NOISZ STΔRLIVHT/Story/Chapter 2.I

Release date: April 4, 2022

> *A new hero appears in town, but Grace disagrees with their methods. SUNRaiSE meets their new center, and their journey as idols begins again.*
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# Story

In the office, STΔRLIVHT listen to a news report about Firebird - a masked vigilante who has left several serial abusers and predators in hospital with third-degree burns. Grace expresses doubt about Firebird's chosen targets, noting that superheroes usually fight more powerful threats, like what they do with Noise Beasts; Sumire reminds her that Noise Beasts are rare, however, and that there are plenty of bad people; Hakuno stays focused and tries to steer the conversation away from Firebird. Sera agrees with her and gets down to business, reminding STΔRLIVHT of their duties to promote their new song, along with its merchandise, which Producer notes is coming along well, despite her exhaustion.

Practice ends uneventfully, and on the way home, Grace ruminates on Firebird and the nature of heroism; she expresses doubt over whether Firebird really is a hero like people say, but is interrupted by a Noise Beast. The new remote linking app responds, and she deals with the Noise Beast.

Sera calls Grace shortly afterwards to confirm she's okay, which Grace affirms, though Sera remarks that Noise Beast attacks have been becoming more common, expressing concern that they could happen indefinitely. Grace remains upbeat, happy at the sense of purpose she feels from feeling like a hero while fending off Noise Beasts.

After the call ends, Grace feels someone's eyes on her; she turns around and catches a glimpse of them, though they quickly duck into a nearby alley and vanish. On edge, Grace continues home though finds no further signs of being followed, and comes home to a concerned Lily; Grace asks her mother what she thinks a hero is, and while she has no definitive answer, she muses that if what Firebird's doing prevents good people from getting hurt, then it's a good thing overall - but caveats that she knows that's not the kind of hero Grace would like to be, and that that is also a good thing in its own way. Lily closes by saying that most heroes don't use violence to save others, and that Grace should find her own way - something that feels right for her.

Grace asks Lily if she considers her husband Touma her best friend, despite being married. Lily confirms this, and realises quickly that Grace is referring to her own relationship with Sera, fearing that the "best friend things" she enjoyed may be replaced as per their girlfriend status; she tells Grace simply to communicate openly with Sera, and to trust in her, and Grace thanks her.

In the next scene, Asuka and Hikari meet SUNRaiSE's new lead - Shion Nekoda, daughter of Yashiro Nekoda, their label manager. Despite Asuka and Hikari's initial doubts and fears of nepotism, rehearsals of Rise Above go well, and the two of them feel SUNRaiSE is whole again, though Shion demands another practice, insisting on perfection. Asuka and Hikari find her serious attitude adorable, and laugh about it to Shion's consternation, and the three of them return to rehearsals, their hope in SUNRaiSE's future renewed.

# Drops

* Song: ikasu
* Jadeite Chip x20
* Jadeite Gem x10

# Song

Chapter 2.I's song is ikasu, as Grace with her STΔRLIVHT STΔGE style.