Waves of Desperation || Madonna
Heavy clicks of pairs of heels rippled through the dry cement, the cold breeze hugged their exposed skin, creeping to their insides despite the thick, yet stylish clothing they had worn for the night. Four ladies, dressed in tight-hugging skirts of white and gold, strutted their way towards the large warehouses, an unfitting venue for a grand event.
Battle Royale, a competition they had been in for a couple of years now. Heeyeon was used to the blinking lights, the pumping music racking through the large speakers of Haru, the dance stage filled with bulbs of different hues, and the crowd that gets wild along with the dance crew that takes the stage, stomping their feet, throwing their bodies, some clothes even, just to win the said event. But this year wasn’t like any other year. Eyes drifting towards the high structures in front of her, Heeyeon felt a tinge of anxiety twisting inside her chest. She wasn’t feeling so good about this. And the fact that this had to be in such setting, quite isolated and far from the life of the city, made her doubt of everything that will about to take place.
Madonna had been one of the crowd’s favorites during the past years, known as one of Hongdae’s best dance crew, and being in this competition had almost become mandatory to defend their legacy. Of course as Haru’s pride, Madonna has to join. It didn’t matter to Heeyeon though, to win or not, if only she had not heard the rumors about those two. No. After those years, Heeyeon hasn’t forgotten them yet. She wasn’t sure if it was the friendship they had once built or the pain and hatred that caused another pinch in her heart, but at the thought of the two, Heeyeon became very eager to win. Not just for the money, not for the fame. It was because she wanted to prove to them, face to face, that Madonna can set any floor on fire without them.
That is why, despite the peculiarity of tonight’s event, she had sworn to herself that they must win. “Whatever happens, just dance.” Heeyeon said sternly, looking at each of the three, before breaking into a small smile, hiding the anxiety that slowly grows inside her as she tries to remove the worried expressions in their faces. The four of them entered the said warehouse, a large hall decorated with lights and audio equipment, and hundreds of seats welcomed them. Familiar faces greeted them, Haru employees, and even loyal fans rooting for the group. Heeyeon greeted them back with a smile, thanking each of them as they wished them good luck.
The MC welcomed the ladies as he took them to the front seats, waiting for further instructions. A blank cement wall sat coldly in front of them, and Heeyeon realized the odd picture. There was no space for a dance floor. Only few meters distanced the audience from the wall. And that was too small for a stage.Would TOP prepare a lousy stage as such? Of course he wouldn’t. She knew very well of her boss’s unpredictability when it comes to such. He had so many things running under his sleeves, she was even once a part of it. She knew, from the moment her eyes were opened to the reality of Seoul’s underground world. These people wouldn’t settle for a simple routine of dancing bodies. These are people hungry for entertainment, something that would fulfill their eyes with deviant amusements. And she had anticipated such, much after receiving a message from TOP few days ago. “It runs with no feet and roars with no mouth” But up until this moment they haven’t figured the meaning of his message yet.
A staff called them few minutes later, after giving instructions to the other dance crew. He lead them to a hallway which leads to another room. A thick steel served as the door, and a small plate with “Madonna” written in light blue ink hang in the middle. He then handed Heeyeon a key. “That’s the key to your room. The whole room is all yours, feel free to use it anyway you can for tonight’s battle. There are cameras and speakers built in inside, you’ll get advised once it’s your turn. For the meantime, stay in that room, practice, relax or do anything.” He said, eyes cold and indifferent. The key remained still on her palm, and Heeyeon wasn’t sure if she really need to keep it. Isn’t it quite irrelevant to give them a copy of it? They wouldn’t be needing it, would they? She wanted to ask him these questions, however his intimidating presence only deterred her from saying anything. The man opened the door, his muscles stretching from the weight. He extended his arms, guiding the four women inside. Once all in, he once again spoke, and Heeyeon was just sure than his statement was directed to her. “Dance with all your might. Good luck”
The sound of the thick steel door creaking echoed inside the bare room, until it closes with a loud thud. A faint click was heard, followed by the footsteps of the man until faded into silence.
The battle has begun.
