The Pride of the News
"And that is the news for today. I'm Aya Shameimaru of the Bunbunmaru news station, Signing off." The lights dimmed out as the director called for a cut. Aya Shameimaru, the Anchorwoman of the Bunbunmari news station for Gensokyo. She is renowned for telling the truth in news no matter how grim it is. For she takes pride in her work. And next to her is her Co-Anchor and newest addition, Hatate Himekaidou. She is a young girl with dreams of being as great as Aya. Since she was in High school, she ran her own paper to combat the school one. Needless to say, she spreads truth more than lies in the paper. With this skill in hand, she would set out to follow Aya and hopefully be a full member of the team.
"That was great Miss Aya. I think you really did well on that report!" a very excited Hatate commented to her. Aya was taking her earrings off while looking at her student of sorts. Their age difference is clear and their way of news gathering as well. Just then, Momiji called out.
"Hatate, Aya. How about we all go out to dinner? I know this great grill that serves all kinds of food." Momiji Inubashiri, the Weather girl. Compared to Aya, she is the cute one that the viewers enjoy to see on screen. Her attitude is always cheery no matter what. Momiji and Hatate are considered best friends since Hatate moved to the city.
So the two agreed while they walked down the streets from the station to the dining and show district. The grill they went to was run by the infamous Mystia Lorelei. Her grilling skill is unmatched, as well as her singing. On Saturday nights, she puts on a show and sings for all the customers. But everyone comes for her famous grilled eels. On this day, it was packed. The only seats open were at the large table top grill in the back. The three did not mind and walked with the hostess to the back room.
"SURPISE!" A group of workers from the News Station was already at their table. A banner wishing Aya a happy 40th birthday and small gifts on the side. Momiji grinned to Aya.
"Sorry for deceiving you like that. But it is the big Four O. We just had to throw something special." Aya was surprised by the group that was there. Hatate however had no idea Aya was Fourty. To her, she looked as young as Thirty! But it did not matter. It was a night to celebrate with the crew. They were noisy throughout the night. Momiji badmouthed a few men. The cameraman was complimenting Hatate's looks. Everyone was enjoying their time. All but Aya. To Aya, she felt old. Not in a bad way, but in the way of how long she has been in the business.
"Hatate. I need help applying some Eyeliner. Mind coming to the bathroom with me?" Aya asked Hatate as a white lie. She agree with much enthusiasm and hurried on their way.
Once inside, Aya had to confess.
"Hatate. I have worked in this business for nearly fifteen years myself. I have reported the news for a good twelve years. And it just hit me now. I am getting old. It's about time that I should hang up my microphone and take to the sidelines." Her voice so sturdy and unshaken by her realization. She was prepared for this moment. Hatate was stunned. She felt her heart sank at the thought of Aya just leaving the head position.
"B-but Miss Aya. Who will replace you?" Aya turned and pointed to Hatate.
"You."
"Me? B-but I can not! I have only been on this team for two years! I do not have the experience yet!"
"But that is what you think. I have seen you report your share of the current and hip trends. You do a fine job. Plus, you are more up to date on the times than I am. I would be proud to give up the throne for my little apprentice." Hatate did not know how to feel. On one hand, she was sad that Aya would not Anchor the news. On the other, she was excited about her being so positive about letting Hatate take the stand. All she needed, was the right nudge.
"So will you do it? Will you tell the news without any interruption?" Aya looked to Hatate. Her strong stance in a suit showed how she trusted her. Hatate nodded.
"Of course Miss Aya! I will not let you down!"
"Good. I will be telling this news tomorrow at the end of the show. And remember..." Aya began walking towards the exit but stopped briefly to remind Hatate.
"Never hide the truth. Hiding it with lies will only hurt the viewers and their trust in us."
That following night, Hatate carried a drunk Momiji back to their apartment. When Hatate came to the city, she was approached by Momiji who would introduce her to Aya. Aya then gave the idea to let Hatate live with Momiji as roommates so they could be more efficient and on time for work. They were considered amazing friends since then.
"And then, H-he said I-Hic- I was flat. I showed him. Hehe..." A drunk Momiji babbled out of her slurs. Hatate easily sat her on the couch to sleep for the night. However, Hatate was still a bit unsure about Aya leaving. Sure she trusts her enough to take her spot but in her mind, she could never be another Aya. Nevertheless, she would sleep on this topic and just be ready for tomorrow.
"...The Boundary Industry has agreed to pay the one hundred yen fine for the accident and leave it as is. It must be chump change for Yukari, right Hatate?"
"Yes Aya. She never wishes to create an incident when it is an accident." The two were reporting the news like normal. As time would be up, Aya cleared her throat.
"But that is not all the news today. For I have a special announcement. Lights." Aya signaled the lights to dim around her and create the mood just right for the viewers. The crew was puzzled and wondering what it could be.
"In every person's life, they will soon reach the point of being well known and loved by all. The News Industry is one example. But as I realized it yesterday, I am getting a bit too old for this. I have been with you all for nearly twelve grand years as the head Anchor. I have brought you all the up to date and live news report when the Nitori Electronic workers went on strike. I have seen so much on my way up the hill. And now I have reached the very top. I have seen it all, and it's time to give the throne to one who deserves this position as much as I. You have seen her at my side for about three years. She is young and hip. She always reads the feeds and the Internet's latest trend. That person, is my Co-Anchor, Hatate Himekaidou." Aya said every line with love and dedication. Soft and straight to the point. She took off her famous earrings and handed them to Hatate sitting besides her like a crown.
"Hatate. I hope you will bring the news to all who are watching and in turn, they will listen." Hatate slowly too her famous earrings. They were dangling emblems of the station with more color than her standard silver earrings. Hatate simply nodded with small tears building in her eyes. Aya bowed once more and turned to the camera with the biggest smile she could give.
"This is Aya Shameimaru of the Bunbunmaru news station, Signing off for the final time. Thank you for years of compliments and nominations." The camera turned off as the lights returned to normal. Momiji covered her mouth in shock. The crew was dumbfound. And the Director stepped forward. He led the news station above all. He was simply called Mister Tenma. A tall, well built man in his fifties. He walked up to Aya with some fright.
"Aya. Are you sure you want this? You could Co anchor if you-" Aya stopped him.
"I'm sorry Mister Tenma. But I do intend to quit. Hatate has enough skill and knowledge to make this industry run-"
"MISS AYA! Look at the Twitter responses!" Hatate pulled out her smart pad and showed Aya the comments. Everyone did not want Aya to leave yet. They wanted her to stay as much as the rest. Aya sighed and instructed Hatate to type about her choice. Mister Tenma looked at Hatate and gave a warm smile.
"Well then Hatate Himekaidou. I guess I will promote you to Anchorwoman and give the Co-anchor to another person." Hatate nodded. It would be the start of a new life for them all.
The next morning, Hatate woke form her bed and prepared herself for the big time. She wore her news attire. The colors were different from her old one. The pocket on the left chest side could hold her pins or a flower. But what she cared most, were the earrings that Aya gave to her. She thought about what Aya has taught her before. Her moment to shine was now.
"Hatate! Get Dressed already!" Momiji shouted with haste, her towel covering her body while finding a blow dryer. They did not take a moment's break while they finished dressing up. They hurried to the station and get their early. The newscast welcomed Hatate with a group cheer. They were as excited as anyone else to see her in action. And of course, Aya was behind the scenes with the Director.
"Miss Aya!" Hatate shouted and waved to her. Aya turned to look at her new Anchorwoman.
"My Hatate. You look amazing in that pallet. It suits your style." She flattered Hatate's new outfit. The crew shouted about how it was time to start the early news. Hatate's Co-anchor was no one special. They all got into positions, the received the papers to read but then one person asked
"And Hatate, please ignore the report about the Boundary Company recalling the new media player due to defects. Just say little of it." but she read the report. It was very scary to read about it blowing up. To her, this was vital. But she nodded while the cameras rolling.
"Good Morning, this is Hatate Himekaidou for the Bunbunmaru News Station. Replacing Aya as she has given the position to me as of yesterday. In the news today. The charity auction raised over fifty million yen for the Eientei Hospital, the funds being used for more research to save lives. The grand opening of the Whiterock Restaurant went off without a hitch. And the recent recall of Boundary Industry's latest Media player, And why you should refund your money."
The teleprompter did not show the last line. The crew was worried she might cause a riot. But the show continued on. And after Momiji's Weather Report, Hatate shuffled her papers and ignored the story on the Teleprompter that talked about nothing big.
"Thank you Momiji, I hope to not loose my umbrella when I go out later. In other news, The Boundary Industry called for a mass recall of the latest Media Player. The Mpod 6. There has been reports of the device shutting down before blowing up in a harmless but still hurtful explosion. It is advised to return them immediately for a full refund or wait for the properly tested Mpod6 V2 to be released-" The cameraman yelled "CUT!" as they cut the cameras off abruptly and changed to commercials. Hatate was prepared for this. She had experience with people who wish to lie instead of tell the truth.
"Hatate. We will let this one slide, but you can not tell news like that ever again. You could cause a scare and possibly a Riot!" Hatate took a deep breath and looked at the man. Her eyes full of pride.
" Miss Aya told me to never hide the truth. Hiding it with lies will only hurt the viewers and their trust in us. If I have to tell one small lie to protect a big time company instead of thousands of innocent bystanders, then you are no better than the Gossiping Girls in high school who make rumors! Miss Aya put me in this position to tell the news. Truth. Not Lies." Hatate stood her ground. The cameraman loosing his hold before he finally submitted. Aya took her time to check the twitter. They were praising Hatate for telling them about the recall in detail. And some say that she is a good replacement for Aya. It's like she was still there.
"I knew you can do it Hatate..."
As the days past, Hatate soon became the talk of the city. When you mentioned the Bunbunmaru station, everyone thinks of not only Aya but Hatate equally. The fame was something she never wanted, but Hatate accepted it. So on their day off, Hatate and Aya decided to eat lunch at a burger shop. Once inside, they immediately heard "It's Aya and Hatate!" as a wave of people swarmed them for autographs. So they left that area and tried to take a break at the Purple Power Bar. Once more, the customers swarmed them like locus. Finally, they decided to eat at Aya's place with Momiji. Hatate has never seen Aya's home at all, so this was exciting for her. Aya's home was a ranch style layout out of the way of the city. Inside from the entrance, Hatate was amazed. Aya's home was very organized and neat. Her collection of DVDs. Her wide screen TV. The kitchen which could serve more than four. Just being in this house made Hatate feel at home.
"Miss Aya . This place is amazing." She examined her tv room with the comfy couch and HD quality screen.
"Thank you. And just call me Aya. You are at my level now anyways." Aya started to take out some pans and waited for Momiji to bring over the meat. Hatate was just too curious and walked downstairs.
This is where she saw how messy a news reporter's work could be. The table was covered with papers. The back wall had stacks of newspapers from other cities and countries. Pictures hung on one wall with her various achievements. Hatate looked at each paper. Most foreign but entertaining. Aya then checked on Hatate's curious adventure.
"I see you found my office. Even if I am no longer a reporter, I still like to keep an eye on news from all around. What you see here is all the work I have done before being an Anchorwoman and even before joining the Bunbunmaru station." Aya started to clear off her desk, noticing the calendar date on it has never changed from fifteen years. Hatate noticed the pictures of various people she has met. Including-
"You met with Byakuren Hijiri? Wow. What did she have to say?" Hatate was astonished. Byakuren Hijiri is a very important member of the Buddhist Religion. Many explain she could be the first Female Dalai Lama in history. Her devotion and actions are praised around the world. Aya noticed the image and remembered her report.
"Ah yes. It was just an interview to talk about how she became a well known figure among her religion. We made some jokes and she even gave me a small replica pagoda as a gift. When people talk about her, she seems like another Jesus. But if you actually talked to her, she is just as any human out there. Only more devoted." a smile on her face said it all. She enjoyed her journalism job and did not mind to see it go. She was at peace-
"Miss Aya! Why don't you be an on scene reporter for the news? I mean, people would love to see you on the news once more and-" But she was halted while Aya walked up the stairs.
"Hatate. It's a nice idea, but not now. I wish to take a break from my career. Now come up. Lunch is being served."
As the weeks pass by, Hatate became a well known figure among the news as good as Aya. Her reports were accurate and her figure was hip. But even so, there were times she could not report a story for a reason. One day, a report came in about a boy who is cured of an illness that seemed incurable. Hatate already knew what to say about it later on but...
"Hatate, I would like it if we hold off on that story till Saturday." Hatate looked at Mister Tenma with shock.
"But sir! It's current news that should be talked about! This could be the chance to show we are always up to the minute!" Hatate encouraged. Sadly, Tenma did not agree.
"We already have news to talk about." Hatate felt disgusted.
"You know what? I thought you were all about the news and impacting people with what is now. But I see that you all care about money. Well no more, find another reporter to do it without making you look bad! I QUIT!" She has had enough of their way. Hatate took her earrings off and forcefully placed them in Temna's hands. She took her bag and stormed out. Momiji witnessed the scene and contacted Aya on her phone. Hoping to make things right.
Hatate returned to the apartment where Aya was waiting for her. She turned in the light and sat with her legs crossed. Wearing her old suit.
"I see you wanted to tell a report that was up to date but the company wanted you to wait till later in the week to say it?" Hatate was surprised at Aya's sudden appearance. She let her heart out.
"Yes. They kept holding back new news and making it old. That is not what you taught me at all, and I did not want to continue being an Anchorwoman like that." Hatate placed her bag on the table, sitting across from Aya. Aya simply smiled and gave a light chuckle.
"Oh Hatate. I did the very same thing back in my first few years. I was so stubborn to tell the news that was now instead of it being later. I too quit till they hired me back. It turned out that my very image and voice was the reason people listened to the news. Otherwise, a designated Anchorman or woman would not of been selected like you or I." Aya got up to fix herself a small glass of Whiskey from Momiji's liquor bar. She took a sip and turned to face Hatate.
"B-but Miss Aya, I am not you. They will find a replacement and they will continue." Hatate doubted herself once more. Aya shrugged and turned on the television to the news. The Anchorman had a troubling time on the spot and reading from the prompt. He barely could make small talk with the current Co-anchor on some subjects.
"But Hatate. This replacement is not as good as you or I. He has no skill in reporting and no skill in Social Skills. He has to speak to nearly a million or more people who watch the news. So give it time and they will ask for you to return. Then tell them you want the right to report what is new and not old."
Hatate watched the man, laughing at how he had to pause a few times to read the prompt.
In three hours, Tenma was pleading Hatate to come back to the news on his knees.
"I'm sorry. I should of known better than to treat you like another random person. You were taught by the best. And it was because of her that our views did go up. Come back and please help with the news." Hatate felt weird about it for a minute...but then an idea hit her. She looked to Aya with a kind smile.
"I will return under one condition..."
"Good morning Gensokyo! I am Hatate Himekaidou and always happy to bring the news. Today's highlight. The famous grill is celebrating ten years in the business and handing out free grilled eel to all who come in and orders more than fifteen hundred yen. And now, we go to Aya who is on the scene of the latest trend going on at the Boundary Mall. Aya, you over there?" The television was viewing the news like normal but shifted to a live on the scene telecast. Aya was happily standing outside a jewelry shop in the mall, listening to her ear piece.
"I sure am Hatate. This is Aya Shameimaru, the fastest news reporter in Gensokyo City! We are live in the mall and speaking to a variety of people who had their input over the latest trend of Rings sweeping the nation."
With Aya's return on T.V. The Bunbunmaru News station broke their old record of views in a long time. And just like that. The two news icons became well known on Television.
As of Momiji? She was glad that Aya's back on the air as well.