Shining Sparkle Part II

When the bus finally arrived, Aurora got on, her wet boots making a sucking sound with each step. The driver gave her an apathetic look, accustomed to seeing tired and wet faces like hers. Aurora chose a seat in the back, away from the few passengers, and rested her head against the window, watching the blurred city lights pass by like ghosts.

The journey was long and silent, with only the sound of the engine and the patter of rain as companions. When the bus finally reached its destination, Aurora got off and found herself in a noticeably poorer neighborhood, where Wonder City's prosperity did not reach. The streets were narrow and dark, illuminated only by a few electric lanterns, and the smell of cheap food and garbage permeated the air.

Aurora walked to a bar at the end of the street, a modest building with a flickering neon sign that read "Angel's Haven." She pushed the door open and entered, greeted by a wave of warmth and the muffled sound of murmured conversations. The bar was dimly lit, with walls decorated with old photos and faded posters. The smell of alcohol and cigarettes filled the space.

Meanwhile, moments earlier, a latent tension dissipated in the bar's air. Eterrai was sitting in a corner, observing with a keen eye the four men who arrogantly entered. They were talking loudly and were clearly under the influence of alcohol, casting disdainful looks at the other patrons.

Eterrai, unnoticed, remained calm, keeping his head down to avoid drawing attention. However, the behavior of the four men became more aggressive, and they soon started provoking some customers.

One of the men suddenly tried to pull a customer off their stool, but Eterrai intervened. With impressive agility, he stood up and pushed the aggressor back, causing him to fall onto a table. The other three turned and advanced on Eterrai. With precise and swift movements, he dodged their blows and responded with moderate force, knocking each of them down without taking a hit.

The fight was brief. In a matter of seconds, the four men were on the ground, groaning in pain and trying to get up. Eterrai looked at them with a disapproving expression but said nothing. Clara, the bartender, watched the scene with a nonchalant look, but also relief seeing Eterrai intervene.

It was at that moment that Aurora opened the bar door. She saw the four men fleeing through the door, bleeding and desperate. With wide eyes, she observed the confusion for a moment before stepping inside.

She approached the counter and sat on one of the high stools, letting out a heavy sigh. The bartender, Clara, immediately addressed her.

— What will it be, Aurora? — asked Clara, her brown eyes shining with a mix of concern and affection.

— Just a whiskey, please, Clara — replied Aurora, trying to ignore the tremor in her voice.

While Clara prepared the drink, Aurora looked around and saw Eterrai in the corner, still with an apathetic expression. Curious, she picked up her glass and walked over, sitting next to him on the stool.

— Are you alright? — she asked, her voice low but filled with concern.

Eterrai looked at her with his tired eyes.

— I've been better — he replied.

Aurora gestured to Clara, ordering another whiskey for Eterrai.

— Here, this will help a bit — she said, handing him the glass.

— It will — he said, taking a sip and letting out a slight sarcastic smile. — Who are you, by the way?

— Aurora, Aurora Sterling — she replied with a smile. — Eterrai — he responded, raising an eyebrow.

— What happened here? — she asked. — Considering this place... I guess nothing unusual. — said Eterrai, glancing around.

Aurora realized he didn't want to go into details, so she changed the subject.

— Are you new in town? — she asked, trying to learn more about him.

— Yes, I arrived about two days ago, but I still haven't gotten used to it, you know? — replied Eterrai.

Aurora smiled, finding a connection amidst the chaos.

— Well, I'll be your drinking companion, and if you want, your tour guide. After all, someone has to familiarize you with the place.

Eterrai lightly smiled as he looked at Aurora.

— You're very naive, — Eterrai responded.

Aurora let out a light embarrassed laugh.

The two toasted, and for a moment, they found a bit of solace in each other's company, oblivious to the rain and darkness that dominated the city outside.

Halo's show, the most famous idol in Wonder City, was at its peak. The stage was an explosion of lights and colors, with bright holograms dancing around her, and the audience was in ecstasy, thrilled by her every graceful move and impeccable note. Halo, with her silver hair shining under the spotlights, danced and sang as if she were a creature from another world. Her clothes, custom-made to highlight every movement, were a blend of high technology and artistic design, reflecting her image as a futuristic icon. But behind the mask of glamour and perfection was a woman battling her own demons.

Backstage, Myndi Mayer watched with pride but also with hidden concern. She had known Halo for years, since the beginning of her meteoric career, and knew how much appearance meant to the singer.

When the show ended and the applause echoed through the arena, Halo left the stage with a radiant smile, but there was hidden sadness in her eyes. Her breathing was heavy, and a sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead. Myndi approached, holding a towel and a bottle of water.

— That was incredible, Halo! — said Myndi, trying to cheer her up as she handed over the towel.

— It was... — replied Halo, hiding her unease behind a forced smile. — But I'm starting to see lines... wrinkles...

Myndi sighed, knowing that trying to convince her otherwise was futile. Halo was caught in a spiral of insecurity.

— You look beautiful, as always — insisted Myndi.

— You have to say that, it's part of your job, to squeeze the most out of me — retorted Halo, with a hint of bitterness in her voice. She began to remove her makeup, her movements quick and nervous. Every time she looked in the mirror, it seemed she found a new imperfection.

Halo's thoughts were a storm of doubts and fears. To the public, she was an untouchable goddess, but to herself, she was becoming a stranger. The glamour and glory couldn't erase the growing feeling that her beauty was fading, taking with it her career and her worth.

Myndi tried to change the subject.

— How about dinner after the show? We can talk about life and relax a bit — she suggested.

Halo shook her head.

— No, thank you. I'm tired. I just want to go home and rest — she said, her voice tired and hollow.

With a sigh, Myndi approached Halo.

— Alright. But remember, I'm here if you need anything — she said, as she held Halo's face and looked her straight in the eye.

Later, in the silence of her luxurious apartment, Halo lay in bed, but sleep wouldn't come. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw her reflection in the mirror, distorted and aged. The feeling of despair grew, fueled by years of pressure and unrealistic expectations.

The rain was pounding furiously against the windows of Halo's luxurious apartment. The night was dark and stormy, with occasional flashes of lightning illuminating the sky. Halo, sitting on her velvet sofa, wrapped in a soft blanket, was watching TV with a glass of wine in her hand. The cold glow of the screen illuminated her face, bringing a look of discontent. She flipped through the channels, not very interested, until something caught her attention.

The program "One Winged Angel," hosted by Charles Barkley, a middle-aged man with a charismatic smile and a smooth voice, was on the air. Charles was known for his engaging interviews and for launching new talents into the music world. Today, he was interviewing a young singer, and Halo couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity.

— Good evening, viewers! — Charles said enthusiastically. — Today we have a very special guest. A talented young woman who is winning hearts everywhere. Please welcome Celeste!

The camera focused on Celeste, a radiant young beauty. Her blonde hair cascaded softly to her shoulders, and her blue eyes shone with youthful enthusiasm. She wore a silver dress that sparkled under the studio lights, and her smile was contagious.

— Hello, Charles! — Celeste said in a sweet and melodious voice. — It's a pleasure to be here!

Halo tightened her grip on the wine glass, feeling a mix of envy and despair. Charles continued the interview with a warm smile.

— Celeste, you've been called "the new Halo." How do you feel about that?

Celeste laughed lightly, her voice resonating with charming confidence.

— Well, it's an incredible honor to be compared to someone like Halo. She is a true legend. But I'm here to bring my own music and identity to the world.

— And you're doing a wonderful job — replied Charles, nodding. — Tell us a little about your journey up to this point.

— Of course! — said Celeste, her eyes shining with passion. — I started singing when I was a child. My parents always supported and encouraged me. I was lucky to meet wonderful people along the way who helped me get to where I am today.

— And what can we expect from your debut album? — Charles asked, interested.

— A lot of love and heart — Celeste replied with a smile. — I put my all into every song. I hope people can connect with the lyrics and melodies.

Halo watched the scene with an expression of discouragement. Celeste's words resonated in her mind, bringing back memories of when she herself was a young promise, full of dreams and hopes.

— Finally, Celeste, what is your greatest inspiration? — Charles asked.

Celeste thought for a moment, then replied:

— I think my greatest inspiration is life itself. The experiences, the ups and downs, all of it shapes who we are and how we express our art.

Charles smiled and turned to the camera.

— And that's it, ladies and gentlemen. Celeste, the rising star, bringing her brilliance to the world. Stay tuned for more news and performances!

As the credits began to roll, Halo turned off the TV with a heavy sigh. The cold glow of the screen disappeared, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the incessant sound of the rain. She felt the weight of expectations and comparison, increasingly aware that her own star might be fading.

The rainy night continued, and Halo stayed there, immersed in her thoughts, trying to decide her next step on his life that seemed increasingly uncertain.

The clock read 00:30.