Chapter 400 - The Show must go on (2/2)

”Yes, Mr. Haggard, once again, thanks for helping; if it wasn't for you, I doubt the superstar to be alive,” said she in gratitude.

”Come here, please,” he threw a mic, ”-sing Sweet Bitter Love.”

”I-I, surely not, sir, please, I'm not that good a singer.”

”Just do it,” he smiled, ”-Tolm.”

”What is it?” returned the drummer across the dimly lit stage.

”Sweet Bitter Love,” said Staxius.

”Excuse you?” turned the staff as well as the performers, ”-were you not injured?” asked the leader of Riot.

”Trust me, the people are the ones who need reassurance. The show must go on, isn't that the golden rule, come on, do it!”

”It's always like this,” laughed Tolm, ”-wherever Mr. Haggard goes, trouble must follow,” sat and readied, ”-three, two, one,” the drums bounced into action. The bass soon joined with the guitar cutting across the two other instruments. Moved by the rhythm, Luna couldn't hold back the lyrics.

The lighting on stage was destroyed during the gun-fire. None knew who performed nor who sang, what was prominent was the song, energetic and smile-inducing. Those who were scared but a while ago felt a sense of relief. Backstage, the organizers went crazy – public order demanded the show be stopped, lives were on the line. Still, the swaying of the crowd that sang along could but sway the feelings of the one in charge.

”What is it?” inquired a tired Aceline after a nudge.

”Get up and sing,” came a deep voice, ”-you owe me that much.”

”Oh, f.u.c.k off,” she waved in dismissal and jumped, ”-I'm done, the show is over, public safety's coming.”

'Suppose people change. Her bravado is intact, farewell, Aceline, farewell.'

*Bam,* the song ended. ”Here, take the guitar, I'm done for tonight.”

”Mr. Haggard,” yelled Tolm, ”-thanks for everything,” the light toggled as repairs were handled in haste. It lit to reveal Riot smiling and wanting to give their best.

The crowd's mass seemed empty. Many folks went home after the incident – Public Safety assisted in evacuation. Those wanting to remain could do so, tis was the decision handed from the top. As a result, security rose even further.

”You didn't run away,” came a tall figure amidst the shade.

”I guess not,” returned a tired voice from underneath the same tree.

”I'm not going to apologize.”

”I know,” said she, ”-I know. Thank you for not killing Aceline, what I did was in rage. I realized the mistake too late; revenge is a beast not worth the effort of feeding. What contract did I sign?”

”To be employed by Phantom. We're going to find Sugar, I told you about what I want.”

”Come on, my hand is beyond useless, even if I try to relearn the instrument, tis will be but wasted effort.”

”Don't underestimate me, there's a way to fix your hand.”

”Really?” she came out of her shell, ”-you're not pulling my leg, are you?”

”Yes, I speak the truth. Still, we need Sugar first, else, what's the point?”

”F-fine, l-lets do it.” They took the car back to the hotel.

'Now then, I lied about killing Aceline. The intent was there, and the order was given, but I changed it shortly after. Her dying would mean a lot of disadvantage, I guess the competition would be lightened, but it's of no consequence. From what Elliot reported, Cimier was involved. I doubt we'll know who was the target of assassination – maybe Tolm or even Aceline. There is still so much I don't know about how they work or think. Luna's intervention against the Jester sure came as a surprise. Here I thought the incident to be someone famous getting killed. No matter, tomorrow we're headed off to Dostein – wait for me, Sugar.'

Recorded footage from last night's event went around the capital. The heroism showed by a man who took a bullet to save an idol. It ignited the flames of passion amidst the populous. They who were failing to see the good side of humanity were rekindled. The newspapers as well as stations were desperate to have an interview with the man – a particular clip went viral. One where Luna and he greeted one another as acquaintances – it had attention shift upon learning more about the man. Staxius Haggard, owner of Meldorino and one of the top-five sponsors. The watch she wore was the same as shown in advertis.e.m.e.nts before and after the event. The name Meldorino became the topic of conversation for a few days. The showroom, as a result, had more and more guests visit. The prices were above the normal paycheck; the timepieces were absolutely beautiful.

A long corridor stretched till the back of the hotel. ”Are you ready?” asked a man approaching the exit.

”I think so, yeah,” returned a timid voice.

”Scared of flying?” the double door slid to reveal the helipad, ”-let's go find thy lover, Dei. Let's go find the guitarist who's going to shake the world anew.”

”Y-yes,” she followed.

'Who does he think he is,' the wind whistled through the trees, '-my protection is under his jurisdiction, what an idiot?' Aceline wandered around the central park. People went for jogs and such, '-I hate you, king of Arda, I hate you.'

”Aceline,” the cold tip of a gun-barrel plastered against her back, ”-my condolences, the young master has decided that you're of no use.”