NAKURA - The journey of becoming more

Chapter-1

Chapter 1: Raven’s Shroud

Raven woke up to the pale light creeping through the curtains. She squinted at the alarm clock, groaning at the absurdity of waking up before 7 AM for yet another mundane day.

"Another glorious day of existence," she muttered to herself, rubbing her face and rolling out of bed.

The usual routine awaited her—brush, dress, and face the world—or, more accurately, face the constant critique from her family. As she pulled on her Falcon Metamorphosis t-shirt, Raven caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. Dark circles under her eyes, a mess of wavy brunette hair, and a certain... tired resilience.

"You’re killing it, Raven," she said dryly, giving herself a half-hearted thumbs-up. "Totally crushing this life thing."

Her door creaked open just enough for Austin to poke his head in, his sandy brown hair sticking up in every possible direction. "Morning. You alive?"

"Barely," Raven replied, grabbing her guitar case. "You?"

Austin shrugged. "You know how it is. Dad’s already in full drill-sergeant mode, so… normal Tuesday."

Raven sighed. "Great. Can’t wait for today’s round of 'You’re failing at life, Raven.'"

The mention of their father was enough to make her stomach drop, but she swallowed her dread, focusing on the one thing that made everything bearable—her music. It was her escape, her therapy, her rebellion.

"Hey, try not to get grounded today," Austin said with a grin. "I need you to help me finish that game later."

"Yeah, yeah, if Dad doesn’t throw me out the window first," Raven joked. She ruffled Austin’s hair before stepping out of her room and heading downstairs.

Downstairs, her father was already in his usual spot at the dining table, sipping his coffee with the kind of intensity usually reserved for war generals before battle. Her mother was there too, dressed immaculately and already eyeing Raven with a look that screamed disappointment.

"Raven," her mother said, voice sharp enough to cut through steel, "do you plan on staying home all day? I don’t see you making any effort for your future."

"Good morning to you too, Mom," Raven said under her breath, slipping past them toward the door. "Just heading out."

"To play that guitar?" Her dad’s voice followed her. "Again? What about your studies?"

Raven clenched her jaw, turning the doorknob with just a bit too much force. "I’m managing. Thanks for the concern."

The door shut behind her, cutting off any further commentary.

Out in the cool morning air, Raven felt the tension in her shoulders ease. Her home life was a constant storm of demands, accusations, and unspoken emotions, but here—on the walk to the studio where her band, Falcon Metamorphosis, practiced—everything felt lighter. She could breathe again.

Falcon Metamorphosis was more than just a band. For Raven, it was an escape, a sanctuary from the turmoil of her family. At 16, she had already lived through more than most, but with her guitar slung over her shoulder and her bandmates by her side, she found a way to channel her pain into something powerful.

As Raven reached the studio, the familiar sound of drums thudded through the walls. Nova and Nicolla, the twins, were already inside. The brothers were an unstoppable duo—Nova, with his wild energy, could make the drums sing, while Nicolla’s cool, steady rhythm on the bass grounded the band. Both stood at 5’7” with tousled blonde hair, but while Nova’s blue eyes sparkled with mischief, Nicolla’s green eyes gave off a more introspective, focused vibe.

Raven pushed open the door and was greeted by Nova’s booming voice. "Yo, Raven! Ready to blow some minds today?"

Raven smirked. "Always."

The final piece of the puzzle, Ember, was sitting at the piano, warming up her fingers. She had a laid-back style—nose ring glinting as she gave Raven a nod, her long Converse sneakers tapping to an internal beat. Ember wasn’t just a backup vocalist and pianist; she was Raven’s creative partner, helping bring her most intense emotions to life through music.

"Let’s hit it," Raven said, gripping her electric guitar—the black, red, and white gradient catching the studio lights. It was more than an instrument; it was an extension of her soul.

They launched into their first song of the day, an electrifying track that mixed heavy riffs with soaring vocals. The room pulsed with energy, the band’s synergy flawless despite their youth. Each note Raven played seemed to rip the heaviness of home from her chest, replacing it with a fierce sense of purpose.

Though the music was freeing, the weight of her family’s issues always lingered in the back of her mind. Her father’s harsh accusations, her mother’s impossible standards, and the fragile relationship she had with her brother Austin—all of it threatened to drown her. But here, in the studio, surrounded by the pounding drums, the deep bass, and Ember’s soulful harmonies, Raven was free.

By the time they finished the last song, sweat glistened on Raven’s skin. She wiped her forehead, the room still buzzing with the high of their session.

"You were on fire today," Nicolla said, his calm voice cutting through the fading echoes.

"Thanks," Raven replied, her voice lighter than it had been all day. "Needed that."

They shared a quiet moment, each of them knowing that behind their music, they all had their own struggles. Falcon Metamorphosis wasn’t just a band—it was their way of coping, of fighting back against the world in the only way they knew how.