Eternal Melody

THREE MONTHS LATER

Just like a feather lost in the wind, you fly away from me, gracefully, until I can never catch you again.

__

SUMIRE

Setting things on fire using her powers or using the new explosives they just received? She opted for the later, it was fun watching everything blow into pieces. The rest of the harbor was filled with smoke due to her actions. But, she could still see her main target which was the warehouse in the middle.

Sumire kicked the door open, and the moment she did she spotted a woman with short hair tied up. Cecilia, a member of the Holy knights. For an abandoned warehouse, the room was filled with high level devices. Next to the table beside Maria there were familiar devices.

In the past year, she has been attacked numerous times by people wearing these devices.

It seemed that the electrodes were connected to the devices which also had other wires hooking them up to the computers. There was a lever switch that the taller man was about to pull. However, at the sight of the two powerful kings, the men had frozen in shock.

Several men in different coloured uniforms, green, red and blue. Ever since returning to star town, she made sure that there was a formal alliance between Holy Knights, Akagumi and HYOU4. Considering how the other groups are hesitating to take on the Black alice organisation directly. Sumire had no choice but to put on a grand show of alliance.

The men also seemed to have cyanide tooth's for they looked like they were going to clench their teeth together.

Recalling a recent incident where a Holy knights member who she was actually close with was made to swallow a bomb. Sumire looked over at Ryuuji who nodded as they grabbed them.

Yoru meanwhile, had hurried over to Cecila and had become distraught at the sight of her. He immediately ripped the electrodes from her and covered her with his plaid shirt so that he remained in a white vest.

Sumire looked at the men's teeth. 'It's an unusual colour, are they hiding the microchip in there?' Clever, but not clever enough.

"Ryuuji-kun, do you happen to be a dentist?" Sumire casually asked Ryuuji.

"Like hell I am."Ryuuji replied. Both of them held the captives behind their backs while a hand was on their jaws, keeping them open.

A sadistic smile appeared on her face. "Then I guess we better pull out each tooth one by one. Do you have a set of pliers?"

 ....

Rushing to perform after blowing things up and torturing. Well, 'I have always had an abnormal life.' From the very moment she decided not to give up the underworld, Sumire knew it would be difficult. However, she underestimated the situation. She made it with five minutes to spare. Thankfully she warned Miya and Renna in advance.

After another successful concert, her fellow team members in Melody settled down in the usual cafe. Since Sumire returned to Star town, she was surprised how many new buildings there were. One of those new buildings included this nice cafe, which is an isolated location. According to the owner they wanted to create a space for people like herself to come. Another change, the entertainment industry in Star town has certainly blossomed. 

'When I returned to the company when I came back from Tokyo, I was certainly surprised how many new artists there were.'

Everything is going according to plan. If this keeps up, then the next Queen cup will be filled with so many blossoming new stars. 

Her thoughts break off when someone slides a tray in front of her urging her to eat.

This girl is Kusabe Renna, the third member of their group. Although she asked Renna to join, she wasn't sure if it would interfere with the girl's work. But, it seems Renna prioritised her orders from Soujiro more than her other jobs.

Her 'fiance' Makoto Soujiro, a year ago. Shortly after Yuhi left they finally drafted an agreement to end the engagement. 'I ended up having to make another trip to K region because I had to ask the elders permission. There were many who argued against my choice, but with Rayne there nobody could say anything. 

"Sumire-san, you should really tell Miya-san how deadly ego surfing is. She has been ego surfing since before the concert started."

"I have not!!"

"She has."

"That's because-- gah! Alright so I can't sing as well as the two of you. but I have such little lines, I didn't think anyone would notice." Miya sighed deeply. "I know I am doing a lot better since I started, but it feels like I am falling behind."

Renna shakes her head. "You don't have to worry about that. Sumire-san is just inhumane at this point. I'd like to think we are on a normal person's level."

Sumire laughs softly as she hands Miya a plate of muffins. "You can't rush perfection. I truly believe you will reach a greater level. Besides, you really are doing well for someone who debuted just a year ago. Before this you never had any formal training."

Miya sighs as she takes a bite of one of the muffins. "I know but it's frustrating. I don't know you managed to deal with the rumors all this time, Sumire you must have nerves of steel."

It's not like she hasn't been affected. Even now she still gets nightmares, she hears voices from the past. Voices of those who scorned her, voices of the ones who stole away her confidence. 

Sumire shakes her head. It's okay already, it doesn't matter. No matter what she does, she will never be able to please everyone. That's why, she has to start living for herself.

"Ibuki is really amazing isn't she?

"Right? Her songs top the charts every single time."

"-and her voice. Gods. That voice is too amazing."

"Did you see Melody's latest show? I didn't think Ibuki could rap."

"Is there anything that girl can't do? Her haters must be in tears."

Sumire's lips curve to a smile hearing the feedback. If things continue progressing in this direction, she will definitely be able to enter the Queen cup smoothly. She didn't enter the previous year because it didn't feel right to participate without her dearest around. She also wanted to achieve more. But, now she is ready.

'A chance to defeat Yumi-senpai on a grander stage.' She may have won the previous battle they had, but it wasn't enough. Despite what the crowd and media think, she barely won that battle. A close call can hardly be called a win. The next time they face off against each other. Sumire wants there to be a large difference.

In the past year she has stabilised her career, and lifted those around her. Now the next step is to overcome the legends, the ones who came before them.