Chapter 20: Crossroads and Echoes
Kael sat in PulseVibe Studio's meeting room, the air cool and sterile, a stark contrast to The Ember's sweaty heat. The table was cluttered with coffee cups and notepads, the walls lined with faded band posters. His guitar case rested against his chair, the leather strap's stars a quiet reminder of his mom's faith. The SoundSphere showcase was two nights ago, but Shatterpoint's raw echo still pulsed in his veins, now amplified by a thousand listens and Veyl's elusive like. Today's meeting with indie label scouts loomed, a crossroads Kael wasn't sure he was ready to navigate.
Lex sat across from him, his usual polish softened by a rare nervousness, his fingers tapping the table. Mira was beside Kael, her sketchpad closed, her eyes flicking between the door and her phone, where Flicker's rising comments glowed. Juno leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his silence louder than words. The scouts—two reps from small labels, Neon Pulse and RawVibe—were late, leaving the room heavy with anticipation.
"You good?" Mira whispered, nudging Kael's elbow. Her voice was steady, but her knee bounced under the table, betraying her nerves.
Kael nodded, his throat tight. "Yeah. Just… don't know what they want from us." He thought of Lex's warning—labels wanting changes, polish, control—and Juno's scars, a band broken by a bad deal. Veyl's Fading Static echoed in his mind, its lyrics a warning: "A ghost in wires, breathing air…" He didn't want to become a ghost.
The door opened, and the scouts entered—a woman in a sharp blazer from Neon Pulse, a man in a worn leather jacket from RawVibe. They introduced themselves, their smiles practiced, their eyes appraising. Lex took charge, outlining Kael and Mira's showcase success, Shatterpoint and Flicker's viral traction. Kael shifted, the praise feeling like a spotlight he hadn't asked for.
The Neon Pulse rep, Elena, spoke first, her tone brisk. "Kael, your raw sound's got edge, but it needs polish for broader appeal. We'd pair you with a producer, streamline Shatterpoint for streaming platforms. Mira, same deal—Flicker's got heart, but we'd tighten the vocals, add production." She slid contracts across the table, their fine print dense. "We're small, but we move fast. You could be touring by spring."
Kael's stomach churned. Streamline. Tighten. The words felt like sanding down his soul. Mira's hand tensed beside him, her breath catching.
The RawVibe rep, Marcus, leaned forward, his voice warmer. "We're different. We like the rawness—Shatterpoint's got a pulse, Kael. Mira, Flicker feels alive. We'd keep you lean, just guitar and vocals, but we'd push branding—social media, aesthetic. You'd need to commit to a tight schedule, content creation." He pushed a slimmer contract, but his eyes were sharp, calculating.
Kael glanced at Juno, whose jaw was set, his silence a warning. Lex cleared his throat. "Both solid offers. Neon's got reach, RawVibe's got grit. But it's your call, Kael, Mira. What do you want?"
Mira spoke first, her voice quiet but firm. "I want to keep Flicker mine. No overproduction. And I need time—my parents are already on me about college." Her eyes flicked to Kael, seeking solidarity.
Kael's chest tightened. He thought of his mom's pride, Mira's courage, Veyl's nod. Shatterpoint wasn't just a song—it was him, scars and all. "I want to stay raw," he said, his voice low but clear. "No streamlining. I'll work hard, but it's gotta be my sound. My truth." He pushed the contracts back, untouched.
Elena's smile faltered, Marcus raised an eyebrow. Lex exhaled, a mix of frustration and respect. Juno's lips twitched, a rare flicker of approval. Mira squeezed Kael's hand under the table, her touch a quiet thank you.
Elena stood, gathering her papers. "Your call, but raw's a tough sell. We'll keep an eye out." Marcus lingered, handing Kael a card. "If you change your mind, call. You've got something real." They left, the room deflating in their wake.
Lex rubbed his temple. "You just turned down a fast track, Kael. Mira. Hope you know what you're doing."
"I do," Kael said, surprising himself with his certainty. "I'm not saying no forever, just… not like this."
Mira nodded, her voice softer. "Same. I'm not ready to be their version of me."
Juno pushed off the wall, his voice gruff. "Smart move, rookies. Labels like that? They'll chew you up. Build your own path first." He clapped Kael's shoulder, then Mira's, and walked out, leaving a spark of possibility.
Outside, the city was alive, rain misting the streets, neon reflecting in puddles. Kael and Mira walked, guitar cases bumping, the weight of their choice settling. "You okay?" Kael asked, glancing at her.
"Yeah," Mira said, her smile small but real. "Scared, but free. You?"
"Same," Kael admitted. He thought of his mom's note, Veyl's like, the busker's coin. "We're not alone, though. That's enough for now."
They stopped at a crosswalk, the city's hum a steady pulse. SoundSphere pinged on Kael's phone: a new comment on Shatterpoint: "You're the sound of breaking free." Anonymous, but it felt like Veyl, like the city itself. Kael looked at Mira, her eyes catching the neon glow, and felt the echo of their truth ripple outward, ready to grow.
To be continued…