Tales of The Legendary Karaoke Dance Party!

[Rev Dark]

"There aren't enough tears." Terrence Knight muttered, wrapping a large hand around his ginger ale.

"No, I don't expect she will be singing any emo songs." Bella said, wrapping an arm around Morgan's waist.

"No I mean… nevermind." Terrence muttered.

"Probably I Touch Myself by the Divinyls." Emerald Blast consulted Mr. Whiskers. "Or Tainted Love by Soft Cel."

"Fuck the Pain away by Peaches?"

"Touch me by Samantha Fox?"

"How about Touch Me by the Doors?"

"Toucha-toucha-touch me from the Rocky Horror Picture Soundtrack?"

"Cream by Prince"

"I Want Your Sex by George Michaels"

"She would have to sing it in the men's bathroom for full effect."

"All possibilities to be sure." Bella's red eyes narrowed. "But rather obvious, and while Jackie can be obvious, it is when you is being
subtle that she is most dangerous."

The light began to flash, the reds and oranges fading to deep blues and purples. Jackie took to the stage. There was a gasp of indrawn breath.

"That's just not…. Right."

"I don't believe it."

"Inconceivable!"

"She's wearing clothes! From a practical point that makes her less conceivable than normal."

"Bonjour mes braves." Jackie said; her voice pitched low. "This is not a song for me. It is for those who truly place themselves and their lives
into the path of danger. I remain a coward. I do not deserve this song. You mes braves, mes belle braves. You do."

She gestured, streams of ice arcing from her fingers to form a chair. She sank into it, arranging the folds of her long skirt. She leaned forward in doing so,
flashing a vast expanse of cleavage from the plunging neckline of her blouse. As she straightened, the lights dimmed further, so only the barest outline of her
could be seen. A note from a violin cut through the dark.

"Dry your eyes and quietly bear this pain with pride

For heaven shall remember the silent and the brave

And promise me they will never see, the fear within our eyes

We will give strength to those who still remain"

Her voice was rich and true; and carried sorrow and regret. The lights rose slightly, dark blue hues. The club was strangely silent. Bella could feel
Morgan's hand gripping hers, almost painfully tight. Mag had abandoned his dials and knobs and was watching his head slowly nodding.

"Hold your head up high-for there is no greater love

Think of the faces of the people you defend

And promise me, they will never see the tears within our eyes

Although we are men, with mortal sins, angels never cry

Subtle changes in the music. The violin was joined by a keyboard whose sound seemed to melt out of the strings. The sound became fuller. A percussive beat
joined in. So low that it was more felt than heard; but powerful enough to send pulses racing to match it.

"So bury fear, for fate draws near

And hide the signs of pain

With noble acts, the bravest souls

Endure the heart's remains

Discard regret, that in this debt

A better world is made

That children of a newer day might remember

And avoid our fate"

"Prepare for battle!" The cry was ripped from more than one throat. Mag pumped one great fist in the air. While Bella and Morgan were both on their
feet. Living tongues of flame licked over Bella's skin as her eyes lit up in a glowing inferno.

"And in the fury of this darkest hour

We will be your light

A lifetime for this destiny

For we are Winter born

And in this moment... We will not run

It is our place to stand

We few shall carry hope

Within our bloodied hands

And in our Dying, we're more alive-than we have ever been

We've lived for these few seconds

For we are Winter born!"

On her feet, Jackie sang out the lyrics; a challenge to be fulfilled by all who listened to it. The percussion faded as subtly as it started, the light fleeing
with it. Jackie had resumed her seat.

"Within this moment now

We are for you, though better men have failed

We will give our lives for love

For we are Winter born

And in our dying

We're more alive, than we have ever been

We will make this sacrifice

For we are Winter born."

"Merci mes braves." Jackie brushed a hand across one cheek. "Merci." She fled the stage.

"I hate this." Gamma said slowly. "Was she being sincere?"

"Yes." Bella said quietly, the flames still burning brightly in her eyes. "And that compadres, is when she is most dangerous. To herself.
Occasionally she rises to be the hero she wants to be, but is still too scared to become."