The God Only His Idols Knows
Original Title: The World Only God Knows / 神のみぞ知るセカイ x THE iDOLMASTER: Cinderella Girls
Original Concept by Tamiki Wakaki / NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc
Written by: wrathie
Author's Notes: This Oneshot (?) is in response to my feelings of Episode 6 of The iDOLMASTER: Cinderella Girls Animation Project.
Author's Notes: I'd recommend watching the episode to know why I was so upset about it. Seriously, A-1 Pictures, are you serious? He is the producer after all! What kind of lines was that! In any case, this is a oneshot and will hopefully stay that way.
I was persuaded by bowpurity to write this, so I did - and I released it before Episode 7 is going to be released in Japan, Thank God. I hope A-1 Pictures don't screw this up.
I had fun writing up what I feel was appropriate for Keima to actually be an Idol Producer/Promoter and the backstory was the most fun I had in a while.
bowpurity is my beta for this, and sort of my co-author since he wrote the last part, I was fine with it, it fits.
I'll update the cover to be part of the TWOGK series in a week or two's time.
Happy Lunar Chinese New Year to everyone.
EDIT - It has evolved past a single oneshot!
BowP notes: Honestly, when I see rage, a feeling I know fully well, what it means, and what it takes. And that's why I encouraged this to be written. I don't know much about Idolmaster other then it has way too many idols, but I do know Keima. An older Keima is a very interesting character to take, but I still don't think he'll be married, lol.. Lastly, a fit of brilliance made me write the ending. Well, without further due. Enjoy!
..
Katsuragi Keima gave a relieved sigh after seeing their debut performance go off without a hitch, at least for now. There is still much to do and he turned to give the backstage crew nods of thanks before heading back to observe their performance.
It is going to be a difficult few weeks for them if they were going to be ready for the release of their first Single and their own debut in their unit.
He was their producer and their promoter, and if they wanted to be the best they could be, he expected them to put more effort into it now that they showed that small glimmering bit of raw potential he had seen in them.
The three girls, Shimamura Uzuki, Shibuya Rin and Honda Mio were part of a new unit, the "Cinderella Project" that he had been asked to take care of as part of 346 Production after coming out of his retirement.
..
The first girl, Shimamura Uzuki was the center of the group, she might not have the most talent – that title went to Shibuya Rin, but Shimamura Uzuki's kindness and enthusiasm was enough to lit up the whole room regardless of whether you know her.
The second girl, Shibuya Rin was cold and difficult to approach, but she had the most raw talent and ability hidden inside her. She had the least formal training; and had not even wanted to be an Idol until Uzuki had persuaded her but she had absorbed the lessons the best. Be it in vocals or dance, Rin was the best in the unit.
Also, she was the one who would help pull the others up to the levels where they would need to be if they wish to break apart from the rest of the Idols.
The third girl and the leader, Honda Mio, was the energy of the group – she was the one that drove the girls to reach their goals, the courage that burned away their hesitation and the tinder who would consume them with passion and love for their occupation.
Her natural tendency of being easily carried away was also her strength, she was a born adventurer and that appetite of the unknown would help the girls reach the next level without fear.
..
Katsuragi Keima once known as the Otoshi-gami 落とし神, the Capturing God had been credited throughout the world as the man whom single handedly resurrected the galgame genre and made it a global phenomenon.
However all things do come to an end, and with the decline of the galgame genre after a long and painful series of disappointing releases, downloadable content, dropping sales and his own growing lament that the companies have lost their soul, the Otoshi-gami had taken refuge away from the current world of 2D, his world had been ruined by the profit mongering companies and the holy land no longer had an infinite horizon. Currently, he was beyond the horizon, drifting in the void after he had finished every gal game from the start of the "Dark age of the galgame" to time beginning. To the games of today, he look at them in contempt
So deep was his contempt that he refused to work in regards to the ideal, not wanting to suffer from the pain of having his work butchered completely, and went into the real instead – taking on the job as a Producer and Idol promoter for a new startup that was trying their hands in managing women to be singers and entertainer.
Since that time, he had seen many Idols come and go under his wing. He remembered all of them; those who succeeded and those who gave up. Those who are still performing, and those who are still struggling to reach the expectations that he had for them.
He always had lofty expectations of all of the girls who wanted to be Idols, for idols in his heart should be the shining example of humanity. Someone that should be looked up on, and regardless of gender, Idols have to be the best of the best.
That was what he felt should be the bare minimum they should do if they wish to be called an Idol. Someone like Nagakawa Kanon would understand but the popular idol had left the world of entertainment a few years into her prime to settle down with someone. She still made infrequent guests appearances and there were still fans, but her heyday was over.
It was a pity, for Keima truly felt that she would have been able to outshine many of the so called Idols of the current age. She would understand the blood, sweat and tears that one had to do to even be noticed.
Nowadays, any 2-bit fan with a camcorder and a MyTube account can be a mini sensation just by posting a video of them singing, bonus points if they were made up like fashion dolls or in revealing clothes.
The 'Idol Search' shows that were all the rage just added to the saturation of Idols in the market, and god knows how many 'Idols' there were performing in the scene now.
One would be hard pressed to find a day where Idols did not perform more often than most in a venue around Japan.
..
The Capturing God's first group of Idols was a resounding success, the four girls were hardworking and it helped that Keima knew them from his past. It was with both Nakagawa Kanon vouching that had gotten Keima the job, and he proved to be a master in promoting idols.
His experience as the Capturing God allowed him to find out what worked best for the girls, the image they should portray and how to generate publicity without even trying.
There was no scandals under his watch as his schedule was as strict as can be. There wasn't a minute that was not micromanaged, their conversations tutored until he ensured that not one line could be crossed and Keima worked beyond his best ability to ensure they reach the top as quickly; and scandal free as possible.
if not for the girls' desire to be the best that ever could, to top the charts and to be a worldwide phenomenon instead of just limited to their nation, it might have broken them.
In the end though, it had paid off, and they were going on a world tour in just over a year, holding sold out concerts with thousands of fans worldwide and their popularity was so great so that they could barely get a breather every day.
Their success was amazing, but it took a great toll on their physical and mental health – Keima did his best, but their careers were put on a hold when they asked for a term of absence to recuperate after a particularly draining movie filming gig.
The break ended up being the end of the career, as they only realized how far they have climbed, and how distant they were with their families and their lives that they couldn't stand it.
They were barely out of college then, and together they made the decision to end their career and to rebuild the lives they have lost in that 2-3 years period.
Keima had fully agreed with their decision, giving them a smile as he supported them in their sudden drop off from the idol world, handling things in such a manner that not a single fan was upset at their disappearance. Other managers could only look on in shock and wonder at his work.
His efforts had cemented their popularity and image as one of the most successful, if short-lived, Idol careers in history. In retrospect, the trio's decision to leave was surprisingly well timed, as they probably could never continue their success in today's changing trends with their current level and image.
The girls were not extremely talented, they were just hardworking after all.
..
Keima's own career skyrocketed after his success; and he would promote and manage many other girls trying to be Idols and in his opinion, his first group, the 2B pencils were still his best and most resounding success.
In his most humble opinion, he lived to bring out the best out of the girls who he selected. Those few hopeful ones who deserve to have their chance in the spotlight. His heart and his soul was spent on those under his charge, and countless hours were spent in Otoshigami mode as he operated eight computers at once, collecting and managing data so rapidly that it startled anyone whom watched as he worked.
After many successful, and unsuccessful attempts where the girls themselves quit, Keima's reputation in the Idol industry was cut short when he was persuaded by his wife to settle down as well.
She had been insistent, and her tendencies to show violence having not dwindled even after the years, Keima had acceded to her request and tendered his resignation after ensuring his last Idol group would be properly taken care off by his disciple.
They reached the heights that Keima predicted they were able to reach, but also fell from them due to unproven scandals when his disciple was too soft with them.
As the years rolled by, Keima was surprised when he received a call from one of his benefactors with a request he could not refuse.
He had asked Keima to come out of his retirement to help promote and manage a green group of Idols, and as much as Keima wanted to refuse, he had relented when his wife had decided that she was going on a world tour as well and would be away from home for the better part of two years.
Two years out of retirement, that was all he promised – and that was why he was here, at 346 Productions looking in abject disappointment as Honda Mio, the one who he elected as the leader of the group declare that she would quit after a minor setback of not the audience not being as engaged as she thought they'll be. She had the biggest expectations out of the entire group regarding their debut and invested heavily into it. She had even invited her friends to attend her debut and from that point he knew that the girl was invested.
He was cautiously optimistic about that, because being so invested would also give her the drive to try harder, to put more of herself into getting better and not complain about the increasing workload in the future.
Their debut performance was not flawless, but it was good enough for a bunch of rookies. He personally felt that Nitta Minami and Anastasia performed better; and had schooled their expectations to what was acceptable for a rookie.
Out of the 'New Generations', Mio had the most belief in their group, Uzuki was torn as she had low self esteem and Rin was the most skeptical of the trio.
The two units receiving only lukewarm response was as expected of a rookie group, but that had only shattered Mio's own image in front of her friends.
Keima found himself moving before he realized it and he caught her arm, preventing her from leaving.
He knew intellectually that she was just hurt, but he also knew that she was also hurting those around her, those that had faith in her, those who relied on her and even those who had paved the way for her.
That itself made him mad, and Mio had to be made aware of her failings by giving up in this fashion.
..
Keima's eyes bore into Mio as she tried to wrestle free from his firm grip on her arm. Just seeing the shorter girl still dressed in her debut uniform struggle to get away called forth another well of emotions, all of them negative and he couldn't help but be harsh when he spoke to her.
"Stop this right now, Mio." When that did not even get a response from her, he took matters into his own hand and slapped her in the cheek. The sound of his hand hitting her cheek could be easily heard and a hushed silence descended on the group that had been listening to Mio shouting her disappointment.
Behind the two of them were the other two members of 'New Generation', "Love Laika" and the seasoned Idol Jougasaki Mika. He could see in his peripheral vision that his actions had caused Rin to step forward in anger, but she was stopped by Mika who shook her head. He was grateful for that, he needed to knock some sense into Mio, and he did not need interference when he was doing his job.
"I am disappointed in you, Mio." His voice was stern, but soft and when Mio regained enough of her senses to look back at him, she couldn't help but flinch when she saw the sheer disappointment in his eyes.
"I expected more from you, much more, that's why I did not disagree when the others elected you as the leader. You are the energy of the group, and even if Uzuki is the core, the centre, you are the energy and the one that drives the others back. You encourage all the rest, and your enthusiasm propels them forward. You drive them forward; and it is that energy that eventually won over the others who should have gotten the chance before all of you."
Keima knew that it was not just Maekawa Miku who felt indignant or slightly resentful to have been passed over when it came to giving them debuts. The three of them were the rookies of the rookies as besides Uzuki, Mio and Rin did not even take part in any Idol practises.
Futaba Anzu aside, the other girls had put in much more time and effort and what did they get? They got to see three rookies have everything they wanted to do handed to them on a silver platter.
The trio were offered the role of backup dancers from Jougasaki Mika, allowing them to introduce themselves to other established Idols and even got their debut and Single release earlier than the others.
It was only because the girls were kind, enthusiastic, and humble that bad blood did not manifest in the company.
But Mio's outburst threatened that, and he couldn't have that.
"Have you ever known how far you've gotten, how much you have achieved in the past month? You've done, and been exposed to more experience than your fellow Idols in training in the same Project, and you want to give up now?"
His voice was incredulous and when Mio flinched again, he knew he was getting his point across to her.
"Are you listening Mio, because that's what you are doing to them. Are you not satisfied that you got the ideal start to your budding career? The three of you have experienced success like no other in the Project, and because of one setback, no... It is not even a setback. That was as best of an outcome as you could get, the best possible debut you could achieve as a rookie – you still wish to quit? Do not make me laugh." Keima spat venom at the end, and this caused Mio to stutter.
"I, I... I just wanted something more... t-the crowd, th-they-"
"So you are disappointed in the audience? The same people who applauded your first performance after seeing it through? Your friends who still supported you? Is that what you are implying? Do you want me to tell them that? You'll be the laughing stock of the entire world if you just think about it."
Keima had some satisfaction when Mio paled but he was not done yet.
"You wish to quit? I won't allow it, I will not, because I thought that you, the three of you could handle it. All three of you were nervous at your first performance. I saw it – and yet the three of you bounced back magnificently to put on a performance without showing that you were rookies. I was relieved, because then I knew the three of you could do it and this is what you repay me, your two friends and all the other girls who gave you their blessings?" Keima paused as he shifted his body so that Mio could see her friends, Mio, Uzuki, Minami, Anastasia and Mika looking at her. The girls of the Cinderella Project looked away when Mio looked past his shoulders. From the corner of his eyes, he spotted Mika, grimly shaking her head in disappointment and Keima knew that would hurt Mio the most.
"So I won't let you quit, you owe it to Uzuki and Rin to keep going on. You also owe it to all the dreams, the tears and the pain that all other Idols in our unit, and those who gave way to you to keep trying."
When Mio started crying harder, trying to stutter a reply, Keima cut her off again.
"Do you want everything on a silver platter like you have during the gig? Do you want Jougasaki Mika to hold your hands through the next performance? She is established because of her hard work, I can even say that Minami and Anastasia had put in more thought, experience and determination than you did." Keima's hands found his way to Mio's chin and he pushed it up to meet his eyes. He was still furious even if the other girls might never forgive him for this.
"So you will not quit, or you will be trampling on their dreams, and if you do that and still do that after what I told you, you aren't fit to be their friend, much less an idol. You should not even have said you wanted to become one. Is this the extent of your determination? Is that the extent of your ability to withstand disappointment and failure? There is no shortcut to be an Idol, and there will be times where you fail. Do you think Mika's debut went flawless? Did you recognize her name the first time she debuted? Did you see the hours of work, and dedication and tears that she shed just to get this far? And you expect yourself to be able to match her with your first performance? Again, do not make me laugh."
Keima released Mio and turned his back at her, nodding slightly to allow Uzuki and Rin to go to their friend's side.
"Remember this, Mio. An Idol is someone worthy of respect, admiration and to be in awe of. You have yet to show me anything that would qualify to be an Idol."
"You're wrong! Y-You're wrong! I, I still want to be an Idol! I, I... I just... I was..." Mio's about turn didn't surprise him, he always knew what the right lines to say to ignite the fire of his charges.
He was the Capturing God after all, and there was no one he couldn't read or to motivate.
"Then prove me wrong. Prove to me that you can bounce back, don't say that you will quit, because if your dream is to be an Idol, you will never quit. What is your dream, why do you wish to be an Idol? Tell me, Mio, Uzuki and you too, Rin."
"If you don't, find the answer, and I want the answer tomorrow – or the New Generations will be disbanded even before the release of your single. That... is what I believe will be the right thing to do. It would be my mistake in allowing a group of girls who do not even know why they are here to debut." Keima's ultimatum made the members of 'Love Luvia' gasp but he paid them no heed. Instead he locked eyes with Jougasaki Mika and the seasoned Idol nodded her head slightly in understanding.
The older Jougasaki sister had not been in his care, but she had always given him her respect as with the rest of the other Idols part of the production company. He did not question their treatment but always wondered why that was the case.
"Meet me at the office tomorrow at 9am with your answer."
Keima strode off stiffly, only to be followed by Jougasaki Mika while the members of 'Love Luvia' hurried to their friends.
..
"Isn't that a bit harsh?" Mika finally spoke when the two of them returned to the backstage where the crews were packing up their equipment.
"You are sheltering them too much, Mika." Keima replied curtly as he pinched his head in frustration. Perhaps he had been a little harsh, but his points were still valid.
"I know you dislike Idols who quit halfway, but they are still rookies... and very green. If you had said that to Minami or Anastasia, I wouldn't have minded so much. Is it because you scouted the three of them yourself?" Mika's question made Keima pause and he turned to look at her.
"She needs to hear this. You know that. The three of them are not special, not yet, they are just three girls who show potential, and who I believe can be the next generation of Idols. But if this is the extent of their resolve, then I was wrong. Perhaps I shouldn't have came back at all if this is all the next generation can offer." Keima's words made Mika pause but she shook her head in reply.
"Give them the benefit of doubt, they'll surprise you tomorrow. I'm sure of it." The pink haired girl gave him a roguish grin next as she flirted with him.
"But if you quit promoting them, then I want you to promote me, Producer~ I was very touched by the emotions and passion you showed for those girls. Are you sure you aren't cheating on your wife?"
Keima choose not to give an answer to that.
..
Keima entered his office at 9am sharp, and was not disappointed to see the girls waiting nervously for him. He kept them on their toes, ignoring their greetings before he seated himself at his seat and nodded to them.
Mio stepped forward first, and despite her potentially being the cause of their dismissal, Uzuki and Rin stepped behind her.
"Producer, I want to be an Idol because... I want to be like Mika-nee, and I... I want everyone to know the hard work that we put in." Mio was nervous, fidgeting in front of him as she tried looking at her friends for support. Keima was glad that their friendship had not been damaged despite her falling apart yesterday.
"Producer-san, I... I want to be an Idol because it's something wonderful to me. I always wish to be an Idol because I want to make others feel as happy as I do as an Idol." Uzuki was earnest and the hardworking girl's enthusiasm made up for the vague answer that Rin offered next.
"I'm not sure what being an Idol means to me. But I've decided to try and understand what Uzuki means, and since I'm here... I'll work as hard as it takes because of all the expectations others have for me. That's my answer to what an Idol means to me."
Keima took in their answers, and let their own words sink in before his hands went up to the bridge of his nose, pushing his glasses up in what he used to do as a teenager. This nostalgic feeling. Once again, he could see the ending in front of him.
Mio's minor freak out was nipped in the bud, and their hearts were burning even brighter. Nakagawa Kanon would be proud, he could still pick the best out of the best after all.
"Do you know why I picked you as the leader, Mio?" Keima continued, continuing when Mio shook her head.
"... I hoped you were able to motivate the other two to keep trying. Uzuki has the dream, but lacks confidence. Rin has confidence, but lacks the dream. You, Mio, has both in spades. You might no have the talent Rin has, nor the natural charisma Uzuki does. But you have the passion and the confidence to fight for your dream. I... expected more from you, all of you, than the other girls. That's why I was willing to let you perform with Jougasaki Mika and allow you to be nominated as the first unit together with Minami and Anastasia. To say that I was disappointed yesterday by your reaction is an understatement."
Keima's words made the three girls lower their head, and Mio tried babbling an apology – but Keima was not having it.
"I expected you to take up the challenge. That is what all Idols are supposed to do. You are forever alone, you against the world. The world will never acknowledge until you challenge it. Why do you cry when you know you deserve to be noticed? They should be the ones crying because they never noticed you. Why should you be frustrated when they don't pay attention? They should be the one frustrated when they missed your performance. You should be telling yourself that, to be indignant and motivated to be better, to show the world what you and your friends got. So what if they don't understand the three of you now? They will be the ones who will plead to try and get your attention. They will be the ones begging for you to look at them. Stand tall, be proud of yourself and never quit."
The conviction and faith in his voice shook the girls, and they started staring at him as if possessed. Keima ignored how the three girl's faces started to blush as they stared at him. That was not professional of them, but they were still rookies.
He knew he was the Capturing God, but for him to still be able to attract girls at his age is just... he suppressed his inner turmoil and just charged on ahead.
"That's what you should think. What I expected you to think for your group. That is what the leader of the group has to be. It is more than just being confident, it is to have faith in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself, believe in the others who believe in you. Believe in your friends who believe in you. Believe in the Mio, that Uzuki and Rin believes in. That is the Idol that you should be. If I have to tell you that-"
"I'm sorry! I-It, it won't happen again!" Mio interjected as she reached out to grasp his hand. The sudden reaction made Keima raise an eyebrow.
"... If I have to remind you again-"
"I won't! I'm- I'm sorry! Will you give me another chance?" Mio begged him and when Uzuki and Rin gathered around Mio, the three girls looking at him pleadingly, he raised his other hand to stop them.
"I never said whether your answer satisfied me -"
"I can only prove that I'm sincere with my actions, Producer! I... I was wrong, but after hearing your words..." Mio blushed, looking away awkwardly before charging on bluntly as usual.
"I, I realize that you were mad at me because I didn't meet your expectations... I, I didn't know Producer has so much faith in me." Mio rubbed the back of her head before grinning at him again – all the tears and resentment from yesterday gone like the wind, as if by magic.
But girls of her age were always hard to understand, wasn't it? He should know. They just needed a push – and if only harsh words could do that, then it was a bargain. Still, she still had the cheek to bounce back like that and to ignore her breakdown so easily? Keima just hoped that she had apologized to everyone else -
"I apologized to everyone, and... Producer was right, you are always right... I should never have doubted you when you said it was to be expected. I'll work harder, and I won't quit no matter what now that I know that Producer believes in me in that way." Mio winked at him, before flushing and pulling away from him when Rin cleared her throat.
"So... will you disband us, Producer?" Rin's cool demeanor was not matched by Uzuki, who clasped onto his other hand desperately.
"We'll work harder, Producer-san! Please, let us continue!"
Keima gave the three girls a pointed look before shaking his head, the three girls took it as a dismissal and their expression fell. Mio looked horrified, Uzuki looked like she was about to cry and Rin seemed torn.
"You have lessons to go to, don't you?" His soft answer made the three girls flinch before they looked at him with growing smiles, and replied in unison.
"Yes, Producer!"
..
He stood, watching the three girls brisk walk away from his office. Moving to close the door, the small silent smirk on his face went unseen as he returned to his chair.
He did not have a doubt in his mind. Clarity was his heart, and games was his soul. Hearing only the silent hums of computer fans, his impatience forges the path to nirvana. Continuously seeking parameters, his eyes sees the brightest ending. And so he plays, Unlimited Idol Works.
Author's Notes: For those who are familiar with TWOGK: MW - Jougasaki Mika was a huge influence on the OC - Kureha Haruka. But I didn't think she would be such a great match for her, the only visible difference is that Haruka has tanned skin.
