บท 5: V - Gathering and Reveal
April 9, 2021, Friday
Hanasakigawa Girls High School
3:00 P.M.
Riku POV
It's been a few days since I've started attending Hanasakigawa and everything is going well. The past 3 days were mostly catching up to my old friends....especially Kokoro, where one time she popped up out of nowhere, grabbed me by the collar and dragged me out of my classroom to have lunch with her friends leaving my classmates sweat drop on what they see.
During that time, Kokoro introduced her other friend to me aside from Kanon-san and Misaki-san, Kitazawa Hagumi. A 2nd year along with Kokoro and with the same energy as her.
Kokoro said that she, Kanon-san, Misaki-san and Hagumi-san alongside with a student from Haneoka Girls High School, formed a band named "Hello, Happy World!", they formed the band with the goal to make the world smile, with Kokoro as the vocal, Kanon-san plays the drums, Hagumi-san plays the bass, the girl from Haneoka plays the guitar and a bear named Michelle is their DJ which made me raise a brow, then I look at Misaki-san's tired expression as Kokoro said that and I understood it immediately.
On the 2nd day, I've spent time with Rinko so we can catch up too. I discovered that Rinko is currently in a band as its Keyboardist, she also added that Sayo-san is in the same band as her playing the Guitar. I'm happy that Rinko is starting to come out of her shell as even though that she is the same timid young girl that I met all those years ago.
I spent time with Chisato on the 3rd day; she also said that she's a part of a band that is owned by a talent agency here. She also introduced her band mates to me, Maruyama Aya who is a 3rd year as well but in a different class and Wakamiya Eve who is a 2nd year.
Aya-san has bright pink hair with pink eyes and is the vocalist of Pastel*Palettes and a literal hard worker as she pursuits her dream of becoming a true idol. But she needs to work on gaining more confidence to herself.
Eve-san has silver hair with turquoise eyes and plays the keytar for Pastel*Palettes, she moved here to Japan all the way from Finland due to her extreme love for Japanese Culture and actually this ain't the first time that I met Eve, I've met her when I was at Finland when Topias invited me to stay with his family, I've asked her to keep quiet about it which she complied while saying "Bushido".
Right now, me and Youmu are at the student council office, only to find it empty, it seems that Rinko and Sayo-san are busy. So we made our way out of the school and go home.
As we were near to the entrance, we saw a woman standing beside the gate who is in her mid 20's, who has yellow eyes, and short blonde hair. She wears a white dress with purple cuffs and collar, an indigo tabard with a white print.
She is none other than Yakumo Ran, younger sister of Yakumo Yukari, the current head of the Yakumo Family. She made her way to us as she saw us coming out of the campus.
(A/N: I'm gonna make Yukari and Ran sisters instead of Ran being Yukari's Shikigami. Chen will be Ran's adoptive daughter instead of being Ran's Shikigami.)
Y.Ran: It's been a long time, Nagae Riku. Good to see you as well, Konpaku Youmu.
Riku: Indeed it has, Ran-san. What brings you here in Hanasakigawa? You coming here means that Yukari-san needs something from me right?
Ran-san just nodded and gave an envelope to Youmu. She opened the envelope and showed it to me. It was a pair of VIP Passes in Live House GALAXY, me and Youmu tilted our heads in confusion; we looked at Ran-san expecting for an answer, she just shook her head and said.
Y.Ran: Honestly, I don't know what nee-sama is thinking. She just told me to send this to you and said that you'll have an idea on what to do. I've said what needs to be said, good day to you both.
Ran-san left as she said that and I looked at the passes one more time and I saw a small note between them and it says.
"I want you and your aide to go to this place. I invested that place so can you take a look at it on my behalf.
Don't worry, I'll send something for the trouble when you're done, and hopefully you'll find what you're looking for once you get there.
Good luck to you boy."
Yukari
What did she mean by I'll find what I'm looking for? I looked at Youmu and she just shrugged her shoulders as to show that she doesn't know either. Then I started to think on it a little further, and it just gave me an idea why Yukari-san sent this to me.
Riku: Youmu, what is my schedule for the rest of the day?
Youmu: Hmmm...You're completely free for today.
Riku: Then you already know what we're gonna do today.
Youmu quickly understood what I meant and immediately made our way to the Live House. Guess I might be able to send some to Gabe faster than I thought.
2 Hours Later
Before we went to the Live House, we made a quick detour back in my home to get changed. Youmu wore her signature dark green and white dress and I wore a simple white shirt, a pair of grey cargo pants and a black jacket with green outlines with the logo of the old OG in the back.
Grandfather saw us about to leave and asked us where we're going. I told him that Yukari-san asked me to check something out and he understood it and just told us to be careful on our way there.
We're now at the entrance of Live House GALAXY and it appears the Live House is just below the stair case.
Riku: So this is one of the Live Houses that Yukari-san invested. Did I get that right Youmu?
Youmu just nods at my question.
Youmu: That's right, Riku-dono. Yukari-dono even gave us VIP Passes for this one.
As me and Youmu were about to go down....
???: Riku-san? Konpaku-san? What are you two doing here?
We turned around to see who said that, we saw a girl with long curled blonde hair worn in two pigtails and light brown eyes; it was none other than Ichigaya Arisa. Secretary of the Student Council.
Riku: Ah, Arisa-san hm? Oya? Saaya-san. Good to see you again.
Saaya-san just waved at me and said.
Saaya: Good to see you again Riku-kun.
???: Ne Saaya, you know him?
The one who asked the question is a girl with purple eyes and brown hair that is shaped into.....cat ears? Saaya-san answered her question with a smile.
Saaya: Hai. I met him at the school entrance a few days ago. He asked me for directions on where the principal's office was, and I got to know him a bit along the way.
Kasumi: Oooh! So you're the transfer student! Let me introduce myself! I'm Toyama Kasumi. I play guitar and vocalist for Poppin'Party! Nice to meet you.....um....who are you again?
Arisa-san lightly smacked the back of her head while Saaya-san, me and Youmu were just giggling, I introduced myself so they can remember my name.
Riku: Nice to meet you as well Kasumi-san. I'm Nagae Riku. You guys can call me Riku, a 3rd year at Hanasakigawa and this is my aide and best friend Youmu.
Youmu: Hai. My name is Konpaku Youmu, also a 3rd year at Hanasakigawa. I'm currently Riku-dono's aide, but I'm actually the head gardener of the Saigyouji Family. It's nice to meet you all.
The rest of Kasumi-san's friends introduced themselves as well, starting with the girl with long brown hair that reached all the way to her waist.
Tae: I'm Hanazono Tae, Poppin'Party's lead guitarist and I love rabbits. Nice to meet you, Riku-senpai.
The girl named Tae introduced herself a bit bluntly. Rabbits huh....been a long while since I've eaten one.....nope, If I tell her that right now she might murder me without a second thought.
Rimi: I-I'm U-Ushigome Rimi. I play bass for Poppin'Party.
The black haired, brown-red eyed girl named Rimi introduced herself in a shy tone, It seems she's the same as Kanon-san and Rinko.
Saaya: Let me re-introduce myself. I'm Yamabuki Saaya, I'm the bands drummer and my family owns a bakery downtown. Once again, it's nice to meet you Riku-kun. Come now Arisa, Introduce yourself.
Arisa: Eh? Me? Fine. Ichigaya Arisa. Poppin'Party's keyboardist and Secretary of Hanasakigawa's Student Council.
So these girls are in a band....I think they might help me with this...no, not yet. I have to see what they can do first before I do something.
Riku: So, what brings you girls here?
Arisa-san was the first to speak as to why they're here.
Arisa: Well....
As Arisa-san said that I leaned a bit on who was behind them. And I saw a girl with blueish grey hair with leafy green eyes and she is wearing a t-shirt that says "Live House GALAXY", it looks like that she is a part of the staff.
Riku: And you are?
Rokka: A-Asahi Rokka. I brought PoPiPa-san here to perform here and I work part-time in this Live House.
As she confirmed that she really works here, me and Youmu looked at each other and nodded. I reached for my pockets and showed Asahi-san the passes that Yukari-san gave us.
Rokka: T-This is? So are you the two people that Yakumo-san sent to take a look here?
Me and Youmu raised a brow as Yukari-san already informed them. We just nodded and Rokka told us to follow her along with the rest of Poppin'Party.
We've made it inside the Live House and went straight to the lounge where the girls of Poppin'Party start changing in their outfits while I wait outside with Asahi-san. I asked Asahi-san on why she was with them and she said that the manager asked her to get them as it was decided that they're performing last.
Just when me and Asahi-san finished talking, Youmu called me that it's fine to go inside. When me and Asahi-san went inside the lounge, I see the girls already wearing their outfits for their performance.
Me and the girls are now watching a band called "Afterglow" who are currently performing right now. I just listened quietly on their performance on the TV. Looks like their theme is more of a classical rock and I can feel that there is more than just that. And the vocalist...I know her...I see now…..
I can see Kasumi-san , Tae-san and Rimi-san were watching them as they were close to the TV.
Kasumi: Afterglow is so cool.
Tae: They're so confident.
Rimi: It's their first time playing here, but they're so good.
Arisa: Hey! Don't just ogle at them! You need to listen!
Youmu: Just let them be Ichigaya-dono. Riku-dono, what's your say on the band?
Riku: They're good. Like Rimi-san said, even though it's their first time performing, they don't miss, everything is on point. But I think that there is more into it right?
The 3 girls that were watching turned around and joined in the conversation.
Tae: That's right Riku, that's because of their bond as childhood friends after all.
Riku: Bond? Childhood friends?
Rimi: Himari-chan said that the 5 of them have been childhood friends ever since, they've started this band so that they will always be together and to express their bonds with their music.
Expressing their bonds by music huh.....a very interesting concept. It's almost the same as OG's ideology, but for us, we wanna play that makes us and everyone happy and we don't want to follow the trends of others, we want to do things our way, that's what makes OG what it is today. As I was reminiscing all the good times I had with OG, I felt a shiver on my back and I started to prepare myself for the outcome.
Kokoro: HAPPY! LUCKY!.....are?
Hagumi: WAAAA!!
As I predicted as much, the two who showed showed up was Kokoro and Hagumi-san and it appears they're wearing their band outfits...kinda look like of a marching band theme, looks like they're about to perform next.
Kasumi: Hagu! Kokoron!
Kokoro: Hee!? Kasumi!
Hagumi: Huh? Ka-kun?
Kokoro: Ah! Onii-chan!!!
As Kokoro saw me, she started dashing to where I was sitting and gave me a tight hug, surprising the rest of PoPiPa and Asahi-san. The girls have different reactions to this.
Kasumi: Eh? Onii-chan? Riku-senpai and Kokoron are siblings?
Rimi: Eh!?~
Arisa: What did Tsurumaki-san meant by "onii-chan" Riku-san?
Saaya: Ara~
Tae: Hmmm.....sounds ki-
As Tae-san was about to say what I think it was, Youmu instantly blocked her mouth with her hands and I explained to them that me and Kokoro are cousins and I treat her as my own little sister which cleared the eventual misunderstanding. and suddenly a girl with violet hair and red eyes appeared while doing a flamboyant pose while covering her face with her hand?
???: Hakanai~
As she said that, I see Rimi-san blushing beet red while having a massive fangirl grin and I can see that she's shaking a bit. As she opened her eyes and saw me, she stopped for a moment and she started to approach me. I tell Kokoro to let go of the hug which she did and I also made my way to the violet haired girl. As we were at a close distance, we broke the silence as I gave her a hug which surprised everyone in the room.
Riku: To think that you will be Kokoro's guitarist. It's been 8 years since we've seen each other, Kaoru.
Kaouru' eyes widened as she heard me say her name and she returned the hug and said.
Kaoru: I always believed that you will return here, and here you are...it's good to see you in good health Ani-sama.
Everyone(Except Riku and Youmu): ANI-SAMA!?
I just covered my ears as they all screamed. I broke the hug and try to explain why Kaoru called me that.
Riku: Ok, as to why Kaoru called me ani-sama, we got to go back....10 years ago.
Arisa: You've met 10 years ago!? That's long!
Kaoru: That's right Arisa-chan it was that long. I've met ani-sama through Chisato, as you all know that I aspire to take the stage, Chisato brought ani-sama to help me on my acting. At first I was doubtful but with Chisato showing that her acting improved through him, I took the chance and in just 3 days, my acting has improved to a level that I've never imagined. After that, the 3 of us became friends and our bond is more like of a sibling bond, so ani-sama decided that from that day onwards, the 3 of us are siblings. Thus I call him ani-sama, though I remember Chisato calling him onii-sama back then.
Riku: Yes, she did. But it's ok for me if she doesn't call me that. I mean she did mature all over the years.
Kaoru just nods at my statement. As the other girls wants to ask some more questions, a staff member showed up and informed that Hello, Happy World! is next.
Staff: Hello, Happy! You're next! Rokka-chan! Help me out here!
Rokka: O-Ok!
Kokoro: That's right! Where's Michelle and Kanon?
Hagumi: Did they got lost?
As Hagumi-san said that, both her and Kokoro dashed out of here searching for Kanon-san and Michelle which I already know that it's Misaki-san wearing the bear costume.
Kokoro: Michelle!!
Hagumi: Kano-chan-senpai!!!
Kaoru said her goodbyes in a flamboyant way and made her way to the stage.
Kaoru: Alas, it's time for me to leave. I bid you farewell little kittens, ani-sama please watch the performance that Kokoro and our band will present.
Kaoru left as she said that and I looked at the TV and saw Misaki-san and Kanon-san already on stage and I also see Kokoro, Kaoru and Hagumi-san were....crowd surfing? You rarely see those every day, even in a Future World Fes let alone a TI. But anyways, as Kokoro and the others got into the stage, they did their signature "Happy! Lucky! Smile! YAY!" which made the crowd excited.
Riku: Does Kokoro always do this every time they perform?
Arisa-san only answered.
(A/N: Imagine Arisa imitating the Priestess from Goblin Slayer as she said that to Riku)
Arisa: You get used to it.
I just giggled at Arisa-san's reply and I just watched Kokoro and her band perform their signature song "Egao no Orchestra". As they began playing, I can feel Kokoro's dream through this song. Making every people in the world smile through music.....it may be an impossible task, but it can be done, one step at a time and one song at a time.
And I'm surprised to see Misaki-san spin those tracks so well despite wearing that bear costume....she must've put hours of practice till she got used to it. And to see Kanon-san, a shy, timid and one who has no sense of direction can play drums without losing an edge.
I only smiled to see Kokoro happily performing on stage, and all of a sudden the door opened and I see Afterglow coming in after they finished performing.
???: I'm sweating.
???: I feel like I lost 5 kilos!
???: Oh totally! More like 10 kilos!
???: Mou Tomoe! That doesn't even make sense.
???: Himari-chan, you shouldn't worry about that stuff.
As the black haired girl with red streak put her guitar down, Kasumi-san went to them and said.
Kasumi: Nice job out there! You guys were so cool!
??? Oh, thanks....we just played-
???/Riku: -like we always do/-like we always do right?
As me and the black haired girl said that, the members of afterglow turned their attention to me. They first wondered why is a boy doing here in the lounge but the black haired girl was shaking a bit and said.
???: N-N-No way...Is that really you?
I just crossed my arms and said to her with a smile.
Riku: You've grown up, Ran.
Ran calmed herself down as I call her name and she gave a light smile as she said.
Ran: Long time no see.....nii-san.
???: NII-SAN!?
Ran's friends screamed at the sudden revelation and began asking Ran questions.
Tomoe: RAN! IS THAT REALLY YOUR BROTHER!?
Himari: WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US THAT YOU HAD A HANDSOME OLDER BROTHER!?
???: Ne Ran~. Was this the "cool" nii-san that you told me back then? ~
???: But looking at him, he and Ran-chan don't have any similarities.
Ran: U-u-uh.....
I can see that Ran is still getting nervous even though she grew up. Me and Youmu just smiled that Ran made friends other than us when we left, I looked at Youmu and I just gave a nod and she stood up from the sofa and made her way to Ran.
Youmu: Good to see you again, Ran.
Ran looked at Youmu with wide eyes as she remembered her other childhood friend.
Ran: Nee-san....you're here too?
Ran's friends were more surprised when they heard Ran called Youmu "nee-san". Just as Ran's friends even began asking her more questions, Youmu stopped them in time as she explains our relationship. Before Youmu began explaining, the girl named Tomoe asked her.....
Tomoe: Um....Who are you? And why did Ran called you "nee-san" and that boy "nii-san"?
Youmu: Then let me introduce myself. I am Konpaku Youmu, head gardener of the Saigyouji Family, but as of now I am the personal aide of that man right there.
As Youmu pointed me I introduced myself as well.
Riku: Nagae Riku, heir to the Nagae Family, you can call me Riku. Nice to meet you all and thank you for being Ran's friends when we left.
After I said that, the pink haired girl stepped forward and started introducing herself.
Himari: Nice to meet you too. I'm Uehara Himari, Afterglow's leader and I play bass.
Tomoe: Udagawa Tomoe, Afterglow's drummer. Nice to meet you Riku.
Moca: Afterglow's guitarist Aoba Moca~. And I love bread~.
Tsugumi: Hazawa Tsugumi. Afterglow's keyboardist. My family owns a cafe downtown.....are you Kyoya-san's grandson?
Riku: You know my grandfather?
Tsugumi: Hai. He comes by the cafe from time to time and he's one of our favorite regular customers in our cafe and a big fan on our coffee.
So grandfather finds himself some time even though his schedule is packed....I thanked Tsugumi-san for taking her time with my grandfather. Himari-san asked us....
Himari: Now introductions are out of the way. What is your relationship with Ran?
Youmu: Me, Ran and Riku-dono have met when I was learning the basics of flower arranging along with Riku-dono's mother at Ran's family's flower arranging school. We met Ran by chance actually but we became fast friends after that. She calls me "nee-san" and Riku-dono "nii-san" because we're older than her.
Just when Youmu finished her explanation, we heard the door opened and saw a girl with long silver hair and gold eyes.
???: Roselia here. Let's put on a good show today.
As the girl said that in a serious tone, Ran said this to her as if she's challenging her.
Ran: I didn't see you at rehearsal today. Hope that doesn't affect your performance today Minato-san.
???: Don't worry we had our own rehearsal. Besides, it looks like things are just heating up.
I looked at Saaya-san and asked her why does Ran sounds a bit hostile to the girl.
Riku: Saaya-san, why does Ran sound like she wants to fight?
Saaya: Well that's because Ran sees her as a rival and both of them are butting heads since then.
I see a rival huh...
Ran: Very well. Girls, let's watch them from the crowd.
After she said that, they left so that they can watch Roselia with the crowd and as they leave the lounge, 4 more girls showed up and 2 of them I am so familiar with.
Riku: No wonder the student council office was empty. You two had rehearsals today. You could've told me this sooner Sayo-san, Rinko.
Sayo: I'm sorry Riku-san, but it was a quick notice and we didn't have a chance to tell as you were with Konpaku-san at that time.
Rinko: Sorry.....Riku....
I just stood up and pat Rinko on the head.
Riku: its ok, it already happened, just give me a heads up next time.
Sayo: What are you doing here anyway? I remember that you are not in any band.
Riku: Well one of my grandfather's friends asked me to take a look at this place since she had her hands full. And since my schedule is free for today, might as well do it.
As Rinko and Sayo-san nodded on what I said, the silver haired girl approached me and she's just staring at me.
Riku: Uh.....can I help you with something?
???: Minato Yukina. Roselia's vocalist and leader. You are Nagae Riku, are you not?
Riku: Yes, I am Riku, do you need something from me?
Yukina: Then I'm gonna be straight with this. Your skills that Rinko told us about, are they the real deal?
How did she? I looked at Rinko and I can tell from her face that she told her band about me....
???: Iya~ Don't mind her! She does this when something piques her interest. Sorry about Yukina.
Riku: And you are?
???: I'm Imai Lisa. You can call me Lisa if you want. So you're the childhood friend that Rinko was talking about.....not bad.....let's get along now, Riku~.
As Lisa-san finished introducing herself, I looked at the violet haired girl while doing some chuunibyou pose.
??? Fufufufu~ creeping forth from the depths of hell I, the dark princess Ako is here to engulf the world with my uhh.....mmmmm....
As she was trying to figure what to say next, Rinko approached her and whispered on her ear.
Rinko: Sinful melodies....
Ako: Sinful melodies!
I just chuckled on her little act as I just pat her head.
Riku: Glad to meet you too Ako-chan. I'm Nagae Riku, Rinko's childhood friend, I see that both of you are close, please continue being her friend.
Ako: Of course! For Rin-Rin is my partner after all!
Rin-Rin huh? To think she let Ako-chan call her that and I actually gave that nickname.
Rokka: Roselia, you're up next.
Riku: Seems like your band is the next one to perform right? I'll be watching from the crowd. Kasumi-san, good luck on performing last. And Rinko...no pressure okay, just play like you used to and you'll be fine. Youmu, let's go.
As I said that me and Youmu left the lounge so they can change and we make our way to where Ran and the rest of Afterglow at.
Tsugumi: Ah, Riku-san! Youmu-san! Are you here to watch Roselia perform?
Riku: Yep. I'm here to see how they perform up close. It's better to experience it up close than on the TV.
Just as I said that, Kokoro hugged me from behind and the rest of Hello, Happy World! showed up and I see Misaki-san here, I guess she took off the bear so she can watch with the others.
Kokoro: Onii-chan! Did you watch our performance? Did we make you smile?
Riku: Yup, you made me smile. I'm happy that you're having fun out there Kokoro, I'm proud of you. And you too Kaoru, your guitar was good, you could be mistaken as a pro.
Kaoru: I thank you for the compliment ani-sama.
All of a sudden the room got dark, and as the light were back, I see Rinko and the rest of Roselia on the stage.
Yukina: We are Roselia.
As she said that, the crowd starts to get loud, as the crowd died down a bit, she began to introduce the other members.
Yukina: Guitar, Hikawa Sayo.
Sayo-san played some chords and I noticed it right away that there is something odd on how Sayo-san played the guitar. I shrugged it off as it wasn't my problem.
Yukina: Bass, Imai Lisa.
Lisa played a few chords to get the crowd going, not too shabby for a gyaru she ain't half bad, not bad so far.
Yukina: Drums, Udagawa Ako.
So she's playing drums, and I looked at Tomoe-san and she was just cheering on Ako-chan.
Riku: Ako-chan is your sister?
Tomoe: Yup! She learned everything that there is to learn about drums from me! As her older sister, I am proud of her!
So she learned how to play drums from her sister huh.....I can hear the similarities but at the same time different.
Yukina: Keyboard, Shirokane Rinko.
When it was Rinko's turn and played a few keys, I can confirm that she has improved much over the years. As the one who taught her some tricks, I am proud of her. But I can tell that she can do more.
Yukina: And finally....Vocal, Minato Yukina.
As she finished introducing the crowd cheered louder and Yukina-san just waited for the crowd to quiet down and just spoke in one word.
Yukina: "LOUDER"
As they began playing, I can already feel the impact of the song, the music gave a heavier impact compared to the previous one. I carefully observe how Roselia performs and I can tell, Roselia's level can already be considered mid tier 1 in PBC standards.....in Western Europe. All they need is a little push and they can at least make top 6 in Future World Fes and if the exceed more than I expect, they can at least make it to TI Upper Bracket.
I watched Rinko play and I can see that she's enjoying every bit of it, the rest of Roselia is perfectly on sync and no mistakes shown, bass and guitar are on point, I am impressed not gonna lie, but I'm more impressed on Ako-chan, playing the drums at such speed and power and with that size and being 15 years old to boot, she can be a top tier drummer in the future. But there are some work to be done if she wants to become the best drummer.
As I continue to listen to the lyrics of "LOUDER" I started to think that I've heard this somewhere, and when I heard the last part "Feel Alive", I immediately remember where it came from..."LOUDER"...Minato.....so that's how it is....so you passed your song to your daughter...guess I have to do what you asked me to do....Atsushi-san.
(A/N: So far we have no confirmation on what Yukina's father's real name, so I'm going Atsushi on this one.)
As the song finished, everyone went wild and I can see Tomoe cheering on her sister very loudly. Youmu got closed to me and asked me on my impression on Roselia.
Youmu: Riku-dono. What do you think of Roselia?
Riku: They have potential to go far, they got mostly everything that a pro needs but as they are now, they won't make it to the Future World Fes, let alone making it out of the Group Stage. They're still lacking something, but once they found what they're lacking, I can at least see them perform at TI. What about you Youmu? What's your impression?
Youmu: Just as you said Riku-dono, they may have the experience in this kind of performances, but they're lacking the experience in the competitive side of music. But overall, they can handle themselves pretty well.
Ran: Cool aren't they?
Ran said that as she came to us along with her friends.
Riku: They're cool alright. But your band got the definition of "Cool" than Roselia.
Ran just blushed lightly on my compliment to her band and thanked me for it.
Ran: T-thanks.
Riku: Anytime Little Red.
Himari: Little Red?
Youmu: It's Ran's nickname when we were together back then, it was Riku-dono who made that name.
Ran blushed hard at what Youmu said while her friends lightly giggled making her blush even more. I just pat her head so that she can calm down.
I see Roselia leave the stage, the light turned off and now it's time for the final act of the night.
Poppin'Party: Po-Pi-Pa! Pi-Po-Pa! Po-Pi-Pa-Pa-Pi-Po-Pa!!!!
As the lights turned on back again, I see Poppin'Party on stage and they look ready to perform. They made a little skit while introducing themselves and Kasumi-san introduced twice which made me facepalm a bit and I see Youmu giggling to it but its ok, as long as the crowd is having fun that is more than enough.
I can see the level of confidence that Kasumi-san has, her confidence reminded me on my first day in OG, when I made my pro debut back in Boston. Now.....show me what you can do.
Kasumi: This one is called "Happy Happy Party"!!
At the beginning of the song, I was not feeling at first, but as the song progresses I saw the crowds movements.....it seems that they are matching the beat of the song and bit by bit, I'm starting to feel it too, Youmu felt it as well. I look away from the crowd as I put my focus on Kasumi-san and the others, I can see their faces that they are having fun on stage, Rimi-san's bass, Kasumi-san and Tae-san's guitar are in perfect sync while not overpowering each other, I can see Saaya-san supporting them on the drums to keep the rhythm on point alongside Arisa-san's play in her keyboard. I can feel the happy and bubbly vibe from this band which definitely describes the band itself. Seeing them play and having fun is a close resemblance to the old OG.
They finished their performance in impressive fashion and the crowd enjoyed it, cheering at Poppin'Party the same level as Roselia.
Riku: I gotta say, I'm very impressed. I thought they can't follow it up after Roselia's performance....guess I was wrong.
Tsugumi: They really outdid themselves.
Kaoru: Hakanai~
Misaki: It's very lively here don't you think Riku-san?
Riku: Yeah, it is lively. Been awhile since I performed in such a crowd.
And as I said that I felt a shiver on my spine as I looked at Kokoro slowly and she just gave a huge bright grin at me, and looking at that face, I can already tell that she has something planned.....mainly involves me.
Riku: I'm gonna meet up with Kasumi-san and the others.
I got up from my seat and gave my phone to Youmu.
Riku: Youmu, give this to Asahi-san as soon as Kokoro does something. I already know what she's planning to do.
Youmu only nodded and I instruct her on what to do next.
Live House Galaxy Backstage
Riku: Yo! Nice performance right there girls!
Tae: Thank you, Riku-senpai!
Rimi: Thanks Riku-san....
Saaya: Thank you for the praise Riku-kun.
Riku: I'm very impressed on your performance right there; I can tell that if you fully commit to this, you might be able to perform on an international level.
Kasumi: Really!?
Arisa: But why are you here anyway? You're not just here to congratulate us right?
Riku: Well about that....
And as I said that, Arisa-san's a got her answer...by the name of Kokoro...
Kokoro: Everyone! Before we end the night, we have one special performance! Everybody, give it up to my big brother Nagae Riku!
As the rest of Poppin'Party heard what Kokoro said, they looked at me and I just said.....
Poppin'Party: EHHHHHHHHHH!?
Riku: Yeah...that's why...Kasumi-san can I borrow your guitar for a bit?
Kasumi: Uh.....sure, here you go...
Arisa: Wait, didn't Shirokane-san said that you play piano?
Riku: Who said that I only play piano? Anyway, you girls better go where the others are, you're about to see something you've never seen.
I made my way to the stage with Kasumi-san's guitar as I said that leaving them in shock while I adjust Kasumi-san's guitar to my style on the way.
Youmu POV
Riku-dono said that Kokoro-dono was planning something, but I didn't expected this. I looked at the girls and they had various reactions to this.
Ran: Nii-san is performing!?
Himari: I gotta record this!
Yukina: Nagae-san?
Misaki: Riku-san really went with it huh.....he really handles Kokoro's antics very well.
Kanon: Kaoru-san, will Riku-kun be okay with this?
Kaoru: No need to worry Kanon. I'm sure that without a doubt that ani-sama will handle this flawlessly.
Rinko: What will you do Riku?
As Kokoro-dono said that Riku-dono is performing, I made my way to where Asahi-dono is with Riku-dono's phone in my hand.
Youmu: Asahi-dono.
Rokka: H-Hai!?
I gave Riku-dono's phone to her and she looked at me confused.
Rokka: This is?
Youmu: That is Riku-dono's phone. I was instructed by him to bring this to you if Kokoro-dono does something. Riku-dono said that in his phone there is a folder named "Hifuu Project", open it and pick the 3rd file and play it on his signal.
Rokka: O-Ok.
As I instructed Asahi-dono on what to do just like Riku-dono told me to, I made my way back to the others.
Sayo: Konpaku-san, Will Riku-san be okay with this?
Youmu: It's okay Sayo-dono, Riku-dono had already predicted this.
The room got dark for a moment, and when the lights were back, me and the girls see Riku-dono on the stage using Kasumi-dono's Guitar.
Riku: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. As Kokoro already said, I am Nagae Riku. Although that this is a sudden announcement, do forgive me. Now, for what I am about to perform is nothing but an instrumental that I've been working on for a few months, but I promise you, this will be worthwhile.
I saw Riku-dono closed his eyes and took a deep breath and said...
Riku: Let the lone star shine towards the future! Judgement Star!
(A/N: I don't know if I can put links here, just go to youtube and search Judgement Star)
Rinko POV
Eh? Riku is playing a guitar? Since when?
Rinko: Konpaku-san. When did Riku know how to play guitar? I thought he was going to play with a piano.
Youmu: From what Ayabe-dono said to me, Riku-dono has been playing guitar for 5 years now. As his childhood friend you know that he likes to use different instruments right?
Now that I think about it, I remember Riku tried playing violin with another friend of ours and got it on his first try but he just stick to playing piano after that. But what made him play guitar?
As I was thinking that. Riku has started playing, just as he strummed the guitar, everything went blank for a moment and I closed my eyes. And as I opened my eyes I see nothing but darkness but I see some tiny white light glowing, then I realized this isn't just darkness, I'm in space. I can see the stars, asteroids and the moon in full view. I can still hear Riku playing the guitar until....
I heard a young female voice from out of nowhere.
???: All right! Kochiya Sanae is heading out!
As I looked around to know where the voice come from, I saw something flew over me and I saw a young girl with long green hair and green eyes carrying multiple heavy weapons and mechanical wings on her back as she flew in high speed toward something.
As I follow where she was going, I saw she was going straight towards a massive number of black colored spirits coming right at her, as she sees her enemies make their move, she finally started attacking using the weapons that she's carrying and shoots them one by one in rapid succession.
Her enemies started shooting her with bullets as she dodges them with little to no effort and as she makes enough distance between her and her enemies, she raised one of her weapons and started chanting.
Sanae: When the stars shine bright, the ancient contract will be fulfilled. When all the prayers combine...a MIRACLE will manifest! Miracle: Night With Overly Bright Guest Stars!
After the chant she fired a laser from above and the laser started to scatter taking out the majority of the enemies she's facing.
All of this happening while Riku is still playing the guitar, hearing the music and the battle that I see ongoing, it feels like that the music that Riku is playing was meant for this. As I was thinking of this I saw the girl suddenly got outnumbered, her enemies start shooting bullets, although she's dodging them left and right, some of them hit her as she was getting overwhelmed and on her blind spot she got hit by a bullet that was powerful enough, she got blown back and went straight to an asteroid.
She lost consciousness for a brief moment till she woke up, she sees herself surrounded on all sides, she tried her best to stand up but the fatigue was showing. Deep in her heart giving up was never an option, so she decided to risk it all on this one final spell.
Sanae: Even though the miracle stars fell down to the Earth...I'll be the beacon that lights up our path! Divine Full Armor Purge!
As she finished her chant, all the machines attached to her came off and she flew straight in to the enemy lines at a speed that they can't even react to, and as she returned to her current position, more than half of the enemies she was facing are already been defeated. Then she proceed to use the two blasters that she had on each arm eliminating the ones that are coming forward, after that she followed it by her firing a red beam using the large cannon on her side and as she finished firing, she charges a final huge blue laser and fires it taking out the remaining enemies in the process.
As she looks around and confirmed that there are no enemies remaining, she breathed a huge sigh of relief and made a "V" on her right hand with a smile on her face.
Sanae: I earned this victory. All the glory goes to me, Kochiya Sanae!
And as she said that and the music stops, everything turned blank again, and as I opened my eyes, I'm back at the Live House seeing Riku on stage trying to catch his breath. I see everyone was so quiet I can hear my watch ticking.
After a brief moment, someone clapped and followed by another and finally the crowd went loud, even louder than we performed. Then I took a look at Yukina-san and the others and I saw their faces in pure shock and disbelief. I tried to talk to Yukina-san but all I got from her was.
Rinko: Yukina-san.....are you okay?
Yukina: Rinko....what was that just now? I was listening to Nagae-san just now and all of a sudden I'm seeing a girl flying in space.
So it wasn't just me who saw that, everyone else saw that too. And suddenly Ako-chan came to me and said this with excitement.
Ako: Rin-Rin did you see that? The girl was went *NYOOOOOM* and she goes *BOOM* and she also said "Divine Full Armor Purge"!!! That was the coolest thing I've ever seen!
As Ako-chan was telling me that, I see the other girls have other reactions to Riku's performance.
Kokoro: That was so cool! Onii-chan, do it again!!
Kaoru: To think that ani-sama's skill on the guitar has transcended to a level that even I cannot do.....ah~ hakanai~.
Kanon: Sugoi Riku-kun....
Ran: T-That happened.....right?
Tomoe: Yeah, and it felt so real.
Tsugumi: Did you get all of that Himari-chan?
Himari: Uh....*looks at phone*...yeah I recorded all of it.
Sayo: So this is Nagae Riku....Shirokane-san....your childhood friend....is on another level.
Kasumi: Arisa! Did you see that right? Right!?
Arisa: I did! And get off of me you dolt!
As I was listening to their reactions, Riku grabbed the mic and said.
Riku: All right, hopefully you enjoyed that performance of mine but this is just a one time for me so thank you and good night!
Riku left the stage and I can still hear the crowd cheering for him.
Riku POV
As I finished my performance and made my way to the backstage, I see Rinko and the rest of Roselia and also Poppin'Party coming with them. I went to them and gave back Kasumi-san her guitar and told her to tune it back to her style.
Before Rinko was about to say anything I said to them that they have to announce something and it made them remember what it was. Roselia and Poppin'Party was on stage while I wait at the back with Youmu, Roselia announced that they will be having their first self-sponsored live coming next month, which Kasumi-san followed up that they will be also having their self-sponsored live in the near future. Unfortunately, I have other plans for them.
Live House GALAXY Entrance
Me and Youmu are now at the entrance of GALAXY with the girls of Afterglow, Roselia and HaroHapi. We're waiting for Kasumi-san and the rest of PoPiPa to come out and as we were waiting me and Youmu heard Sayo-san screamed and we saw a short teal haired girl hugging Sayo-san and she was followed by Chisato, Aya-san, Eve-san and a girl with short brown hair, green eyes and wearing red glasses. I'm guessing those 2 are her other band mates.
???: Onee-chan!
Sayo: Hina!? Didn't I tell you not to come here!
Hina: But I want to see you play! You were so cool right there!
Sayo-san blushed on what her sister said. While the girl named HIna was still hugging Sayo-san, Chiasto, Aya-san, Eve-san and the brown haired girl congratulated the girls on the performance a while back.
Aya: Kasumi-chan! You did great out there!
Kasumi: Aya-senpai! Did you watch our performance!?
I saw Kasumi-san and the rest of Poppin'Party came out of the door back in their casual wear as Aya-san congratulated them for a great performance.
Aya: Yeah, we finished our training earlier than expected and we had free time to watch, good thing we manage to reach in time and we already saw Roselia performing.
Kasumi: Is that so? Thank you very much Aya-senpai!
Eve: Great work out there everyone!
Lisa: Thank you for the praise Eve!
Chisato: But still, I didn't expect that Riku could play the guitar at that level.
??? That's right! Seeing him play the guitar, it's like I'm seeing a pro that has been performing on the world stage!
I silently gulped on the brown haired girl's statement....good thing she didn't figured out that I "was" a pro.
Chisato: What could you expect from Riku. Hina-chan, Maya-chan. I think this would be a time to introduce yourselves here to Riku.
Hina: I'm Hikawa Hina! I play guitar for Pastel*Palettes! You play so boppin' well with the guitar! Can you teach me?
Riku: Nice to meet you too Hina-san. And sorry I already had my hands full so I can't teach you.
Hina-san just pouted in a cute manner as the brown haired girl introduced herself.
Maya: Um...my name is a palindrome, I'm Yamato Maya. Pastel*Palettes drummer and also manages the bands instruments and equipment, nice to meet you Riku-san.
Riku: Pleasure to meet you too Maya-san.
As all the girls gathered, surely they want some answers regarding my performance a little while ago. As I was about to answer some of their questions, I got a message from grandfather that I have some late night files to work on back at home and I looked at the time and it's already getting late.
Riku: I know you girls want some answers regarding to my performance but look at the time.
They looked at the time and it's already 9:30 P.M.
Riku: Kasumi-san, Ran, Aya-san, Kokoro and Yukina-san. Can you show me your phones numbers for a moment?
The 5 vocalists brought out their phones and gave me their numbers, after that I sent something back to the 5 of them.
Yukina: What is this?
Riku: It is a pass to the Live House that I own
Kasumi: Wait, you own a Live House!?
Riku: Yup. Show this pass to any staff there and they will fill you in. And I will tell you this once. Tomorrow, 10 A.M., I will be there.
Ran: What do you mean by-
Riku: Your questions will be answered at a later time, we shall speak again...Youmu let's go. Oh yeah, Himari-san did you record my performance earlier?
Himari flinched as I call her name.
Himari: Uh....yeah I did.
Riku: If you're gonna post it, add "@OGRiku".
As I said that, me and Youmu left the Live House and made our way home, I gave Yukari-san an update on the Live House and sent it to her.
Youmu: Today was something. Isn't that right Riku-dono?
Riku: Yeah it was something, and I'm sure that a huge storm will hit Japan....and those bands will be the center of it.
A/N: This chapter is 7.9k words in total....so the following chapters minimum word count is at least 5k.
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