The Kings: A Band's Tale

Practice At the Manor [1]

The snow fell softly outside Uno Winter’s grand manor in Swindon, a peaceful contrast to the energetic music echoing within the walls. Inside, The Kings were deep in their practice session. Uno stood at the center, his fingers lightly gripping the microphone stand, dressed in his signature navy blue suit, complete with a matching necktie and a vest under his blazer. His blue hair, with that unmistakable green tuft, caught the dim light as he swayed to the rhythm.

"Alright, let's take it from the top," Uno called out, his clear blue eyes glancing over at his bandmates.

Lance Summer, the bassist, with his green hair and green eyes, gave a quick nod, adjusting his bass guitar. "Got it, mate. Ready when you are." He was dressed in a deep emerald suit, giving him a sharp and distinct look.

Behind them, Angelo Jackson tapped his red drumsticks together, his red hair and eyes gleaming with energy. He cracked a grin. "This beat's going to kill it!" His fiery personality was a perfect match for his d suit.

Matt Spring, the orange-haired keyboardist, gave a thumbs-up, his orange eyes twinkling. "Let’s make this one unforgettable," he said from behind his piano, donning a suit that matched his personality.

On the rhythm guitar, Lorenzo Shelby, with his brown hair and blue eyes, tuned his instrument, his black suit understated yet stylish. Beside him, Maury Miles, with greyish hair and yellow eyes, checked his own guitar, his suit an ashen grey that matched his reserved demeanor. Sherwin Stewart, with jet black hair and eyes, was the last to chime in, his all-black suit making him blend with the shadows.

The band began their song, the melody flowing seamlessly, with Uno's voice leading the charge, filling the room with a sense of power and emotion. As they finished the final chorus, there was a light knock at the door.

"Uno?" Denise Star’s voice was soft, but he could hear it over the hum of the instruments. Denise, his childhood best friend, entered the room. She had been there for every step of Uno’s journey, from their earliest days to the whirlwind of The Kings’ success. Wearing a cozy sweater and jeans, she was a contrast to the suited band members, but her presence always grounded Uno.

"Hey, Denise." Uno smiled, setting the microphone down and walking over to her. He noticed how the snowflakes clung to her dark hair as she brushed them off.

"How’s practice going?" she asked, folding her arms and looking around at the band. The rest of the group waved or nodded, accustomed to her being around.

"Pretty solid," Uno said, but there was something distant in his voice. Denise picked up on it immediately, as she always did.

She motioned for him to step aside, just out of earshot of the others. "Something on your mind?"

Uno leaned against the wall, exhaling a little. "It’s just been… draining, you know? Since the trial about my parents’ removal. It dragged on longer than I thought it would. It’s not like I was close to them, but the whole process was exhausting."

Denise's expression softened. She knew the history, the long and painful road Uno had taken to break free from his neglectful parents. "I can’t imagine how tough that was," she said quietly, placing a hand on his arm. "But it’s over now, right? You’re finally free."

"Yeah," Uno nodded, though his gaze was distant. "It just still feels like something’s hanging over me, even though I know it’s done."

Denise offered a smile, trying to lift the mood. "Well, speaking of something hanging over you, our school’s been asking about a concert. They want The Kings to play for the end-of-term event."

Uno blinked, the shift in topic catching him off guard. "Wait, they want us to perform at school?"

"Yeah," Denise said, her smile widening. "Everyone’s been talking about it. And you know they’d love to see you back there—especially on stage with the band."