OMG! I'm so glad you liked the last chapter, and I love reading your reviews so, so much!
PS: Does any of you knows the Anime 'No Game No Life'? 'Cause a second season is coming this summer, or so I heard. Awesome~
Thoughts.
Singing = boy
Singing = girl
Singing = both
Enjoy!
.
.
.
.
A Revolution Of The Hearts
.
.
We all stood in Saotome's office before the man himself, stiff. Sooner that day, we had given him our song for the Triple S entry concert.
And now, the verdict was about to be given.
"Did you listen to our song?" finally dared Tokiya.
I clenched my jaw as the Director made some weird noses, with an unusually serious, yet blank expression.
"Please" my voice echoed stronger than I truly felt. "Let us enter the Triple S!"
After another moment of tense filled silence, he suddenly exhaled loudly before letting out some sort of wail.
"You're revolution is not yet complete!"
"What!?"
"We did our best!" protested Otoya.
"Didn't you listen to the demo we wrote with Nanami?" added Syo.
"We gave everything we had to produce the ultimate song" Masato gritted his teeth.
"We received high praises for our Cross-Unit Project" Ren pointed out. "No, even more than that"
"We've broken out of our shells and grown" assured Tokiya.
"We want everyone in the world to hear our song!" exclaimed Cecil.
"We want to be the Triple S opening artist" announced firmly Natsuki.
"We made a deal, remember? That you'd at least give us a chance!" I clenched my fists, disappointed and angry at the same time.
He simply stared at us, unflinching, and Haruka took a step forward.
"A-ano… I ask that you that you consider them too" she pleaded. "I felt it while composing the song. Right now, STARISH is as wonderful as QUARTET NIGHT"
At that, his mask finally broke a little, and he let out an heavy sigh.
"I am… one hundred percent aware of that" he then admitted. "But… it's still not quite a revolution"
We gaped at that.
"W-what do you mean?" asked Tokiya.
At the same moment, the door flew open so fast and harshly that a fuming dent formed in the carpet, revealing none other than QUARTET NIGHT.
"You didn't even knock" gaped Saotome. "What happened?"
Silently, they made their way to his desk, and we moved out of the way, suddenly intimidated –yes, even I- by the weird aura surrounding them. They stopped, facing the Director.
"Objectively speaking, STARISH is good enough to enter" then announced Ai.
...
Holy hell, are they really-
"It's meaningless to perform without them" grunted Ranmaru.
"There's no point in doing the meaningless" added Camus.
I exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Cecil.
They're actually asking… for us to enter?
"So…" Reiji straightened fully, scarily serious for once. "We want you to enter STARISH, too"
We all gasped at his request and, after a second, the Director started growling weirdly and slammed his foot down on his desk.
"REVOLUTION!"
"Fuck!" I backed away, terrified.
"This is the true revolution I was looking for!" he exclaimed, jumping fully on his desk. "Revolution! The new replacing the old! If you've only changed yourselves, your revolution has accomplished nothing! Changing yourselves, enveloping your surroundings with the flames of your passion, and changing others! Once you've accomplished that, it's finally… a revolution!"
It's terrifying how he actually makes sense.
"STARISH passionately took to the Cross-Unit Project to start a revolution" pursued the crazy president. "The three units lit flames of passion in people's hearts, and those flames spread from person to person! I receive mountains of letters every day, and super-mountains of e-mails. Even on the street, and on the web… the people are rising up, the flames are burning bright. It is the night before a revolution. And, to complete your true revolution, I require one last thing: for QUARTET NIGHT to stand up! Even your rivals' hearts burn hotly and fiercely. THIS is the revolution I've been looking for! A super-love revolution!"
I can't believe he planned this all along. He truly is amazing, despite appearances.
"But wait" my eyes then widened. "That means…"
He grinned down at me, sparkles flying all around him as he spun in a spotlight.
"Perform at the entry concert!"
My heart missed a beat.
We're… performing.
I placed an hand over my mouth.
We're performing!
"However, there is one condition" at that, we calmed down a little, wary. "The title of STARISH's entry song will be Maji Love-"
"Revolution!" we all exclaimed, laughing.
We did it. We're in the tryouts for the SSS entry concert. But now…
I instantly pushed those thoughts away.
I'll think about it later.
We were about to leave, when Saotome called me out.
"Miss Arya, if you'd allow me a moment…"
"Err, sure? Guys, I'll catch up"
They nodded, still under the shock of the announcement, and left. I then turned to the Director, easily knowing what he was about to say.
"I've heard" I assured quietly before he could open his mouth. "But… it doesn't mean anything. Right now, you have to understand that I am fully dedicated to STARISH and this Agency. Nothing will get in between"
"You won't be able to leave this matter to rest for too long" he warned, serious.
"I know" I ran my fingers through my hair. "I know that. But… I'll focus on the SSS for now. I'll settle matters right after, I swear"
"I'll hold you to that, then, Miss Arya"
Understanding the dismissal, I too left. However, before the door could close, I tilted my head back to him and grinned faintly.
"By the way, I have absolutely no idea how you did that but… well played, Director. Well played indeed"
His boisterous laughter followed as I escaped in the hallway and ran to catch up with the rest of the group.
"Wait!"
At my call, the four members of QUARTET NIGHT stopped in their tracks. I had joined with STARISH barely a minute sooner, and we had managed to catch up with our Seniors.
"Arigato gozaimasu" then said Tokiya.
"Don't get the wrong idea" instantly replied Ai with a slight shrug.
"You're still only common fools" Camus had to have a word too.
"What?"
"W-what do you mean?" asked Cecil.
"We didn't do it for you" cleared Reiji.
"We did it for us" concluded Ranmaru.
"Didn't you hear us earlier?" pursued the brunet. "There's no point in performing without STARISH. We'll perform as the opening artist once we're the undisputed number one"
As the others stiffened, I did my best to hide a smile.
"We acknowledge that you've improved" remarked Ai. "That's why we'll prove that we're still better"
"But remember what Rei-chan said at our shoot?"
"Join us to our level! If you can, that is. Let's aim even higher together!"
"I did say we'd aim higher together" confirmed Reiji. "But, we'll reach higher than you"
"We don't care if you end up dropping out" stated Ranmaru.
Yeah, sure you don't.
"Now, we're equals and rivals"
"Perhaps 'enemies' is more accurate" mused Ai.
"Yeah"
"We're moving out of the dorms today" informed Camus.
With that, apparently done with the conversation, they turned around and walked away. I snorted, rather loudly, and shook my head.
"Love you guys too!" I called after them.
There was the distinct 'tche' or Ranmaru, and I saw Reiji's shoulders shake a little in silent laughter before they disappeared at the end of the hallway.
When they told us that bullshit about Haruka not coming back, they were trying to get us fired up so that we'd try even harder. Now, they see us as rivals, yes, but they're glad to do so. They're happy, maybe even proud, even if they hid it under such harsh words. And by doing that, they've fired us up for the SSS.
"They're really serious about this, uh?" finally said Ren.
Too bad the others can't see through their masks as well.
"Yes, I could feel the heat of the flames burning inside them" nodded Masato.
"We've been trying pretty hard until now" Syo frowned a little. "But we'll have to try even harder"
"Yeah" Otoya agreed. "Only one group will be chosen to be the opening artist"
"To be chosen, we must surpass QUARTET NIGHT" remarked Tokiya.
"To do that, we need to practice" added Cecil. "Practice, practice, practice!"
"We wrote a wonderful song with Haru-chan" Natsuki smiled. "Let's work harder to make it even more wonderful"
"Hai!"
Well, guess they took the bait after all. Well played, Quartet Night. Well played.
We were practicing our choreography when my phone rang for the umpteenth time that day. I sent an apologetic look to the others and was about to fully turn it off when Cecil placed an hand on my shoulder.
"Ary, is everything alright? Someone's been calling you since yesterday, and you still haven't answered…"
"Is it your family?" asked Masato. "They're causing trouble again?"
"Err, you could say that…"
"You should take it" Ren said, ruffling my hair. "It's about time we take a pause anyway"
I sighed, knowing there was no way out of this, before quickly composing my mother's number while going outside.
She picked up instantly.
"Pourquoi ne répondais-tu pas?" (E/T: Why weren't you answering?)
"Occupied" I replied flatly. "Why are you calling?"
"Ne prends pas ce ton avec moi. Ton père est décédé, et voilà que tu te décide à faire la sourde oreille, enfant ingrate que tu es…" (E/T: Don't take that tone with me. Your fathed is deceased, and now you decide to play deaf, ingrateful child that you are...)
"If you kept on calling merely to sing my praises, know that I have better to do" I retorted, sarcasm dripping from my voice.
I could tell she was gritting her teeth on the other side, before she took a short breath and pursued.
"Nous tenons à régler les détails concernant l'héritage de l'entreprise le plus vite possible. Tu dois revenir à Paris pour signer tous les papiers me déléguant l'agence, et-" (E/T: We want to settle the details concerning the inheritage of the enterprise as soon as possible. You are to come back to Paris to sign all of the papers to delegate the Agency, and-)
"Hold on just a minute" I stopped her instantly, my voice growing colder. "I have no intention whatsoever of signing those damn papers"
"Tu-" (E/T: You-"
"I am currently working on a much more important project" I pursued, not letting her the opportunity to argue. "Everything will be handled when I'm done with this project, and then I'll take the time needed to check every paper before signing anything. However, it is time I can't afford to waste right now. I'll come back once I'm done here"
"Les funérailles aurons lieu dans deux jours" (E/T: The funerals will be held in two days)
"Give my sincere condolences" I deadpanned without missing a beat.
There was a moment of silence, before she scoffed and hung up. With an heavy sigh, I flipped my phone closed and returned to the training room, only to find everyone pretty much in the same positions I had left them in.
"You eavesdropped, I take it?" I raised an eyebrow, grabbing my water bottle.
They offered sheepish smiles, and I shook my head, before facing them with my hands on my hips.
"Long story short, my father died a few days ago" I announced, and they gasped. "Otherwise said, I'm now the Head of the Ritsukera Agency. My mother's been nagging me to settle all of the details for the heritage and has been trying to get me to league the Agency to her which, of course, won't happen anytime soon. Anyhow, I told her that I was currently occupied, and that I'd come back to Paris when I was done to settle everything"
Silence followed my explanation, before Natsuki bowed his head.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Ary-chan"
"Don't be" I waved him off. "Guys, let me make this clear: they never loved me, and I never loved them. I really couldn't care less about them"
They cringed a little at my blunt statement, but said nothing else on the matter. Glad it was out of the way, I then shot them a sharp glance.
"Well, what are you all lazing around for? We've got the SSS concert to do, don't we?"
"H-hai!"
Their spirits seemed to lift back at that, and we soon returned to our practice.
I lied. While they never loved me, I did loved them, once. However… I love STARISH even more and, as long as they're with me, nothing else matters.
Time flew by so fast, we soon found ourselves at the eve of the entry concert contest. All of STARISH was now gathered on the roof, staring up at the starry sky like we had done so many times before.
Now that I think about it, this is where it all began… this dream of performing at the SSS…
"It's almost time" remarked Otoya.
"Everything will be decided tomorrow" nodded Syo.
"My mind is like a polished mirror and still water" mused Masato.
"Err, what does that mean?" blinked Cecil.
"That his mind is clear and calm" traduced Ren. "I actually feel the same way, Hijirikawa"
"Well, my own is in a frenzy and my legs feel like jelly" I retorted.
They laughed a little at that, and Cecil looked up at the sky.
"Let's make our dream of having the whole world hear our song… come true!"
"Yeah, I'm so excited" admitted Natsuki. "To stand on stage with everyone tomorrow… my heart is pounding"
"Tomorrow, let's show everyone what STARISH's music is all about" said Tokiya.
"Yeah"
With that, we fell in a comfortable silence, looking back at the stars.
Dear Muses… whatever happens tomorrow… I thank you for the support you have given me until now. Arigato.
My necklace glowed faintly in answer.
Today was the fated day.
Everyone had gathered, we were now all clad in our costumes –mine as golden as ever, it would seem the color would stick- and were now heading for our lodge. On our way, though, I couldn't help but notice how everyone was awfully tense.
Funny. While they're worried about the ending, I'm worried about the damn crowd.
Before I could say anything, though, we crossed paths with QUARTET NIGHT. None of the groups stopped, each passing by the other without even an acknowledging glance, and I suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
No matter what they did for us… I don't like this rivalry. It's okay to have rivals, but the kind that has built up between our two groups isn't…
I let out an inaudible sigh.
I want to win. Hell, I want to. But, whatever happens, whether STARISH, or QUARTET NIGHT, or even another group wins… I just hope, however this ends, it won't destroy the bonds we have managed to build over the last few months. A stupid concert isn't worth that price.
"There's no rehearsal, and no one knows who's performing" announced Tokiya as, on the screen before us, the show started. "All we know is when we're going on"
"It's a truly thrilling concert" breathed out Ren.
"Ary, you holding up in there?" asked Syo with worry in his eyes.
"Perfect!" I grinned.
Cecil stared at me in wonder.
"Have you gotten rid of your stage fright?"
"Not even close!" I chirped. "I just got loads of coffee"
They just shook their heads with fond exasperation.
Half the truth. I took loads of coffee dosed with some Muse blessing.
"Who will perform first at the entry concert?"
"It's starting"
Then, on the screen appeared the name of our rival group.
"Shining glamorously and sexy in this dark night, four jewels glittering with individuality. Yes, it is… QUARTET NIGH!"
As the four members were presented, I couldn't help but wonder if we would too have such an introduction.
Surely, though I wonder what mine will say…
And then, it all started.
I stared at the screen, unable to look away.
That was… incredible…
"A-amazing…"
"They've truly powered up…"
"The arrangement is nothing like the demo we heard"
"The lyrics are different too! Evolution!?"
"To evolve means to grow"
"Not revolution, but evolution, eh?" I smirked a little. "Not change, but growth? How cute"
"In other words, they're declaring war on us" stated Ren.
"So they're looking for a real fight" Syo clenched his fist.
We kept on staring for a few seconds, before Otoya's face broke in a big grin.
"Wow! They really are amazing!"
"They've seen the blessing of the Muses" agreed Cecil.
"It's an honor" Ren bowed his head slightly.
"Yes, it has me shaking" admitted Tokiya.
"Those incredible men… called us equals and rivals" recalled Natsuki.
"We'd better answer them in kind" suggested Masato.
"Yeah! Let's start a revolution even greater than their evolution!" Syo pumped his fist in the air.
"I'm so excited! I can't wait for our turn!" exclaimed Otoya.
Seeing all of them smile suddenly made me feel better. All along, I had been afraid this rivalry would cost us, but it would seem it had taken a good turn after all. However, I soon felt my stomach lurched uncomfortably, and I groaned, plopping down on the nearest chair.
"I think the effects of the coffee have wore off…"
They laughed at that and, somehow, the sound made me feel a little better.
The night was going strong, and all of the groups performing were more talented than the other, driven with strong passion. However, it was quite clear that QUARTET NIGHT was currently leading the pack.
"No matter how amazing the other performers are, we'll be okay" then assured Cecil.
"Yeah, we'll become the Triple S opening artist" smirked Ren.
"That's what we've been working towards" said Otoya, determined.
There was a knock on the door, making my heart stop.
"STARISH, we're ready for you"
And my heart restarted a full speed, making me feel a little sick.
Holy fuck, what have I gotten myself into.
"I don't feel so well" I mumbled, hiding my face in my hands as we made our way for the backstage.
"We'll do great, Ary, don't worry about it!" assured Syo, patting my back.
"Yeah but-"
I stopped mid-sentence as we halted at the stairs, on top of which were standing the four members of QUARTET NIGHT, staring down at us.
Instantly, I felt my anxiety drowning in a see of burning passion.
Wow, that sounded cheesy.
"You must have seen it" called Camus, as cool as ever.
"Our best effort" precised Ranmaru.
"Yes, we saw it" confirmed Tokiya.
"We surpassed your revolution and evolved" Ai, contrary to his usual self, was smiling widely.
"Because you rose to our level, as promised, we climbed even higher" pursued Reiji.
"Then we'll go even higher than that" I retorted with a feral grin.
With that, I was the first one who started climbing, the others soon following behind me.
"We'll incite a revolution that will surpass your revolution" promised Masato.
"We'll show you!" exclaimed Syo.
"I look forward to that" and under the smugness, you could hear he was genuine.
We stopped before them, and bowed slightly, before pursuing on our way. Before we could pass the door, though, I glanced behind, only to see them smiling our way.
I winked at them, before following the rest.
Guess they came to term with the rivalry too. Good.
Then, we arrived backstage, where Haruka was already waiting for us.
"Guys…"
"Do you remember what you said at our first concert?" asked Tokiya.
"Music changes the world" I recalled with a slight smile.
"Changing the world means starting a revolution" pursued Otoya.
"Come to think of it, we may have been working towards a revolution since then" added Ren.
"We've always been aiming for a revolution" announced Natsuki.
"Haruka, we're off to change the world with music" announced Cecil.
"Yeah, we're going to set the crowd on fire!" Syo grinned.
"We're sending the world your song and our voices" continued Tokiya.
"Our revolution… starts now" I completed.
Wow, did we practice all of this or something? Freaky…
"Let's go! The entrance to the world lies ahead"
You hear that, Ayden? we joined our hands together.
"STARISH, fight!"
Laughing, we then ran up the stairs toward the light.
They finally understand… we share the same dream, now. We're going to change this world, for the better! Just you watch!
"It is now time for the final group!" announced the animator.
Everything fell eerily silent as all waited with barely contained excitation the oh-so-mysterious group.
"It's finally time! The last ones to perform are a group that made its way through the hardships of the entry race with their passionate friendship! It's time… for these eight stars to shine!"
Then, on the screen appeared none other than STARISH's name. The crowd went wild, having waited for the group all along.
"With a perpetually sunny heart, he'll go anywhere with you! Flashing you an energetic peace sign is Ittoki Otoya!"
"He keeps his overflowing emotions locked away in his heart! It's the courteous and sincere Hijirikawa Masato!"
"He'll envelop you with kindness like the sun! He'll watch over you with strength like Sirius in the night sky! It's Shinomiya Natsuki!"
"His emotions lie hidden behind a cool face! Descending from the sky is Ichinose Tokiya!"
"Killer winks and blown kisses! Passion burns like a flame in his heart! It's Jinguji Ren!"
"He burns with the flames of masculinity! He will protect you, no matter what comes! It's Kurusu Syo!"
"Putting the love of the Muses into song, he's pure and hardworking! It's Aijima Cecil!"
"Refreshingly honest, this unique Idol will change your heart and shake your soul! The Princess of the Shining Agency, Ritsukera Arya!"
The lights suddenly went out as the eight Idols appeared on the stage and, on the screen behind them, began a countdown.
"Five!"
"Four!"
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
Beyond 1000%
And passed 2000%
Is a revolution of love
Maji Love Revolution!
Feel the REVOLUTION
Overflowing REVOLUTION
The greatest REVOLUTION
Aiming for a REVOLUTION
A glittering REVOLUTION
A resounding REVOLUTION
Everything is REVOLUTION
We are REVOLUTION
STARISH!
The melodies blooming in our hearts
Oh, oh belong to only you
A future that will make us legends
Let's pray and create it together
Shining brighter than a diamond
These bonds
This miracle
We wish to the stars
Take these unyielding emotions
And hold them tight
Raise them up
With a fierce passion
Smile and say 'Good luck'!
Take to the skies
The world is waiting for us
We can fly!
Let's sing (1000%) and dance (2000%)
Scream out your dreams revolutions
Let's kiss (1000%) and hold hands (2000%)
It's for real
The power of love
Full of love
We'll hold you tight
A revolution of LOVE
Maji LOVE Revolutions!
The whole stadium started shaking under the thunder of applauds, the crowd chanting their names like a mantra.
The eight Idols were panting, exhausted but smiling, proud.
Well, Arya, grinning, was waving at the public, earning even more cheers. If that wasn't a revolution, then I really don't know what we could do more.
"This concludes all of the performances" announced the animator. "One of the-"
His announcement was stopped as all the lights suddenly went out, plunging the whole stadium in a wondering silence.
"YES! I feel amazing!"
My eyes widened, easily recognizing the voice that had just spoken, as his laugh echoed somewhat madly all around us.
You've got to be kidding me.
"Long time no see"
Slowly, some clarity came back and I finally spotted all the mist gathering before us, and I scowled, easily understanding they were about to make their big return.
And now, of all times...
"Everyone! Our ultra, super, miraculous group has returned!"
"We're back"
"H-HEAVENS?" wondered Ren, though already knowing the answer.
"Who else?" I raised my eyes to the sky in exasperation.
"But why?"
Before I could reply to Otoya's question, though, some sort of building suddenly rose up from where all the smoke was gathering. It seemed like some sort of temple, and it was gigantic.
"HEAVENS! The group that went missing after their defeat to STARISH at the UtaPri has suddenly returned!"
I narrowed my eyes as not three, but seven pillars slowly rose from the ground before the décor, a shadowed figure standing on top of each.
Why do I feel like things are about to get complicated?
"S-seven?" Tokiya took a step back.
And then, they started singing.
Of fucking course.
Again, silence befell the whole stadium as all could only gape as their performance ended.
They're… amazing…
If they were truly talented at three, the now seven-membered group could actually stand on equal grounds with STARISH and QUARTET NIGHT.
"Summoned by the sweet voice of angels, the Idol descended from heaven, Otori Eiichi, has returned" then announced the purple eyed boy as a spotlight opened above him.
"I am Sumeragi Kira" simply stated the next one. "I missed you"
"I'm Mikado Nagi, the cutest Idol in the universe!" chirped the boy. "All your eyes belong on me! Got it~?"
"Ano… I'm Otori Eiji" presented one of the new boys shyly. "Nice to meet you"
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kiryuin Van. We will conquer the world! Just kidding~"
"What the hell?" I slapped an hand over my mouth, but I had apparently been loud enough, for the man sent a subtle wink my way.
He didn't told me anything, the jerk!
"I'm Hyuga Yamato" announced the blond with an arrogant air. "HEAVENS' strongest member. If you've got a problem, come and get me!"
Oh, I'll take him up on that offer alright.
As if reading my thoughts, Syo pulled me back a little with a scowl much resembling my own.
"The stars have led me to you. Now, speak my name" the light spotted on the last member, who I couldn't help but compare with a cute sheep. "Amakusa Shion"
Still, not a sound was made as everyone kept staring, unsure of what to do of this new development.
"STARISH" Eiichi then turned to us. "QUARTET NIGHT? No. No, no, no! The world will be ruled by HEAVENS!"
Then, the silence was broken as, from all sides, the fans started screaming. Some our name, some our rivals'.
There's no turning back from this, is there? What a drag…
"What an incredibly interesting development!" suddenly exclaimed Reiji as he and the rest of his group came out from behind the curtains. "But QUARTET NIGHT is going to be the opening artist"
"You're wrong" replied Otoya with a confident grin. "The opening artist will be STARISH. We're confident. We've worked hard to make our dream come true"
We all could only agree with that, and I took a good look around. The wild crowd, QUARTET NIGHT to our right, HEAVENS staring down on us, and all of my friends' determined and somewhat happily excited faces.
My own broke in a feral grin.
Well, guess Reiji's right. Things are going to be interesting, now that HEVENS is back in the game.
…
What a pain.
Hey people! So, some might think that Arya's relationship with her parents really isn't that bright but... it truly isn't. Before, she loved them, because any child would. Then, she grew up, and she wanted to do anything for them to earn back that love but, already, she didn't loved them anymore, or at least not as much. It was merely a goal. Then, she met STARISH, who filled the hole, if I can say it like that. As of now, Arya's parents are strangers to her, and she can't bring herself to cry the death of her father, as sudden as it is. Right now, STARISH is all that imports to her, so she's going to deal with the SSS before any other crap comes her way.
Also, I believe the next chapter is the last one of the third season... FOURT SEASON COMING SOON! I'm already pretty far ahead, though there are some eisode left, but I'm working on it!
Someone asked if there'd be a love triangle... well, it's pretty messed up, though there will be some drama with that. You'll see for yourself ;-)
REVIEWS! TODDLES FOR NOW!