NOVEL WEB Chapter 10: X - Practice, Exams and Group Stage Begins
X - Practice, Exams and Group Stage Begins
2 weeks later
May 8, 2021 - Saturday - 8:30 A.M
OG Sunflower Mansion - Dining Room
3rd POV
Two weeks have gone by since Riku and Youmu arrived in Portugal to prepare for Future World Fes.
After the welcoming party, their training finally began. The first week was a one on one session with Riku. This gave Riku the chance to make a close bond to the boys as well as learning their habits, their playing styles and preferences.
The first day was Yuragi. As someone who Riku personally recruited to the squad, he has high expectations from him. But after Riku learned what they did in the Last Future World Fes, he decided to teach them some Japanese starting with Yuragi, knowing that he is the vocalist for the band, Riku put him through the ringer for the entire day to the point that Yuragi can sing Japanese with no problems. And for his guitar, Yuragi just needs to keep a calm mind so he won't fumble.
bzm was the next on the 2nd day. Learning of his a bit carefree attitude, RIku decided to take it slow but once he holds a bass, he becomes an entire different person. A fast learner on certain things and he prefers playing bass without using a pick. Riku also learned that bzm can also play keyboard and guitar which gave Riku several ideas on bzm. He gave bzm some pointers on both instruments in case if something happens.
Ammar is probably the challenging one for Riku. His skills in guitar is nothing to scoff at to Riku's surprise, he can imitate Riku's guitar play easily with just one look. But with that kind of talent, he is a bit arrogant not to the point that it affects the team negatively, a more in your face approach when it comes to playing guitar and tends to overpower bzm and Misha's play in several occasions. It took Riku 2 days to tone down Ammar's arrogance and make him a bit more humble and approachable.
Taiga was next normally but Riku decided that he'll also train Misha on the same day as those 2 are the veterans on the band, it will make things easier for him. Riku only pointed out that Misha needs to be more vocal on some decisions on the bands course.
And during the evening, Riku trained the boys on their social skills cause some of them are getting interviewed one way or another. The boys especially the new ones can't be stuttering while being interviewed as Riku found out that only Taiga and Misha are doing the interviews as they're the veterans of the group.
The 2nd week was practice with all members and trying out the songs that Riku picked. Most of the songs that Riku picked are duet songs between him and Yuragi, and the moment they finished their first song with Riku, the first thing that came to mind was "What the hell just happened?"
Riku explained on what happened and the boys got even more motivated now that they know that they can also reach the same level as him, but Riku said that it will take time for them to reach it but they don't mind.
Right now, Riku and the boys are in the dining room having their breakfast. Today will be a busy day for them because they need to pack everything they need for their flight to Stockholm this day because the group stage starts in 4 days.
While Riku was having his breakfast, his phone that was on the table started vibrating.
Riku: Who would be calling me this early? And a video call of all things.
Calling: Rinko
Riku took a look at his phone and saw who was calling. Riku showed a warm smile and the boys noticed it.
Taiga: Who's calling Riku?
Riku: An old friend of mine.
Riku put his phone on a stand and answered the call. Once the video call started, Riku saw Rinko on the screen and Riku can see that Rinko is at CiRCLE.
(Italic is Riku and Rinko speaking in Japanese and the normal is them speaking English)
Riku: Good morning Rinko...or should I say good afternoon, since it's already afternoon there in Japan.
Rinko: G-good morning Riku....
Riku: Now then....what did you call me for? I know that you won't call me all of a sudden right?
Rinko: Y-yes.....well the reason why I called you is-
???: Oh! Riku-senpai!!
Before Rinko finished her sentence, someone shouted Riku's name, it was Kasumi, one of Riku's juniors in Japan.
Riku: Hello there Kasumi-san.
Kasumi: Good morning senpai. I want to ask you something!
Riku tilted his head a bit wondering on what his junior want to ask him.
Kasumi: Rinko-senpai said that CiRCLE will host Roselia's first live right? If it's alright with you, can Poppin'Party perform as well?
Kasumi's suggestion to Riku caught him off guard, as he sipped on his cup of tea, he asked Rinko if Yukina agreed to it.
Riku: Rinko, what's Yukina-san's take on this?
Rinko: Well...Yukina-san was skeptical at first, but when she saw Toyama-san being serious about it, she agreed that PoPiPa will perform on our live. But we want your opinion on it before we put them on the list.
Riku: A smart move on calling me to have my opinion on this. Sure, they can join.
As Riku said that, he can hear Kasumi and her band mates celebrating that they get to perform. But Riku is about to drop a bomb on them.
Riku: Rinko, is Yukina-san there? I want to discuss something important to her.
Rinko: O-okay. Yukina-san, Riku is calling you. He wants to discuss something with you.
Rinko gave her phone to Yukina as she greeted Riku.
Yukina: Good morning Riku-san. Rinko told me that you want to say something.
Riku: Well it's about your first live. I've seen the bands from the list you gave me a few days ago, they're good not gonna lie. So I'm gonna add a condition.
Yukina: A condition?
Riku: Yup. I want you to tell to the bands that you chose including PoPiPa that alongside the usual songs that you perform, you also must create a new song to perform for the live.
Yukina: Eh?
Yukina was surprised to what Riku said. Rinko and the other girls also heard what he said. They need to perform a new song on their performance. They already planned on the songs that they're going to sing on the day of the live, and saying that they need to perform a new song with less than 2 weeks away from the live.....they need to change their plans completely. As Yukina was about to give her answer, Riku stopped her midway.
Riku: Imma stop you right there and here's the reason why. I need you girls to think carefully. It's okay for you girls not to do it, but since you girls are trying to become pros in the future, this kind of thing is normal for us. Talk this out to the other bands and see if they agree.
Yukina only nodded and Riku noticed that she is thinking of this seriously.
Riku: Hmmm...now that I said what I need to say, I have to end the call right now, me and the boys have to start packing up.
Rinko: Pack up?
Riku: We're packing our things up cause our flight to Stockholm is today. Oh and good luck on the exams. See you at Stockholm.
*End Call*
When Riku ended the call, the boys were just staring at him and Misha was the first to ask.
Misha: What were you talking about Riku?
Riku: You guys remember that I owned a live house in Japan right? Well the one I was talking to was one of the bands that will have their live there and they were asking me to add another band to the list of bands that will perform and I gave them the condition of making a new song for them to perform during the live.
bzm: Ain't that a bit much? I mean they got at least 2 weeks left.
Riku: I told them that it's fine if they don't do it, but those girls are trying to go pro, so think of it as a challenge for them. Now let's finish things up. We got a long day ahead of us.
As Riku and the boys were about to finish breakfast, Johan came in with a briefcase on hand.
Riku: What you got there Johan?
Johan: Well actually, this briefcase is for you and Youmu.
Riku: For me and Youmu?
Johan gave the briefcase to Riku and opened it. What was inside the briefcase was a white scarf with red linings, two katanas one is longer and the other is shorter than the other one and several papers that look like talismans. The boys were curious to what it is and asked Riku.
Taiga: What's in the briefcase?
Riku: It's a scarf...my mother's scarf to be precise, these katanas are Youmu's personal swords and....a bunch of papers...I don't know why these papers are here and...a letter?
Riku opened the letter and his eyes went wide on what's on the letter.
"I asked Yuyuko to send these to you. I'm having a bad feeling that something is gonna happen there and I made those spell cards to your style so use them well. I also put Youmu's spell cards there and her Roukanken and Hakurouken have been reforged."
"Good luck on the tournament. Me and Marisa will be watching."
Reimu
Ammar: Any idea why did they sent you that?
Riku: Yeah. And let's just say....this is just something that I might need.....just in case *hopefully it won't come to that*. Let's not waste any time and let's start packing. Our flight leaves at 3.
The boys stood up and started packing as they prepare their flight for Stockholm.
Meanwhile in Japan
Riku ended the call saying that they're preparing for their flight. And he gave the girls good luck on the upcoming exams in just 4 days. When Riku reminded them of the exam coming, the four girls of Roselia saw their leader Yukina looking away from them while being nervous and they see Kasumi and Tae begging Arisa for help.
Kasumi: Arisa! Help me out!
Arisa: The principal told this to us weeks ago! Don't tell me you two forgot!?
Kasumi/Tae: We're sorry...
Sayo: Minato-san. Don't tell me that you haven't studied at all?
Yukina: ........I'm sorry.....
Ako: What are we gonna do Rin-Rin? If Yukina-san fails the exam, she won't be able to go with us!
Rinko: This is a problem.....Imai-san, can you help Yukina-san in her studies?
Lisa: I'll try. I'll be staying at your place is that okay Yukina?
Before Yukina gave her answer, Rinko's phone rang and she saw that Riku left her a message.
Rinko: A message from Riku....
Ako: What did Riku-nii say Rin-Rin?
Rinko: Well....it says...
Riku: "Oh right I forgot to tell you. If you girls pass the exams with no problems, I won't mind helping you write a song for your band. Can you do me a favor to relay this to the others? I'd appreciate it if you do."
After Rinko read the message, the entire place went quiet. And after a few seconds, Yukina said to Lisa and Sayo with very determined eyes.
Yukina: Lisa, Sayo. Practice is on hold for now.
Lisa: Eh?
Sayo: But what about Riku-san's condition on the new song?
Yukina: I already got that covered. Lisa, try to inform the other bands on what Riku-san said to us. Right now, the exam is more important, and we can't let this chance slip by. What about you, Poppin'Party? Will you accept Riku-san's condition?
Yukina looked at Kasumi and the others waiting for her answer. She answered Yukina with a smile full of confidence.
Kasumi: We'll do it!
Yukina: Good. Then I expect the best of you.
Yukina said that with a small smile and left with the rest of Roselia, leaving Poppin'Party alone in CiRCLE.
Saaya: So, shall we go home as well? I mean we got what we wanted right?
Arisa: Yeah I guess.....so....wait.....is that Rokka?
When Arisa said that they saw Rokka outside of CiRCLE looking in all directions.
Rimi: Wonder what she's doing there?
Saaya: I don't know. What do you think Kasumi? Kasumi?
The girls realized that Kasumi is gone, they were looking for her till Tae pointed it out.
Tae: Ah. There she is.
Tae pointed outside and they see Kasumi already glomping her.
Kasumi: Rock!
Rokka: K-Kasumi-san!?
Kasumi: ne~ Rock. What are you doing here?
Kasumi asks Rokka why she's here and before she gave her answer....
Rokka: Well...actually I-
???: Finally....I.....caught up.....to you....Asahi Rokka!!
Rokka: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Rokka let out a scream and she hid behind Kasumi. Kasumi and the girls who just got out saw a little girl with salmon-colored hair wearing a black cat-eared headphone showed up who is looking pretty exhausted.
The girl is slowly approaching Rokka but.....
???: Now....I...just want to.....have a...*THUD*
Before she even finished saying her sentence, she collapsed in front of Rokka and Kasumi. Saaya went to the girl to check her out to make sure she's fine.
Saaya: Don't worry, she's just fainted.
Kasumi: But why us she looking for you Rock?
Rokka: Well.....
Arisa: Leave the questions for later, we gotta bring her inside. Let's ask her why she's going after Rokka once she's woken up. O-Tae, help me out here.
Arisa asked Tae to help, she nodded and brought the fainted girl inside the live house alongside Rokka.
Several minutes later
Minutes have passed and the girl is starting to regain consciousness. She rubbed her eyes and looked at her surroundings.
???: This is....
Saaya: Ah, you've woken up. You're at live house CiRCLE. We brought you here after you collapsed.
???: CiRCLE? So this is Iku's live house that he's been talking about.
Kasumi and the girls flinched a little when they heard the name Iku. Rokka looked at PoPiPa in confusion as to why they flinched.
Rimi: A-ano......you know Riku-san?
???: Well of course, after all he's my cousin.
PoPiPa: YOU'RE HIS COUSIN!?
???: You're too loud! Anyway, I'm Tamade Chiyu. Iku's cousin on his mother's side. And you girls are?
Kasumi: Oh right! I'm Toyama Kasumi!
Tae: Hanazono Tae. I love rabbits.
Rimi: Ushigome...Rimi.
Saaya: Yamabuki Saaya.
Arisa: Ichigaya Arisa. But let's get to the point. Why are you after Rokka? And why is she running away from you?
Arisa asked that question to Chiyu which she looked at Rokka making her more afraid as she hides behind Kasumi.
Chiyu: I just want to have a word with her but whenever I get close to her, she runs away almost immediately.
Saaya: I-I see.....but what do you want to talk about with Rock?
Chiyu: Well since she's here and all...Asahi Rokka.
Rokka: Y-YES!
Chiyu: I would like you to join my band, Raise A Suilen as my guitarist.
The girls went silent at Chiyu's offer for Rokka. Rokka on the other hand though.....
Rokka: M-m-m-me!? A guitarist!?
Kasumi: This is great news Rock! Now you can get to play in a band!
Rokka: Kasumi-san!? I mean.....I don't know if I'm up to it....
Chiyu: Don't sell yourself short. I've already seen what you can do, and you are the perfect candidate to be my guitarist.
Rokka: But....how did you find out that I can play guitar?
Rokka asked that to Chiyu, but she didn't answer and just took out her phone and showed the girls a video where Rokka was playing the guitar as if she's an entire different person.
Kasumi: Wow! Look at you go Rock!
Arisa: You might be better than O-Tae to be honest.
Tae: Oi!
Rokka: W-WHERE DID YOU GET THAT VIDEO!?
Chiyu: Calm down will you! Iku was the one who sent me the video.
Saaya: Riku-kun sent you that? But why?
Chiyu: Well, he asked me on the current state of my band and I told him that I was still lacking a guitarist. I've searched the entire country to look for the perfect guitarist for my band. He recommended you to be my guitarist because he sees the potential in you and I think so too. Normally I'd reject Iku's help because I prefer to do things on my own but...at some point, I'm going to need all the help I can get If I want to get my band even further so I accepted it. And your play style fits my bands style in music. Here, this is one of the songs that I made myself and see if this is close to your style.
Chiyu gave her headphones to Rokka to listen to the song she made, while she was listening to the song, Rokka was feeling that it's as if she was the one playing the guitar for this song and it got her hooked. After listening to Chiyu's song, Rokka returned the headphones to her and asked Chiyu a question.
Rokka: Ummm.....before I give you my answer.....what is your band's goal?
Chiyu: I made Raise A Suilen for one purpose. To make it to TI and be the first all female Japanese band to perform and win. That is my goal.
Rokka: Ummmm.....what's TI?
Everyone fell down anime style really hard when Rokka said that. This got Chiyu a bit pissed off.
Chiyu: HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN A CAVE!? YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TI MEANS!?
Rokka: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! I'M SORRY!!!
Rokka apologized and went back to hiding behind Kasumi.
Chiyu: Don't mind it. And looking from your reaction, I can guess that you girls know what TI is.
Arisa: Yeah, We know what TI is. Riku-san told us everything a few weeks ago, including his career as a pro.
Riku: He told you that much huh....
Rokka: What did Arisa-san mean that Riku-san was a pro?
Chiyu: You don't know?
Rokka just shook her head and Chiyu just gave a sigh.
Chiyu: Sit down. This will take a while to explain.
One explanation later
After Chiyu explained Riku's career as a pro and TI in its entirety, Rokka was starting to talk to Chiyu with eyes of admiration.
Rokka: So Riku-san was not only a pro, he has won 4 Future World Fes and 3 TI's at such a young age, your cousin is amazing Tamade-san!
Chiyu: Of course! He is the main reason why I started to form my own band. I want to make him proud by making it to TI with my band and my music. He taught me what it needs to become a good DJ and I promised him that one day, my band will be one of the best bands in the world!
The girls were smiling at Chiyu after hearing the reason why she's forming a band, is to make Riku proud of her. Rokka stood up and went close to Chiyu.
Rokka: Tamade-san. I've made my decision......I accept.
Chiyu: What? You mean it?
Rokka: If me joining your band can help you reach your goals, then I'll help you as much as I can. And if I can play guitar with a band again and enjoy it.....then that is more than enough.
Chiyu: Chu².
Rokka: Eh?
Chiyu: You can call me Chu² from now on. Since you're now a member of RaS, you'll call me as such.
Rokka: Hai Chu²-san!
Kasumi: Isn't this great Rock! You're finally in a band!
Kasumi hugged Rokka from behind while congratulating her for joining a band.
Rokka: Thank you, Kasumi-san.
Chiyu: Now that's taken care of, bring out your phone. I'll be needing your contact.
Rokka took out her phone and both of them exchanged numbers. Rokka saw a message coming from Chiyu.
Rokka: Chu²-san, what's this you sent me?
Chiyu: That's the address to my penthouse. We'll be holding our practice at my place and sometimes here. I'm gonna ask Iku later if it's okay with him to let us practice here. Are we clear on that?
Rokka: HAI!
Chiyu: Good. I'll be seeing you in 4 days. Oh and Poppin'Party. Good luck on your exams, you're gonna need it.
Arisa: Wait! How did you know we'll be having our exams!?
Chiyu: Iku told me. Later.
Chiyu left CiRCLE after she manage to get Rokka to her band and Kasumi and the others seeing Chiyu pumping her fists.
Arisa: Well...that happened. So Rokka, wants us to take you home?
Rokka: No need, I can go by myself. But thanks for the offer though. See you next time PoPiPa-san.
Rokka left the live house leaving PoPiPa left inside.
Saaya: So, shall we go home too? I mean we gotta study for the exams right?
Kasumi: Then how about we have a group study at Arisa's house!
Arisa: Eh!? Why my place!? You know what, I give up. But I better see you two get serious about this. If you two dolts fail, you won't be going with us to watch Riku-san. Got it?
Kasumi/Tae: Yes Ma'am!!
Poppin'Party left the live house after that and Saaya relayed the message that Riku sent to them where Riku will help them in making their songs and let's just say....they got more motivated than expected.
4 days later
May 12, 2021 - Wednesday - 7:45 A.M.
Hanasakigawa Girls High School, Class 3-A Classroom
Rinko POV
Today is the day of the exams and at the same time is the start of the Future World Fes Group Stage. Everything has come to this. We put our band practice on hold to get more time to study.....most likely helping Yukina-san on her studies.
Regarding Riku's condition on making a new song for the upcoming live, we manage to talk to the other bands about it. We were expecting some of them to back out from the sudden change, but instead they accepted it and treated it as a challenge, this let out a huge sigh of relief for us.
And I heard from Imai-san that Yamabuki-san was the one who relayed Riku's message to the other bands. And from what she heard from Aoba-san is that it made the other girls more motivated than ever.
I looked at the classroom and I see Hikawa-san fully focused, I see Shirasagi-san comforting Matsubara-san with her head on the table. From what I heard from Matsubara-san, when Tsurumaki-san received Riku's message, she went all out on teaching the other members of HaroHapi on their weak subjects, leading to what Matsubara-san's state right now.
Right before the bell rang, my phone vibrated and I saw that I got a message from Riku. I opened the message and it said....
Riku: "Good luck on the exam Rinko, I believe in you."
This made me smile with a blush on my face. And I know that Riku is preparing himself for the Future World Fes, so I gave him a good luck too.
Rinko: "Good luck on the group stage Riku. I know you can win it."
After sending my reply to Riku, Hikawa-san went to my seat and asked me if I'm okay.
Sayo: Shirokane-san, is everything okay?
Rinko: It's nothing Hikawa-san. Riku just wished us good luck.
Sayo: I see. Even from afar, Riku-san is still giving us support. Then I'll be giving my all in this exam.
When Hikawa-san returned to her seat and Matsubara-san recovered, the bell rang and the teacher showed up with the test papers in hand.
Teacher: Now before we begin this exam, I want to remind you girls to not rush okay, make sure that your answers are correct and do not overthink. Is that clear?
Girls: Yes!
Seeing the girls answer, the teacher started to pass on the test papers along with the answer sheet to each of us.
Teacher: Now that you have your test papers, you will have 1 hour for each subject and the passing grade for each subject is 45, any lower than that will be considered a fail. Any questions?
For the other students, 45 is the passing grade. But for me, the girls of Roselia and the other bands alongside with the girls in Haneoka, we need to get a 70 or higher in all subjects if we want to watch Riku perform on stage. I ready myself as the teacher gives her signal.
Teacher: None? Very well. On my signal, you may begin.......BEGIN!
As the teacher gave the signal, the exam finally begun, and looking at the test questions......I think I can do this. Okay Rinko focus, you can do this.
I hyped myself up as I began answering the questions as time slowly ticks away.
This timeskip is brought to you by: Jellyfish biting on Cheetos.
Hanasakigawa Student Council Office - 3:00 P.M.
The exams were finally finished and it took a lot out of me, but I still manage to finish it and I'm confident that I'll pass with no problem. Right now, I'm at the student council office with Hikawa-san and Ichigaya-san to settle some leftover work from yesterday and finished it quickly.
Sayo: Ichigaya-san, how's your and Poppin'Party's exam go?
Arisa: Well, I have no problems passing but for Kasumi and O-Tae, that I'm not sure of yet. But those two really got serious studying for the past few days, so I'll just put my faith in them that they pass.
Sayo: I see, Shirokane-san. Do you want to check on Minato-san and see how she's doing?
Rinko: Sure. Just let me-
Before I stood up, my phone vibrated and I saw that Riku sent me a message.
Rinko: A message from Riku.
Sayo: From Riku-san? What's the message told you?
I opened the message and it says....
Riku: "Tell the girls to come to the live house at 5:00, Marina and Aya will fill you in once you get there."
Rinko: That's what he said.
Sayo: We still got time to get changed.
Arisa: Right, I'll tell this to Kasumi and the rest. And I'm pretty sure that Riku-san sent this to Chisato-senpai, Kokoro and Ran.
The three of us just nodded and left. Ichigaya-san went to Toyama-san and the rest of Poppin'Party, me and Hikawa-san can hear Okusawa-san trying to stop Tsurumaki-san from running. The both of us sweatdopped and just continue our way to Haneoka.
The time we made it to Haneoka, Yukina-san is at the gate with Imai-san and Ako-chan. It seems that they were waiting for us to come here. Ako-chan ran up and gave me a hug the moment she saw me.
Ako: Rin-Rin! I did well on my exam! The questions aren't that too hard!
Rinko: Is that so? Then I'm happy for you Ako-chan.
Sayo: What about you Minato-san. How did your exam go?
Yukina: I can say that I'll pass.
Lisa: Don't worry. Yukina has been giving her all. Pretty sure she can pull it off.
Rinko: Is that so.....oh right. Before I forgot. Riku sent me a message that we should go to CiRCLE at 5:00.
Lisa: Why though?
Sayo: Riku-san said that Marina-san and Shameimaru-san will fill us in with the details. And we still got time to change our clothes.
Lisa: Do the other girls were informed of this?
Rinko: Ichigaya-san was with us when I got the message. Shirasagi-san, Mitake-san and Tsurumaki-san probably got a message from Riku.
Yukina: I see, then let's meet at CiRCLE.
Hina: Onee-chan! Let's go home together!
Sayo: Hina!
Hina-chan appeared from out of nowhere and hugged Hikawa-san from behind making Hikawa-san blush.
Sayo: Knock it off Hina!
Hina: Okay. Oh yeah! Chisato-chan sent me a message that Riku-kun said that we have to go to CiRCLE at 5. I don't know what it'll be but I know that it's gonna be boppin' good!
Sayo: It seems that what Shirokane-san said was true. Them let's meet in CiRCLE. Let's go Hina. Let's get get changed then we'll go.
Hina: HAI~!
The Hikawa sisters left with us 4 remaining.
Lisa: Me and Yukina will be going on ahead then. See you at CiRCLE!
Imai-san left with Yukina-san and it's just me and Ako-chan left.
Ako: You can go ahead Rin-Rin! I'll be waiting for onee-chan.
Rinko: I see, then I'll be seeing you later Ako-chan.
I say my goodbyes to Ako-chan and made my way home and get changed as I go to CiRCLE.
This timeskip is brought to you by: PasuPare Rin-Rin
(A/N: Look at her man...so adorable)
Live House CiRCLE - Entrance - 5:00 P.M.
I've made it to Circle, and I can already see that the other 4 bands are inside. I went inside and went to the lounge, the girls greeted me as always. I see Ako-chan with her sister and Hikawa-san talking with Hazawa-san.
Ako: Ah! Rin-Rin! You made it!
Rinko: You're here early Ako-chan.
Sayo: Shirokane-san. Have you seen Minato-san and Imai-san? I haven't seen them here yet.
And by coincidence the door opened and we saw a tired Imai-san dragging a dejected Yukina-san.
Lisa: Sorry we're late! There were some issues but hey! At least we're here now!
Saaya: Ummm.....Lisa-senpai, what's wrong with Yukina-senpai? Is she okay there?
Lisa: Oh don't mind that~. She'll return to normal later.
Marina-san showed up along with Shameimaru-san who is holding a remote.
Marina: Glad you girls made it.
S.Aya: Now before we get started. I like to introduce myself, since some of you haven't met me yet. I'm Shameimaru Aya, I'm in charge of CiRCLE's social network. I know that some of you has the same name as me, so feel free to call me "Ayaya".
Shameimaru-san introduced herself to the others and I'm seeing Hina-chan teasing Maruyama-san because both of them share the same name.
Marina: Now that introductions are done. Ayaya, turn it on will you please. Hopefully it hasn't started yet.
Ran: What hasn't started.
Shameimaru-san turned on the TV and what appeared from it made our eyes wide open.
Arisa: Marina-san this is!?
Marina: With the help of Hatate-chan, we manage to find a link of the Future World Fes with subtitles so for those who can't understand English yet, you can relax.
So this is the reason why Riku sent that message. So we can watch him perform in the group stage.
Kokoro: So we can watch onii-chan perform here!? That's great!
Misaki: Calm down Kokoro! It's about to start.
As Okusawa-san said that, the show is already starting.
At the same time in Stockholm
Live House Starlight, Stockholm Sweden
Riku POV
Today is the day that the group stage of the Future World Fes begins. Me and OG are ready to play and ready to win.
The past 3 days were packed as media day was on full swing. Photoshoots, interviews, meet and greets, podcasts. Not just OG that is busy, but other bands as well.
Before the group stage began, I sent a link that Hatate found to Rinko, Kokoro, Chisato and Ran. Hopefully the made it to CiRCLE in time.
As we were waiting for the panelists to finish their thing, the order of the bands performing have been decided. Me, alongside with the other band leaders gathered and saw the band who will go first:
OG
BOOM RIVALRY
Evil Geniuses
Tundra
BetBoom
T1
beastcoast
Riku: So me and OG will go first.....
Sneyking(Tundra): Hey, start strong Iku.
Riku: Sure. I will.....hey Hector, you okay?
Hector(beastcoast): Yeah, I'm okay. Just thinking on what we'll be doing on the 2nd song that's all.
Fly(Evil Geniuses): Just keep your calm and you'll do fine.
As us band leaders(well I'm just a substitute leader but you get the point) were talking amongst ourselves, I felt someone was poking me. I turned around and it was Slacks, and I know where this is going.
Riku: Don't even need to ask. Let's go.
Slacks just nodded and I just followed him to the interview area.
Back at Japan
Rinko POV
As we watch the panelists break down the ins and outs of the Future World Fes, from the rules to follow, the requirements needed to be done, the expenses needed throughout the tournament and many more. And it made me realize that we still have a lot to learn. Yukina-san is taking all of this information seriously and so is Hikawa-san while she was taking notes.
Sheever: As we are talking about Iku, why not hear it from the man himself. Let's go over to SirActionSlacks standing by at Starlight.
When she said that the scene changed to the backstage of a live house and we saw Riku on TV.
Kokoro: Look Misaki! Onii-chan's on TV!
Misaki: I know! Just sit down will you!
Kasumi: Wow!! Riku-senpai looks so cool!
I was silently watching the TV looking at Riku while the girls were complimenting him.
Slacks: Thank you Sheever. I'm right here with the one and only Iku! Welcome back buddy. By the way, nice scarf you got there.
Riku: Thanks. Good to be back to be honest.
Slacks: Now let's make this quick since your band will go first. How confident are you, going into this tournament?
Riku: Oh I'm confident. Confident that me and OG are gonna win this thing. I may have just returned, but don't underestimate me and the boys. We're here to play and we're here to win.
Slacks: That's some insane confidence there man. Next Question. Which band are you more wary for this tournament?
Riku: Bands that we are wary of.....I gotta say.....it's either Tundra or TSM. Tundra, they're slowly changing their approach, changing to a no keyboard style of a band. And for TSM, I got a look from their past performances and if they keep going at it, they might have a chance to beat us.
Slacks: Last question. What will we be expecting from you? Knowing that you'll be doing both keyboard and vocals.
Riku: It's up to you to find out. I don't want to ruin the fun if I tell you right now don't we?
Slacks: Ooooh, I like the sound of that. Okay then. Thank you for taking your time for this interview. Good luck out there and wish you the best. Back to you guys.
Chisato: To think that Riku handled that interview so well....as expected from him.
Aya: I gotta work hard if I want to handle an interview like Riku-kun. Let's do our best, Chisato-chan!
Moca: Onii-san looked cool out there~. Didn't he Ran?~
Ran: Y-Yeah.....it's kinda like it's he doing it as if he was normally breathing.
Yukina: Rinko, Have you heard Riku-san sing?
Rinko: Not that I remember. I haven't even heard him sing in my life. This is the first time for me.
I just said that to Yukina-san as we continue to watch.
Back to Stockholm
Riku POV
After getting interviewed by Slacks, I went back to the band and told them that we'll be performing first. And as we get ready, our manager Allen showed up and took out his phone and we saw that Misha was calling. Allen put it on speaker so we can hear him.
Misha: Now before you guys go out there and give them hell. I want us to understand that we're going to have a great day, because we are super prepared. You all have been practicing for weeks, where even I'm not there, you have full control of everything. So go out there and show everyone out there that OG is here to play. I believe in you guys.
After Misha finished giving his motivation speech, the live house staff showed up and informs us that it's almost time. I looked at the boys and gave them some quick motivation speech myself.
Riku: Okay, like Misha said, you guys have practiced with me for the past week and we are super prepared. But don't let your guard down, don't think about winning, just think of what are we going to do out there and give it our all. Just play, play, play. You get me?
The boys nodded and all of us did a fist bump. The staff person showed up and gave us the green light.
Staff: OG, you're up. Good luck.
Riku: LET'S DO THIS BOYS!!!
On my mark, we made our way to the stage and kick start this Future World Fes.
Back in Japan
As we were watching the live cast of the Future World Fes, the scene cuts to the stage of the live house where Riku will be performing. The stage was dark at first, but when the lights went back on, we saw Riku and his band already on stage. What surprised me that Riku is at the center while holding a white keytar but.....
Rinko: Shameimaru-san, that's not an ordinary keytar right?
S.Aya: Right you are Rinko-chan! That keytar is a ROLAND AX-EDGE RIKU CUSTOM! It is a fully customized keytar just for Riku and from the usual 49 keys, that keytar is cutomized to 60 keys!
Eve: 60!? THAT'S MORE DIFFICULT THAN MY KEYTAR!!
Wakamiya-san's right. 49 keys is the standard for most keytarists, but 60.....What are you planning Riku...
Arisa: But wait! Isn't Riku-san's keytar kinda illegal in this tournament?
Marina: From the info we got from Hatate-chan, Riku performed his keytar in front of the VALVE board of directors to get its approval to make sure he wasn't cheating or anything, so it's all fine.
After hearing that it made me remember something.
Rinko: Wait, is that keytar inside that big box that was given to Riku 3 weeks ago?
S.Aya: Yup. Riku told us that Yukari-san sent him a keytar as a return for taking care of things in GALAXY.
Then we remembered the time when Riku was doing in GALAXY...as we were remembering that time, Riku tapped the microphone to get our attention.
Riku: Now then...are you prepared?.....All memories and regrets come after the chime of the bell.....Sincerely, on this day the cherry blossoms fall and sway.
Sincerely, on this day the cherry blossoms fall and sway/Haikei, sakura maichiru kono hi ni
(By: mafumafu)
haruiro ni somaru kousha
kore kara okiwasureru sekai
nagakami yurasu kimi wa tsubuyaku
"toomawari wo shiyou?"
hanabira ga chiru mitai ni
hirahira hanare chikadzuite
tada sou shite bokura koko de tsunagattanda
kiseki ga sekashita you ni senaka wo oshita tsuugakurou
shourai no yume miraizu kimi no sekkeizu
TESUTO ni yoku deru yo
yurusaretai koto bakka de
miushinau koto bakka no kono te ni
mirai nante mada takusenai no ni
boroboro ni natta pen to kyoukasho
yorei nogashita jitensha
kimi wo kizutsuketa ano rakugaki
daikirai na hazu na no ni
me wo fusagitai wake demo nai
kakikake no ohanashi wa
itsumo ano houkago no mukou
otogi no hanashi mitai na
kiseki wa mochiawasechainai
tada futashika na kyou to sore ni tsudzuku ashita ga
atta kurai no sekai
"roku na omoide mo nai ya"
kimi wo sabishisou ni saseru
demo kore ga boku ni ieru seiippai nanda
dareka no nageyari na monosashi de
kuruinai chokkei wo hakarunda
kono sekai no sadametai kijun to
yukiba nai boku tachi no zureta mirai wo
soshitara kotoba ga jiyuu ni tsukaenakunatta kke
mado kara derarenai "samishii"
nariyamanu koukai to RIKOODAA
kaban no oku no tsuushinbo
okujou de fumitsubushita sangenme
sunao ni narenai kokoro wo suterarenu mama
ienakatta kotoba wa
kimi to futari arukidasu mirai
kizutsukeatta kurushimeatta
kazoekirenai hodo ni kuyanda
hitori ni natta kimi to deatta
otona ni natteita
yarinaoshi nante nai mou modore mo shinai
sakurairo atarashii keshiki wo someru
boroboro ni natta pen to kyoukasho
yorei nogashita jitensha
sunao ni nareba soba ni irareta?
sayonara bokura no
bokura dake no ichi PEEJI
kore kara no ohanashi wa
kono tobira wo hiraita mukou
After Riku finished singing, everyone was dead silent, even the ever energetic Tsurumaki-san just stood there quietly. Even the crowd in the TV was quiet, the hosts as well on the backstage was quiet.
Yukina: Rinko...what did I just saw?
Rinko: I don't know Yukina-san but....to think that he was able to play a keytar that surpass the normal standard and to sing with that high of a voice and with that emotion at the same time.......I don't even know anymore...
I said that to Yukina-san with my head down. To think that he was this good, how could I catch up to him now? While I was still taking in Riku's performance, I was hearing the other girls on their opinion on Riku's performance.
Misaki: Kokoro.....oi Kokoro, are you okay?
Kokoro: I'm okay Misaki. Say Misaki. Onii-chan was cool out there right?
Misaki: Yes....he was....
Kaoru: Unbelievable.....for Ani-sama to show such emotion to a song and the synchronization of his voice and instrument....ahhhhh~.....hakanai~
Tomoe: Ran....Ran.....you okay there.
Ran: Y-yeah...it's just.....what was that?
Aya: Sugoi....
Chisato: Aya-chan, we're going to practice "Yura Yura" after this.
Aya: Eh? Do you mean it Chisato-chan?
Chisato: Watching Riku made me realize what I need to do. And I want to do it as soon as possible.
Hina: Don't forget about us you two! Seeing that performance was so boppin', I want to play my guitar right now!
Maya: That's right! After seeing Riku-san play, I just want to go home and play drums!
Arisa: Kasumi...oi Kasumi!!!
Kasumi: Eh? Arisa? Is there something on my face?
Arisa: That's not it. You've been staring at the TV for a while now. I tried calling you but you won't answer.
Kasumi: Oh sorry....it's just.....looking at senpai is.....
Arisa: The hell are you blushing at? Wait, don't tell me-
*CLAP*
All of a sudden we heard someone clapped very loud and we turned back to the TV and we saw it was Riku who clapped his hands. But I can see some small violet sparks coming from his hands, no one seems to notice it but me. Then Riku grabbed the mic as he spoke to the crowd.
Riku: Sorry that I had to do that but....you guys were like in a middle of a trance so...yeah. Now then....shall we continue? But before we begin, the next song that we're about to perform is a bit different. Because this song is going to be a collab between OG and a certain show that we all know and love. If some of you gets this, then shout out to you. Now then...on my mark Artem.....1 2 3!!!
1 2 3
(By: After the Rain/soraru x mafumafu)
[ ]: Yuragi
( ): Riku
{ }: Both
(Nee, mada mada mada? Isoide!)
(Dekakeru junbi wa dekitakai?)
(Kimi ni misetai fushigi no sekai)
(Miokuri nara iranai)
[Tatoe hi no naka mizu no naka]
[Te saguri de mienai kyou no naka]
[Ichibyou saki datte mada shiranai kedo]
{Itsumo omoi de wa dore mo}
{Zenbu booru no naka ni}
{1-2-3 de tobikome!}
{Itsuka egaita mirai ga}
{Boku no poketto ni aru kara}
[Hajimemashite wa itsudatte hajimete sa]
(Tamerau koto nado)
(Nai!) [Nai!] (Try!) [Try!]
{Let's have a fight!}
{ichi}, [batoru o shita nara]
{Ni}, (Warau ka naitatte)
(San de) {nakama ni narou yo}
(Ano hi datte kono hi datte)
(Itsudatte soushiteita)
[Saki mo mienai]
[Hate mo shiranai sekai ga soko ni aru kedo]
{Let's go!} Koronde surimuite
{Let's go!} Nandomo arukidasu tonari
{Kimi ni kimeta!}
[Tonari no machi kara keshiki wa]
[Tame ikitsuku hodo sekai wa]
[Me magurishiku mawari kawaru]
[Boku o okizari ni suru]
(Kodomo no koro ni wa muchuu de)
(Kuguri nuketa anaboko demo)
(Shibaraku buridana miotoshiteita no?)
[Demo ne wasureta keshiki mo]
[Kyou no doko ka ni aru yo]
{1-2-3 de tobidase!}
{Sanzan datte naiteita}
{Hibi to booru no soto made}
("doko e ikou ka?" wa)
("doko e datte ikeru" desho?)
[Ikitsuku hima nado]
[Nai!] (Nai!) [Try!] (Try!)
[Why don't we go?]
{Ichi}. (Kotoba o koete)
{Ni}. [Kyoukaisen no saki no]
{Mada minu kimi made}
[Taoreru nara te o tsuku nara]
[Mae datte kimetanda]
(Hi ga shizumu you ni kage nobite)
(Setake mo kawatteiru kedo)
{Let's go!} [Ame agari de nakucha]
{Let's go!} (Haremani niji wa nai)
(Ano hi kara kidzuiteiru)
[Kimi wa kimi wa itsu no mani yara]
[Otona ni nacchainaikai?]
(Hokori o kabutta borogi no)
(Migi pokke ni oitekita)
[Katate ni osamaru bouken]
[Bokura no subete datta]
(Ano koro no omoi de ga)
(Kimi wo sagashite iru yo)
{1-2-3 de tobikome!}
{Itsuka egaita mirai ga}
{Boku no poketto ni aru kara}
[Doko ka e ikou yo doko e datte tsurete itte yo]
(Tamerau koto nado)
(Nai!) [Nai!] (Try!) [Try!]
(Let's have a fight!)
{ichi}, [batoru o shita nara]
{Ni}, (Warau ka naitatte)
(San de) {nakama ni narou yo}
(Ano hi datte kono hi datte)
(Itsudatte soushiteita)
[Saki mo mienai]
[Hate mo shiranai sekai ga soko ni aru kedo]
{Let's go!} Koronde surimuite
{Let's go!} Nandomo arukidasu tonari
{Kimi ni kimeta!}
Right when Riku and his band finished playing, the crowd was starting to cheer for them and we even hear them chanting "OG" and clapping three times repeatedly.
Yukina: Riku-san's high pitched voice and Yuragi-san's low smooth voice really complement each other...it's as if...both of them are a perfect fit for each other (NO HOMO!).
Rinko: You're right and the song.....wait a minute..."Kimi ni kimeta!"...don't tell me!?
Ako: DID RIKU-NII JUST SING THE NEW POKEMON OPENING THEME SONG COMING NEXT MONTH!?
Tomoe: Now that you mention it Ako, I did saw on TV that the opening on that anime will come soon but...
Sayo: To think that he'd promote an anime in the middle of Future World Fes.....I don't know if he planned this from the start or he's just straight crazy. Is he always like this Shirokane-san?
Rinko: Not at all but....Riku does sometimes do this kind of things depending on the atmosphere.
Lisa: The atmosphere?
Imai-san and the others wanted to know why and Mitake-san answered while she put her hand on her chin.
Ran: I heard from my dad that the Nagae have the capability of reading the atmosphere. They can easily read the mood of a place, and adapt to it right away. They don't try to break the mood unless there's a very urgent reason. That gave them the impression of cool, calm and collected in most situations.
Arisa: Wait a minute. From what you're telling us, is that Riku-san can read the mood of a place or people easily right? Then that means...
Rinko: By reading the mood of the crowd, he picks the right songs to get the best results....so this is what Yuyuko-san meant...
Hina: Then Ayaya, did you know that Riku-kun can do that?
S.Aya: Eh? No! I didn't know that Riku can do that too! The only one I know who can do that was Kyoya-sama!
Misaki: But still....doesn't this kinda count as.....you know...cheating?
Yukina: Reading the mood of the crowd easily is not considered cheating Okusawa-san.
Everyone looked at Yukina-san as she explained on why it's not considered cheating.
Yukina: As a professional, a musician must know what the crowd wants and by reading the mood of the crowd and by adapting to it, the results will exceed expectations. The crowd there expected something big from Riku-san and he did just that with the 1st song. Then by observing them after the 1st song, he decided to go with his 2nd song which is a duet to show what more he can do and his band members followed alongside him and made their performance perfect.
S.Aya: To think that you manage to break it all down in just 2 songs. As expected from you Yukina-chan, the claims that the media were really not wrong all along.
As we were talking, Riku and OG bowed to the crowd and went backstage as the stage is preparing for the next band to perform. Then we see Riku and Yuragi-san along with Slacks to interview both of them.
Slacks: Thanks. Right now I'm with the unexpected OG duo of Yuragi and Iku! Great performance out there you two. Now I gotta ask Yuragi first. How does it feel to play alongside Iku? And to sing with him in a duet, what are your thoughts?
Yuragi: Well I was kinda nervous at first, I mean.....Iku is one of the best musicians out there it's kinda normal to be nervous but...Iku taught me how to keep calm at all times and for singing with him....let's just say.....he put me through hell so I can sing with him that well.
When Yuragi-san said that Riku put him through hell, I felt a shiver down my spine and I also see Riku's other childhood friends with the same expression as me, the others asked us if something was wrong, we just told the that it was nothing and we continued to watch the interview.
Slacks: Hold up. "Put you through hell"? Iku kindly explain why?
Riku: 1 word, Amsterdam.
Slacks: Amsterda- ohhhhhhhh I get it now. Okay time to for Iku. WHEN IN GODS GREEN EARTH DID YOUR VOICE GET THAT HIGH!?
Riku: I mean my voice can already reach that high even before I left OG, but I can only do it depending on the song that I sing onstage.
Slacks: I see. Then one last question. We'll we be able to see more duets from both of you? With that 2nd song of yours was like...goddamn that was good.
Riku: Well expect them coming once we make it to the main stage, so keep an eye out for it.
Slacks: Alright! Thank you so much both of you, good luck to rest of the groups and hope for the best. Sheever, back to you.
Back in Stockholm
Riku POV
After our performance and me and Yuragi's interview later, we made our way to the lounge that is reserved for OG and find ourselves a seat so we could rest.
As we were resting, the door opened and it was our manager Allen along with Youmu carrying a bag of snacks and drinks.
Allen: Good work out there boys, take a rest.
Youmu: I've brought some snacks and drinks if you want.
Ammar and bzm snagged some snacks from the bag and Youmu just passed me a bottle of water. I nodded in thanks and chugged the bottle in one go. The door opened again and Johan showed up.
Johan: Nice job boys! Pretty sure that we get day 1 very smoothly. But the real deal of the group stage begins in day 2 tomorrow, so bring your A-game on go at them hard.
While Johan was hyping up the band, me and Youmu felt a chill which made the both of us stand up.
Johan: What's the hurry you two?
Riku: Something came up, me and Youmu will take care of it.
After saying that, me and Youmu left the room only to find we saw some men in black suits holding a pair of pistols and from a closer look, they're equipped with silencers slowly coming to our room. The men saw us and made a run for it.
Riku: Youmu let's go after them.
Youmu: Understood.
Me and Youmu were chasing the two men until we reached the shoreline and we saw a boat on the coast, they plan to get away. I took one of that spell cards that Reimu sent me from my jacket.
Riku: No way in hell I'm letting you get away. Fish Sign: "Dragonfish Skynet"!
The spell card crumbled and I slammed my hand on the sand, my scarf extended and went under the sand, and hundreds of scarves appeared beneath the two men and restrained them.
Riku: Youmu, keep your guard up. There's no telling what might happen.
Youmu: Hai!
Me and Youmu approached the two men while Youmu is right behind me holding on to Roukanken. As I try to touch them to see if they still have a pulse, they felt.....cold...
Riku: Wait a minute...they're dead.....
Youmu: What?
I let go of the bindings and the two men just fell off face first.
Youmu: Riku-kun, what shall we do with the bodies.
???: Me and onee-chan will take care of it.
Me and Youmu looked in front of us and we saw a girl with wavy green short hair and dark green eyes, wears a black hat with a yellow ribbon tied around it and she wears a yellow shirt with diamond shaped blue buttons and a green skirt with rose patterns who is crouching beside the dead bodies.
Riku: Koishi! What are you doing here?
She is Komeiji Koishi. The younger sister of Komeiji Satori, the head of the Komeiji family who is also a part of the Celestial Families.
Koishi: Well....me and onee-chan are having a vacation here, then we sensed someone was using a spell card and it turned out that it was you. So....what you got there Riku-nii-san?
I explained to Koishi what happened earlier on from their attempted attack to the chase to the shore. Koishi nodded in understanding and got back up.
Koishi: I get it now. We'll take care of things here, you can go back to your band. You don't want them to worry now right?
Riku: You're right. Youmu, let's go back. And thank you for handling this Koishi, tell your sister I said hello.
Koishi just waved at us as we left the shoreline and went back to the live house. As we were walking, Youmu asked me regarding the two men.
Youmu: Riku-kun, who were those people?
Riku: I don't know. But whoever they are....they were planning to take out the competition....literally.
Youmu: But who would benefit by killing OG?
Riku: Let's not think about that for now. Let's wait for Satori-san and Koishi's call, then we'll plan our next move. For now, we need to be aware of our surroundings just to be sure.
I said that to Youmu as we quicken our pace back to the live house. Whoever the hell is planning to screw up the Future World Fes by killing us, there is no way I'm gonna let this slide.