บท 18: XVIII - The Grand Finals and the Battle Awaits
(A/N: I suggest that yo uread this in your PC or laptop as the songs are duet songs)
Hovet Arena Private Room
May 21, 2021 - 8:45 A.M.
3rd POV
(Let's continue where we left off)
Riku: Ha?
For a second, Riku was thinking that Kyoya was just pulling his leg. No way that he will just say that Riku has a sister out of the blue without any proof. But looking at his grandfather again, he sees that Kyoya was dead serious. Riku collected himself and took a deep breath.
Riku: Let me call my team for a moment.
Riku took out his phone and called Johan and informed him that Riku will be out for a long while and told him that it's Nagae Family related matters, in which Johan understood, and he told Riku to come back before Tundra starts to perform.
Riku: Now with that out of the way.....I want the full story.
Kyoya nodded and activated a barrier to make sure no one eavesdrop their conversation.
Kyoya: Very well. Here's how it went down.
An hour and a half later
10:15 A.M.
After Kyoya tells the entire story that took an hour and a half, Riku just leaned back on the couch that he's sitting on as he takes in all of the information that his grandfather told him in regards to Mafuyu. He even showed Riku the DNA test that showed Mafuyu is a legitimate Nagae.
Riku: So mother got into a one night stand with one of her old friends back then, and she got pregnant as a result?
Kyoya: Yes.
Riku: How come I haven't heard any of this?
Kyoya: Your grandmother actually issued an order that anything related to what happened on that day is to be kept secret. Even from you.
Riku: I see.....if it's grandmother who issued the order back then, then I'll comply. Father...is he aware of this?
Kyoya: Yes. He was aware. And not just your mother, he also had the same situation as Miku.
Riku: Say what now?
Kyoya: A matter for another time.
Riku: Fine.
Riku turned his attention to Mafuyu and Mafuyu was a bit tense as her brother was just staring at her.
Riku: First of all.....I want to apologize.
Mafuyu: Eh? What are you apologizing for?
Riku: For your family getting involved in the mess that I'm into. I didn't expect that you'll be involved in Oko's vendetta against my family in which you have nothing to do with it.
Mafuyu: Y-you don't need to apologize....I know that they did that to protect me...my dad said this before he died....."Go and find the Nagae, for they will protect you". That's what he said...
Riku and Kyoya looked at each other then they turned back to Mafuyu.
Riku: And just like your father said, we will protect you. And now you have a family to rely on. I welcome you to the Nagae...my dear little sister. If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask.
Riku got close to Mafuyu as he pat her head, Mafuyu tried to hold back her tears but she decided not to as she hugged her brother and cried in his arms till she slept from crying herself and right now, she's sleeping on Riku's lap. Riku continues his talk with his grandfather while he was caressing Mafuyu's hair.
Riku: I guess she's been through a lot.
Kyoya: You have no idea.
Riku looked at his grandfather with a questionable look as to what did he meant by that.
Riku: What do you mean by that?
Kyoya: When Honoka issued the order regarding Mafuyu, she also added to have some of our men report in her daily activities.
Riku: Isn't that equivalent to stalking? And wait a minute, you mean our family has been stalking her for nearly two decades?!
Kyoya lets out a smirk.
Kyoya: It ain't stalking if you're not caught in the act. And besides, the men in charge of the operation are one of our very best in regards of information gathering.
Riku: I don't know if you can consider that an achievement or something to brag about....what did your men find out about Mafuyu?
Kyoya just pulled out a tablet from his bag beside him and gave it to Riku. Riku took a look at the contents and his eyes went wide.
Riku: What in the.....
Riku scrolled through the contents and he's starting to get concerned.
Riku: Grandfather...all of these reports....
Kyoya: Yes. All of them are true. Mafuyu may act like that, but there is more than just that...
Riku: I know my mother is strict and does thing what's best for me but....this is taking too far.....I feel bad for the girl.
Kyoya: That's why we're here now Riku. we're gonna make sure that she gets to live her life properly and without any pressure. Speaking of pressure, she even tried to continue the leftover work that you left before you and Youmu went to Portugal. Luckily I was there to stop her.
Riku: It's for the best...so...who's Mafuyu's aide?
Kyoya: I picked Nazuna for her. I think that she will be a perfect fit for Mafuyu.
Riku: Nazuna huh? Not a bad pick, pretty sure they'll get along very well in no time. And regards on her studies, where she will continue her high school?
Kyoya: She'll be attending Hanasakigawa as a second year. She'll start as soon as we head back to Japan.
Riku: I see, I hope Kasumi-san can help her along the way. By the way, I noticed her fingers....does she play piano by chance?
Kyoya: She is playing piano. In fact, she's in a music group and she's the lyricist and helps the composing.
Riku: I guess even she's as a half Nagae, her talent in music is there...what's the name of her group?
Kyoya: She told me it was 25-ji Nightcord de.
Riku looked at Mafuyu in a surprised expression and just smiled as he ruffled her hair.
Riku: So it was you....
Kyoya: You know 25-ji Riku?
Riku: I encountered the group by chance last month. I was finishing some files at that time and I noticed it was already 1 in the morning, I stumbled on a music video that has the group called 25-ji Nightcord de and I listened to it and I gotta admit, they're good. Although the songs that they posted have some dark elements...I can feel that even though their songs are are dark and depressing, it's also the type that want to bring out hope to people.
Kyoya: I didn't expect that you thought of their songs that far. I'm impressed.
Riku: Thanks.....but still...... little sister huh.....for years, Kokoro was the closest to me in regards to being my little sister, and now I got myself a real one.....wonder how the girls will react to this?
Kyoya: You'll never know.
Riku: Does the other Celestial Families know of this? Does this ever go public yet?
Kyoya: I've only informed the leaders about this. And not yet. For now, I decided that Mafuyu will continue to use her old family name "Asahina" until the "Gathering" begins at August. With his majesty as witness, then we'll have no problems with it.
Riku: Hmmmm.....
Kyoya: What is it Riku?
Riku: Nothing.....it's just that there's a lot of things to do once I get back to Japan. My side project, the lessons I missed in school, my live house's first event and now this. But don't worry grandfather, I can handle this.
Kyoya: Very well. Since you said it yourself, then I trust you. But do tell us if you need help. we're here for you.
Riku: Thanks.....
Riku and Kyoya can hear the cheer from the crowd all the way from their room and Riku just let out a smirk.
Riku: Looks like they've started. I'm glad that the crowd is getting hyped up.
Kyoya: Are you that confident that you'll win.
Riku: The result will show itself once me and my band finished performing.
Kyoya: Then you should head back to your team now. I can take care of-
Riku: No need. I'll stay here for a while. Mafuyu needs her brother to be by her side, and that's what I'll do.....well at least until she wakes up.
Kyoya: Then you do that...let's talk about your time here.
Riku: Sure.
Timeskip
4 and a half hours later
Hovet Arena - OG's Locker Room - 2:45 P.M.
Riku POV
After talking with my grandfather for a while, Mafuyu woke up. She blushed as she realized that she was sleeping on my lap in which I don't mind. We realized that we've talked too long and it was already noon, and we decided to have lunch before I go back with my band.
While me, Mafuyu and my grandfather were having lunch, the girls spotted us and asked us if it's alright to join us in lunch which my grandfather agreed to. Rinko was curious as to who Mafuyu is and why she was close to me and grandfather just bluntly introduced Mafuyu as my half-sister and all of the girls were in for a shock. It took a while to calm them down as they were giving me questions left and right, after several minutes of filling them in on the details....some of the girls were giving their condolences and especially Kokoro finally having a big sister as she hugged Mafuyu tightly and never wanting to let go. It took Misaki-san, Hagumi-san and me to get Kokoro off of Mafuyu. She asked me if this was normal for Kokoro and I just gave her a straightest face I can do and said "You get used to it".
After finishing our lunch, grandfather and Mafuyu decided to join the others as they head back to the VIP area and I head back to my band. When I made it back to the locker room, the boys asked me on what took me so long and I just shared them what happened and they just went along with it. And bzm had the gall to ask if Mafuyu was single and I just hit him in the head while everyone was laughing.
Right now I'm at the locker room resting up as I focus myself because Tundra is the next band to perform. I didn't see Gaimin and TSM perform but from what they've told me is that their performances were good enough to get the majority of the votes. And Johan added that SabeRLight- tweeted out and he said "Time to smack some kids" and he even tagged us on that one which triggered bzm and Ammar. Well like they say "Two can play it that game".
In Riku's Mindscape
I'm back to my mindscape to meditate...however that meditation came to a short end when Tenshi crash landed in front of me.
Riku: I thought you already know how to land with that.
Tenshi: Been a long time since I've flew with my keystones at high speed.
Tenshi tidied her skirt as she sat beside me and just smirked that annoyed me.
Tenshi: I didn't know that you had a half-sister. If word comes out, pretty sure all hell will break loose.
Riku: True. Good thing that only the family leaders are informed of this. Pretty much that Mafuyu will be shown to the public as a Nagae at the gathering.
Tenshi: You'll be attending?
Riku: I have to. I'll attend on behalf of my grandfather. Of course Mafuyu will be coming with me.
Tenshi: Hmmm........so....are you ready? For the finals I mean.
Riku: I'm more than ready. I'm just collecting my thoughts...so much happened for the past two weeks...
Tenshi put her hand on my shoulder as she gave me some encouraging words.
Tenshi: Don't worry about what happened in the past or worry about the future Riku. Just focus on what's in front of you and go for the win. I'll be watching you from here. Make me proud and enjoy yourself. For both of us.
Riku: Thanks. By the way....are we still going with that plan?
Tenshi: Yes. And I plan to see this through.
Riku: *sigh* If you say so.....it's time. Gotta go.
I stood up as I start to fade away and I see Tenshi giving me a thumbs up with the brightest smile she ever had. I returned that thumbs up with a salute as I completely left Tenshi alone.
Now back to reality
3:30 P.M.
I woke up from my rest as I looked at the boys getting ready. I looked at my watch and it's already 3:30.
Riku: Is it time?
Johan: Get ready and head to the back. I'll be with you in a moment.
Johan left us as we head to the backstage as Tundra has finished performing. While the staff are setting up our instruments on stage, I looked at the boys as I gave them the final speech of the tournament.
Riku: Are you ready boys?
Taiga: More than ready man.
Riku: Good. So it's Grand Finals time, and it's going to be hype. What I want you to think about now that this is not actually the grand finals, because it's just a regular live show. You've seen Gaimin play, you've seen Tundra play, they're playing at their absolute best. And TSM, they've went all out. But there is something that those three bands have in common. Is that they have a huge amount of pressure in their shoulders, especially TSM being the only NA band left. We may have reached the finals from the upper bracket but this time, it's fair game and we have nothing to lose at this point. If we lose, we lose....at least if we get second then it's good. But if we win, then that is better and you boys get to TI. As of right now, I can say that I am very proud of you boys for making it all the way here. I think that it's amazing that you have grown up so fast not just as a person but as a musician as well and you boys deserve this spot. So enjoy what we really worked hard for. Do it. Enjoy it for Misha. Imagine how much Misha would've dreamt of being here and playing alongside you guys. Imagine Chu. Enjoy it for them, don't miss it for them. That's all I'm asking. And as for thinking finals trophy or whatnot, trust me, don't think of that shit. It's just a bait you know. If we're gonna win, it's because we're in the moment, playing the best music we've played, having fun and not playing scared. And then maybe we will win. But if you're thinking on how will you win right now, I'm telling you, you've already lost. Enjoy yourself. This is the time to enjoy. The work we've done it before, now it's showtime. This is where shit gets real. Just enjoy everything okay? So let's do this together as a band and as brothers.
Seeing the boys get their morale up, I decided to something cringe.
Riku: Can we actually do a group fist bump?
Johan hearing that was on board with it as he readies himself for a fist bump. the others were hesitant at first but Taiga followed Johan then Yuragi. Then lastly bzm and Ammar joined in.
Riku: This is the first and only fist bump that this band ever has and I know it's very cringe but it's okay.
We bumped our fists and we stand in line as Slacks is bout to call us out.
SirActionSlacks: What would a Future World Fes be without the underdogs ready to claim it all. And this band's have done this so many times. That legacy live on now. Can anyone stop them? We're about to find out! BRING ME OUT OG!!!!!!!!!!
As Slacks called us, we got to the stage and waved to the crowd. I looked at the VIP area and I spotted where grandfather and Mafuyu are and I gave them a wave as I head to my keyboard. And I notice that the placements of the instruments are quite far from each other. Well we'll do what we have.
Meanwhile in the VIP area
3rd POV
We go to the VIP area where Kyoya, Mafuyu and the other band girls are cheering for Riku. Some of them however were very curious on Riku's band set up.
Sayo: Why is there an empty guitar stand beside Riku-san?
Lisa: Now that you think about it, why?
Yuyuko: According to Youmu, Riku-kun requested this to the staff last night, and much to his surprise, it got approved. I don't know what Riku-kun's planning with this, but we're going to find out regardless.
Masuki: PAREO, isn't he using 3 keyboards like you do?
Reona; I mean, I learned how to play 3 keyboards thanks to Riku-sama.
Rokka: So you're basically his disciple?
Reona: You can say that. Riku-sama teached me how to play with 3 keyboards if I want to become Chu²-sama's keyboardist. It took me at least 5 months to get it done, but I've done what he instructed me to.
While they were talking about Riku's set up, Mafuyu on the other hand was just covering her ears.
Kyoya: Are you alright Mafuyu?
Mafuyu: I'm okay grandfather, I just need to get used to the noise. I didn't expect that nii-san will get a lot of cheer from the crowd.
Kyoya: What could you expect, Riku is a fan favorite in this tournament. It's obvious that the majority here wants to cheer him on. And if something's wrong, just tell me okay?
Mafuyu nodded to her grandfather and suddenly his phone started to vibrate. He took out his phone and it was a message from Yukari.
Kyoya: From Yukari? What did she sent me this time?
The Four Fangs have gathered, I'll keep an eye on them on the other side. And I might force my hand, I sense something vile in the area. Tell this to no one.
Kyoya(mind): Yukari...I hope you know what you're doing...
Meanwhile in Japan
Hinanawi Mansion – Aichi's Room
11:00 P.M.
We go to the Hinanawi mansion where Aichi is currently watching the Future World Fes Grand Finals. And he's not watching it alone. He invited Kaguya to watch the finals with him. Kaguya was very reluctant at first, given the reason that she hasn't stepped out of Eientei for years. But she finally decided to muster the courage to go out and go to Aichi's mansion. However she dragged Mokou along with her and the two nearly killed each other on the road. Luckily for the two, no one spotted their battle.
Kaguya: So it's finally Riku's turn....but what's with the guitar stand beside him?
Aichi: I don't know....a strategy perhaps? Where's Mokou?
Kaguya: She borrowed the kitchen as she plans to cook us something to keep us awake. I didn't know that the schedule would be this late.
Aichi: And lucky for us tomorrow is a Saturday.
Kaguya: Good for you then.....did you send this link to Keigo as well?
Aichi: I did. If it's him, he'll definitely watch this. I mean Keigo really admires Riku.
While the two were talking, the door opened and it was Mokou while she was bringing a trolley of food with her.
Mokou: I'm back. Did I make it in time?
Aichi: You're just in time. And this looks good.
Mokou: Thanks. Your father was the one who gave me the ingredients for this and I gotta thank him for that.
Aichi: I see.
Aichi just grabbed some of the food on the trolley as the three of them watch.
Now back to Stockholm
As Riku and the boys finished their final tuning on stage, Riku looked at Yuragi and gave him a nod.
Yuragi: The world is carrying off of you...The Comet Train's Bell Rings.
The Comet Train's Bell Rings
(By: After the Rain – Soraru x mafumafu)
Bold: Yuragi
Italic: Riku
Bold+Italic: Both
sayonara no serifu mo naku
saigo no page da
mou ressha no bell ga naru
kono yozora de kagayaita hoshi mo
seiten no sora de wa miotosu you ni
'shiawase' de wa 'shiawase da' to
kizukanakunatteita
sonna taai no nai hibi ga
kono yubi no sukima
koboreochita
shuuten mo nai you na
hateshi nai yami no mukou
suisei no ressha de
mou kimi wa kaeru
iku tte mo naku
ichi do myakuuttara
kono kimochi datte tomatte kure ya shinai no ni
iisobireta kotoba mo
ano natsu no sora no mukougawa
sekaijuu no hoshi wo atsumete mo
kasunde shimau kurai
kimi wa kirei da
hane no you ni nemuru you ni
neiki mo tatezu ni
'yuuhi ga ochiru made asobou?'
ashiato ga hitotsu tachidomatta
kimi wo mada suki shiteiru
ano natsu no mukou de nankai datte koi shiteiru
konna kodomojimi ta kimochi no mama da
'hai' mo 'iie' mo nai
demo otogibanashi mitai na wan frame wo
nozonde wa yamanai you na
yowamushi na boku de gomen ne
shizukesa wo tokashite
asayake mo mada minu sora ni
kane wa naru
'mou kaeranakya'
potsuri yume ga samete yuku
ikanaide yo
shuuten mo nai you na
hateshi nai yami no mukou
suisei no ressha de
mou kimi wa kaeru
iku tte mo naku
ichi do myakuuttara
kono kimochi datte tomatte kure ya shinai no ni
mou kono te wo hanashitara
suisei ga o wo hiitara
iisobireta kotoba mo
ano natsu no sora no mukougawa
After they finished the song, the arena was just quiet. Then it followed up with a single person clapping, and another one followed.....and another.....until the whole arena was clapping. The difference this time, is that there were no cheering as they only clapped. But there is one noticeable thing on everyone right now, and it was the crowd was shedding tears. Not that much, but they were shedding tears.
Yukina: What was that.....huh? Why are there....tears.....
Yukina looked at her fellow band mates and she saw Rinko holding her napkin as she wiped her tears as well as Ako's. Sayo was calm to say the least but there was a single teardrop on her face. Yukina looked at Lisa and she was crying for a bit.
Yukina: Lisa.....
Lisa: I'm alright Yukina. How can Riku sing a song with such emotion.....
Chiyu: That son of a bitch. He used his eyes from the jump.
The girls took Chiyu's words to mind as they looked at Riku and they saw his eyes have a 6 star pattern on both of them.
Aya: He's doing what he shown us back at CiRCLE.
Chiyu: So you decided to go all out. Figured as much. Get ready girls...I get the feeling that Riku will take us to a feels trip. PAREO! Get me some-
Before Chiyu finished her sentence, the crowd seemed to noticed that Riku and his band were just looking at each other. After a few second, they just nodded and started to move.
Arisa: Oi oi oi oi! Are they doing what I think they're doing?!
Saaya: I think they are Arisa.
Maya: The OG classic!!!
The crowd went wild as they see the boys swapping roles. Riku grabbed Yuragi's guitar, Yuragi took bzm's bass, bzm on drums, Taiga on guitar and Ammar on Riku's keyboard.
Chiyu just smirked as she witness this.
Chiyu: It's kinda safe to say that OG has this in the bag.
Everybody agreed unanimously on Chiyu's take as they see RIku grabbed the mic as he hold the guitar.
Riku: Now for the second....the world is dyed in the colors of the seasons...Swaying from Season to Season.
And as they began to play, the moment they hear the keyboard, they knew that this is going to be another emotional song.
Swaying from Season to Season
(By: After the Rain – Soraru x mafumafu)
Bold: Yuragi
Italic: Riku
Bold+Italic: Both
Minagami kara
Hana wa michi mo se ni
Komorebi ga ashi o tometara
Soko de owakare
Kuchi ni nokoru
Zutto suki deshita
Koi kogareteiru jikan nado
Boku ni nai no da
Machigatte mo Machigatte mo
"Kimi wa koishicha ikenai yo"
Bare nai you ni mimiuchi shita
Ano hi wa haruka no sora
Yozakura yo mae Odore Yume to
Utayomidori o nosete
Asunaki haru made yuke
Tatoe kimi ga wasurete shimatte mo
Suzukaze yo mae Odore Natsu to
Asebamu kimi no kami ga
Kumo ni kakurete mo Zutto mitoretai
Kisetsu no oriori ni te
Ayasu you ni
Togishite kureta yo wa
Sukue domo yubi no sukima o
Sururi toketeiku
Kimi ni furete
Yasashiku sarete kara
Machi nozondeita kisetsu ga
Itazura ni sugiru
Machigatta na Machigatta na
"Kimi ni koishite shimatta na"
Amai mono wa mou iranai kurai
Suki mitai desu
Akisame yo mae Odore
Hakutei to richi no shirabe
Hoho no shitamomiji
Amamoyoi Ui o Kasa de yori sou riyuu ni
Kazahana yo mae Odore
Yoru no shijima o tsurete
Sono te hidari no pokke ni iretara Yori soou
Kisetsu no oriori ni te
Shiki oriori no kaze ga
Kimi o suteki ni kazaru
Tooi yume no mata yume e
Boku o tsurete itte yo
Haru to kurokami Natsu no asase
Akiiro no hoho Fuyu wa neoki no warui kimi mo
Boku wa Boku wa
Dore mo suki datta yo
Sanshi suimei Somaru kimi to
Hyakka ryouran no hibi yo
Kioku no kanata e
Zutto mitoretai
Zutto sawaritai
Sayonara Sayonara
Kisetsu no oriori ni te
After the song just like before, there was only clapping to be heard and no cheering. But it's clear that the crowd is still holding back their tears from hearing such a song. Meanwhile at the VIP area, more likely to Rinko she was just blushing red as she understood the lyrics of the song.
Rinko(thoughts): Riku...so this is your true feelings.....all this time...I'm glad...
Ako: RinRin, are you okay? You're beet red
Rinko: I'm alright Ako-chan...
Kyoya just lets out a sigh and smiled after hearing the song.
Kyoya: To think that Riku had the guts to sing that song.....I guess he finally got it.
Yuyuko: Well that was quite fast. I was expecting him to get it for at least half a year.
Sayo: What do you mean by Riku-san got it Yuyuko-san?
Yuyuko looked at Kyoya to see if it was okay to tell them, and he just nodded.
Yuyuko: Well you girls know that Riku was sent to Hanasakigawa to experience in being a high school student right?
Rinko, Sayo, Chisato and Kanon nodded as they were Riku's classmates.
Yuyuko: Well there was another reason why he was sent there, and is to find something that was missing in him. Chisato-chan and Kaoru-chan knows what I'm referring to.
The girls turned to Chisato and Kaoru as they wait for the two to speak, but with all the eyes on them, Chisato's getting nervous as she tries to find the right words to say. She looked at Kaoru as she only nodded.
Chisato: It's because Riku doesn't know how to express love.
Everyone was shocked, even Riku's childhood friends. with the exception of Rinko and Kaoru who knew of Riku's condition.
Lisa: Wow...to think Riku has that kind of flaw...
Ran: So that's why...he only sees me as his little sister....I understand now.....
Moca: Are you okay Ran?~
Ran: I'm fine...
Tomoe: So RIku can't express love in general?
Yuyuko: Not exactly. He can express familial love but when it comes to love romantically...
Everyone let out an "Ah...." as they immediately know what it means.
Kyoya: But there are other ways to express it. For Riku, he uses music as a way to express it.
Misaki: But why can't he even express love in the first place.
Kyoya: It's basically our fault. You see, from the moment we discovered Riku's talent in music, his parents decided to do what it takes to make sure Riku's career is a success. But at a cost of this, his parents are rarely there for him, he lack the love that he was suppose to have. Yuyuko and some others were able to back it up, but it wasn't enough.....until he met you.
Kyoya pointed at Rinko and Rinko pointed at herself in surprise.
Rinko: Me? But why?
Kyoya: Riku told me this when he first met you he said this "That girl with the black hair....she's inexperienced.....but....she's different from the others.....her music is....unique.....I like it". That's what he said to me. Ran, Kokoro, Kaoru and Chisato are also his friends but he only sees them as his siblings that he cares the most and he would do anything for them. But you on the other hand are special. One time he was practicing his piano, he was spacing out all of a sudden, and I'm having an idea that it's related to you.
Hina: So Riku-kun basically fell in love at first sight for Rinko!
Rinko blushed as red as a tomato when Hina said that.
Saaya: But what's the song that Riku-kun perform got to do with that Kyoya-san?
Kyoya: Well...the song he performed just now shows his true feelings to her. He wrote that song 2 years after he left to pursue his career. These are the feelings that he failed to say to you because of his responsibility and the career that he's going to. Rinko, remember the time he gave his necklace to you?
Rinko: Hai...I have it right here...I.....promised Riku that if I become a better pianist than the last time we met....I'll return this to him but...I decided to confess to him once me and Roselia gets to perform at the Future World Fes....and then...
Rinko tires her best to speak up and she felt a hand on her shoulder and it was Yukina who just shook her head saying "You've said enough".
Kyoya: Let's talk about this later, Riku's band isn't done playing yet. They still have one more song to perform.
And to Kyoya's words, Riku and the boys moved once again. But this time it's only Ammar at the drums, bzm at the guitar and Taiga at the keyboard.
Rei: They've switched again....
Riku looked at the empty guitar stand next to Taiga and just closed his eyes.
Kanon: Why did Riku-kun looked at the guitar stand?
Kyoya and Yuyuko just shrugged as they have no idea why Riku did that.
Meanwhile at the stage, Riku and Yuragi looked at each other as they begin to perform the last song of the tournament.
Riku: The world was half asleep and half awake...Dusk, Mistaking it for a Dream.
Dusk, Mistaking it for a Dream
(By: After the Rain - Soraru x mafumafu)
Bold: Yuragi
Italic: Riku
Bold+Italic: Both
honomeku kage ga yureru
itsu kara mihoreta darou
sayonara shiyou owakare shiyou
kimi ga furimuku sono mae ni
yohou doori no ame wa
moegi wo nurashite yuku
dokoka e yukou shigatsu no kobosu
tameiki ni nosete tooku made
hitotsu haru wo tagaeta toki ni wa
kitto surechigau ashita datta
are mo kore mo omohayui hibi datta
kono yo no itoshiku byoudou na
jikan ga kita mitai da
sakura (sakura) futari no yoru wo umeta madoromi deshita
meguriau omoi kishikata yukusue
tsudoi hitohira futahira irodoru
sore wa (sore wa) yume to mimagau hodo no itazura deshita
yagate yoru ga kuru mae ni tsutaenakucha
taguri yuwaita ibuki
nokosareta toki nante
ikubaku mo nai sore demo kowai
ne wo haru kokoro ga hagayui naa
kyoubi arifureta itomagoi
oshinabete aganau you ni
kuremadou hodo yowaku wa nai sa
kono yo wa hitoshiku tanjun na
sakeba chiru hana no you ni
sore wa (sore wa) imawa no kiwa wo koeta yubikiri deshita
yukuri naku mo yume no you na toki wo tadoru
kokoronokori datte nai wake nai kedo
tayutau yamiyo ni chuu wo mau
arigatou arigatou
ano koro yori mo mae wo muketa yo
During that short pause, something very unexpected happened. Everyone saw a young girl with long blue hair wearing a white blouse, blue dress and a hat with two peaches on it and she's holding a guitar that almost the shape of a star and she's beside Riku and he just smiled and nodded at the girl.
Chisato: No way....
Kokoro: Onee-chan? ONEE-CHAN!!!!
Kokoro tried to get up from her seat and run to the stage, but Misaki and Hagumi held her down.
Chiyu: Tenshi?! What is she doing there?!
Arisa: And that guitar! Kasumi!
Kasumi: It's the same as my Random Star!!
Kaoru: So that's why there was an empty guitar stand...ani-sama.....ane-sama.....you two planned all of this....
Rinko: Tenshi....even when you're dead.....you still want to fulfill your dream....
Meanwhile back in Japan
Kaguya and Aichi spit their drinks when they saw Tenshi appeared on the stage from out of nowhere.
Aichi: Nee-san!? But how!?
Kaguya: Tenshi....Riku has a lot to answer once he gets back...
Aichi: Agreed....I guess me and him are gonna meet sooner than expected.....
Now back to Stockholm
sakura (sakura) kimi to deaeta koto ga shiawase deshita
meguriau omoi kishikata yukusue
tsudoi hitohira futahira irodoru
kimi to tadoru tsukiyo wo kobamu hodo no yarazu no ame
sore wa yume to mimagau you na
sore wa koi to mimagau you na toki deshita
And as the song finishes, Riku and Tenshi turned to each other and bowed. Tenshi gave Riku a bright smile and faded away. Riku just closed his eyes as a single tear just dropped on his face. Yuragi put his hand on his shoulder to see if he's okay and Riku just nodded.
The crowd clapped and cheered for OG's performance and some of the people started crying from the song.
Yuyuko: Ara~ I didn't expect Tenshi-chan to make an appearance.
Yuyuko said as she covered her mouth with her fan.
Remilia: Very unexpected indeed. kukuku.....well played Riku.
Remilia said that as she was wiping the tears on her sister's eyes.
Yuyuko: However.....with Tenshi-chan showing up, she had to use a lot of energy to project herself on stage...
Lisa: Then what happens to her?
Yuyuko: She'll probably need to sleep inside Riku-kun's mindscape for a while to recover the energy she used.
Kasumi: Why did Tenshi-san had my Random Star?
Arisa: Well.....the Random Star is originally hers. Once she passed away...her family gave her guitar to us...and her father says that Riku-san gifted that guitar to her as a birthday present.
Kasumi started to think that if she deserves to use the guitar. And she's even thinking of giving her Random Star to Riku. But it looks like Riku approves Kasumi in using Tenshi's guitar so she threw that idea. Instead, Kasumi is more determined to do what she can with the guitar that was entrusted to her.
Kyoya: Well Mafuyu...what do you think?
Mafuyu was just silent. She can't even describe what she saw from his brother. Everything was perfect, as if it was all planned out from the very beginning. It terrifies her. Mafuyu felt a hand that was on her head and it was her grandfather patting her head.
As Riku and OG left the stage. It's time for the voting to begin. SirActionSlacks showed up on the stage and gave them the rundown on how to vote. The rules are very simple, the people in the arena and at home will rank their favorite band from 1st to 4th (For example: 1st - TSM, 2nd - OG, 3rd - Gaimin, 4th - Tundra). They're given one hour to cast their votes, and at the end of the hour, the band that has the most 1st place votes will be declared the winner of the Future World Fes.
Meanwhile with the boys
Hovet Arena – OG's Locker Room
Riku POV
We've finally finished and now we deserve a well earned break.....even though it's for an hour. Johan had the idea to call the other bands to join us and celebrate for a job well done and all of them were on board as there were so many food here and we can't finish it by ourselves.
After waiting for a few minutes, the other bands showed up and brought some food too...oh boy...
The celebration lasted nearly an hour and we make sure that we don't drink as we don't want a bunch of drunken boys once they announce the winner.
While the boys were talking with each other, I was just on a vacant chair drinking some juice as I watch the panelists on the TV in the room.
Sheever: Now before we reveal the winner of the Future World Fes, there is one more thing to show you guys. If you please, turn your attention on the screen as we reveal you a special presentation.
I called the boys to quiet down and told them that they're showing a special presentation and if my guess is right....it's time
The video starts by showing 2011 and I know where this is going....they're showing one of the best moments in TI.
2011
"There you have it! Na'Vi!! Are your inaugural International Champions!"
The first clip was a shot of Na'Vi winning the first TI....although the venue was small from the beginning....it turned into something big....and it changed the world of music forever.
2012
"Standing ovation from the crowd!!! And that's it! Na'Vi are going to the Grand Finals for the second year in a row!!"
The second one showed one of the greatest plays in TI history or it's known as..."The Play".
2013
"Alliance wins!!! They win TI3!! And Alliance just won 1.4 million dollars! They are your International Champions!!
The third clip shows Alliance lifting the Aegis as they win TI3 with Na'Vi on the side and hugging each other.
2014
"Newbee are your TI4 Champions!! China's second championship in three years!!
The fourth clip is Newbee lifting the Aegis as China wins their second TI.
2015
"And from UniVeRsE! IT'S A DISASTAH!!!"
The fifth clip shows Evil Geniuses' UniVeRsE's 6 million dollar drum solo, crushing the hopes of CDEC winning China's third TI and EG for winning North America's first TI.
2016
"TWO TIME FUTURE WORLD FES WINNERS!! YOU ARE GONE!!! THE FILIPINOS HAVE ELIMINATED OG!!! TNC HAVE DONE IT!!! THE DREAM IS A REALITY!!!!"
The sixth clip shows TNC, a bunch of Filipinos who pulled the biggest upset in TI history. Beating OG 2-0 and eliminating them in TI completely.
2017
"Team Liquid are the first band in TI history to whitewash a Grand Final!! 3-0 onto Newbee!!!"
The seventh clip shows Team Liquid doing the impossible, by sweeping Newbee 3-0 as the make their mark as the only band to sweep a finals in TI at that time.
2018
"CEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEB!!!!!!!!"
The eighth clip showed Ceb's clutch piano solo to force the fifth set against PSG.LGD, and making OG's miraculous comeback.
2019
"OG are your two time TI Champions they've done it Fogged!!"
The ninth clip showed OG. The first and only band to win two TI's in a row. Cementing themselves as the greatest band in TI history.
2020
"Can Yatoro give the crowd another encore here at TI10? Absolutely! Yatoro!!!"
And the tenth clip showed me performing on stage against PSG.LGD. And the fans were demanding an encore in which I did and won the match to go to OG's third straight Grand Finals.
And suddenly the screen goes black....and a few second....there were few cherry blossom petals....no...no way....
"The stage is set...for the first time...20 bands will be chosen...to take battle in the Land of the Rising Sun."
The screen shows the Hakugyouku Arena...so TI will be held in Japan.....
"The battle...awaits."
The International 2021
Tokyo, Japan
After the video ended, we can literally hear the cheers of the crowd all the way from here and the boys looked at me as I'm the only Japanese in the room. Youmu was nowhere to be found because she left to go to Yuyuko-san.
Skitter: Iku, you know that TI will be at Japan?
I just shook my head as this is the first time I've heard it.
Riku: No. I thought that they were doing it in Singapore.
I started to think of things on why they decided to do TI in Japan and something clicked.
Riku: Of course...why didn't I think of it...
Sneyking: So you got an idea?
I just nodded and just tell them what Slacks told me back in April. Normally they have no right to know, but since I fully trust them, I decided to tell them.
Timado: So your country will be a new addition to the circuit?
Riku: Yup. If all goes well, you boys will have new competition and I will have more time behind the scenes to make sure no one screws it up.
Ace:That I can't wait.
Riku: Me too Ace.....me too. Let's clean up shall we? I'm having a feeling that they will call us on stage later.
We began to clean the room while we wait for the staff to call us.
A little longer than a few minutes later
After we cleaned up the room, one of the staff called us and tells us to head to the stage. As we got to the stage, ODPixel was already there holding a white envelope.
ODPixel: Ladies and gentlemen, the time is now. Voting has officially ended. And I have the results...right here.
Everyone was cheering as they can't wait to hear who wins he entire tournament.
ODPixel: Now.....this is how things will work out....lights please!
Then all of a sudden the lights went out and 4 spotlights were directed at us and the other bands.
ODPixel: Thank you. Now this is very simple, when the bands spotlight turns off. That will be your placing in this tournament. The last band to have their spotlight still lit, will be the winner. Okay....in fourth place....is.....
OD snapped his fingers and right on his signal, Gaimin's spotlight dimmed off. And everyone was surprised. They didn't expect that Gaimin took fourth. Gaimin head back to their locker room as OD continues the announcement.
ODPixel: Now that leaves us with three bands left standing....in third place...is.....
He snapped his fingers again and this time....Tundra's spotlight dimmed off. And now...it's just us and TSM....
ODPixel: And now we're left with the final two....OG and TSM. The juggernaut of Western Europe and the last hope for North America. Both bands have performed to their very best. But for one of you....will be North America's first ever Future World Fes, and the other will be their seventh. The most wins in a single band. best of luck to both bands. The winner...of the ESL One Future World Fes Stockholm....is...
As the atmosphere was getting intense from the waiting I close my eyes, held my breath as I wait for the name that will come out of OD's mouth.....it wasn't long....and it happened....
ODPixel: OG!!!!
When I heard our band's name, my knees gave out and knelt on the ground as I hear the cheers from the crowd. The boys began to pile up on me as they celebrate their first tournament. Taiga helped me up as Johan was talking to Misha via video message.
I looked at TSM and just went to where they are and gave them congratulations on taking second place. Afterwards I looked at the trophy and just looked at the boys and they know what to do.
Meanwhile in Japan - Eientei
3rd POV
Kaguya and Aichi were hugging each other as they cheer for Riku's win, Mokou was just sitting and puts out a smile as she close her eyes.
Kaguya: Riku won Aichi!
Aichi: Not just him Kaguya. It's him and nee-san who won.
Kaguya: You're right....
Now back to Stockholm at the VIP area
While Riku and OG were celebrating their win on stage, the girls were celebrating on Riku's victory.
Kasumi: Senpai did it Arisa!! He won!!
Arisa: Kasumi!....I'll let this one slide.
Kasumi was clinging on Arisa. While the latter tries to get her off, she decided to let it slide as this is a happy moment.
Saaya: Congratulations Riku-kun.
Tae and Rimi were clapping as the latter was crying while clapping.
Ran was just looking at Riku happily as Moca tried to tease her.
Moca: Like what you seeing Ran?~
Ran: I'm just happy to see nii-san smile, nothing more.....I think I might have an idea on what our next song is gonna be.
Moca: Ho~~~~ can't wait for that one~
Kokoro and Hagumi were hugging each other as they were jumping up and down.
Hagumi: Kokoron! Rikkun won!!
Kokoro: HM! This call for a celebration!!
Misaki: Don't do it here!!
Kaoru: Congratulations ani-sama!...what bothers you Chisato?
Chisato: Nothing...I'm just happy for Riku that's all.
Kaoru: You know this is the one time where you should show how you feel for him right?
Chisato: No.....it's for the best. After all it's not just my style.....
Kaoru just shrugged her shoulders and see Chisato pumping her fist knowing that she was happy. Kaoru just chuckled as Chisato was so obvious.
Hina: Riku-kun won onee-chan!!
Hina was hugging Sayo while Sayo is trying to get Hina off of her.
Sayo: Get off me Hina! Not in front of the public!
Flandre: Onee-sama! Onii-san won!! Can I go where he is right now?
Remilia: Let him have his moment Flan. You can do it once we go back to the hotel.
Chiyu: Iku is now one step ahead.....alright girls! Once we get back to Japan, it's practice time! Iku gave us an opportunity to prove ourselves and we're not letting it go to waste! Am I clear on that?
RaS: HAI!!
Ako: Girls!! Where's RinRin?
The girls stopped their celebration as they try to look left and right for Rinko. Kyoya pointed the direction where Rinko is and they have an idea on what she's doing.
Back on the stage
Riku POV
After TSM left and we finish chatting with Misha through video message, we go to the trophy podium. But Slacks was there ready to interview us before we lift the trophy. And before we began the interview I felt someone hugging me from behind, surprising not only us on stage, but also the crowd as well. I looked at the one who hugged me and it was Rinko, with tears on her eyes and a blushed face.
Riku: Rinko.....why're you here?
Rinko: I just want to congratulate you directly.....you kept your promise...
Rinko just hugged me as she buried her face on my chest. It took me a while to think, but I just hugged her back and I can hear the cheers from the crowd. I can even hear someone whistling. Slacks is right next to me as he's finished interviewing the other four. I pat Rinko's back and break the hug and I hold her hand tight to make sure she doesn't go anywhere.
SirActionSlacks: And finally Iku. You answered the call, you took the substitution, you did your thing yet again! And now, you're a five time Future World Fes Winner! How does it feel, to play once again in a stage like this?
Before I even begin talking, the crowd started cheering so loud, I can't hear what my band is saying. We waited till the crowd quieted down as I answer Slacks' question.
Riku: I mean it's kinda surreal man. I didn't expect that I get to perform here and this wasn't in my plan at all. I was enjoying my life as a high school student back in Japan. But you know, when OG calls for help, I always answer the call. they're my brothers. And as for playing here. It felt great. I'm happy for the support that we've been getting and it's just.....man....I love you guys.
SirActionSlacks: And what about that young girl holding your hand. What is she to you?
Riku: She's someone very important to me....and the reason why I'm here. I promised her that I'll win this and I just did.
SirActionSlacks: Okay.....If you boys don't mind, look in front of you. The trophy is yours! Go get it!
At Slacks' words, me and the boys go to the trophy podium Rinko followed us with Johan beside her. the five of us surround the trophy, we held the trophy with our hands. And on my mark, we hoist the trophy and the cheering was loud. I can tell the trophy weighs like...15 kilograms so it's kinda heavy for some. After I finished my turn on lifting the trophy, I go to Rinko as I gave her something to say to the girls.
Riku: Rinko. Tell the others to go to the hotel ASAP.
Rinko: Eh? But why?
Riku: After this, our podcast will start once we get to the hotel. The seats in our podcast are limited so you better hurry.
Rinko nodded and went back to the VIP area as I wait for the boys to do their thing.
Riku: Alright boys! Now we're done here, let's head back to the hotel!
Timeskip
Hakugyoku Hotel Stockholm Branch - AVR
5:30 P.M.
3rd POV
After the Future World Fes ended, Riku and the boys packed everything up and head back to the hotel ASAP as they're on a tight schedule and they have only 30 minutes left. Luckily they've found a shortcut on their way to the hotel and saved them time.
Right now they're at the back stage of the AVR waiting for the podcast to begin. While Riku was waiting, he got a message from Rinko and tells him that they're already inside. Riku puts his phone back and Juan, OG's CEO begins the podcast.
Juan: Welcome everyone to the Monkey Business Show! And this is the Future World Fes Aftershow! Let's get this started and greet our seven time Future World Fes Champions! OG!!
The boys made their way to the stage while Riku is holding the trophy and started waving to the people that attended the podcast as they started to cheer and chanting "OG". Riku puts the trophy on the pedestal in front of them and made their way to the seats that was behind them.
A long table with seven chairs. Juan is sitting on the middle and on his left was Yuragi, Taiga and Riku next to his left and on his right were Ammar, bzm and Johan next to his right.
Juan: First of all, congratulations guys! Job well done out there. How are you guys feeling today?
Riku: I feel good right now man. After wining it, it makes me feel so good. And I feel tired as well.
Juan: Okay. What about you Ammar? We haven't heard you talking a lot. How are you feeling right now?
Ammar: I'm feeling great, for sure. Feeling good for what happened today, and uh.....there's not much to say.
Juan: Alright. Yuragi. On a scale of 1 to 10, how are you feeling right now.
Yuragi: 10. Absolute 10.
Juan: Tommy? What about you?
Taiga: I feel amazing man. I feel that my parents are very proud of me right now, winning this tournament. I felt like it took a weight off of my shoulders.
Juan: bzm my friend. How about you?
bzm: okayish?
Everyone just laughed at it as bzm just says it jokingly. The podcast continued for several minutes talking about the boys' experience on stage, then one topic stood out.
Juan: Riku. I know that there is something that you wanted to share.
Riku: Oh that! Oh how much I want to say this to everyone! Okay, this fucker Ammar had the craziest tactic that he had and it was called the "Ammar Test". It was day 3 in the group stage, and we were preparing some songs for the day. And he was like "Did you perform this in the public once?" and I was like "Yeah, I did" and he says "Okay, we'll do that". And then I recommended him a song that I created two months before the tournament started and he said "Did you perform this in the public too?" and I was like "No. I just wrote the song" and he said "Not happening".
Everyone laughed as they hear the conversation.
Riku: And I was like "Bruh!! I'm fucking confident that we can do this with this song!!". And I'm not gonna lie, if we really used that song on the group stage, we could've gotten at least eight million votes tops. And don't worry, it's just a joke. Reason why Ammar was doing that is that we choose the songs that we are comfortable playing with. To make sure no one would be a burden. and that's one of the traits the I like with him. Caring for your band mates to make sure they don't take the whole blame.
The conversation continued for minutes until they get to the Q&A segment. Where they pick one of the audience and ask some questions to the boys. As the fans were raising their hands, Riku pointed someone and was given the mic so they can ask their question.
Riku: To the lucky person, tell us your name, your country and your question.
Todd: Well...my name is Todd, I'm from France. And I want to ask something to Iku. Coming to this tournament and winning it, do you consider coming out of retirement?
Riku: Hmmmmmm...coming out of retirement...I can't....not now. I still have a lot on my plate back in Japan. I still keep in touch in the competitive scene though. Like I say, I will always answer the call, but it will depend on the schedule that i have. And I will say this now, I'm not vacant from July to September. Many things needed to be done....family matters.....but I will return in the near future once things settle down in Japan.....and it's either with OG, a band that I form in Japan or as a producer for another band.
The fans were happy that Riku isn't retiring completely and plans to come back in the near future.
After that, the Q&A segment continued until it reached 7:00 and ended the podcast right at that time as it is time for dinner.
Meanwhile in an unknown location
We cut into a fortress that is located within the mountains and we see in a room there are 5 people in that room. And one of them was the commander of the Black Fang, Brendan Reed.
Brendan: Linus.
Brendan called a man with blonde hair with black eyes, wearing a black shirt, a maroon coat, brown pants, black boots and carrying a huge sword on his back. He is Linus Reed. Son of Brendan Reed, younger brother of Lloyd. Known as the "Mad Dog" for his savagery.
Brendan: Llyod.
Brendan called Lloyd as he nodded in response.
Brendan: Ursula.
Brendan called a woman with short indigo hair, wearing a dark violet one piece dress. She is Ursula. Known as the "Blue Crow".
Brendan: Jaffar.
Brendan called a man who was leaning on a pillar. He has red hair, red eyes, wearing a black tank top and black pants. He also has two knives on his waist. He is Jaffar or known as the "Angel of Death".
Brendan looked at the four people who are gathered in the room and sat on his chair.
Brendan: Good. Now that the Four Fangs have gathered.....let the meeting commence.
Meanwhile in between dimensions
In between dimensions, we see an adult woman with purple eyes and long blonde hair. She carries a pink lace parasol and a paper fan and rides on a red that leads to an unknown destination. She wears a deep purple dress, a pale pink mob cap with a thin red ribbon and smaller ribbons tied liberally on her accessories and the tips of her hair.
She's none other than Yakumo Yukari. Matriarch of the Yakumo Family, the strongest of the Celestial Families and leader of the Seven Sages.
Reason why she's here is to observe the actions of the Black Fang in regards to Shinomiya Oko. She'll only act if things go south.
Yukari: It has begun.....let's see what secrets they're hiding.....ufufufufufufufu~
Yukari was letting out a chuckle as she covers her mouth with her fan.
Future World Fes Stockholm Results:
1st – OG – 680 PBC Points - $1,200,000
2nd – TSM – 610 PBC Points - $750,000
3rd – Tundra – 530 PBC Points - $550,000
4th – Gaimin Gladiators – 460 PBC Points - $350,000
5th-6th – Thunder Awaken/beastcoast – 385 PBC Points - $250,000
7th-8th – BetBoom/Fnatic – 285 PBC Points - $200,000
9th-12th – Team Spirit/Team Liquid/BOOM RIVALRY/T1 - $100,000
13th-14th – Evil Geniuses/Mind Games
Professional Band Circuit Standings (Post Future World Fes Stockholm):
1st – OG (Western Europe) – 1610 Points*
2nd – PSG.LGD (China) – 1400 Points*
3rd – Thunder Awaken (South America) – 1335 Points*
4th – TSM (North America) – 1030 Points
5th – Team Spirit (Eastern Europe) – 990 Points
6th – Fnatic (Southeast Asia) – 865 Points
7th – Tundra (Western Europe) – 800 Points
8th – Gaimin Gladiators (Western Europe) – 760 Points
9th – beastcoast (South America) – 745 Points
10th – BetBoom (Eastern Europe) – 685 Points
11th – Xtreme (China) – 540 Points
12th – Team Aster (China) – 540 Points
Bands with an (*) are qualified to The International in Tokyo. Minimum required points is 1,200. The top 12 bands that has the most points after the Future World Fes in Arlington will qualify to The International. Every member change throughout the season will be minus 30 PBC points for each member change on the band.
A/N: And with this, the Future World Fes Arc has come to an end. The next arc will be Riku's "Normal" Life Arc.
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