The Eras Of Michael Jackson: Brotherhood

Chapter 6: The Legend of Dirty Diana

Bad and Dangerous eventually caught up to Smooth and Thriller at a gas station along the way, as Smooth was filling up the tank, something caught Thriller's attention.

"What's this?" Thriller plucks the flyer from the ground. "Hmm, an underground club, I think I found him."

"Hey guys, I think I might know where Dirty Diana will be."

"That was quick." Bad, followed by Smooth and Dangerous walked over to Thriller.

"This flyer says that he'll be performing at this club up in New Grove tonight."

"Well, we better get a move on, it says he'll be there at 8:30, and it's about 7:52 right now." Smooth checked his watch.

"Alright, we'll follow you guys." Bad and Dangerous walked over to their truck.

Moments later, the four of them arrived at the club and parked a few blocks down. Observing the scene, there were some people waiting to get inside the club which was normal, however, what stood out was the big black tour bus parked in front of the club. No doubt that it belonged to Dirty Diana. What caught Smooth's eye was a dark-haired, tall woman dressed in a tight black leather dress leaning on the bus.

As the Eras made their way to the entrance, falling behind the others, Smooth and the leather-clad woman briefly make eye contact. The woman's red lips curled up into a smirk, as her eyes held his gaze. Smooth continued on, but not without one last look at the woman, who smooched her lips at him. While inside the club, the Eras banded together amongst the eager crowd, before the lights went out briefly. The crowd started to cheer until one spotlight came on, revealing Dirty Diana standing with his back to the crowd.

The crowd goes wild as he began to perform his signature anthem, throughout the second verse of the song, something was off with Dirty Diana. He looked more panicked than usual, he looked over his shoulders more frequently but never underperformed. He looks into the crowd as he begins the third verse and immediately spots Smooth and Thriller. He was the only one in the room dressed head to toe in white and Thriller was in a bright red outfit, they easily contrasted with the grungy, punk rock-looking crowd. He felt a little relieved and was able to shake off some uneasiness as he got back into his rhythm.

Dirty Diana finished his performance and hurried offstage, Bad grabbed Smooth's arm and pulled him close. "We got to get backstage!"

"How?!"

"I saw where he went, follow me!" Dangerous shouted as he weaves through the crowd going toward the stage.

The Eras finally make it backstage towards the dressing room until they were stopped by security.

"Hold on guys, I can't let you through."

"We're his brothers, we have an important message to tell him." Bad explains.

"It's fine, Joe let them in." Dirty Diana peeks out from his door.

"Alright, sir." Joe steps aside.

Dirty Diana locks the door behind them as he rushes back over to his suitcase, carelessly throwing in his things. "I'm so happy to see you guys, but I really have to get out of here fast."

"What? You can't leave now!" Thriller interjects.

He continued to sling his items carelessly into his suitcase."I have to leave, I just know she's here, she's going to be waiting for me."

Dangerous blocks his suitcase and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Who's waiting for you?"

Dirty Diana stops in his tracks for a moment before he turns to face his brothers. "It's a long story, years-long, but I guess now is a perfect time to tell it."