A/N In this chapter, Keiko has been having plenty of trouble practicing for the concert in mid-November and everyone was beginning to doubt that she is even ready to be a part of a concert, but she stated that she does not want to give up and wouldn't miss out on this for the world. And so, the idols of 765 Pro have spent time helping her improve and gave her advice on how to do better before practice sessions. And now, she is continuing to practice with what she has learned from her idol comrades. Be sure to let me know how you like this story and my OC character. I do not own The iDOLMASTER.

Chapter 12: The Rise of a Crane Part 1

2 MONTHS BEFORE CONCERT

Keiko was on her way to the 765 Pro studio to continue practicing for the mid-November concert until she sees a news broadcast talking about her on the T.V. through a window. The news reporter was talking about the talents that she has, the time that she has been with 765 Pro, and how she is the daughter of the Rising Cranes. The one part about it that she liked the most was when the reporter mentions the name that many have started calling her, which was "The Rising Crane of 765 Pro", and she was proud to be called that. She continued her walk and arrived at the studio moments later. As she was walking up the stairs, she runs into the Producer as he was coming out of the breakroom after he was done talking to Kotori.

Producer: "Ah, Keiko, you're back. You ready for another day of practice?"

Keiko: "Yeah. I just hope that I do better this time."

Producer: "Hey, don't worry. I know that you have been struggling in these sessions over the past few weeks, but with all the help and advice the others have been giving you, I'm sure that you'll do well enough so that you'll be ready in time for the concert."

Keiko: "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Producer-san."

Producer: "No problem. And Keiko, Kotori had just informed me that the outfit you'll be wearing for the concert should arrive here by the time today's session is done. Once it does, you and the rest of the girls will get together in your outfits so we can make that promo picture."

Keiko: "Wow, really? That's great! I'm looking forward to it already."

Producer: "That's the spirit. Now then, everyone else is waiting for you upstairs so they can get started."

Keiko: "Okay."

They both began walking up the stairs as they talked.

Keiko: "You know, even though they all started to have doubts about me being ready for something as big as this, I really appreciate all the help that everyone's been giving me these past few days."

Producer: "You're a part of 765 Pro, Keiko. It's always important to help each other out the best we can. By the way, how did it go at that interview you had?"

Keiko: "It went pretty well."

Producer: "That's good. And I have to say, you've managed to earn yourself quite a reputation with all the time you spent as an idol."

Keiko: "Yeah, I know. I'm really glad that it's one that has everyone seeing me as what my Mom and Dad used to be."

Producer: "The Rising Crane of 765 Pro does have a nice ring to it."

Keiko: "Heh, thanks. Yumi and Grandpa think so, too. They said they were going to see the concert in the audience."

Producer: "That's good. They'll be able to see you perform live in person."

Keiko: "Yeah, and for the first time, too. I'm really excited for when that day comes, just as they are… but I'm still nervous about messing up while they're there, watching me."

Producer: "Don't worry, Keiko. As long as you keep on practicing and improving, you won't have anything to worry about."

Keiko: "Yeah, I guess you're right. Well, I'm gonna go get ready and meet up with you and the others in a minute."

Producer: "Right."

The two had gone in different directions so they could get started on another day of practice. Producer had gone up ahead to the dance room while Keiko went in to the dressing room to change into her training outfit. After she was done and made her way to the dance room with her flute in her hand, she started to remember asking why Iori, Ami and Azusa weren't practicing with them when they first started and they told her they practice on their own schedule with Ritsuko since they're the members of Ryuuguu Komachi. When the three told her how strict she is with them and that they sometimes call her the demon general, she thought the name was silly and rather suiting, considering the fact that she also snuck a peek of them practicing, but never did tell the female producer what she thought about her "nickname". As she opened the door to the dance room, most of the idols were stretching and chatting while the Producer was talking with the dance trainer until she made her appearance noticeable.

Keiko: "Hey, everyone."

All idols: "Hi, Keiko."

Producer: "Are you all set?"

Keiko: "You bet."

Dance trainer: "Well then, let's get started. All right, girls, get into position."

They did as they were instructed as they began to rehearse the opening act that they had planned for the concert. The dance trainer started the music for them and everyone started dancing along to it. They were having some trouble getting it done, but after doing it over a few times, they all managed to perform it very well for the show. After taking a little break, Keiko had to rehearse for a solo she had that was also planned for the concert while everyone else was sitting by the wall.

Makoto: "Good luck, Keiko!"

Mami: "You can do it, Kei-neechan!"

Haruka: "We're rooting for you!"

Miki: "Show us what you're made of!"

Keiko: "Ha, thanks, you all. I'll do my best."

Dance trainer: "All right, Naohara-san, you ready?"

Keiko: "Uh, ready."

Dance trainer: "Okay then… begin!"

Another song started playing and it was one that Keiko had already danced to before, which made her feel confident. The idols sat by and watched as she started dancing to the song.

Yukiho: "Keiko-chan looks very confident in her movements."

Makoto: "Yeah, she sure does, Yukiho. A lot more than she was during the first few days we started."

Takane: "She has learned to build her own determination and is now crumbling the wall that has been blocking her way to achievement."

The two nodded in agreement while Hamuzou was squeaking into Hibiki's ear.

Hibiki: "Yeah, I know, Hamuzou. All that time practicing with her is paying off."

Miki: "Yeah, Miki thinks so, too."

Yayoi: "Ah, I can't wait until we all get to perform together in a concert again!"

Mami: "You can say that again, Yayoichi! Best of all, Kei-neechan'll be there with us all the way!"

Chihaya: "With all the progress that Naohara-san has been making these past few weeks, I have to agree."

Haruka: "Yeah, me too, Chihaya-chan. And if she manages to perform this well during the concert, this'll turn out to be one of her greatest accomplishments as an idol."

And then, Keiko managed to finish rehearsing her solo and sat down to take a break for a few minutes before they had all gone to practice on their singing. For Keiko, she has not been struggling so much with singing as she has been with dancing. She had managed to do very well with hitting the notes of the songs for the concert when it was with others and just her. After spending half an hour training their voices, Kotori came into the room with some news.

Kotori: "Keiko, good news. Your new outfit is here."

Keiko: "It is?"

Kotori: "Mm-hmm, it arrived about a minute ago. It's in a box on my desk."

Keiko: "All right!"

Producer: "Is the photo shoot ready?"

Kotori: "Just about. They just need all the girls to come down in their stage outfits soon."

Producer: "Okay then. Everyone, get into your outfits and meet us downstairs."

All idols: "Right."

And so, Keiko had gone to get the outfit that was in the box Kotori mentioned that she left on her desk. After spending a few moments of putting it on and getting ready, Keiko had entered the room where the photo shoot is taking place while wearing her new luxury costume. Everyone was giving their own compliments and comments about it until they all had to get into position for the picture. The redhead idol was standing in the middle of the group as they all looked towards the camera and smiled until it flashed.

1 MONTH BEFORE CONCERT

Meanwhile, at the 961 Pro building, Kuroi was sitting in his desk at his office while moving black chess pieces around the board while talking to himself with a very sleazy grin.

Kuroi: "Ha, ha, ha. I have to say, Keiko Naohara, I never did expect something like this while learning about that little scar of yours. It's also part of a little secret you have. You're quite the violent troublemaker. All this trouble that you have constantly gotten yourself into, all these fights that you have started… all that after the death of the Rising Cranes. It seems that you wouldn't want anyone to know about all that, now would you? Well, that will be fixed soon enough. Soon, Keiko Naohara, the Rising Crane of 765 Pro, you will learn what happens to those that oppose me. And those that do oppose me shall be stomped and buried into the dirt like the meddling cockroaches that they are."

He moved the last piece into place to reveal a big black X on the chess board.

Kuroi: "Checkmate."

Back at 765 Pro, Keiko was sitting on the table at the cafeteria while reading some letters she had received from her fans, some even included drawings of her. While she was reading, Makoto and Yukiho had walked in and the redhead idol greeted them.

Keiko: "Hey, you two."

Makoto: "Hi, Keiko"

Yukiho: "W-what's that you're reading?"

Keiko: "Just a couple of letters from some fans of mine. This one reads about someone that's saying how cool it would be if I play my flute during the concert."

Yukiho: "Oh, that's good. It seems like a lot of people have been giving you plenty of support before the opening night."

Keiko: "Yeah, they have. I feel really happy to be a part of all this. Although, I still feel like I have butterflies in my stomach."

Makoto: "Yeah, that's how we all felt when we were about to do our first live performance. But in the end, you never gave up, and after all that effort that you've put into during practice, there's no doubt that you'll do great up on that stage."

Keiko: "I know… heh, it's funny."

Yukiho: "Eh?"

Makoto: "Hm? What is?"

Keiko: "I used to watch my Mom and Dad perform on stage plenty of times before they passed away, and now, here I am about to perform in front of a huge crowd in less than a month now. Funny how things work out, isn't it?"

Yukiho: "Y-yeah, I guess it is."

Makoto: "Well, it won't be long now."

Keiko: "You said it."

But suddenly, Haruka came in through the door, looking very troubled.

Haruka: "Keiko, come quick!"

Makoto: "Huh?"

Yukiho: "Eh?"

Keiko: "Haruka, what's the matter?"

Haruka: "There's a news report going on about you, and it's not good!"

Keiko was suddenly on alert by this, as well as the shy and boyish idols. They all followed Haruka to the breakroom to watch the news report that she was talking about. As they entered the room, the rest of the idols, as well as the staff of 765 Pro were watching the broadcast on the T.V., including Junichirou.

Haruka: "Keiko, I didn't tell anyone about this. I swear."

Keiko: "What? What're you talking about?"

Iori: "Just when exactly were you planning on mentioning this to the rest of us?"

Keiko: "Mentioning what? What is going on?"

Ami: "Come see for yourself. It's all about you being real tough and all that. It's even showing that little scar you have on your elbow."

Keiko: "What?!"

When Keiko started watching the broadcast herself, she had become wide-eyed and speechless as she stared in horror. The reporter on T.V. was talking about the fight Keiko got into with the man that snatched Haruka's purse, the fight she got into two years ago with the boy that gave her the scar on her elbow, and all the other fights she had been through in the past. There were even images in the background to go along with it. It was everything that she had spent so long trying to keep to herself.

Keiko: "N-no… h-how… how do they even know?"

Junichirou: "This is definitely the work of 961 Pro. I'm certain of it."

Ritsuko: "Yeah, I agree. With everyone now knowing what Keiko had been through before, there's no telling what'll happen now…"

Azusa: "Dear me, this is troubling."

Makoto: "Argh, that damn Kuroi! He did it again!"

Yukiho: "K-Keiko-chan… a-are you okay?"

Keiko: "…I… I-I…"

Suddenly, her cell phone started to ring, which caused her to jump. She felt her hands trembling as she reached into her pocket to take it out. It was exactly who she was afraid of that was calling her as she read the caller I.D. in her mind.

Keiko: "Grandpa…"

She answers the call and holds the phone close to her ear.

Keiko: "…H-hello?… uh, I'm at the studio right now… What? But, I-… okay, I hear you. I'll be there soon."

As she hung up and put her cell phone back in her pocket, Ritsuko was the first to ask.

Ritsuko: "Keiko, what is it?"

Keiko: "…That was my Grandpa. He wants me to come home… now."

Everyone now looked very worried about the redhead as they could only guess why she has been told to go back home. The room had remained quiet until Junichirou says,

Junichirou: "Go on home, Keiko."

Producer: "What? But, Chief-"

Junichirou: "If her grandfather wants her to return home immediately, then we must not interfere."

Producer: "…Understood."

Keiko then gathered all her things that she left in the room and walked towards the door. When she grasped the door handle, she turns to look at all of her friends of 765 Pro one last time as they all had saddened and worried looks on their faces. She wanted to tell them that she will be okay, but honestly, she didn't know if she really will be or not. Instead, she just simply says,

Keiko: "…Goodbye, everyone."

And with that, Keiko steps out of the room, down the stairs and out of the studio with her disguise on as she began her walk back home. As she was walking, she hears the people on the streets talking about what they had all recently heard about her. She even spotted Ryo, Eri and Ai across the street as they were reading a recently published magazine about her. The news was indeed spreading around like wildfire. She dreaded what her grandfather would say to her the moment she walked through the front door of her house. After a few more minutes of walking, she sees Jupiter standing in front of a window, watching the broadcast on T.V. When she got close to them, Touma was the first to notice the approaching disguised idol. They had all seen her in her disguise before, so there was no fooling them. Shortly after she passed them, Touma spoke up.

Touma: "I told you about watching your back before, didn't I?"

Keiko stopped where she was. She did hear him the first time he said it to her the day they met, but it still didn't make a difference. She thought about responding to what he said, but instead, she just continued walking. When she reached her neighborhood, she looked up ahead and saw dark clouds in the distance, which gave her a feeling that a storm was coming and doubled her pace. She finally arrived at her home and walked inside. She finds Daisuke in the living room watching the news about her after she took off her disguise. When he noticed her presence behind him, he shuts the T.V. off and slowly turns around with a furious look in his eyes while saying,

Daisuke: "You've lied to me, Keiko."

Keiko: "I… I-"

Daisuke: "You have lied to me for over two years!"

Keiko: "I-I'm sorry, Grandpa. I-"

Daisuke: "Sorry doesn't even begin to make up for what you did."

The 70-year-old man began pacing around the room. The two were so focused on each other that they didn't even notice the younger redhead listening in on their argument.

Daisuke: "I have told you time and time again about you getting into these fights, which is the very reason we had gotten you into that kendo class in the first place!"

Keiko: "I know."

Daisuke: "Two years ago, I asked you point-blank "were you involved in that incident with that young man in any way?" and you lied to me as you looked me in the eye and said that you merely cut yourself in class!"

Keiko: "I know that-"

Daisuke: "And on top of that, you got into another fight with some complete stranger and failed to mention to me about it when I asked you about your day."

Keiko: "Grandpa, I know that you're upset, but, please, just listen."

Daisuke: "All right, then tell me; why did you lie to me about all this? Because I would've much rather hear it from my own granddaughter rather than from a reporter on the news."

Keiko: "I… I was afraid. I was afraid of you being upset the way you are right now, and afraid of facing the consequences of getting into those fights."

Daisuke: "What I'm feeling right now after learning that you have been keeping the truth from me for the past two years goes beyond upset, and being afraid of facing consequences is nowhere near a good enough excuse to lie to me."

Keiko: "Grandpa, please, I-"

Daisuke: "No more, Keiko. I've heard enough."

Daisuke stopped pacing around the room, took a deep breath and continued talking.

Daisuke: "I am very disappointed in you, Keiko. So, as of now and for the next three months, I am forbidding you to go anywhere near that agency."

Keiko: "Wh-What?!"

Daisuke: "You heard me, young lady. You are hear-by suspended from 765 Pro."

Keiko: "No. Grandpa, you can't be serious."

Daisuke: "Do I look like I'm not being serious right now?"

Keiko: "No, but… what about the concert? Grandpa, I've still got plenty of practice to wrap up on and all my friends are gonna be in it. It's only one month away until the opening night. This is supposed to be my big chance. My chance to be able to perform in front of the biggest crowd I've ever had, just like Mom and Dad used to. I can't let them all down like this. Please Grandpa, please!"

Daisuke had remained silent for a while until he had sighed heavily and says,

Daisuke: "…I'm sorry, Keiko, but my decision is final. Now, hand over your cell phone and go to your room."

Keiko's eyes were glistening as she took out her cell phone and placed in her grandfather's hand. She then turned and went upstairs to her room, using a bit too much force to close the door behind her and collapsed onto her bed in sorrow, burying her face into her pillow as she cried. She had never felt anything like this before. It was a feeling of sadness, anger and guilt all rolled into one. She felt angry with herself for not telling her grandfather the truth in the first place so that this whole argument with him could've been avoided, and with the damned old man in charge of 961 Pro that had to go and show the whole city what she had done in the past. She also felt her entire world had just fell apart around her and even if she tried to pick up the pieces, there was no way she could ever put them back together.

LATER…

Keiko had cried herself to sleep in her bed and has been sleeping for some time. When she woke up, she suddenly found herself in a first class seat in a plane.

Keiko: "Huh…? Where am I? How did I get here?"

When she looked to the right, she was greeted with a bright smile on a woman's face, except that that very woman turned out to be her own mother. She recognized that face and smile anywhere.

Akiko: "Hey there, sleepyhead. Did you have a nice nap?"

Keiko: "W-wha-… what the- M-Mom?"

Akiko: "That's right, and judging by the look on your face, I'm guessing that you didn't get enough sleep just yet."

Keiko: "Wh-what are you-"

And then, a man came walking to them from the front, and that man was none other than Akiko's husband, Shiro.

Shiro: "Don't worry, honey, she has plenty of time to catch up on her sleep until we reach America."

Keiko: "D-Dad? You too?… Wait, did you just say America?"

Shiro: "You bet. We've been planning this trip with you two for a long time now."

Akiko: "How are you enjoying the view, Yumi?"

Keiko looked to the left and sees her little sister looking out the window with glee.

Yumi: "It's incredible! Keiko, you've gotta see this."

Feeling very confused at the moment, Keiko stood up from her seat and says,

Keiko: "I… I don't understand. How are we all here? How are you two even here?"

Shiro: "What're you saying, kiddo?"

Akiko: "Did you not want us to be here?"

Keiko: "No, I do! It's just… I thought you both were dead."

Akiko: "Dead? Why would we be?"

Keiko: "Well, uh…"

Shiro: "Hey, don't worry. Your mother and I are very much alive. We wouldn't let you girls miss out on this trip for the world."

Still not understanding how this is possible, she decided to just go along with it and wrapped her arms around her parents, embracing the comfort that she missed from them for so long. Yumi had joined shortly after. However, it did not last long as they all started hearing thunder and lightning that was happening from outside the plane. Keiko felt shivers running down her spine from the very sound of it.

Yumi: "Mommy, Daddy, I think a storm is happening outside."

Shiro: "Yeah, we know. It sounds like it's getting pretty bad out there."

Akiko: "Don't worry, Keiko, we're not going anywhere. We'll be right here with you the whole time."

Keiko: "Ah, okay. Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad."

But then, Lightning struck at the plane, which rocked at the impact. It began to fall into pieces as the metal peeled apart behind the Naohara family. They all tried running to the front of the plane, but wind started to pull at them as a giant hole had formed behind them. Keiko and Yumi grabbed onto a seat while Akiko and Shiro grabbed onto another. They were all hanging on for dear life so that they wouldn't end up falling out of the plane. But then, Akiko and Shiro's seat started to fall apart until there was nothing for them to hold on to as they both fell out.

Keiko: "MOM! DAD! NOOO!"

Keiko watched in horror as she had witnessed the loss of her parents once again. To make things worse, Yumi was now losing her grip on the chair as well. She nearly fell out as well, but Keiko grabbed her hand before she did.

Keiko: "Hold on, Yumi! I've got you! Just hold on tight!"

She tried to maintain her grip on her as tight as she could, but in the end, Yumi ended up slipping from her fingers and couldn't prevent her from falling out the plane.

Keiko: "YUMIII!"

After watching her only sister fall down to Earth, she starts hearing a maniacal laughter, looks up and sees Kuroi standing perfectly at the front of the plane, completely unfazed by the wind that was pulling the plane apart. His laughter intensified as he shoots lightning from his fingertips and made Keiko lose her grip on the seat she was hanging on to, causing her to plummet down to her death.

Keiko: "NO! Ah! Ah… wha?"

Suddenly, Keiko was back in her own bedroom as she was breathing heavily and her heart was racing. The whole thing had been nothing but a nightmare. When she heard the sound of thunder going on outside while it was nighttime, she began curling herself up in her blanket until she noticed someone else sleeping in her bed. It was her younger sister, Yumi. Keiko figured that she must've heard the thunder and saw her tossing and turning a lot while she was having the nightmare and appreciated her being there to give her comfort for the night. All these years, Keiko has been doing everything with all she could to help her little sister maintain her happiness, but how in the world was she supposed to do that when she herself is feeling extremely depressed with her secret now revealed to the public?

God help her.

TO BE CONTINUED