As the doors to the lounge area opened, Moonlight and Tsukuyomi stepped out, their kimonos flowing gracefully as they made their way through the softly lit corridor. The hallways of ArtReam Hall were a masterpiece in themselves—each wall adorned with intricate carvings, the ceilings high and grand, lined with shimmering chandeliers that bathed the space in a warm, golden light. Everywhere they looked, the decor reflected the blend of Pendragonian and Yamatese heritage that defined the Sakura Abode Country. It was a subtle yet profound reminder of the rich history behind the Sapphire Awards, which was now celebrating its 130th edition.
As they moved closer to the entrance of the High Ceremony hall, they could hear the soft murmur of voices growing louder. Artists from across Azure Star had begun making their way to the hall, each one eager to take their seats for what promised to be an unforgettable night. Moonlight and Tsukuyomi exchanged a quick glance, their red and white eyes shimmering with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
"I can't believe we're here," Tsukuyomi whispered, her voice full of awe.
Moonlight nodded, his voice low and steady. "Neither can I. A few months ago, we were just watching this ceremony on a screen. Now… we're walking into it."
The doors to the High Ceremony hall were open, revealing the grandeur that awaited them. The hall itself was nothing short of breathtaking. It was the most luxurious and elegant space in the entire ArtReam Hall, designed specifically to host the most important events. High, arched windows stretched across the walls, offering a view of the sparkling cityscape of Catadrid below, and the ceiling was painted with intricate scenes from Sakura Abode history, blending elements of both its Pendragon and Yamata clan roots. The hall had a regal air as if every detail had been crafted with the utmost care.
In front of the grand stage, where the night's winners would claim their awards, elegant round tables were arranged in perfect symmetry. Each table was draped in sapphire-blue cloth and adorned with delicate silver centerpieces, evoking a sense of timeless beauty. The artists would spend the next several hours seated at these tables, watching the show from the comfort of their seats. Since the High Ceremony typically lasted over five hours, the Sapphire Awards had made sure the artists could relax, ask for food and drinks, and enjoy the event without discomfort.
As Moonlight and Tsukuyomi were guided by a staff member to their table, they passed by numerous familiar faces. Artists they had only ever seen on TV or social media were casually chatting, laughing, or sipping champagne as they found their seats. Some glanced curiously at the masked duo, intrigued by their enigmatic presence, but for the most part, the artists were engrossed in their own conversations. Moonlight's heart raced slightly as they neared their table, but he kept his posture relaxed, his calm demeanor intact.
When they arrived at their table, they found it already occupied by an eclectic mix of renowned figures from across the music industry. Seated around the table were members of KUN, a famous Sakurean traditional band that had been making waves for their innovative blend of folk and contemporary sounds. There was also a traditional Sakurean singer, whose soulful voice had captivated audiences worldwide, and finally, a renowned classical composer who had been nominated for Best Soundtrack.
Moonlight and Tsukuyomi paused briefly before politely bowing their heads in greeting.
"Good evening," Moonlight said softly, his voice smooth and respectful.
"Thank you for having us," Tsukuyomi added, her eyes warm behind her mask.
The members of the table returned the gesture with equally polite smiles and nods. One of the band members of KUN, a tall man with short hair and a confident smile, immediately struck up a conversation.
"Moonlight and Tsukuyomi, right? We've heard a lot about you two," he said with a grin. "Your music is really something special."
Moonlight chuckled softly, his modesty evident in his tone. "Thank you. We're honored to be here tonight."
"Likewise," Tsukuyomi added. "We've been following your work as well. It's incredible."
The traditional singer, named Yoko, at the table smiled warmly at them. "It's amazing how music can bring so many different styles and backgrounds together, don't you think? I'm excited to see how tonight unfolds."
The classical composer, a man with silver hair and a quiet, thoughtful demeanor, nodded in agreement. "There's a lot of talent in this room tonight. It's humbling to be part of it."
As they settled into their seats, Moonlight and Tsukuyomi couldn't help but glance around the hall in quiet awe. The room was slowly filling up with some of the most famous names in the industry, from pop idols to rock legends to classical virtuosos. There was an air of anticipation hanging over the room, like a silent countdown to something monumental. For Moonlight and Tsukuyomi, it was surreal to be sitting among people they had idolized for years.
"Look over there, it is Niji," Tsukuyomi whispered, tilting her head discreetly toward a nearby table. "That's one of the biggest pop groups in the world. Remember when we used to dance to their songs when we were little? We used to listen to their songs on repeat."
Moonlight smiled, following her gaze. "I remember. And now we're here with them."
As more artists arrived, the energy in the room began to shift. Conversations grew louder, and laughter filled the air. Despite the grandeur of the setting, the mood was relaxed and friendly. People were eager to talk to each other, to exchange compliments and stories. Moonlight and Tsukuyomi were content to sit back and observe, enjoying the moment without the pressure of being in the spotlight just yet.
It wasn't long before the member of KUN next to Moonlight leaned over again, clearly eager to continue their conversation. "So, what's it like to be nominated for so many categories tonight?" he asked, his tone genuinely curious. "It must feel surreal."
Moonlight nodded thoughtfully. "It is surreal. To be honest, I didn't expect to be here so soon, especially not in categories like Best New Artist and Song of the Year. But it's been an amazing journey, and we're just grateful to be a part of this."
Tsukuyomi added with a smile, "It feels like a dream. We're just trying to take it all in and enjoy the experience."
The band member grinned. "Well, you're handling it with grace. You two have a mysterious presence, but it's clear your music speaks for itself."
Moonlight and Tsukuyomi exchanged a quick glance, their silent communication evident in the way they understood each other without words. It had always been that way for them—a bond that made everything easier, even in moments like these.
As they continued chatting with the other members of the table, more artists arrived, and the lounge began to buzz with a mix of excitement and nerves. Moonlight found himself caught up in the atmosphere, the anticipation building inside him as the time for the High Ceremony drew closer. He glanced at Tsukuyomi, who was listening intently to Yoko as she shared a story about her recent tour.
Just as Moonlight was about to say something, the lights in the hall began to dim. A soft chime echoed through the room, signaling that the ceremony was about to begin. The conversations around the room quieted, and all eyes turned toward the stage as a voice filled the air.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the voice announced, smooth and rich, "the High Ceremony of the 130th Sapphire Melody Awards will begin in just a few moments. Please take your seats, and prepare for an unforgettable night."
Moonlight felt his heart skip a beat as the reality of the moment hit him once again. This was it. The culmination of months, years of hard work, dreams, and hopes—all leading to this night. He took a deep breath and smiled beneath his mask, feeling the excitement and nervousness mix inside him.
The journey had been long, but now they were here, ready for whatever the night had in store.