Risk is the Spice of Life

Chapter 4

Despite almost dropping my phone at the sound of Rap Monster's voice, the conversation went smoothly. I would be leaving in five days to take a plane to a small, privately-owned inland country, and then a bus to a secluded resort where the preliminary trials would take place.

"Can't wait to see you there" he had said before hanging up. He sounded happy, like he was smiling. Was he smiling because I'd accepted to be a part of the trials? My heart fluttered at the thought. However, all the seclusion concerned me. But there was no turning back now; I'd made a decision and I was going to follow through. I worried about everything that could go wrong, but I also marveled and was excited for all the things that could go right.

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It didn't feel like I'd spent 16 hours on a plane. Of course, I'd also slept through most of it; best and longest sleep I'd had in too long. As I enjoyed the scenery during the bus ride to the resort, I went over what Rap Monster had told me about the Trials:

Ø There would be seven Trials, one Trial a week, which meant that contestants would be at the resort for a minimum of seven weeks.

Ø No weekly eliminations, except in severe circumstances. When I asked why, Rap Monster had told me that BTS wanted competition, but not unnecessary savagery. I figured that their popularity would already bring in some dirty players, so I hoped that their strategy would help lessen the stunts some contestants may pull to be at the top.

Ø The members of BTS, their managers, and representatives would tally points for each contestant during the Trials, however, scores would not be posted for public view, again, to avoid as much negative competition as possible.

Ø They were looking for a wide range of fresh talent. Rap Monster named vocalists, rappers, and dancers, as well as actors, stylists, artists/set designers, and those good with a wide range of technology. Their production company already had all of the front and center as well as behind the scenes people, but I wondered why they wanted a whole new crew for this project; they seemed to be taking "fresh talent" to a whole new level.

Ø BTS planned to interact with the contestants as often as possible to get a feel for them as people as well as their talents. Rap Monster emphasized the importance of recruiting genuine people.

Ø Finalists of the Trials would compete in one Final Trial, and probably the most nerve-wrecking: Fan Favorite. Oh yes, these Trials would be filmed and broadcasted. I guessed that allowing fans to choose as well as BTS added suspense and lowered member favoritism.

Knowing that I'd be filmed and broadcasted worldwide terrified me so much that I nearly backed out when Rap Monster mentioned it to me. But I decided, again, to follow through. I still didn't know what Rap Monster saw in me or what talent/s I may have that they see fit to use in their project, but I was determined to do my best and give it my all because even if I didn't make the final cut, this chance, this opportunity, this experience would change me for the better.

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It would take three buses to get all the contestants to the resort. I was lucky enough to get on the first, but my roommate, whomever she was, wasn't so I just set my bags on a bed; I was hoping that we'd off to a good start if I didn't play "first come, first served". It was still early in the day and, despite the long travel, I was tired like my bus-mates. Probably had something to do with all of my airtime sleep. The forest that surrounded the posh, yet comfortable resort instantly caught my attention and I itched to explore it. Orientation and Introductions weren't until later in the evening when everyone had arrived, so I had plenty of time.

There were several paths into the forest, each one identical in appearance but leading a different course. I chose the path furthest to the left and began my journey, bouncing a little as I walked, my excitement unable to be contained.

I didn't know how long I walked; I was too enchanted by the cool air, the sunlight dancing through the trees, giving the place a fairy-tale feel, and the small critters I could see and hear darting along unseen paths. My tranquility was disturbed when I bumped into someone as I was turning in a slow circle to watch a hawk in flight. I heard a soft thud and turned toward the sound. The person I'd bumped into had dropped his/her phone and had kneeled down to retrieve it. The person looked to be wearing loose, comfortable clothing and a black beanie all but engulfed his/her head.

"I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed. "I should've been paying better attention."

"It's okay" a male voice responded. Was it...? "The phone case and dead nettles saved my phone, so nothing to worry about." He looked up from his crouch and his wide dimpled grin warmed me better than my coat.

"Pendriel! It's nice to see you...why aren't you resting?" He continued as he stood and pocketed his phone. Rap Monster had said that BTS planned to interact with the contestants outside the Trials, but I didn't think I'd be lucky enough to talk to him alone again.

"I slept on the plane" I answered, thankfully in my normal voice. "I had too much energy to sleep more, so I decided to explore this magical land with its fine greenery" I finished as I swept my arm in a graceful arc to encompass the surrounding area.

Rap Monster chuckled. "I'm glad our scenery delights you and inspires your praise."

"Oh I love it! I'm sure I could spend all day here marveling at...well at everything." I couldn't hide my awe as I looked around again, taking extra time to capture every detail.

"I could too. It's so peaceful and quiet." I turned my attention back to Rap Monster. The way he'd said peaceful and quiet felt heavier than they should have. I opened my mouth and quickly closed it. What could I say? I couldn't even begin to fathom the weight he carried or even which burden was currently the heaviest.

"I haven't been here long, obviously", I started, "but I enjoy the calm feeling I get just from being out here." Rap Monster looked at me then, his face unreadable. Was he disappointed? Calculating? Judging?

"I...uhhhh....ummmm.....well, I - - I wish I could explain...better" I stammered, looking anywhere but his unfaltering gaze, which did not help the feeling that I'd said something wrong. I had wanted to say something that was comforting without assuming that I knew what was going on inside his head. Had I failed miserably? I chanced a glance at him. He had his hands in his pockets. A small smile tugged at his lips and his eyes were soft and inviting.

"Walk with me?" he asked.