Beyond the Beats

Chapter 98. Catalyst

The cheers for DayZ, Kile, and Tejas were off the charts, while my crew and Hriaan were the only ones boosting my confidence.

"All of you are so popular," I told Tejas.

He smiled. "If you reveal your identity as Boomer, then you will know how popular you are yourself. Should I tell the host to announce it?"

I shook my head vigorously. "No. I hate that name."

He pouted. "But I love it. It sounds so cute."

I gave him a fake glare. "Should you really be teasing me right now about my pathetic fake stage name? Tell me what you have planned. You will go against Kile, and I will go against DayZ, right?"

"We can swap too, though Kile is a bit agressive when he is on the floor. Both of you will match perfectly."

I narrowed my eyes, and he chuckled. I also laughed as he was telling the truth only.

"Just relax. Tap me during the match when you want to challenge them, cool?" he suggested.

"Okay," I replied.

"No stress."

"No stress," I repeated.

Once we were ready, the host told us to take our positions, and the audience's excitement rose even more.

As adviced by Tejas, I stayed back and observed how he handled both DayZ and Kile. While I was now familiar with DayZ, I had a bit hard time understanding Kile's tactics. He was mostly unpredictable.

"Oye, Bhoomi, are you scared or what? Are you going to make your boyfriend do all the work?" DayZ provoked me.

I glanced at Tejas, and he signalled me to not fall in the trap. I nodded and ignored the taunts, but the more I saw Kile breakdance, the more I felt a need to challenge him.

Sit back, Bhoomi, don't invite trouble for yourself. Even if you have experience battling, he is a legendary B-boy. Just because he is a decade older doesn't mean he won't kick your ass. Tejas is doing a good job maintaining both of your images, so don't ruin it.

Tejas did two rounds consecutively, so when DayZ was done with her turn, I tapped my boyfriend's shoulder. He didn't object, and I finished my round effectively, though my eyes were continuously moving towards Kile.

If I provoke him, will he pay attention to me? He has not looked at me even once since the battle started. I think he doesn't even consider me as his opponent. This hurts my pride.

"Hamster, move away," Tejas said and pulled me back just before Kile's right foot smacked me right in the face.

I never felt much fear after that dance battle with The Emperors when I had debuted as Boomer, but seeing Kile hold so much explosive power even in his simple moves made me insecure.

"Hamster, don't even think about it," Tejas warned me.

He lightly pulled me back, and I slumped my shoulders as he read my mind.

He went against Kile, and we were tied with DayZ and Kile through three rounds. Our opponents were really good, and I was fortunate to witness the duo perform right in front of my eyes, but I wanted to battle them seriously.

If it wasn't for my irritating medical condition, I would have been able to perform properly.

Kile again started the fourth round, and this time, my eyes were able to track each of his movements. I felt like a new area of my brain was activated which led to a surcharge inside me.

I am going against Kile this time. Why should Tejas have all the fun?

With strong determination, I moved on the floor before Tejas could, and I teased Kile by doing old school moves. He wasn't affected, so I upgraded the game. I challenged both him and DayZ, and didn't leave the spot when DayZ and Kile performed together.