the portal to bitter goodness. I could almost smell the hops as the bottle came closer.
“I swear Ana said no alcohol,” came a male voice,” Be a shame if someone told her…”
“Charles...naw...this is for you,”I lied, “She told me you were coming so…”
“I highly doubt that...I never told her I was coming.” he replied as he grabbed the beer that the bartender sat in from of me. He took a small swig and sat at the bar, “You all know I hate social environments…”
“So what made you come?” I asked, watching him take another sip from the bottle and gag in reflex.
“She threatened to tell our parents how I live…” He replied, defeated.
“Still on the Bank Teller lie?” I asked, “That’s insane they still fall for that.”
“I may not be good at a lot of things, but lying and computers are my forte. Also, check your six, I think your ex is coming. “
I turned around and was immediately greeted with a tight hug that squeezed the air out of me. The fragrance smelled of strawberries and I could practically feel the makeup rubbing off onto my shirt. Below me, was a head full of blond hair with brown roots. Strangely, I cant say i was sure if she ever dyed her hair or not. I never asked.
“Long time, no see ,Helix,” Chloe yelled in her regular voice as she let go of the embrace, “How’s life been treating you?”
“It’s been great actually...didn’t know you’d been here. With all your classes and stuff, “ I replied
“You’re acting like I wouldn’t find time to see your big comeback in between school.Besides, I’m sure i can find someway to mold this into an economic report.”
I began to say something, yet the sarcastic voice of Charles overpowered me.
“You can write it on how capitalism continues to bring the downfall of society…” Charles said before said, taking another sip of my beer.
Chloe stepped around me and approached Charles; I could feel her entire aura change.
“Let me guess, another momma’s boy who barely leaves his home and talks in an echo chamber forum about politics and memes?” She retorted back.
“Oh? Let me guess, another college girl who believe whatever her teacher says because he’s wear tight button ups and has a master's degree?”
I could see the situation slowly becoming worse and left before they could drag me in. I was never one for economics or school and knew they would drag me if I said something wrong. As i walked away, I could hear them yelling about economic policies and I swear Charles mentioned communism. After that, I knew Chloe would blow, so I ran faster into the crowd.
I expected to see a few familiar faces in the crowd. Old friends, A few older collaborations. But a certain old rival took me by surprise.
"Sledge..hammer?" I asked, touching a man's shoulder, "This can't be real..."
"It is Mason..." He replied, looking around," So this all you, huh?"
"I mean kinda, I had the idea, but Ana made it happen. You remember her right?"
"Of course, I do. I wanted to date her, but I always knew she was out of my league."
We both laughed a bit a stood around each other in silence. To be honest, I didn't know what else to say; I hadn't seen this man in years and didn't expect him to be here. Though, I figure Vinyl probably met him at that other competition I had to miss.
"You know, Mason...I came her to bash you...get mad...cause a scene. Maybe even fight that pony person you somehow know, " he started, taking another look,"But I can't bring myself to do it. You're doing really well for yourself, I don't wanna be more of an asshole than I already am and ruin it for you."
"I appreciate that, Clinton," I replied, "I really do."
"Don't call me that. God, I always hated my name. Like who names their kid Clinton?"
From there, the conversation seemed to flow like a river that just got unblocked. We caught up on everything, and I almost told him how I met Vinyl and Octy, but i kept that to myself. He told me how he was doing, how he lost to Vinyl, and swore revenge. It seemed like Vinyl had many more challenges in the future.
Vinyl’s POV
I was a little away from the club after Ana dismissed us. With a half filled beer bottle in my hand and my hood hiding my identity, I could relax and calm myself before this show. A smirk crossed my face as I watched the club get fatter and fatter with people waiting to hear my gift. It felt good to be wanted again. To be back in the limelight. I guess this is sort of how Mason feels too.
Lost in my thoughts, my phone beeped. It took me a second to actually open it up since I was still getting used the strange device. From what i could see, it was a text, as they call it, from Octavia. It said something along the lines of Ana wanted to meet in the office to go over a few last minute things.
I have to admit, I was very annoyed when I saw the text since my relaxation time was cut down. Without a second thought , the beer was finished and my legs began to move me towards the back entrance of the club. Though as I moved forward, I noticed this black mechanical carriage from down the street turn on and begin to approach me. I usually never felt uncomfortable, but for some reason there was an aura coming from that vehicle that didn’t make me feel safe; I sped up.
Unfortunately for me, the vehicle sped up too and was fast approaching me. Thinking quick, I turned to go towards the front entrance. Surely, whoever it was wouldn’t dare continue, right? I heard the machine stop and the doors open. I kept moving until I heard a voice call my name. It had a friendly tone, but I felt the malice right behind it...waiting. I don’t know why, but my head turned back to see who it was.
I have to say, I was surprised to see it was those religious bastards who kept bothering us. Tonight of all nights...why? I turned back around and continued not giving them the satisfaction of answer. Not until I heard something that pissed me the fuck off.
“How’s Mason doing? “ I heard one of them say, “Didn’t think he would be able to make it after his accident. Maybe we will pay him a visit to see how our friend it doing.”
"Oh you guys can go fucks yourselves," I yelled
My horn lit and I was ready to beat some ass. Those non-magical chumps would regret speaking some shit to me like that. I had a plan, some magical blasts and then a whole of hoofs up asses. OH the fire was burning bright, but then I felt a hand on my shoulder. Still angered, I hastily turned around and received face full of cigar smoke.
“Hey wassup ,Vinyl, “ Andrew said, “Didn’t expect you to be this far from the club.”
The smoke kinda disoriented me a bit and the magic in my horn faded. It filled my lungs, but oh, it tasted terrible. After a few coughs, I replied.
“I was relaxing a bit...well until Octavia called me and then those assholes…”
“Way ahead of you. I had some buddies watching them all night. Unfortunately, they haven't done anything, so I can’t arrest them. Though, I can promise those Puritans won’t ruin your night. Look, let’s get you to Ana’ office and have you get ready for the show.”
“Alright, that sounds nice.”
As we walked away, I took one more look at those bastards. To say the least, it warmed my heart to see a police officer writing them what i assumed was a speeding ticket for going down the street at the speed they did.
Inside Ana’s office, everything appeared calm. I really thought she’d be stressed, but she was holding everything together, or so I thought. Once I entered, she turned to me and cracked.
“Vinyl, we don’t have enough drinks; I just had to order more! The vendor said they won’t be here for another hour! What will the people drink?! Why are they drinking so much?! Who hurt them tonight?! OH but they are also hungry! We are running on fumes, pony! Just sent the chef on a emergency grocery shopping trip. I thought I had planned for this but my numbers are wrong!”
Ana went back to her computer and began to look over some files, and I turned to Octavia who simply shrugged and patted Ana’s back.
“So Ana….uhh why did ya call me here?”I asked, not expecting answer in the state she’s in
She didn’t look up from her computer to answer.
“It’s simple really. I need you not to hold back against, Mason.” She said , not skipping a beat.
“Excuse me? DJ Pon3 does not hold back!”
“Cool, in that case, this talk is just a reminder.” She said said looking up finally and starring me in the eye, “This competition is really just more than a event. It’s a chance for you and Octavia to start something here. It’s a chance for Mason to restart and get out his rut. It’s a chance for Genesis to become the best club in L.A. I’m not trying to sound selfish or put pressure on you, but if this crowd fills even an ounce of your strength not in it, they’ll lose excitement.”
“You don’t have to tell me; I know.” I said, sighing a bit, remembering a few of my shows that went terribly wrong.
“Good, “ Ana replied, lighting a joint, inhaling deep and blowing the smoke in another direction, “I told Mason the same thing, so no one's holding back. In that case, beat the pants off, Helix. No mercy! Now head to the stage and make sure to remind him and everyone why you’re the best DJ in Equestria!”
Octavia came over and hugged me. She whispered, “Good luck; you got this.” in my ear, before returning to the computer and speaking on some last- minute administrator stuff. I knew the conversation was over, so I turned to leave and made my way to the stage. I saw Mason on the other side heading towards the stage as well. He didn’t seem nervous...nor drunk. Just normal and in the moment.
Little secret, I always got a little bit nervous before an event.
A few moments later, I heard the office door open and both Ana and Octy walk from the room. Ana ran passed me and onto the stage. In an instant, the music cut off and the club was completely quiet.
Mason's POV
I walked up the metal stairs on my side of the stage. I saw my setup sitting there in its polished and abused glory. Before I could approach, I saw a X made of duct tape which I assumed I was supposed to stand while Ana did her theatrics.
Looking across the club, I saw Vinyl standing on her X. She seemed calm, chill, relaxed. I never understood how people did that. Without some alcohol in my system, anxiety was hitting me from all angles. Nevertheless, the show went on.
“Y’all have been waiting...for the battle and I’m here to say that the dogs are out of their cages!” Ana screamed into the mic, followed by the crowd exploding in cheers.
“In this corner, the home favorite- DJ….HELIX!!!!”
The lights came on directly above me ,and I felt all the anxiety melt away. My arms began pumping and the crowd fed me their cheers. I walked towards my setup, the lights following me, and turned her on. Immediately, a deep guttural bass escaped and passed through the crowd like a wave. The cheering only got louder and I...only got hungrier.
God, did I miss the moments like this.
“Now, new to these parts, but not new to the game…the challenger...DJ PON3!!1”
The lights on Vinyl’s side came and she screamed in excitement. From her horn, only something I can call small fireworks exploded around her. She approached her setup, the fireworks stopped, and a blue aura enveloped her horn and the setup. The sound started off low, yet grew until the room was shaking and ended the laser effects.
“Looks like both combatants are ready… but let me explain how this works. This is a battle of adaptability and staying on your feet. Each DJ will play 5 songs alternating from each other that lasts one minute each. As one song is playing that respective Dj can mix and chop it how they want while it’s playing, but as soon as that minute is over , the other Dj has to immediately transition into their song. The second silence is heard, you lose. Try not to let the crowd lose it’s excitement, "Ana explained, " Now if both survive, we will enter sudden death, but let’s not worry about that. Anyway, it’s house rules that the challenger always goes first. Dj PON3,I’ll play a short minute clip of a track, after that...take it away!”