The Prodigy and the Band Girls (BanG Dream x Touhou OC)

May 17, 2021, Monday– 4:00 P.M.

Yagokoro General Hospital – Mafuyu's Room

3rd POV

Mafuyu couldn't believe what she was hearing right now. The man in front of her claims to be her biological grandfather. Mafuyu didn't know her grandfather as she asked her father these in several occasions but always dodges the question in the end.

The girl who is slightly shaken asks Kyoya for confirmation.

Mafuyu: How can I be sure that you are my grandfather?

Kyoya just silently gave her an envelope. Mafuyu opened the envelope and she looked at Kyoya with looks of disbelief.

Mafuyu: This is....

Kyoya: While you were still unconscious, I took the liberty to do a DNA test with a sample of your hair and matched it with mine, to make sure if you have the Nagae blood in your veins. The results came in a few days ago and...

Mafuyu: It's a match....then you really are my grandfather....then that means.....

Kyoya: You're the illegitimate child of your father Asahina Gouki and Nagae Miku....my daughter....and your real mother.

(A/N: No information on Mafuyu's parents name in the wiki so I'll be using these names)

Mafuyu was shocked beyond words. She is an illegitimate child of one of the most influential families in Japan, and the woman that she called mother was not her real mother at all. This was too much for her to take in as she starts hyperventilate, but Kyoya put his hand on her shoulder to calm her down.

Kyoya: I know that this is so sudden for someone like you, but you have to accept it.

Mafuyu: But why tell me this now?

Kyoya: It was the condition that I set to your father when I found out when my daughter had you. He can only tell you this when something life threatening occurs to you and your family, and that happened a month ago.

Mafuyu suddenly remembered what happened last month and she covered her mouth as if she was trying to stop herself from throwing up. Kyoya knelt down on one knee to check on her.

Kyoya: It seems that you remembered something unpleasant. Do you want to talk it out?

Mafuyu just shook her head to show that she doesn't want to talk about it. Kyoya gave her time to calm down, and after a few minutes, Mafuyu regained her composure.

Mafuyu: So, what happens to me now? With me being an illegitimate child and all.

Kyoya: I will let you decide this. Will you keep your name as is as Asahina Mafuyu, or will you take in our family name and become Nagae Mafuyu? I'll give you some time to think. Talk to me if you have made your decision.

Mafuyu: O-okay.

Kyoya: The next thing is that you have to transfer schools.

Mafuyu: Eh? Transfer schools?

Kyoya: You'll be transferring to one of the schools that are close to our home. With what happened to you, I can't let this one go. I lost my daughter 3 years ago; I can't afford to lose anyone ever again. You are my granddaughter, and it is my duty to protect you until you can go on your own. If your brother were here, he would've said the same thing.

Mafuyu: Brother? I have a brother?

Kyoya: Oh right, you don't know yet. Your brother is-

???: Mafuyu!!

The door suddenly opened and it surprised Kyoya and Mafuyu. They saw 3 young girls enter the room. The first young girl is a girl with very long grayish-white hair wearing a dark blue track suit with a black shirt underneath and short light blue shorts. The second girl? has light pink hair and eyes and wearing a knee-length blue-gray pleated skirt with two frills on each side and suspender straps, leading to a loose, off-white, button-up, peasant top. Their hair is held up with a black bow, and uses a similar-looking ribbon as a bow tie, with the brand "CubeRouge" written along one of the strands in gold. And the last girls has short brown hair and brown eyes and she's wearing a pink, frilly long-sleeved top and a short, frilly, black skirt with a pair of black low heels, as well as a black choker. The ribbon that holds her braid is also black.

Kyoya: Can I help you girls with something?

Mafuyu: Kanade, Mizuki, Ena. You're all here....

Kyoya: You know them?

Mafuyu: They're my friends.

Mafuyu's friends hugged her as they show how much they care for her. Kyoya who was on the sides was just smiling that his granddaughter has friends to rely on.

Mizuki: We saw what happened on the news. I'm sorry for your loss.

Ena: Yeah. We asked your school about your condition, and all they can say is that you went into a coma for a month. We got here when your teacher informed us that you regained consciousness.

Kanade: Are you okay Mafuyu? How are you feeling now?

Mafuyu: I'm alright Kanade. I feel fine now that all of you are here but...you girls kinda interrupted something here.

Mafuyu's friends looked at Kyoya who was at the side waving at them.

Kyoya: I'm happy that my granddaughter has friends that she can rely on but.....I think you girls wouldn't mind to introduce yourselves.

Kanade: Ah....right.....I'm Yoisaki Kanade....Mafuyu's friend.

Mizuki: Akiyama Mizuki! Great to meet you!

Ena: And I'm-

Kyoya: Shinonome Ena. Your father has told me about you.

Ena just looked down looking disappointed, but Kyoya put his hand on her shoulder to cheer her up.

Kyoya: I know your history with him and I know your hate for people who have talent. I will tell you this, don't always take what your father says to you at heart, just follow your heart to where your passion is. Remember, hard work can surpass talent, if someone with the talent doesn't work hard.

Ena: T-thank you for the encouragement....wait, did you say Mafuyu's your granddaughter?

Kyoya: Yes, I did. I am Nagae Kyoya. Patriarch of the Nagae Family and....I am Mafuyu's biological grandfather.

Kanade, Mizuki and Ena looked at Kyoya and Mafuyu repeatedly to see the similarities.

Mizuki: I mean the violet hair is one but...I'm still not convinced.

Kyoya: Hmmmm...Mafuyu, can you clap really loud for me?

Mafuyu: Clap? Uh.....okay.

Mafuyu followed what Kyoya said and she clapped as loud as she can until.....

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!!!!

The moment Mafuyu clapped, electricity started to cover her hands which surprised her friends and Kyoya raised a brow in the discovery.

Ena: W-W-W-What just happened, Mafuyu?!

Mizuki: Electricity is coming out of your hands!

Mafuyu: I-I-I don't know! Grandfather! What's happening to me?!

Kyoya: I guess this confirms that you really are a Nagae. It looks like you have some youkai blood flowing in you. After all, I am a youkai too.

Electricity is also coming out of Kyoya's body, but more controlled.

The girls were just frozen in place, they find out that their friend is a half-youkai and her grandfather is also a youkai.

Kyouya: I guess you girls want an explanation. Sit down as I will share you the details.

The girls took a seat as Kyoya explains everything right from the beginning

An hour of explaining later

Ena: So youkai really do exist.

Mizuki: And they're living among us. (NO SUS)

Kanade: But in the end, Mafuyu is still the Mafuyu that we know. Youkai or not, you are still the Asahina Mafuyu that we met and became friends with.

Mafuyu: Thanks. But I still can't believe that I can use the power of a dragon god. It feels so.....unreal.

Kyoya: Actually, you can use a fraction of the dragon god's power. Your brother however, can use the majority of it.

Mafuyu: Oh right, you told me that I have a brother.

Mizuki: Mafuyu has a brother? Interesting~

Kyoya: Your brother's name is Riku. And before you ask on where he is, he's not in Japan at the moment.

Kanade: Eh? He's not here in Japan. Then where is he?

Kyoya: He's currently in Stockholm, competing in a tournament.

Mizuki: So he's an athlete?

Kyoya: No, he's a professional musician.

Ena: So he's a musician as well?

Kyoya: To tell you the truth, we Nagae have an innate talent for music, and Riku is probably the most talented that the Nagae had throughout the years. And I may not look like it, but I was a violinist back when I was young. Speaking of Riku....

Kyoya just turned on the rooms TV and when the TV turned on, Kyoya entered a link and it shows an inside of an arena.

Kyoya: Good, we made it on time.

Mafuyu: On time? For what?

Kyoya: You'll see what Riku's been up to. You girls understand English right?

The girls nodded at the same time.

Kyoya: Good, then we'll have no problems.

The girls just listened to Kyoya and watched what's airing on the TV. And they saw a bald man standing in the spotlight.

(A/N: The BOLD captions are ones who are speaking through the microphone since Kyoya and 25-ji, Nightcord de can understand English)

SirActionSlacks: Welcome one and all! 35,000 fans in attendance at the sold-out Hovet Arena here in Stockholm!! I'm SirActionSlacks and I'll be your host as I welcome you all.....to the ESL ONE Future World Fes!!!!!!!! EVERYBODY!! ARE YOU READY?!!!!!!

As he finished what he said, the arena brightened up and the girls see the arena with so many people cheering.

Mizuki: Wow, I can feel the energy of the crowd from here.

Mafuyu: So my brother is competing in this?

Kyoya: Yes. And from what he sent me a while ago, his band will be performing first. You'll be able to see how he performs very early.

They continue to watch as the crowd is still cheering.

SirActionSlacks: ALRIGHT!!!! I love the energy you all bring today! Let's go to the nerds in the panel to see what's in store for today.

Tsunami: Thank you for that Slacks. And like he said, welcome to the Future World Fes! The 2nd checkpoint to the road to The International starts today! I am Tsunami, and here I am together with Ephey, Jenkins and Cap.

Jenkins: Thank you for the introduction Tsunami. Finally! Main Stage time! After 4 days of groups, we finally made it to the main events. We started with 14 bands in the Group Stage, and now we are here with the top 12. And at the end of all this, only one band can win the coveted ESL Trophy and be crowned champion.

Ephey: Throughout the Group Stage, some bands under performed, some performed to their expectations and some of them showed of what more they can do and exceeded expectations. Hopefully we can see something like that in the main stage.

Cap: Well you got nothing to worry about that. We're starting things off in the upper bracket. And if we're talking expectation, we got to talk about OG.

Jenkins: Literally day 1 and they go out swinging, and day 2 we saw a side of Iku that we have never seen before.

Ephey: Even I can't produce that kind of voice. To think that someone like Iku can produce that kind of high-pitched voice. It's kinda rare to see one in today's time.

Tsunami: And let's not forget their classic instrument swap. Many have tried to replicate their style and apparently, only Team Liquid who is in the lower bracket and Team Secret who is not able to qualify are the only ones who can replicate it. But, I think only OG can do this kind of thing like it's their second nature. We all saw what they did in day 2 and that gave them the momentum.

Jenkins: And with the amount of momentum that they have right now, they're literally heavy favorites to win it all. And if they win this one, they'll be no doubt will get a direct invite to TI.

Tsunami: And speaking of TI, let's have a check at the current standings on who is going to TI.

*1st – PSG. LGD (China) – 1400 Points

+2nd – Team Spirit (Eastern Europe) – 990 Points

+3rd – Thunder Awaken (South America) – 950 Points

+4th – OG (Western Europe) – 930 Points

+5th – Team Liquid (Western Europe) – 760 Points

6th – Quincy Crew (North America) – 660 Points

+7th – Fnatic (Southeast Asia) – 580 Points

+8th – BOOM RIVALRY (Southeast Asia) – 540 Points

9th – Xtreme (China) – 540 Points

10th – Team Aster (China) – 540 Points

11th – Evil Geniuses (North America) – 520 Points

+12th – Tundra (Western Europe) – 450 Points

(Bands with * are those who qualified for TI, and bands with + are bands that are participating in the Future World Fes)

Ephey: And among the bands that are in this standings, 3 of the 7 bands have the chance to make it to TI if they win it all right now. OG, Team Spirit and Thunder Awaken need to get at least top 3 to get that invite. Lower than that, and then they have to get better results in the next Future World Fes.

Tsunami: And for those 4 bands, points are on the line. And as you can see, 680 points are rewarded for first place. And if either Team Spirit, OG or Thunder Awaken wins, they are sitting pretty going to TI.

1st - 680 PBC Points - $1,200,000

2nd - 610 PBC Points - $750,000

3rd - 530 PBC Points - $550,000

4th - 460 PBC Points - $350,000

5th-6th - 385 PBC Points - $250,000

7th-8th - 240 PBC Points - $200,000

9th-12th - $100,000

Jenkins: And for the other bands, winning this will make their hopes going to TI will be much easier and make it to the top 12 that will get an invite.

Cap: Let's look at the remaining bands that are still competing for those points.

Group A

OG

Tundra

BetBoom

T1

BOOM RIVALRY

beastcoast

Group B

Gaimin Gladiators

Thunder Awaken

TSM

Team Spirit

Team Liquid

Fnatic

Tsunami: And as you can see that there are no Chinese bands in attendance, it's because of the riots going on in some major cities in China, making them unable to participate. However, Valve has decided to give the bands that were supposed to be here 300 PBC points as compensation. PSG.LGD, Team Aster, Royal Never Give Up and Xtreme are the ones who get the points.

Jenkins: And I like to point out, that among the 12 bands that made it to the main stage, the most improved band throughout the competition is Thunder Awaken. They've been showing their true talents for the entirety of the group stage. A scary combo of DarkMago's guitar and Sacred's drums, they made a statement that South American music is the real deal and takes 2nd in Group B although we see a 4 way tie in their group.

Cap: And in Group A there is no doubting it. OG literally stomped their group in just 2 days flat. Banger after banger they did not disappoint. The unlikely duo of Iku and Yuragi's voices compliment very well with each other while bzm, Ammar and Taiga are just another beast.

Tsunami: Well with all the OG hype you've been giving out, they are the first ones to perform, and it's against Team Spirit.

Ephey: Team Spirit. During the duration of the groups, they are struggling to find their footing; there were some mistakes from Yatoro and Mira with them being slightly off tempo, costing them some votes.

Jenkins: Hopefully they can bounce back, because OG is no joke. And for both bands, this is a rematch on both sides. For OG, this is payback for their loss in Amsterdam. I mean they beat OG 2-0 in the upper bracket final. And for Team Spirit, this is payback for their loss at TI10. Well mainly against Iku.

Cap: Yes and this is the rematch that we and the people have been waiting for a while now, let's look at the other matches that we have on day 1.

OG vs Team Spirit

Thunder Awaken vs BetBoom

Tundra vs TSM

Gaimin Gladiators vs T1

Jenkins: 4 upper bracket matches, 12 potential sets, 4 winners moving on to the next round for a spot in the Final 4, and 4 losers will go to the lower bracket where they will fight for survival.

Ephey: Thunder Awaken vs BetBoom is a very rare match-up. Both bands that have a lot to prove and this is the first time that both bands will face each other, so we don't know who will get the upper hand. Tundra vs TSM, TSM will have an uphill battle for this match-up being them as the last NA team to be in this tournament and Tundra, although they fell 2nd to OG, they still proved that the current style they're having is working wonders. T1 vs Gaimin Gladiators though, T1 has to step it up. They've been hanging in the middle of the pack in the SEA region and it's not looking good for them, they have to surprise us with something to keep their hopes alive.

Tsunami: I think that the crowd has been waiting enough. Let's go back to Slacks to start our first match of the day.

Hovet Arena, Stockholm Sweden – Backstage – 10:30 A.M.

Riku POV

Me and the boys along with Team Spirit are at the backstage waiting for Slacks's signal. Even though both of our bands are facing each other today, OG and Team Spirit have a friendly rivalry and no grudges with each other whatsoever, as I see them talking to each other casually, one of the stage staff showed up and called us to get ready as we can hear Slacks hyping up the crowd.

As both bands get in line, I looked at Miposhka and reached my hand to him and shook his hand.

Riku: No matter what happens, we go all out.

Miposhka: I'll see you at the finals.

SirActionSlacks: The reigning champions of Future World Fes. Can this Eastern European juggernaut claim 2 championships in a row? Only one way to find out! Ladies and gentlemen, give it up, for Team Spirit!!!

As Slacks finished his introduction, Team Spirit made their way to the stage. The crowd is getting excited. Before Slacks calls us in, I looked at my band mates and gave them some words of motivation.

Riku: Okay boys, this is it. Don't be nervous, don't freak out. Let's go out there and enjoy the moment and play to our hearts content. Don't think about winning; don't think about losing, just play. If we win or lose, we'll cross that as we go. And remember, you guys always have each others backs, and trust in each other.

SirActionSlacks: The OG's of Future World Fes. The favorite band of many of you. And you know...one of mine, too. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together, for OG!!!!

I took a deep breath, looked at my band mates again and I made my way to the stage. I can hear the loud cheers of the people who came here to watch us play, me and the boys are waving at the crowd, and while I was waving, I manage to find Rinko and the girls and I gave them a smile as I wave at them.

At the VIP Area

Kokoro: Onii-chan smiled at us! Go for it onii-chan!!!

Kasumi: You can do this senpai!!

Aya: Riku-kun isn't even fazed.....

Chisato(mumble): Do your best...onii-sama.

Rinko: Good luck...Riku.

Back in Japan

3rd POV

The girls noticed a boy with violet hair that is the same as Mafuyu's that is waving his hand to the crowd then he looked at the camera and just smiled as if he saw them.

Mafuyu: So that's my brother....

Mizuki: Your brother is quite the looker Mafuyu~

Kyoya: He may be quite the looker; he doesn't have a girlfriend yet.

Mizuki: Wait really?! I thought with him being famous and all, he would have one already

Kyoya: Hahaha...he is way too committed to music; he can't have the time for that.

Kanade: I wonder how he will perform?

Ena: What instrument will he use?

Kyoya: Riku has been playing piano for his entire life, and he is the keyboardist for his band.

Mafuyu's expression brightened when she heard that her half-brother plays piano, since she also plays keyboard/synthesizer.

Mafuyu: Grandfather, do you think he'll help me with my piano?

Kyoya gave Mafuyu a pat on the head as he answered with a smile.

Kyoya: Of course. All you need to do is just ask, and he will help you.

Back to Stockholm

Riku POV

SirActionSlacks: Before we start this match, I want both captains to come here center stage! Iku, Miposhka! Get your butts over here! Right now!!

Me and Miposhka just looked at each other and just went center stage.

SirActionSlacks: Now, the way we do things here is we're going to do a coin toss. Whoever gets it right will get to perform first. Iku, Miposhka, what will you go with?

Riku: I'll take tails.

Slacks: Alright then, Iku takes tails and Miposhka will take heads. Here we go.

Slacks tossed the coin in the air and the moment it land on his hand, the coin revealed heads.

SirActionSlacks: Heads it is! That means Team Spirit will be performing first in the 1st set and OG will go first in the 2nd set. Now with that being said, both bands can go to your places. And as the bands get ready, let's go back to the panel for their thoughts.

Me and Miposhka went back to our respective bands as we ready ourselves for the match. Team Spirit on the left, and OG on the right. I decided to use my keytar since the songs we picked will be a duet and I'll be at the front along with Yuragi, Ammar on the left wing, bzm on the right wing and Taiga at the rear. All of a sudden I heard the crowd getting loud and I took a look and...

Riku: Wait Mira in a DJ set?! Since when?!

Me and the boys see Mira standing beside a DJ set. This was unexpected to say the least. This can be considered a risk since we've never seen Mira play as a DJ, well there is a first time for everything.

While we're finishing everything, 2 men came to the stage.

Lyrical: Thank you guys. Lyrical here, together with Trent over here and it's an honor to be here on stage as OG take on Team Spirit here in this best of 3 series in the upper bracket.

Trent: You know what, let's not wait any longer. Give it up for Team Spirit!!

After Lyrical and Trent finished speaking and returning to the back, the platform where Team Spirit are started to move, shocking everyone including us and Team Spirit is now at center stage.

Riku: So this was the gimmick that the letter told us yesterday.

Taiga: Gimmick?

Riku: Yeah, let's just keep our balance once it's our turn okay?

As I reminded that to the boys, Team Spirit has begun singing and what they just sang is something that I did not expect them to sing.

Colors of the Heart

(By: Uverworld – Blood+ 3rd Opening)

Ano hi boku no kokoro wa oto mo naku kuzure satta

Kowarete saken demo keshi sare nai kioku to

Kurayami ga hitomi no naka he to nagare komu

Mou iro sae mie nai ashita he to shizumu

Wakari aeru hi wo tomedo naku sagashita

Ushinau tame dake ni ima wo ikiteku

Mou dame da to hitori kodoku wo daite mo

If you turn on the lights...

Hikari he terashiteku

"Negai tsudukeru omoi itsuka iroduku yo" to

Oshiete kureta kokoro ni ikitsudukeru hito

Nanimo kamo hitsuzen no naka de umareru Colors

Mou ichido kono te de asu wo egakeru kara

Itsu no ma ni ka boku wa nakusu koto ni mo nare

Te ni ireta mono sae yubi wo surinuketeku

Namida ga kareru mae ni kiki takatta kotoba wa

Ima wa dareka wo sukuu tame ni

It's all your fate. You gonna do that.

"Hikari ga tsuyoku nareba yami mo fukaku naru" to

Kiduita toshite mo osoreru koto wa nai yo

Nanimo kamo kokoro no hate ni umareru Colors

Mou hitomi wo hiraite mitsumerareru kara

Kanashimi no Breath

Sore wa sagashiteta iro wo nijimaseru yo

Oto mo tatezu ni

"Negai tsudukeru omoi itsuka iroduku yo" to

Oshiete kureta kokoro ni ikitsudukeru hito

Nanimo kamo hitsuzen no naka de umareru Colors

Mou ichido terasu yo hikari no yubisaki de

Just drawing...Colors in light and darkness

And take it...Colors in light and darkness

Ima wa todoka nai yasashii iro mo

Subete wa mata kono te de egaki naoseru kara

In the VIP Area

Rinko POV

I couldn't believe what I just saw, I looked at Yukina-san and the other girls are also stunned. A reasonable reaction, it's because Team Spirit sang a Japanese song, and the way their vocalist sang is so fluent, someone like us Japanese can't tell any difference. I look at Riku and I start to worry as the crowd was cheering very loud for them, but I can see Riku putting up a grin. Something that I've never seen from him, ever.

Yuyuko: Ara~ seems Riku-kun is not going to hold back.

We turned our attention to Yuyuko-san when she said that Riku won't be holding back.

Rinko: Yuyuko-san, what do you mean he will not be holding back.

Yuyuko: It's just as I meant Rinko-chan. Riku-kun will go all out. His opponent sang Japanese, so Riku-kun will return in kind.

Tomoe: I wonder how will Riku respond. You know anything Yuyuko-san?

Yuyuko: That I don't know. And since he's using his keytar he will-

Ran: Nii-san will be doing a duet for this one.

We remembered Riku performing a duet on the first day of the Group Stage and it still left a huge impression on us. If what Mitake-san said was true, then we'll be seeing another side of Riku that we haven't seen. Meanwhile, we noticed Remilia-san was giving a light cackle.

Remilia: kukukukukuku....the last time I've seen him grin like that was him facing against Sakuya and Meiling in a danmaku battle.

Sakuya: Ah that, I still remember that time. Though him going up 2 vs 1, he still has that grin and manage to beat us convincingly.

Ako: Was Riku-nii that good? In that danmaku battle?

Yuyuko: Riku-kun has an undefeated record of 56-0 in danmaku battles. He has yet to face Reimu if he wanted to keep his streak alive though.

So Riku was that good but.....who is this Reimu?

Saaya: Who's this Reimu, Yuyuko-san?

Yuyuko: Hakurei Reimu. The only daughter of the Hakurei Family, one of the Celestial Families and their family was the one that created the danmaku battle.

Kanon: Is Reimu-san strong?

Remilia: Strong is an understatement. She thrashed me, Sakuya and Yuyuko in a blink of an eye back then. I'll get my payback eventually.

We were shocked that Yuyuko-san lost. We can tell the Yuyuko-san was strong but we didn't expect her to lose.

Remilia: If you're worried about Riku-boy then don't. Reimu won't bother challenging him due to her laziness. She'll only involve herself if there's money involved.

All of us sweatdropped when Remilia-san mentioned the money part. And as we were talking, Riku and his band is starting to prepare and we noticed that and we wait as they get ready.

Riku POV

After Team Spirit finished performing, the platform that they're standing at returned to their former position as our platform starts to move to the center. We kept our balance a bit and the platform stopped moving. I looked at my band and the crowd. I took a deep breath, gripped my keytar and say 1 word.

Riku: Hibana.

And right out of the gates, I screamed as loud as I can, surprising everyone in the arena.

Hibana

(By: After the Rain / soraru x mafumafu)

[ ]: Yuragi

( ): Riku

{ }: Both

[Konkon yasashiku nokku shite]

[Norikome kokoro no dakkansen]

[Mousou bakari ga furasshu shite]

[Kasoku suru parusu kotae wa doko darou]

(Saa saa yowane wa myuuto shite)

(Kudaranai koto de chuucho shite)

(Joudan bakari ne? ahaha)

(Kowasenai kabe ga kisu wo semaru deshou)

{Aa, iya} ["sonna wake nai ya"]

{Aa, iya} ("wakatte kureru desho")

[Sono atama wo uchinuite]

(Owannai ai wo daitetakunai no)

[Motto chanto fuan ni shite yo]

(Inai inaibaa de enjite hoshii no)

[Motto chanto kotaete yo]

{Nanana}

("mikansei" datte nando demo iun da)

{Nanana}

[NO wo karabutta ai no naka de]

[Tonton kore de goaiko tte]

[Umaranai toki ni komocchatte]

[Kanzen shugi wa sumookii ni]

[Kodama suru koe ni memai to monotonii]

(Knock knock! Let me go in and get the ace)

(You'll paint your face with tears that don't feel the same)

(Now Heart Reinforce's up to end this game)

(You'd better give up and throw your MP5 away)

{Aa, iya} (docchi mo erande)

{Aa, iya} (docchi mo kowashite)

[Kokoro no ne wo hikinuite]

(Fugainai ai wo aishitakunai no)

[Motto chanto itaku shite yo]

(Waraenai kurai ga kitto tanoshii no)

[Motto chanto tokashite yo]

{Nanana}

("mikansei" datte nando demo iun da)

{Nanana}

[NO wo karabutta ai no naka de]

{Aa, iya} ("sonna wake nai ya")

{Aa, iya} ["wakatte kureru desho"]

[Sono atama wo uchinuite]

(uchinuite)

[Owannai ai wo daitetakunai no]

[Motto chanto fuan ni shite yo]

[Inai inaibaa de enjite hoshii no]

[Motto chanto kotaete yo]

{Nanana}

("mikansei" datte nando demo iun da)

{Nanana}

(NO wo karabutta ai no naka de)

(Fugainai ai wo aishitakunai no)

Motto chanto itaku shite yo

(Waraenai kurai ga kitto tanoshii no)

[Motto chanto tokashite yo]

{Nanana}

("mikansei" datte nando demo iun da)

{Nanana}

[NO wo karabutta ai no naka de]

{Nanana}

("mikansei" datte nando demo iun da)

{Nanana}

{NO wo karabutta ai no naka de}

Me and Yuragi were taking a deep breath after that song as I was flicking my hand. The crowd was cheering louder than the last, making me confident that we got this set. I looked by the VIP area where Rinko and the others are and they were cheering for me as well while Flan was jumping from her chair. I just smiled at their reactions as the platform that we're on returned to our former spot as Lyrical and Trent came out from the back as they start explaining the rules on how to vote for this tournament.

The voting rules for the people in attendance are quite simple...the audience can cast their vote by using the glowsticks that were given to them by the event organizers. To vote for their band, turn their glowstick to the left and it will glow blue and that vote will go to OG, turn it to the right and it will glow red and that vote will go to Team Spirit.

As for the viewers watching at home, they can vote for their band using the ESL app or go to the ESL official website to vote. They are given 15 minutes to cast their votes, and the band gets the most votes in 15 minutes gets the set. In case both bands won a set, the 3rd set will be decided in a face-off where the each respective band selects one member to a head-to-head skills challenge, and the winner of that head-to-head gets the 3rd set and win the series. First band to get 2 out of 3 sets goes to the next round while the loser goes to the lower bracket for tomorrow.

While the voting was ongoing, the boys and I were double checking our instruments just in case something happens. 9 minutes passed and we see half of the arena had their glowsticks red and blue evenly. I guess this is a tie here in the arena. we can only hope that we get more votes from the viewers votes.

6 minutes later....the voting time is now up and the results.....are here...

Lyrical: The voting is now over and the votes have been tallied. For this first set alone...over 2 million votes have been counted in total. And the winner has 52% of the votes. It was a close call.

To think that it would be that close, it's a given since both of our bands sang Japanese songs and it's hard to pick which is better. But I'm confident that me and my band will take this set.

Trent: The band....that takes the first set....is...OG!

The crowd started to cheer when they heard that we won the first set, but that is just the start.

Lyrical: We'll have a 15 minute break till we begin the 2nd set, so don't go anywhere.

After Lyrical said that, both bands head straight to the back to prepare for the 2nd set.

When we find ourselves a spot where no one can hear us, I say my piece to the boys.

Riku: Okay that was a close first set, but in the end we still win. But let's not get too comfortable, as we still have the 2nd set to worry about.

Ammar: But we still didn't expect them to sing Japanese, like what the fuck man.

Riku: I mean they have a die-hard Japan fanboy over there. He might have something to do with it. Like they say "play fire with fire". And that's what they did, and we answered back and won. If you guys want to go to the bathroom, now is the time. Remember, we have only 15 minutes of break time.

As I said that, Yuragi and Taiga went to the men's room to do their business, while me, Ammar, bzm and Johan are staying here.

Johan: You okay Riku? You've been flicking your hand for a while.

Riku: It's nothing. It's just to prepare for the 2nd set, cause the first part will require me to focus on my right hand.

Johan: Just tell me if something's wrong. Your old man won't be happy if you get hurt.

I only nodded in response and Yuragi and Taiga have come back and we start to discuss on what we're going to do in the 2nd set. Fortunately, there is nothing else to change but I said this and made them shudder a bit.

Riku: If all falls under my expectations. Miposhka will definitely call the set off.

The 15 minute break time is over and both bands returned to their spots. And since we got tails in the previous coin toss, we get to go first in the 2nd set. We're going to settle this right now. There will be no 3rd set.

Our platform is already at the center, I looked at Yuragi and just nodded to say that he was ready. I took a deep breath and....

Riku: The passing of time and the ending sky.....Anti-Clockwise.

Anti-Clockwise

(By: After the Rain – soraru x mafumafu - Clockwork Planet ED)

[ ] : Yuragi

( ): Riku

{ }: Both

[Esoragoto nara iro o kirashita]

[Koe o kikou to ryoumimi o fusaideiru]

(Sakebi chirashita keishou to)

(Dareka ga nigoshita KOODO)

(Gayoku o kuratta kokoro de)

(Shirabe ga yugandeiku)

{Ano sora wa tooku irozuiteiru}

(Mimachigau koto no nai akaneiro)

(Sakasama no byoushin to aizou de)

(Subete ga kanau ki ga shita)

[Marude kakusou to suru you ni]

[Kakeochiru mirai to haguruma]

(Kokoro o taguri au mae ni)

(Zenmai ga sabitsuite shimau yo)

[Maki modoseru sude mo naku]

[Bokura ikiba nai mama miageru]

(Sunda kikaijikake no sora)

[Kashigeru kubi wa toikake desu ka]

[Sore tomo koe o kiku ki suranai no desu ka]

(Yaji mo basei mo hinpyou mo)

(Hitei o shinakucha ai ka)

(Toukankaku ni kizanda)

(MEMORI jou no kizu)

(Hankai shita PIANO de hibiki narasu KADENTSU)

(Kimi to yubikiri o shite)

[Nee anna ni nanimo ni muchuu ni natte ita kke]

[Utagau koto mo shinai mama]

(Kitai hazure de itai da nante)

(Itsukara negatte shimatta?)

[Na mo shirenu hou ga ii nante]

[Itsukara ka negatte shimatta]

(Kokoro mo neji makidashite)

(Imi o ushinatte shimatta)

[Nani hitotsu mo ugokasenai kyou to]

[Oshitsubusu you ni hirogaru]

(Sunda kikaijikake no sora)

(Nanimo motomenai kara nanimo motomenaide yo)

[Kyou o aoku someru hi yo] (kuraku someru hi yo)

{Hakujitsu yo toki yo tomare}

(Sakasa ni hari o oshikonde)

(Subete nakunatte shimae yo)

[Sukui mo negai mo nai no nara]

[Hajimari ni modoshite shimae yo]

(Kokoro o taguri au mae ni)

(Zenmai ga sabitsuite shimau yo)

[Maki modoseru sude mo naku]

[Bokura ikiba nai mama miageru]

(Sundakikaijikake no sora)

Me and Yuragi took a let out a sigh after the song and we hear the crowd cheering very loud. And I looked at Team Spirit and they're looking at each other while I saw Miposhka nodded for some reason. I looked at the crowd and gave a bow as our platform returns to our side so that Team Spirit can begin. But little did they know that what Miposhka did shocked everyone.

Yuyuko POV

Riku-kun's performance is the same as always, filled with raw emotion and no errors made. As expected from him but.....I see that he's getting tired easily. I noticed Remilia sighing, it seems she noticed it as well.

Yuyuko: You noticed it too right?

Remilia: Yeah. Riku-boy is doing it again.

The girls started to notice our conversation.

Flandre: Onee-sama, will onii-san be okay?

Remilia: He will be okay Flan, don't worry.

Sayo: Is something wrong with Riku-san?

I decided to tell the girls about Riku-kun's situation.

Chisato: He's pushing himself too much?

Yuyuko: Yes. I started to notice that Riku-kun is getting tired easily where normally for him, he won't get tired in just 2 songs and he could go for at least 8 more songs.

Misaki: Do you have any idea on what's the cause?

Yuyuko: Probably on taking too much responsibility. From what Youmu reported me a few days ago, Riku-kun was in charge of the instruments tuning and post-performance maintenance, as well as in charge of the songs, practice schedules, majority of the bands overall planning and managing the hotel on my behalf on a few occasions when he made it here in Stockholm.

Arisa: Isn't that too much?!

Yuyuko: I know that. But Riku-kun had no choice but to shoulder it as he is the only one capable of doing it. If he doesn't get a proper rest soon.....he might collapse and OG might be forced to forfeit the tournament.

I can see the girls start to get worried about Riku-kun's health.

Rinko: Is there anything we can do to help him?

Yuyuko: Hmmmmmm.....I don't know, I'll think of something once Youmu comes to me later for her report.

Meanwhile in Japan

Kyoya POV

After Riku finished singing, I just had a smile on my face. Even you didn't play in competitive for the past months, you still got it.

Kyoya: Looks like Riku hasn't lost his touch. (thoughts)But I can see that he's breathing a bit hard and flicking his right hand.....I'll have a word with him once everything is finished.

I looked at the girls who were still looking at the screen in silence.

Kyoya: So? What can you girls say on Riku's performance just now?

Mafuyu: He's on a different level compared to us.....on his 2nd song "Anti-Clockwise", the way he plays the keytar at that level is something that I can't do, and he did all that with just one hand. And the keytar he's using...it's not a normal keytar.

Kyoya: Exactly, the keytar that Riku uses right now is a customized one for his style. It's a 60 key keytar compared to the usual 48.

Everyone went wide eyed when they heard I said that Riku is using a 60 key keytar.

Mizuki: Isn't that cheating? Using customized instruments in a tournament like this?

Kyoya: He presented his keytar to the committee to make sure he wasn't cheating and they approved.

Kanade: I see. And I started to notice his voice, is so high pitched. He could beat Ena or Mizuki in terms of singing.

Ene/Mizuki: Hey!

Kanade: And yet.....I can feel Riku-san's raw emotion on his songs. I-

Before Kanade could finish what she was saying, we heard the crowd in the TV cheering louder.

Lyrical: Miposhka called it! GG! OG are moving on to the next round! Taking down Team Spirit 2-0!! I can't believe my eyes Trent! What just happened?!

Trent: This is the OG that we've been waiting for! They made the current Future World Fes champions submit! This is probably the first GG call that we've seen this year. And OG made it look easy!

Lyrical: And that means OG is guaranteed top 6 for this Future World Fes and will have a shot to make it to the Final 4!

Trent: And for Team Spirit, they have to go through the lower bracket up against beastcoast to keep their dreams alive.

Mizuki: What just happened?

Ena: Kyoya-san, do you know what happened?

The girls looked at me looking for an answer and I just answered them with a straight face.

Kyoya: What they did was a "GG call" or in other terms, they surrendered.

Mizuki: They can do that?

Kyoya: Only if all members of the band come to agree to it and the leader of the band can only use it.

Mafuyu: I see. So that means my brother is moving on to the next round?

Kyoya: Exactly. He and his band just to need to win one more and-

*knock* *knock* *knock*

We heard someone knocking the door, so I went to the door and opened it and it was a girl with dark grey eyes, long silver hair, has a large braid on her back and carries a strange pair of bow and arrow. Her clothing is red and blue and is covered with constellation patterns while wearing a doctors coat. She also wears something similar to a nurse's cap.

Kyoya: Ah Eirin. What can I help you today?

She is Yagokoro Eirin. Matriarch of the Yagokoro Family, one of the Celestial Families and the owner of this hospital.

Eirin: I came here to tell you something regarding Mafuyu-san. Can I come in?

Kyoya: Sure. But her friends are here as well.

Eirin: I don't mind.

I let Eirin enter the room and she went to Mafuyu's side.

Eirin: How are you doing today? Anything problematic?

Mafuyu: Nothing doctor, I'm completely fine.

Eirin: Good. We've run down specific tests and I'm happy to say that you can be discharged from the hospital tomorrow. But you still have to come here every now and then just for good measure. Now rest well, I have some more patients to attend to.

Eirin left the room to check on the other patients and Mafuyu's friends hugged her in excitement as they heard that their friend can go home tomorrow.

Mizuki: Did you hear that Mafuyu? You'll be able to go home tomorrow!

Kanade: But where will Mafuyu stay? With all that happened to her....

Kyoya: Mafuyu will be moving in to the Nagae mansion once all is settled, including her transfer.

Ena: Wait, transfer?

Mafuyu: Sorry girls, but I'll be transferring schools once I get discharged.

Mafuyu's friends were caught off guard when she said that she'll be transferring schools.

Ena: Then what will happen to 25-ji?

Kyoya: You girls don't have to worry. You can still continue what you're doing, in fact, I don't mind at all. If you girls want to see Mafuyu, I'll just tell the workers that you girls are welcome to visit her anytime.

Mizuki: Which school will Mafuyu be transferring?

Kyoya: She'll be going to Hanasakigawa, my grandson is enrolled there as a 3rd year and your aunt is the principal.

Mafuyu: I have an aunt?

Kyoya: *nods* her name is Saigyouji Yuyuko. Well I'll be going ahead for I have a meeting in a few minutes. You girls take care of Mafuyu while I'm gone, and get some rest like Eirin said. You'll have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.

I see Mafuyu nod as I gave a smile and left the room. I took my phone as I try to call Riku but I held back as the competition is his priority. I'll just tell him this once he gets back.

Timeskip

Back in Stockholm

Hakugyoku Hotel Stockholm Branch - OG's Room

7:30 P.M.

3rd POV

The 1st day of the Future World Fes ended in a huge success. No big issues happened and everything was going smoothly. After Riku and OG's match against Team Spirit and finished their interviews, he and the boys watched the other bands performed at the rooms assigned to them. And the results were at Riku's expectations.

OG 2-0 Team Spirit

BetBoom 0-2 Thunder Awaken

Tundra 2-0 TSM

T1 1-2 Gaimin Gladiators

After their match, it was Thunder Awaken vs BetBoom's turn where BetBoom was swept 2-0 because they could't match Pakasz's high-pitched voice compared to BetBooms semi-slow paced play. Tundra vs TSM was a one sided win for Tundra as they forced TSM to call GG. And lastly T1 vs Gaimin Gldiators is the first series where we get to see a 3rd set, where the 3rd set is decided in a guitar face off between T1's Karl and Gaimin's BOOM, where Gaimin prevailed thanks to BOOM's pickless guitar shredding.

So the matches for the lower bracket for tomorrow will be.....

beastcoast vs Team Spirit

BetBoom vs Team Liquid

BOOM RIVALRY vs TSM

T1 and Fnatic's match will be at the same day as the upper bracket matches as they looked at the schedules. Right now, Riku and Johan are at Riku's room to prepare for their match against Thunder Awaken.

Johan: This will do. I'll tell the others about this.

Riku: Okay, you do that.

The room was dead silent for a moment and Johan spoke his mind.

Johan: Riku. Be honest with me. Are you okay?

Riku could only sigh that his leader saw through him that easy.

Riku: Was I that obvious?

Johan: To some no. But with a sharp eye, they will notice it for sure. Tell me, what's happening? We're here to help you, we're a team Riku, don't forget that.

Riku just sighed as he told Johan his problems. While the two of them were talking, Youmu was on the other side, listening to their conversation.

Youmu: So that's how it is. I need to report this to Yuyuko-sama.

Youmu left the room before someone noticed. and as she was making her way to Yuyuko's room, the girls of Poppin'Party and Roselia saw her.

Kasumi: Youmu-senpai!

Youmu: Ah, Kasumi-san.

Rimi: Is Riku-san alright?

Youmu: Don't worry; he's having a talk with Johan-san right now. Where are you girls going to?

Lisa: We were told that there were some vacant practice rooms where we can play and we thought that we could use it on our free time.

Youmu: I see. Then you better hurry, because those rooms are only available until 11:00 in the evening.

Saaya: Then we better hurry. By the way, where are you going to Youmu-san?

Youmu: I'm going to Yuyuko-sama's room and make my report to her. I've been doing this every Monday ever since I was staying at Riku-kun's home.

After saying goodbye to the girls, Youmu finally reached Yuyuko's room.

*knock* *knock* *knock*

Youmu: Yuyuko-sama, it's me.

Yuyuko: Ara~ Youmu, come in~

Youmu entered the room and she sees Yuyuko at the balcony eating some onigiri that she got from the kitchen.

Yuyuko: Come sit with me.

Youmu sat on a vacant seat beside Yuyuko.

Yuyuko: Now then, what's the situation on Riku-kun?

Youmu: He's having a talk with Johan-san right now and from what I heard from them, it seems Riku-kun's hand is starting to hurt again.

Yuyuko: Ah that. This might be a problem. I guess the injury hasn't been fully healed yet.

Youmu: Injury? When did Riku-kun get injured?

Yuyuko puts the half eaten onigiri on the table as she told Youmu the story regarding Riku's injury.

Yuyuko: It happened when he was still active at OG, and it was at the Future World Super Fes. Riku-kun broke his right hand after saving a staff member from some debris falling and it got his right hand hit hard, resulting them to forfeit the semi-finals. Thankfully, Riku-kun is the bands vocalist at the time, so he didn't have to play an instrument at TI10. Eirin had a look at his hand when he came back to Japan recently and she said that he'll be fully healthy by next year.

Youmu: And it's only been 5 months....that means he's still injured?

Yuyuko: Unfortunately so. I'm guessing that Riku-kun has to improvise. Luckily his band is OG.

Youmu had no clue on what Yuyuko meant by that, and it took her a while to realize it.

Youmu: I see. If it's them, then I don't have anything to worry about.

Yuyuko: Now all that's left is his massive workload. I had a word with Kyoya regarding this and he shared the same concerns as well.

Youmu: Did he tell you what should be done?

Yuyuko: Kyoya said that he'll lessen Riku-kun's work load when he comes back and...

Youmu: And?

Yuyuko kept quiet and she just gave an envelope to Youmu. Youmu opened the envelope and she just looked at Yuyuko in shock.

Youmu: Yuyuko-sama....is this really true?

Yuyuko: Everything what that paper says is true Youmu. It all happened the moment you and Riku-kun left for Portugal.

Youmu: Does Riku-kun know this?

Yuyuko: Not yet. And it's better for him to not know this for the duration of the tournament. Considering Riku-kun's situation right now.

Youmu: I understand.....can I...have one?

Youmu asked Yuyuko if she can have one of the onigiri's on the table. Yuyuko just chuckled and pat Youmu's head.

Yuyuko: ufufufufufu~ of course you can.

A/N: This is the latest chapter and this is where I will update once a month.