Chapter Text
"Echo-Echo-Echo-Echo-"
The entire stadium was cloaked in shadows, hundreds of adoring spectators fell into steady silence once the speakers started to blare. And even though there were still some voices that couldn't be restrained, by the very least, they made an effort hush down.
"Echo-Echo-Echo-Echo-"
At the front, where the grand stage was set - Finally, a beam of bluish light was ignited.
1 beam-
2 beams-
3!
A trio of silhouettes stood upon high.
"Are you ready?" a voice from one of them inquired the crowd. A purr which went quite dangerously seductive.
No soon enough, the whole stadium erupted into roars.
All three smirked - their answers received.
The music ceased, only so to be replaced with a brand new track. The climate of the surrounding area grew even louder.
Glow sticks were raised, illuminating the darkened spaces with icy light. From the stage, they all seemed akin to the thousands of twinkling stars that which decorated Nyx's canvas.
The hearts of all three now began to blaze.
"Woke Up In My Bed;"
The first of them to step into the spotlight was a boy donning raven locks and fiery crimson eyes. He ran - no, bolted - towards the very front edges of the platform, even doing a quick flip as he knelt.
"-Saw A Cool-Cool Stranger"
"Nubiiiis!" his fans shouted. "Nubis! You're the best Nubis!"
"Nubis Caesor!"
"Chill Down My Neck,"
The second to come out was a lad bearing silver-gray hair - his eyes as mischievous as the energy he exuded. One -his left- was forest green, the other -his right- was as purple as a Sumeru Rose. A feather shaped earring hung at his right ear. He went and landed to greet their front row from the opposite side of the stage. The chap looked almost like a predator when he semi-crawled on all fours - like a wild beast who was about to pounce at his prey.
He grinned cheekily, promising nothing but trouble as he winked.
Some of those that were intensely watching would have testified to nigh fainting right then and there.
And when he invoked his line, he also literally traced his gloved hand to the nape of his neck before sweeping around to the front, fingers lingering on his collarbone.
"Such a Suave Cold Killer"
"Polumbus! Polumbus! Over here!"
"Kiss me Polumbus!"
"Mercury Drops, I Got that Winter Fever"
The final fellow to emerge from pitch black was a ginger with golden orbs, eyes seemingly harboring a million mysteries-a million layers hiding beneath ocean currents and deep sea trenches.
His voice was soft-serene-like the waves below a calm sky - yet -for some reason- at the same time- one can somehow tell that he was holding back. This of course was immediately proven true the second he finished his verse.
"Oh Wait - It's just Me, Lookin in the Mirroooor!"
Unlike his colleagues, he did not bend, bow, nor kneel once he took his position where the whole theatre could now literally see him. Instead, he dashed, making a smooth spin at the center, both arms signaling for his teammates to rise.
"Automaton!"
"We love you Automaton!"
"Sign my handkerchief!"
In unison, they sang;
"My Cool Temperature"
(Stay Frosty)
White confetti fell like snowflakes. And by now, all three moved in choreography, capes swinging as they flared, footsteps and speed varied, each at their own pace, yet they still harmonized in a perfectly-imperfect sync.
"My Cool Temperature"
(I'll Nip Your Nose)
"My. My. It seems that your boys have outdone themselves yet again."
By the back, near where the entrance door was situated, behind all the applause and ecstasy. Two women watched the show from a fair yet observable distance. The one who spoke was a blonde. She donned a green hat to match with her dress, by the bridge of her nose was where she adjusted her spectacled wear. She turned her eyes towards her conversationalist, a sly smirk accompanied with a tease.
"Ey, Chiori?"
The brunette meanwhile, Chiori, merely responded through rolling her mocha orbs.
"Pfft. All they had to do was make some nonsense-feel good song. Did they really have to go this overboard?" A little while though, she simply shrugged. "Oh well. More profits for me, I guess."
"Oh. But it seems they weren't the only ones who went overboard?"
Both drew their attentions back at the idols. Their regal white suits, their exquisite capes, their fine chains, each feature gave the impression of them seemingly having been pulled straight from a fairytale. With each of their respective themes of blue, yellow, and red - they looked almost like three dancing princes performing on stage.
Once more, Chiori snorted, meanwhile as her friend laughed.
"I Got That Sub Zero Moves and Swagger"
"No Amount of Heat Can Shatter"
"Freezing Hot"
"Down to the Bone"
"Navia is growing more curious by the way," Informed the blonde. "Something tells me that it'll only take a matter of time till she abandons all morals and finally decides to snoop out the identities of her idols."
Chiori snickered upon hearing this. "So what? Let the Spina's spoiled Princess pry her nose. It's not like it would do anything to my business."
The blonde nodded. "I suppose. However, if they ever were to need any help, I'm always open to lend a hand. All I need are their names and-"
"Nice try Emilie."
And it was now that Emilie cooed. "Aww~ you do care~"
Meanwhile, back at the stage, the song had finally reached its curtain call - however, the adrenaline that it fueled had only just begun to build.
"Thank you Zubayr Theatre!" Shouted 'Nubis Caesor, earning a massive response from an audience that was literally screaming for more.
"We'll be here all Night!" their shouts grew even louder as 'Automaton' greeted their fans.
If only it were possible to return such love in kind, to show that their admiration was truly not in vain.
No. They didn't deserve this. This was simply too much. Yet, to be seen, to be noticed and accepted for the things you do? Without expectations, without control, without flaws. Sages might say that it's selfish. But there was no denying that the feeling was good.
Still with the mic, and with the approving nods of his co-members, 'Automaton' continued, his voice raised. "Happy One Year Anniversary Snow Caps!"
The volume of their cheers increased. All together, they collectively chanted as one.
"Go FrostBit3!"
"We Love You FrostBit3!"
"Happy Anniversary to You too Frost!"
"Nubiiis!"
"Frost Bit3!"
"FrostBit3!"
"FrostBit3!"
And with that, they each did a bow.
"Chill Down My Neck,"
'Polumbus' went and landed to greet their front row from the opposite side of the stage. The chap looked almost like a predator when he semi-crawled on all fours - like a wild beast who was about to pounce at his prey.
He grinned cheekily, promising nothing but trouble as he winked.
And when he invoked his line, he literally traced his gloved hand to the nape of his neck before sweeping around to the front, fingers lingering on his collar-
"Eek!" by the cushion of a pink beanbag, 'Polumbus' screeched in pure cringe upon seeing himself through the flat screen television replaying their performance from hours ago. His face was concealed behind the throw pillow he found as he clutched onto it tightly - as if it were his final lifeline in a sinking ship.
At the dressing room was where all three were. A potted plant stood by a corner, three vanity mirrors at another. An entire wardrobe set next to a table filled with refreshments, and a cooler hummed right next to a folding screen adorning rainforest themed motifs.
"It's your own fault." near the dresser, 'Nubis slumped back in his chair, a popsicle (branded as Pop-sickle) in hand, "You keep overdoing your persona."
"I was caught in the moment, okay?!"
The sound of the cooler door clicked shut as 'Automaton' grabbed for two ice creams. "For the 57th time?" he casually teased. Handing his flustered comrade one of the frosted treats.
"Shu-shut up." 'Polumbus' snatched the ice cream whilst glaring daggers at the two of them.
And both shared a laugh at their companion's expense.
"Remind me, why am I the 'Bad Boy' again?"
"Because unlike your friends," from the entrance, Chiori emerged. "You're the only one who has an ear piercing."
"M-Miss Chiori!"
'Nubis Caesor jolted from his chair, 'Automaton' stiffened, and 'Polumbus' jumped.
'M-Miss Chiori," 'Nubis' stuttered. "P-Please remember to kn-knock before coming in."
He averted from eye contact. The very mental image of a lady catching him mid change was quite the terrifying prospect.
However, the seamstress merely responded with her signature eye roll, arms still crossed.
"Then lock the damn door next time. I told you three a hundred times!"
The woman glided forward, swiping the delicacy from the ginger's grasp.
"Great job by the way," she took a bite. Chocolate wasn't exactly her favorite flavor, but it wasn't her least either. "Plenty of people actually attended for your first anniversary. Congratulations. That's quite the achievement."
She paused prior to continuing. Now with a sincere smile finally touching her vermilion lips.
"Well done FrostBit3."
And just like that, the weight on all their respective shoulders lightened. 'Nubis' even raised his Pop-sickle, followed by the other two - well… 'Automaton' with his fist, at least.
"However, I do have a list of critiques that I'd like to share."
"Chongyun!" she pointed at 'Nubis Caesor, who snapped to attention. "You were too much out there. If you were to end up collapsing live, then don't count on me to save your skin."
Then she looked at 'Polumbus', who squirmed instantly. "Mika! I suggest you work on your pick-up lines. 'I can't help but just stare at you?' Ugh! Seriously?"
Mika nodded his head. Face returning to red.
And finally, her eyes trailed towards 'Automaton', who was already bracing himself by grabbing the robot penguin he brought with him and used it so to hide his face behind.
"And Freminet! Not enough emotions out there. I know that you're supposed to be all mysterious, but come on. Show some more charisma."
"Y-Yes. Mi-Miss Chiori. B-but um…" Freminet stuttered with his words. "Y-you know that y-you shouldn't be using our real names like that."
"Yeah." Mika squeaked in agreement . "What if someone overhears?"
Once more, Chiori just grunted.
Just then, about three knocks were heard by the door, prompting all three to hurriedly straighten and fix themselves. Chiori on the other hand rolled her orbs before signaling for whoever it was to proceed.
In then came a party to around twelve or fifteen heads, equipped with extravagant bouquets and confetti poppers. A pretty maiden of slender frame and red hair carried in hand a rectangular shaped cake adorned in strawberry frostings, candy, and a sign which read; 'HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FrostBit3!'
Horns were blown. Celebratory cuts of colored papers flew up into the air. Freminet's eyes widened, Mika jumped upon the sound of a loud honk that which caused him to crash down. Whereas for Chongyun? He tried to maintain composure, his inner voice screaming at his heart to steady.
"Happy anniversary, you guys!" Cheered the maiden, Nilou. A large smile she gave as she presented the trio with her crew's gift. A single flame lighted a snowflake designed candle.
The three stared at it, at her, at everyone.
Each one overwhelmed. Each one rendered as frozen as ice. Mika and Freminet even shot a quick glance at Chongyun just to ensure if their colleague hadn't fainted.
"A-um…" 'Polumbus' tried to speak but failed, so he turned to their manager, a silent query on what to do. However, Chiori merely grunted once again.
By this point, Nilou's grin began to fade. Concern now etching. "Hey? What's wrong?"
Tis only was then when they've snapped out from their trances.
"O-oh… um… it's… nothing."
"We've just-"
"We hadn't expected this at all."
A man with darkened eye bags, appearing seemingly to be somewhere in his forties, stepped forward. A palm placed at his chest.
"Take it as our form of saying thanks," told Mr. Zubayr. "Just as we have borne witness to your grand debut a year ago here at our Theatre, we have also been honored that you've chosen us to host for Teyvat City's 'Rising Stars'' first year round cycle."
His words caused them to burn even more than minutes earlier.
"But…"
"You're too much. Sir."
"Nonsense!" Nilou narrowed her brows whilst stomping on her right heel. "How can this be 'too much'?" -then her demeanor quickly calmed, allowing for her graceful beam to return. "Seriously guys, you deserve this."
"Just take the cake already," the fashionista delivered.
Anxieties slowly loosened. And chests began to relax. A sigh of relief did the idols released meanwhile as their boss snorted.
Seeing their shift, the theatre dancer once more presented them with the frost-filled dessert.
They looked towards each other before marching to gather at one spot. And all together, they blew out their candle.
Ring-Ring
Ding
New Upload New Upload
Buzzes, clings and all manner of electrical sounds heralded for people to quickly fish out their phones and other devices. All at once they were alerted for a livestream that was now in session -
-her livestream was now in session.
Inside their screens, a virtual inumimi avatar greeted their viewers, accompanied with a teasing giggle, prompting for a particular well-built man to become so distracted that he tripped, a green haired lass shook her head upon watching him.
"Hello! Hello Snow Caps and everyone! Alright! So… I just got back after attending FrostBit3's first real anniversary concert. And, let me just tell ya'll, they absolutely eat and left no crumbs!"
They squealed, gushed, then yapped about their show. Admiring Polumbus' rizz, Nubis Caesor's charm (Nubiiiis!), and Automaton's vocal range. Their viewers listened intently. Subtle nods of agreements, some fans gave. Whereas a certain man working overtime at his cubicle muttered something along the lines of 'Barbara is still better,' but nevertheless concurred.
"Now to everyone who had watched the live show along with me, ya'll know that once more they took on my challenge into heart and made it into their newest track! Where I dared them to write something that was just nonsense. Gah!"
It was around here when many eyes leaned closer. Any blabbermouths or loud sounding individuals were instantly put into a cease by their listeners.
"Hmm? Well, since it is their anniversary, I guess - Oh, who am I kidding. 'Temperature' gets an 8/10 from me folks!"
Cheers and small gestures of celebration surged across the city.
"Now, of course. It was great. But I do feel like they could still do even better. So, fingers crossed to you FrostBit3. Prove me wrong and earn that perfect 10! Haha!"
By this point, the entire masses' ears belonged specifically to them.
"Okay. So, now that you guys have completed my third challenge. I guess now we can move on with our next."
Anticipations, clutched fists, bated breaths…
"FrostBit3. For Ms. Hina's fourth challenge - I dare you three…"
-
-
-
"-to go, and write a love song."