Christina Milian -- Kid Sundae
Eliza Dushku -- Phoenix
Favorite hip-hop radio station blasting through the speakers, she carefully measured each leg of the coffee table she had been working on for the last few days. Content they were even, she grabbed the nearby sandpaper for further smoothing when a sharp whistle drew her attention toward the entrance to the basement where she spent the last few years building her custom furniture business. A grin splitting her lips and showcasing a pair of deep dimples, she happily greeted the unexpected visitor while swallowing the distance between them for a hearty hug.
"What're you doing here, player?" His name was actually Tevin but long ago she nicknamed him player because she claimed he went through girls faster than rolls of toilet paper. "Some woman finally pin you down and you want me to attend the wedding?" Grinning, she pointed toward various pieces of furniture. "Maybe build y'all a marital bed?"
Eyes widening, Tevin couldn't shake his head fast enough. "Hell no! I refuse to settle until I'm at least fifty. Mrs. Player of course will be no older than twenty-five." As his friend laughed he pulled his phone from his back pocket. "I actually came with a message." Fast thumbs began to sweep across the small screen. "You're being called out to Smackdown City for a battle this Saturday."
Although surprised since no one had requested a battle from her in years she couldn't decline fast enough. "Tell whoever it is thanks but no thanks. I retired from freestyle when I turned thirty and not looking to come out of that retirement."
Tevin figured she would say no, but that didn't prevent him from offering her the phone. When she shoved her hands into her jeans instead of taking it he laughed. "Come on, Nix. Just watch her invitation. She put it on YouTube a couple days ago and it already has a crazy amount of hits. One of the top comments says you probably won't show up as you're probably ancient by now." There it was. Tevin inwardly beamed. There was that fire she used to possess before she chose to step away from freestyle rapping in order to fully focus on building her furniture business, claiming she was getting 'too old' to be spitting rhymes. Phoenix didn't mind referencing her age, but she couldn't stand for anyone else to bring it up in a negative way.
She snatched the phone from him. "Who is this she?"
"Kid Sundae. Some say she's about to take your spot as one of the best female freestyle rappers around here." Bouncing from one foot to the other Tevin rubbed his palms together while watching her. "You gonna let that happen without a fight, Nix?" Not responding she stared toward the yet to be played video. "Go ahead. Watch it."
Curiosity getting the best of her, Phoenix tapped the arrow button pointing toward the right. Although he had watched it several times, Tevin moved to stand next to his petite friend as an even more petite young woman wearing a Kangol cap sent the camera a brilliant smile and waved.
.
Yo, yo, yo
Hello, Phoenix
How you doin', baby?
Was wondering if you cared to battle maybe?
You see, I'm the baddest chick in this city
My rhymes are slick, my rhymes are gritty
Hear back in the day you were all that
But compared to me?
You're a mouse, I'm the cat
You can't beat me
You can't defeat me
Matter of fact, don't even know why
I'm inviting you to Smackdown City
You can't trump this
Used to be all that
Now I bet you ain't nothin' but an old bat
I'm the new kid in town
I'm Kid Sundae
You're my lil' mouse and Imma eat my prey
That's if your ass shows up
Probably at home you'll stay
Matter of fact, don't come
At home you should remain
Heard you build stuff now
Should make yourself a walker
Or a wooden cane
Yo, yo, yo
Hello, mouse
How you doin', baby?
Take back my invitation to battle
Cuz you're an old lady
Peace
.
Face further reddening with each passing second, Phoenix opened and closed her mouth without any words leaking through. Afraid she might break Tevin's phone she gave it to him and proceeded to pace. Old bat? Old lady? Using a cane? Okay, she was older, but at thirty-four she wasn't quite ready to move into a retirement community and spend her days playing bingo!
Referring to her as a mouse and her prey? And what the hell was up with that cocky smile at the end signing off by saying peace and showing the peace sign with two raised fingers? Phoenix wished to give Kid Sundae a sign in return, yet it would require only one finger. Peace my ass.
Although aware she was playing right into the girl's hands she couldn't help herself. She couldn't let this go. Being rusty there was an immense possibility she would lose the battle along with any residual street-cred, but nothing was going to keep her from attending Smackdown City on Saturday.
The Phoenix intended to do her best to rise again.
Her pacing meeting its end, she faced her longtime friend and asked him to help her prepare a YouTube video response. Grinning from ear to ear, Tevin began setting up his phone when she made it clear that she wanted to record the video right then. So what if she was sweaty and dirty from working in the basement all day? This couldn't wait until she showered and ran a comb through her hair. She had to strike, to respond while still royally pissed off.
The moment Tevin hit record Phoenix began to speak in a husky voice that always became huskier when she switched into rap mode.
.
Hey, hey, hey
Howdy, Kid Sundae
Tonight want you to do somethin'
Get down on your knees and pray
You see, I don't think you know with whom you're messin'
My rhymes are more deadly
Than a bullet shot from a Smith & Wesson
Just who the fluck do you think are?
Behaving like you're a rap battle czar
My ass can't be trumped
And if you truly think so
Kid, you're the definition of chump
I refuse to stay home
Cuz I'm no wussy
Want me to refer to you as the cat?
All 'ight, then you're the queen of pussies
On Saturday I'll see you at Smackdown City
Look forward to defeating
The lil' big-mouthed kitty
Bet you'll weep
While the crowd throws you their pity
Yeah, I'm older now
But that don't mean shit
I'm still the Phoenix
And I will rise with golden spits
Hey, hey, hey
Howdy, Kid Sundae
Tonight want you to do somethin'
First drink your bowl of milk
Then find your ball of yarn and play
Peace--no, kiss my ass
At the last second refraining from showing that particular finger Phoenix indicated Tevin to stop recording. Once he did so, he walked toward her, picked her up and twirled her around. At first she was annoyed yet ended up laughing. Moments after being placed on her feet she asked Tevin if he would help her practice as she had five days to prepare.
"Absolutely I will, Nix! Whatever you need I'm your man."
"Cool." She clapped his shoulder. "I also want to find out everything I can about Kid Sundae. Want to know her inside and out." Catching his lecherous grin she smirked. "Not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter, player."
<><><><><>
Smackdown City was the place to go if one or an entire crew yearned to find someone to engage in a rap battle. Every year the club hosted what they called an Epic Duel where a rapper signed up to battle someone in particular. There weren't actual prizes for the winners chosen by Smackdown City's very own panel of judges, but they did get their picture taken and placed on the Wall of Fame where it would remain until the next yearly Epic Duel challenge.
There were twenty battles (the maximum allowed) scheduled for today with Kid Sundae versus Phoenix being sixteenth on the list. Stomach already in knots knowing she would have to wait the better part of the day for their battle to take place caused Phoenix to want to sprint toward the nearest bathroom, lean over a toilet and lose whatever contents remained in her stomach. Probably wouldn't be much though since she hadn't an appetite for the last twenty-four hours.
"You okay, Nix?" Her friend Miguel inquired concern etched across his face as he gazed toward her from the other side of the large booth they all occupied. She assumed only Tevin would show up, but was happily (sort of) surprised when seven friends from the freestyle crew she ran with showed up to offer support.
She felt ready to pass out, but Phoenix nodded before taking a sip from a bottled water. "I'm fine. I'm good." Asked if she had eaten anything today she reluctantly told the truth.
"Thought so." Miguel pulled a couple wrapped granola bars from his jacket pocket and slid them over. "Don't argue with me, mija. Eat those right now. Being lightheaded isn't good when you're up on a stage trying to rhyme."
It took nearly fifteen minutes but Phoenix managed to eat both granola bars washing them down with the energy drink one of her friends placed in front of her. Twenty minutes after that it was time to head to the stage. Offered words of encouragement, a few claps on the back and a couple hugs, Phoenix dressed in a pair of slightly baggy ripped blue jeans, a black tank top and a black and white bandana covering her head made her way toward the stage.
The first to arrive, she watched Kid Sundae walk up the few steps with that same cocky smile from her YouTube video in place. Damn, she's even sexier in real time. Phoenix shook her head and mentally told herself to get a grip. So what if Kid Sundae was a hottie? She was also a cocky little twerp who needed to be taken down a peg or two. Despite that, Phoenix couldn't help but to eye her from head to toe while she sashayed toward her. Those low-rise blue jeans fit like a glove, the lace spaghetti strap cornflower blue top accentuated a couple...certain areas and her opponent donned another Kangol cap, which perfectly matched her top. She greeted Phoenix with a broader smile and a nod that caused the large silver hoops attached to her ears to sway.
The emcee approaching with a cordless microphone in hand introduced the pair, the huge crowd surrounding the stage wildly clapping for both since most of the Epic Duel battles were between males, so two women (especially such fine ones) was a refreshing change. However, the applause may have been a bit louder when Phoenix was introduced as quite a few in attendance remembered her from four plus years ago.
"Ladies," the emcee started glancing between the opponents facing each other, "I'm gonna flip this coin." He pulled a shiny quarter from his pocket. "Phoenix, you call it in the air. If you're right you get to choose who goes first. Three rounds and you take turns. At the end of those rounds the judges will speak amongst themselves and declare one of you a Smackdown City champion. Got it?" The moment they nodded he flipped the quarter high into the air.
"Tails," Phoenix said, observing the rapidly descending coin while her heart worked overtime. Once it landed in the emcee's palm he gave it a final flip onto the back of his other hand and showed the result to both. Tails.
The emcee graced Phoenix with a smile. "Okay, Ma. Who will start the first round? You or Kid Sundae?"
She couldn't speak for all rap battlers, but those she was aware of including herself preferred going second. However, Phoenix abruptly decided to step outside the box for once. "I'll start." A few in the crowd whistled and clapped as she swapped an intense stare with her shorter opponent. Wishing both the best of luck the emcee exited the stage while with a slight trembling hand Phoenix pulled a microphone from the stand. A hush fell over the crowd as she brought it toward her mouth and indicated Kid Sundae with a wiggling index finger.
.
Look at this one
Look at this here
I'm supposed to be afraid of you?
Be shiverin' like I'm cloaked in fear?
Always been self-conscious about my height
Standing in front of you feel better
Cuz what are you?
Four foot two?
Calling yourself the new kid in town
Well short stack slow your roll
Cuz you're not about to usurp my crown
Even retired I'm the toughest beyotch around
Ain't a big deal to beat you
Won't break a sweat to defeat you
You're a self-proclaimed pussy, remember?
So go sit in a corner, lick yourself and mew
That's what you oughta do
Cuz when I'm through with you
You ain't gon' be nothin' but a stain
Some residue
The crowd erupted in cheers as Phoenix finished her portion of the first round. Greeted with a smirk she offered her opponent the microphone. Accepting with a quiet thank you, Kid Sundae waited for everyone to calm down before she spoke.
.
Is that it?
That all you got, Nix?
Sure 'nuff you're real rusty
Your old butt can't be fixed
While it does thrill me
I sorta feel guilty
Since this will be like snatching candy
From a baby
Look atcha
Think you're a lesbian Eminem
Or do you prefer Slim Shady?
My rhymes bring death to others
So I call them suicidal
While, Nix, you stand there
In that bandana reminding me of Bret Michaels
And what's up with those ripped jeans?
Didja buy them that way?
Or have you had 'em since your teens?
And when was that?
Back in the twentieth century?
You see, mouse, I've come to play
Have every intention of crushing everything you say
Today? Today, baby, is my day
Imma be like Buffy with them vampires
Cuz your ass I'm gonna slay
Phoenix heard someone in the crowd utter an excited 'oh shit' as Kid Sundae passed the microphone back to her. The emcee coming up to the stage just long enough to announce the second round, she raised the microphone while her opponent stood staring at her with hands planted on her hips, that smile still lingering. Come on, Amber, she internally coached herself. You've got to bring it harder.
.
Please don't make me laugh
You're gonna slay me?
How you gonna accomplish that
When you only come up to my knee?
You must deem this crowd stupid
They get it
I'm a few years older than you
So what if I was rappin'
When you were still learnin' to tie your shoes?
So what if I was gettin' laid
When you were enjoying trips to the zoo?
So what if you were in a sandbox
When I was developing my crew?
Yeah, I'm older
And you're newer
But I own the salon
You're just the shampooer
You need help in the class
And I'm the tutor
You're a cub
And I'm the top cougar
I may have been hot in the past
Yet I also have a fiery future
Don't count me out
Cuz I'm still way in
This Smackdown City challenge
Kitty cat, I'm definitely gonna win
You are on your way down
Making that happen is my duty
And careful if you lean over
Might get my foot in yo' booty
Although relieved the crowd went wild Phoenix kept a smile from slipping onto her lips. Instead she wore what she dubbed long ago as her 'hardcore expression' which could leave one thinking 'does she want to slap me' or 'cuss me out'? Though she couldn't know what the other woman was thinking at least the cocky smile had vanished. Tossing the microphone from one hand to the other, Kid Sundae waited for the crowd to settle. Throat cleared she raised the mic.
.
Bet right about now
You're feelin' comfortable in your skin
Think you deflated me
Like a balloon greeted by a pin
However, lemme tell you, Nix
You're still a has-been
You're just a string
I'm the entire violin
You have a couple eggs
But I own a couple hens
Got you hiding under the bed
Cuz I'm one o' them boogeymen
Don't know the definition of losing
Since all I do is win
Eminem wannabe
What do you know about rapping anyway?
Wouldn't you be more comfortable
Doing somethin' like learning ballet?
I mean what have you gone through?
Probably grew up somewhere
With a lovely park view
Privileged White girl with your rainbow crew
Believe Black, Hispanic and Asian buddies validate you?
No matter how much you might pretend
You're not a minority
Face it, chase it, embrace it
You're the majority
Matter of fact, why don't you go join some sorority?
Oh wait
They wouldn't want you
Cuz you were almost born in the seventies
The crowd showing their energy Phoenix grabbed the microphone with much more force than required. Clutching it in a tight grip she didn't recall how she and Kid Sundae ended up toe to toe, but toe to toe they were doing their best to stare one another down until a bouncer walked onto the stage to gently encourage them apart. The emcee joining seconds later, he expelled a loud breath and announced round three.
"Ma," he squeezed Phoenix's tense shoulder, "you ready to deliver your final spit?"
"Yeah," Phoenix replied in her huskiest voice yet. While the emcee stepped away she kept staring at Kid Sundae who returned the stare with nary a blink.
.
Who the hell do you think you are?
Spittin' that bullshit you've just gone too far
Evidently you didn't do some research
So allow me to take your lil' ass to church
What do you know about me?
I'm White and I like to rap
All your other assumptions are full o' crap
I'm from Brooklyn
Where I'm proud to have been made
In a low income project apartment is where we stayed
By we?
I meant my moms
My three little siblings and me
Where was my pops?
At age twelve saw him taken away in handcuffs
By the cops
What did he do?
Better question, what didn't he do?
Terrible excuse for a husband and father
We were better off without that fool
Ever since I was a kid
Loved to spit
See me on a corner sharing my wit
One day this gang came rolling through
Thought about joining until I met my crew
Without them dunno what I'd do
And I don't give a damn if
They're black, white, purple or blue
Was hoping we could have a battle
Without all the racial talk
But since that's where you took it
Then with you I will walk
You talkin' 'bout me being privileged cuz I'm White?
Think I grew up with loads of cash
And near a great park, right?
Yet research tells me you were the one who had it tight
Now I've got mad love for Brooklyn
But sometimes it was hell
Did you ever feel the same livin' in affluent Scarsdale?
Congrats on attending and being a graduate of Yale
Your mom's a doctor and your dad a lawyer
By the way, heard your real name is Sawyer
In high school you were a cheerleader
For some reason you're a fan of Bieber
Also learned of classical books you're an avid reader
See these stereotypes?
Just cause negative hype
When assuming you merely make an ass
Out of U and Me
It's 2015
Wish we could all realize it's the same color we bleed
I'm White, you're Black
Couldn't care less 'bout that
First thing I thought of when I saw you?
Dayum, she has a nice rack!
So let's try to leave skin color out of it
Just come on stage perform your spit
Try to outwit your opponent
And most importantly have fun with it
That's what it's all about
Now that the Phoenix has risen
She's out
.
Feeling sweat trickling down the back of her neck, Phoenix handed Kid Sundae the microphone, turned toward the crowd and took a bow. It was over. She wasn't sure how she did, but it was finally over. Just that quickly her appetite was back. A cheeseburger, curly fries and a large super thick chocolate shake sure did sound mighty fine. Somewhat surprised to find Kid Sundae grinning (and it wasn't the cocky one) she shoved her hands into the side pockets of her jeans and waited for the younger woman to speak.
.
1-2-3
A-B-C
Someone messed up
Oh yeah, that someone's me
I apologize for not using care
Tried to make you look bad
And dropped my flair
You're right
When it comes to rappin'
Skin color shouldn't matter
Nix, I think you have a whole lotta swagger
But then again you should
Since you ain't a whippersnapper
So you noticed and liked my tits?
Did you also notice overall I had the better spits?
C'mon, you can admit it
You know I hit it
If you're honest with yourself
You'll see I'm hotter than a bowl of grits
Might as well get down on your knees
And to me submit
Yeah, you're a tough beyotch
I'll give you that
But you're still a mouse
And I'm a Persian cat
You can step to me
You can get next to me
But I will never let you get ahead of me
I've climbed to the top you see
Twenty years from now?
That's still where I'll be
The Phoenix has risen
However, it's time for her to go up in flames
Please don't feel any shame
Just because you didn't win the battle
Doesn't mean you didn't recall how to play the game
In this town there's simply a new dame
What's her name?
Baby, it's Kid Sundae
Peace
<><><><><>
Wondering why she asked for a menu since she already knew what she wanted, Phoenix held it in front of her while smiling up at the waitress standing with a pencil poised above a pad. "I'll have the cheeseburger combo with curly instead of regular fries and substitute a large chocolate shake for the soda. Extra thick please."
"I'll have the same except please make mine a vanilla shake thanks."
While the waitress wrote Phoenix lowered her menu and stared slack-jawed toward the person occupying the other side of her booth, which was supposed to be empty as after leaving Smackdown City she selected to dine alone. Beyond fatigued she just wanted to scarf down her meal, go home, take a quick shower and lie down for a nap.
Maybe I am old.
"What are you doing here? How did you know where I was?" Menu grabbed, the waitress mentioned she would return shortly with their beverages and walked away. Obviously she wasn't nosy as to what could be going on between them. Phoenix made a mental note to increase her tip.
"I'm here because you're here," Kid Sundae casually stated, linking her fingers on the table. "Followed you."
"Followed me?"
Kangol cap hanging low over her eyes she nodded. "Yep."
Phoenix waited a few seconds for her to continue, then realized she didn't have any intention of doing so. "Why?" Kid Sundae shared a smile so beautiful Phoenix wished she had a picture of it.
"Because I admire you," she softly confessed. "I think you're brilliant. More than brilliant actually. I'm just...I'm in awe that today I had the honor of rap battling with the Phoenix." She went on to explain that she had watched every rap video of Phoenix uploaded on YouTube at least a dozen times. "The youngest one I found was of you at age fourteen...so cute and talented." She shook her head. "As much as I've heard your rhymes you'd think I'd know more about your personal life. Again, I'm so sorry for my round two spitting. That was uncalled for."
Phoenix quickly swiped a hand through the air. "It's okay. So...you admire me yet you call me names?"
A pair of brown eyes twinkled. "What am I gonna do? Rap about how much I adore you? Talking smack is the point of a battle!"
That caused Phoenix to emit a laugh. "True." Sitting back in the booth she gazed toward her unexpected eating companion as a smile began to form. "So you really like me, huh?"
Kid Sundae pointed toward her chest. "And you really like these, huh?"
The smile switched into a mischievous grin. "Find them to look very...perky." When a finger beckoned her, she leaned across the table, shivering when full lips grazed the ridge of her ear.
"Just wait until you feel them."
A tingle shooting right between her thighs, Phoenix sat down again appearing slack-jawed as the waitress returned with their milkshakes. Huh. There went her appetite again. At least for a cheeseburger and fries. "Kid Sun--"
"Call me Skylar."
She nodded while trying to keep her eyes above the other woman's chest. "Then call me Amber. Skylar, would you like to go out sometime?"
"I'd love to. However, " lips wrapped around the straw Skylar attempted to sip, but it was much too thick, "tonight I have every intention of going in."
Brain fried from their rap battle and lack of food it took Amber more than a couple seconds to figure out what she meant by that. The moment she did nerves and eagerness assaulted her body. Damn. Her nickname contains the word sundae, but I'm the one getting a treat.
Hands down, best ending to a Smackdown City challenge she ever had.
________________________________
Been about four months since I've written one of these and I hope you enjoyed the attempts at rapping ;-D You might notice a champion was not mentioned. Couldn't bring myself to choose as I couldn't decide. Was Kid Sundae overall better? Was Phoenix? Did both royally suck? What do you think? I'd be interested if anyone reading this cared to play judge =D