Ranking Battles (5)

After writing his name and getting instructions, Sam walked nervously to the 4th door at the end of the hallway. The stadium was a had a large stage and a waiting area for the participants. The stadium also had many speakers. It had a motorized roof that worked like a car roof, right now, it was closed, and there were four large screens coming from it that were facing all four directions. The screens all broadcasted what was going on on the stage and sometimes the judges panel.

The stadium was mostly filled with students, family members, friends. Currently, two students were roasting each other on stage (rap battle).

"After this rap, is done, there will be no hesitation to say who won. Try your best, you won't succeed this battle will only be another post on my feed."

"Wow, so nice, I won't succeed? Hah, sorry to break it to yah, your rap game is weak. Mine on fleek. 24/7 a week. If anyone's looking for the greatest, I'm the one you seek."

The crowd burst into cheers.

"HE NEEDS SUM MILK!"

"FROZONE CAN'T SOOTHE THAT BURN!"

The rap battle later became one sided and the one who went second was the winner. 4:1. The judges gave their comments and complimented the winner's flow and rhythm. Another pair went up. Then another. Then it was finally Sam's turn.

"Up next, we have Jupiter Alaedo versus Luis Gutierrez. Please take to the stage! Tell us if you two are going to do two different performances or one together."

Sam nervously climbed the stairs to the stage. He let out a deep breath the moment he stepped foot on it. It was so different than performing in front of class or friends.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Let the best man win."

"Yeah."

"Students are you ready?"

"Yes," Sam spoke into the mic that was clipped to his shirt.

"Yes."

"Then please begin, Luis first."

Sam backed away to the side of the stage and watched as Luis started to act out a scene from Romeo and Juliet.

"But soft! What light yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!"

His voice was packed with emotion as he spoke of Juliet.

Soon, the monologue was complete and Luis gave and actor's bow. Then, Sam took center stage and waited for the judges' approval.

"Jupiter, you may begin."

Sam took a deep breath and changed his expression. His body slumped and it looked as if he was being pressured by something. He paced around the stage and fiddled with his fingers.

"It is my duty to my family to carry on the restaurant's legacy. Generations after generations, the job has been passed down, and it is now my turn. I don't want to disappoint them, but I am drawn to football. The sport seems to call to me. I've experience the adrenaline. The big rush. That feeling of victory could never compare to the mundane life of a cook in a family restaurant. The comradery and the genuine smile it brings to my face is a rare thing. I have made up my mind." Sam's back straightened like a large load had just been taken off his shoulders.

"I'll tell them. I've made my choice." His eyes were blazing with fervour and his stance was open and proud, showing his confidence and strength in his desire.

Sam then stepped out of character and bowed to the judges.

"Was that all improvised?" asked one of the judges.

"Yes."

The judge thought for a moment before wrtitng something down.

"I think we've all made our descisions. I vote for Jupiter."

"Jupiter."

"Jupiter."

"Jupiter."

"Jupiter."

"The score is 5 to 0. Sam wins this ranking battle."

Luis hung his head, disappointed in himself.

"Luis, your acting was good, it had emotion. However, it was not complex enough and you mostly just stood there on the stage. If you work on it, you will improve greatly."

"Thank you, judge."

"Jupiter, you were the very embodiment of a young man struggling between his family and aspirations. The fine details like the nervous tics and posture added to your performance. Great job."

"Thank you, judge." Sam smiled at the judges who felt as though they had been blinded. Such an angelic smile! And that cute dimple! If we give you more, compliments, will you smile again!

The audience was also amazed.

"This boy is so handsome!" one of the mothers exclaimed.

"Take me, idol!" screamed one of Sam's fellow students.

"He's the new guy that sits with the queens and kings! I can definitely see why now! He's got the skills and the looks!"

"My ovaries are exploding!" (Search it up of you don't understand, I can't explain it without writing a lot.)

"WHOOOOO!!! SAM!!!" his friends yelled.

Sam waved at them and left the stage to go meet them in the audience.

"Yay! Sam! You did it! You won, and by so much too!"

"My heart was beating a mile a minute, " Sam said as he clutched his chest.

"I couldn't tell, you looked so at ease up there."

They all chatted for a bit before the judges called up the next group.

"Daniel Kang and Felix Sine, please take to the stage."