Seiyu

Prologue: In the studio

Kyousuke Kousaka could feel rivets of sweat dribbling down his face under large hot lamps that illuminated his confinement in this small, stuffy, tiny room. He gritted his teath, knowing than anything he would say or do will be closely watched from the little window to his left. His gaze shifted forwards towards a large silver contraption, where a single microphone loomed in front of him, ready to record his every utterance.

Oh why in hell was he here!?

Suddenly, there was a sound of static, and the loudspeaker above blared to life, startling the young man from his stupor.

"Kyousuke-Shi, what is the matter? Are you okay?"

The familiar voice of Saori snapped Kyousuke out of his increasingly negative thoughts. He gasped a few breaths and shook his head fiercely.

"Sorry Saori-San," said he, "I guess I'm a little nervous."

Another voice came over the intercom; this one was high and cheerful.

"That's okay, Kousaka-San, take your time," said the voice, "It's not like we have a deadline or anything, right?"

The young man laughed at this quip.

"Hold on," the voice continued, "I'll turn on the fan for you."

Moments later, cool streams of air came blowing in through overhead vents, and just like that, the young man felt his tension release.

He heaved a huge breath, and then flashed his observers a bright smile.

"Much better now, thanks for that," he said, "And thank you Saori-San for giving me this opportunity."

"Nani nani," Saori cried modestly, "Besides, it was Kanakana-chan who offered it."

Kyousuke smiled. "Of course," He said, bowing, "Arigato, Kanata-San."

"Nanda!" Saori's friend laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head.

"I should be the one thanking you. Without you filling in for us, we would surely have canceled Maschera's season finale!"

The creator of Maschera, Kanata Kurusu, beamed as she sat behind the plexglass barrier. Next to her sat Saori, who wore her usual paid shirt and jeans.

"Honestly, when Lucifer's voice actor called in sick, I didn't know what to do!" Cried Kanata, "Saori-Shi, I really have to thank you for finding such a wonderful talent!"

Saori smiled."Glad we could help!"

Kyousuke chuckled, then took a deep breath. "Okay," he said at last, "Shall we begin?"

Kanata cheered. "Alright! Get ready in 5...4...3...2..."