~~ • ~~
[ reference song: click here ]
Up on the stage, the crew moved swiftly, like shadows rehearsing a well-worn routine.
The massive LED screens on the left and right flared to life, casting their reflections across the buildings framing the intersection. Spotlights rotated slowly, slicing through the dark night sky.
Meanwhile, the chatter of the crowd grew steadily louder.
I could feel the asphalt trembling beneath my feet from the sheer weight of the gathered masses.
The MC reappeared at the center of the stage.
"Alright, everyone!"
"Next up..."
The MC opened a small cue card in his hand.
And smiled.
"Let's all listen to..."
"A song by NARI, titled..."
The stage lights instantly cut out.
Pitch black.
Only the roar of the crowd remained.
Then—
*Doom!
The heavy beat of a massive taiko drum shook the air.
*Doom!
*Doom!
*Doom!
Red lights bled upward from the floor of the stage.
Slowly.
Like freshly stoked embers.
