[ DRAGON SERIES ]: when the odds are against them, and the world seems to be falling apart, will the OC be reborn or will they allow themselves to drown and fade away into the background? (ao3)
BOOK 1: ~ 𝑵𝑰𝑲𝑶 𝑨𝑺𝑨𝑻𝑶 ✒️
"𝙉𝙞𝙠𝙤." 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙗...
(never in order) Niko makes another special comeback and becomes artist of the month, the lyfesyx fandom spread their creativity, reach out to their idols, and make friends within the group, niko talks about mental health, Xyrstina comes back around, niko attends his father's 31st birthday where a woman semi challenges him, bruises that have not healed make their appearance in niko's life again, niko tries to handle a one night stand with another woman who isn't akari and has deals with the aftermath when she finds out, and a passionate night with his assistant causes him to rethink his feelings.
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"Let's not let misunderstandings come between us." ~ NIKO ASATO.
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The controversial path of his father, Chris, had drawn a melange of fans and critics alike, each interacting on various forums, casting praise or judgment on Niko.
One day, as the glow of the evening sun seeped through his luxurious Tokyo penthouse, Niko found himself embroiled in a challenge none of his music training could have prepared him for, an online confrontation with his father's fans.
Twitter buzzed; a tweet thread was weaving a tapestry of claims, accusations, praises, and theories about him and his father. Encased within the symbols and emojis was a heated debate: should Niko receive recognition based on his own musical capabilities or was his fame solely an inheritance from his father?
Feeling an unanticipated pulse of adrenaline, he decided to respond. He weighed his words carefully, a lyricist contemplating his most crucial verse. His fingers danced on his keyboard, tapping out each letter that would, hopefully, establish his independent identity.
"I am grateful for my father's legacy." Niko tweeted, his message, like a brave ship, sailing into the tumultuous sea of online discourse. "But I am not my father. I am Niko Asato, striving every day to carve out my own path within this industry."
The words echoed across cyberspace, and his followers were quick to engage, some praising his assertiveness, others critiquing his aloofness from his father's umbrella.
Indeed, Niko's life, unlike his father's, resonated with evident harmonies of two distinct cultures that he worked to fuse into his musical style. His K-pop songs were a symphony of catchy beats, infused with a distinct R&B vibe, embodying the spirit of his father's influence but rendered unique with elements of his own creative genius.
Even so, more tweets poured in. Fans questioned his commitment to the Asian industry, others asserting he was merely exploiting K-pop popularity. His Japanese-American identity became a point of dispute, a fierce tug-of-war within the cyber world.
Unfazed, Niko retweeted, asserting his authenticity in the industry. "Being a half-Japanese youngster, I grew up surrounded by a mix of American and Asian cultures." He wrote. "My music is the outpouring of my unique experiences, my life's journey. It is not calculated to cater to specific markets—it is simply, me."
For hours, Niko was locked in this digital battle. His responses were insightful, eloquent, and steady, drawing applause from different corners of the world. The face-off scene dissipated, leaving behind a newfound respect for Niko Asato amongst his father's fans.
Day faded into night, Niko closed his laptop, and gazed out at the pulsating heart of Tokyo. His legacy was indeed intertwined with his father's, but he was determined to raise his own flag in the musically diverse terrain. And it was clear that he had won not only the Twitter feud but also public respect—respect for the artist he was growing into, independent of his father's shadow, a future legend, uniquely Niko Asato.
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It's been a long, painful journey for Asato, a journey marked by one scandalous incident that not only plummeted his soaring career but his personal life as well. Despite Asato's steadfast denial, Miller's accusations tainted him, casting a long, dreadful shadow over the young musician's life.
Following Miller's accusations, Asato's life flipped upside down. His reputation damaged, fans lost, the young K-pop idol felt the brunt of the rollercoaster of fame. Thousands of miles away from home and dealing with these devastating allegations, he soon withdrew from the music industry to fight for his innocence. Although the legal proceedings eventually vindicated him, the emotional scars were far from healed.
Instead of succumbing to the pain, Niko Asato began to channel his true feelings into creating music. In the quiet solitude of his studio, the star slowly started spinning his turmoil into an ensemble of lyrics and rhythms that synthesized his soul. His motherland, Japan, was his first inspiration, followed by hardcore Korean pop influences and a sprinkle of his father's iconic American RnB style. He would blend the three languages into a single masterpiece, a song that would encapsulate his suffering, his resilience, and his triumph.
Titled 'Rising Sun,' the new song was Asato's articulation of his journey, from being wrongfully accused to regaining his dignity. The Japanese verses delicately illustrated the initial moments of betrayal; the harsh reality of Miller's accusations striking him down. In the Korean verses, Asato threaded the intense sadness he'd experienced, effectively conveying the depth of his struggle. Finally, the English lyrics unveiled his redemption and strength, the decision to rise from the ashes of despair and reclaim his life.
The music world held its breath as Asato's comeback single dropped. The air was heavy with both anticipation and uncertainty. Would the world embrace a fallen star looking for redemption, or would he be spurned once again? The result was neither immediate nor predictable.
In the first few days, the reception to 'Rising Sun' was lukewarm at best. But as people started seeing through Asato's soul laid bare in the music, there was a seismic shift. The song began to resonate with listeners worldwide, its raw honesty hitting nerves and softening hearts. The multi-language composition also served to amplify the reach, touching those who could relate to the music or lyrics one way or another.
Asato's comeback held a mirror to society's love for scandal while conveying messages of hope, resilience, integrity, and perseverance. This touching saga of his rise against the odds became a beacon of inspiration for many while re-establishing his undeniable talent and musical prowess. Spurred by this success, Asato's career regained momentum, setting the stage for a promising journey ahead.