Solo

Day 1 - Sonic Showdown. P1

The day of Sonic Showdown had finally arrived.

The venue was buzzing with activity as bands, fans, and media personnel filled the space. The grand hall was lined with vibrant banners and colorful lights, creating an electric atmosphere.

Midnight Harmony, clad in their signature stage outfits, arrived at the venue, the anticipation in the air palpable.

Aizawa led us through the maze of corridors, heading towards the backstage area.

His calm demeanor was a reassuring anchor amidst the whirlwind of excitement. As we approached our designated area, Aizawa gathered us for a final pep talk.

"Alright, everyone, listen up," Aizawa said, his voice cutting through the noise. "You've worked hard to get here, and you've proven yourselves time and again. Remember why you're here: to share your music and show the world what Midnight Harmony is all about. Don't let anything distract you or shake your confidence."

We nodded, our nerves settling under the weight of Aizawa's words.

Bakugo, ever the skeptic, gave a curt nod, while Kami and Mina exchanged excited glances. Kiri, as always, radiated his usual quiet strength.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment.

"Let's go out there and give it everything we've got," I said, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest. "We've got this."

We stepped out of the corridor and into the bustling main hall.

The moment we appeared, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd.

Fans with Midnight Harmony merchandise and homemade signs cheered and screamed, their enthusiasm a stark contrast to the anxiety bubbling inside me.

"Deku! Deku! We love you!" someone shouted from the crowd, and I felt a flush of warmth spread through me.

The sheer volume of the fanfare was overwhelming, but it was soon tempered by a wave of negativity that started to surface.

The crowd parted to make way for a group of individuals who were making quite a scene.

At the forefront was Monoma, a notorious rival who had made a name for himself by competing against some of the best.

He strutted in with a smug grin plastered across his face, his bandmates following closely behind.

The tension was palpable as they began to make their way toward us.

"Well, well, if it isn't Deku and his little band of misfits," Monoma called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Didn't realize Sonic Showdown allowed amateur hour."

I clenched my jaw, trying to keep my composure as Monoma's band—dubbed 'Eclipse'—flaunted their matching outfits and sneers. It was clear they were here to make a statement.

A group of Monoma's fans, not wanting to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, started to shout disparaging remarks. "Deku's not all that! Eclipse is going to show him how it's done!"

The crowd around us began to murmur, and I could feel the eyes of the audience shifting between us and our rivals.

 Monoma's antics were clearly calculated to undermine our confidence and draw attention to his band.

Aizawa's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.

"Monoma, I suggest you keep your focus on your own performance. This competition is about showcasing talent, not belittling others."

Monoma smirked, seemingly unfazed by Aizawa's reprimand. "Oh, don't worry. We're here to win, and we'll do it by any means necessary. If Deku's ego needs deflating to make that happen, so be it."

I took a step forward, narrowing my eyes at Monoma. "I thought Copy Cat was all about being a solo artist. Isn't it a bit contradictory to be leading a band now? Wasn't he always against bands?" I pointly looked at Monoma. 

Monoma's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Oh, so now you're an expert on my career choices? I thought you were too busy basking in your own glory."

I shook my head, feeling a mixture of frustration and sadness. "Midnight Harmony is just starting out. Most of our fans came because they followed me from my solo career. But this is our debut as a band, and we're here to prove ourselves."

Monoma's eyes gleamed with challenge. "Debut or not, you're still a target. The spotlight you're enjoying is because of your past success. Eclipse, on the other hand, is here to show that we're more than just followers of an idol. We're here to make a name for ourselves."

Aizawa gave Monoma a stern look. "This isn't the place for petty rivalries. Focus on your own performance and let the music speak for itself."

With a final, dismissive glance at us, Monoma and his band turned and walked away, their fans trailing behind.

The tension they left in their wake was thick, but I could feel the resolve building within me and my bandmates.

"Don't let them get to you," Aizawa said as he returned to our side. "Focus on your performance and remember why you started this journey. Your music is your strength."

I took a deep breath, nodding in agreement. "You're right. We're here to do what we love and to share it with everyone. Let's not let them distract us."

The sound of our fans cheering once again filled the air, and I could feel their support lifting our spirits. We gathered together, forming a tight circle.

Kami gave a thumbs-up. "We've got this, Midnight Harmony. Let's give them a performance they'll never forget."

The energy in the room shifted as we prepared for our set heading to the stage.

The rivalry with Monoma and Eclipse was just another obstacle to overcome, but with our combined strength and unwavering support for each other, we were ready to face it head-on.

As we walked toward the stage, I glanced back at Aizawa, who gave me a reassuring nod.

We were not just competing for a title; we were here to make a difference with our music.

And no matter what Monoma or anyone else threw our way, we were determined to stay true to ourselves and to each other.

The spotlight awaited, and as the curtain began to rise, Midnight Harmony stepped into the limelight, ready to leave our mark on Sonic Showdown and prove that we were more than just a band—we were a force to be reckoned with.