Chapter 18: Insecurity Convention
"Woohoo! J-Pop Con!" Ram jumped up and down for excitement as they walked towards the doors of a large convention building. Vert and Lyrica, known more by her stage name 5pb, followed her through the doors where a huge, lit up hanger shone its bright lights down on crowds of people, who gathered around stands, wearing extravagant costumes and shouting out strange phrases while making poses.
"Lady Vert, are you sure we should be doing this? And miss Ram, aren't you worried about your sister?" 5pb asked.
"Now now, Lyrica. After a battle like that, everyone needs a break every now and again. Besides, I've never seen this convention in Leanbox before. So we have to check it out. And don't worry, we'll catch up with Rom afterwards, right Ram?" Vert said looking over.
"Mhm! That's right! She's a big girl! Besides, I'm sure she's with Blanc or the others and I wanna check this place out!" Ram grinned, running over to a stand that had various shirts of musclemen screaming as they powered up.
"But-but-but, Lady Vert! I've been all over Leanbox with my music tours and I've never seen this place before. If there's a convention I would have heard of it and I've never heard of J-Pop Con! I don't even know what J-Pop means." 5pb stuttered.
"Well, what better way to find out than to investigate it?" Vert smiled with folded hands. "I want to find out where some of these interesting costumes come from. Maybe I will also find some new and exciting games too."
"E-e-HEY! What about the battle! Don't you remember the blinding light?" 5bp held out her hand.
"Duh. The blinding light means we won, obviously! Don't be such a stiff, Lyrica! Come on, let's go Vert! I wanna check out this one!" Ram grabbed Vert by the hand, running off in the direction of a group of cosplayers.
"Lady Vert! Miss Ram! I-…" a relinquishing sigh left 5pb's mouth as the two ran off, But I… know it's not Leanbox. At least… I think it's not Leanbox. Wait, it can't be! The people of Leanbox would recognize me! And outside of a few oddballs calling me a vocaloid, whatever that is, nobody has so much even approached me! This is serious! Even if she is the CPU, I can't just let Lady Vert walk all over me!
5pb walked up to Vert and Ram who were taking selfies with the locals, one man dressed as a bald superhero in a yellow suit and a woman dressed as a blonde knight with a blue dress underneath. They shouldn't be messing around like this! I'm gonna walk right up to them and say "Lady VERT!", "E-erm… L-lady Vert… Would you please not… be taking pictures with these… cosplayers… we have m-more important things to be… erm…" Oh no. This is coming out all wrong! Wait. Are they staring at me?! 5pb took a step back as several of the cosplayers began looking her way.
"You've a cute outfit!" one girl said.
"You cosplaying as a new vocaloid?" another guy commented.
"Now don't be so shy, Lyrica. Come and snap some photos with us why don't you?" Vert said. 5pb's eyes formed diagonal lines in them as held her fingers to her mouth and began to sweat and stutter.
"Don't be such a scaredy-cat! It'll be fun!" Ram grabbed 5pb by the wrist, dragging her over to take pictures, which caused her heart to pulsate. NOOO! I'm still a wreck! I was supposed to stand up to them. My goddess, I hate myself!
5pb caught her breath once Ram and Vert said goodbye to the cosplayers. "What do you say we check out the doujinshi section next, Ram?" Vert suggested.
"Nuh uh! I wanna go over here!" Ram pointed towards a series of food stands.
"Well I suppose we can grab a bite to eat. What do you say, 5pb?" Vert grinned.
"NO!" 5pb shouted, causing Ram and Vert to look on with inquisitive surprise. "I-i-I mean… I think we should… ya know… watch our… spending." 5pb looked down in embarrassment when her stomach growled.
"Oh come on, Lyrica! Learn to have a little fun! The smell of it all is antagonizing my stomach! Let's go!" Ram said, proceeding to drag 5pb along with a smiling Vert. Discovering they had to obtain passes, Vert and the others soon ran into another problem as they arrived at the desk.
"What do you mean invalid? I don't know what this Yen stuff is, but these are authentic Gamindustri credits!" Vert complained. The teen boy who was handing out passes explained that they only took yen. Vert smirked, sitting on the side of the table, revealing her long, slender legs. At this, 5pb made Ram cover her eyes. "Now, now. I am sure there's something else a good-looking young man like yourself could want. I think you know what I'm talking about." Vert giggled, swaying her dangling melons from side to side as her face moved closer to the now blushing boy, who slowly reached his hand forward, but Vert pulled back.
"Uh uh uh. 3 passes please." Vert smiled sweetly at the boy who looked around before he silently slid her 3 J-Pop Con passes. "Aww, what a good little boy." Vert suddenly hugged the boy, planting a small peck on his head as she squeezed him into her chest. After letting go, the beat red boy fell backwards, though 5pb could not tell whether it was from lack of air or being enveloped by Vert's bosom.
"Now then, let us get something to eat." Vert smiled.
"Oooh! Lyrica wouldn't let me see it! So how'd you do it, Vert?" Ram demanded.
"Er… Um… Trade secret, Ram. You'll understand one day." Vert replied much to her dismay. "I was going to transform for him, but something was preventing me from doing so."
"What did I tell you? Something isn't right, Lady Vert!" 5pb exclaimed.
After Ram attempted and realized she couldn't transform either, Vert made a conclusion. "Either this world is another dimension or… SHE is trying to rewrite history again! Yes, I shall blame Kurome Ankokuboshi and leave it at that."
"What!? But Lady Vert! What if we're in another dim-…" Vert then shushed 5pb.
"Come now. Whatever it is, this convention is not going to be here forever. So let us enjoy ourselves while it lasts. Who knows when we'll be able to experience something like this again? I want to get some things to remember it by." Vert grinned, to which Ram agreed. 5pb sighed. This is going to be one hell of a day.
As Vert and Ram went around happily indulging themselves in convention activities, 5pb drained herself thinking of ways to try and put her foot down with the stubborn, carefree goddess, only for each and every approach to turn her back into the awkward, self-doubting mouse that she always was and always had been. A vicious cycle which only further grated upon her lack of confidence, tiring her even more.
Eventually they found a line leading to a concert. "Ooh! Lyrica, I mean 5pb! You should perform there!" Ram pointed enthusiastically. 5pb looked on silently, heading over casually with Vert and Ram, who tried to convince the security guard that 5pb was on the list.
"Sorry miss. Ya can't get back here without a backstage pass."
"I assure you this is no cosplayer. Her voice is that of an angel! Do you not recognize the Siren of Leanbox?" Vert argued. "Well, I suppose, with Kurome rewriting stuff again that would explain why nobody recognized her. 5pb, why don't you show him your voice."
"It doesn't matter if she sings like Kyrary Pamyu Pamyu. If you don't have a backstage pass, I cannot grant access." The guard replied.
Suddenly a man in a suit walked up, "Finally! Where were ya? I've been on pins and needles cause we're starting in about 45 minutes and your part is the 3rd act!" Vert looked puzzled before the man shook her hand, continuing. "Kazuki Shirohito, I presume? Talked to ya over the phone about a replacement singer for today."
"Ah, yes." Vert smiled, "Finally someone realizes who we are. You wanted a replacement singer and here she is. 5pb?"
5pb nervously stared off into space, lost in her own world. I… I really shouldn't… but… maybe some singing will calm my nerves. Why? Why can't I be more confident like I am on stage?
"Hey, you!" 5pb gasped at the sudden voice of the suited man, who broke her from her thoughts. "5pb, yes? Agent Kurosawa with Article 3 Records. Great to meet ya, if you would please come backstage. I am sorry for the rush, but we are in a hurry."
"U-u-u-u-u-u-uh… S-s-sure!" 5pb's eyes popped as she followed the man back. What am I doing? I'm supposed to be… *sigh*.
Hundreds, maybe thousands swarm past me as I squeeze my way through the crowds. This is society's hive, their chatter like buzzing in my ears. The nerves in my arms quivering, I grip big sis with my left arm just as tight as I grip Bebetan in my right. If I let go of either of them, I don't know if I'll be able to hold back. And that… that is the last thing I want to happen. I like watching conventions, but going to them is another story. Someone bumps me, my skin curling up as I lean in closer to sis, squeezing her arm tighter. This is horrible. Even a room full of underclass Hebijo students I don't know cause me less anxiety.
"Ack! What do you think you're doing, Murasaki?" Sis gives me those eyes again. I can never tell if she's concerned or annoyed at me. Maybe both. I hate being a burden to her. I hate being like this. Why did we have to come here where so many filthy, stupid humans are clustered in this sweaty, sticky beehive of a convention?
"Why are we here, sis? You know the reason I don't go outside." She looks over with a smile, telling me we're on a mission. My nerves start to calm down. Focusing on a shinobi mission is like watching a movie for me, so it's a good distraction.
"Our mission is to spend time together as sisters and strengthen your tolerance for outside." Immediately her words make my skin crawl, but not as much as it should. I sniff the air, Big Sis reeks of suspicion. They say you can tell if a person is lying by how they react to eye contact. Still gripping her arm, I tilt my head, looking at her through squinting eyes. Just for a second her eyes make contact with me before her hand ruffles my hair. "Hey now. Don't give your sister that look, Saki. And don't be so tense either. You were doing great before."
"B-but Sis… I… I don't think I'm ready. There's… so many people. Bebetan doesn't wanna be here either." I notice Sis buys tickets for something, but I don't pay attention, flexing my voice, shaking Bebetan up and down. "Yeah, let the dipshit go back to her room! She's only gonna make the place stink anyhow."
"Bebetan can enjoy himself too." I hear Sis sigh. Damn it, Sis, you know exactly why we can't be here. Why I can't be here. This Root of Calamity… will always curse me. Yeah, I've learned to control it better, but I can never truly be free. I just want hair that doesn't mangle a normal hairbrush, forcing me to use some painful metal one. Hair that I don't have to tie every night for fear of it choking me to death in my sleep. Don't you know why I'm a shut-in? You should know, Imu! You should know after what happened all those years ago! This power is why I can't interact with normal people… all I can do is hurt them! So why… why must you make me do this?! Gazing at the ground the whole time, tears begin rushing to my eyes.
Suddenly, a hand lifts my chin as Big Sis turns and faces me. "Come now. Dry those eyes." My surprised eyes meet her tender, green ones which radiate warmly. "You're doing just fine, Murasaki."
I hide my face in her chest, sobbing softly so that nobody else hears me. "I'm afraid, Sis. I don't wanna hurt people."
"Don't worry. You know our backup plan if we do, Murasaki. I'll just Kekkai us and knock you out if I have to. You're alright, little sister. I'm stronger now, remember?" I look up to see Sis giving me a warm smile; her embrace melting my insecurities away. "Now come on. Can't have a good time without a little food, hm?"
I nod; a smile of my own forming on my lips as I wipe the tears. As long as I have Sis and Bebetan, I can do this. Sis guides me over to a food stand, where I attempt to take my order looking the server in the eyes. A cold sweat looming over me, I make eye contact with her for about 30 seconds, ordering a juicy looking Garlic Yakitori before my head drops to the ground. Sis places a hand on my shoulder, making me feel a little bit better. But my heart rate still trembles from such an ordeal. To think talking to strangers is so terrifying… I truly envy my sister. And not just her, but everyone else. Still, I guess if she says I'm doing good, then… I'll trust her.
We find a table for two and I let Bebetan sit on the table. I focus in real hard on my sister, Bebetan, and the food we're eating, blocking out any and all crowds as I imagine we're simply back at Hebijo… no, back home, years ago when the two of us shared the same room.
Imu always had a little white dog, which wore a Ramen bowl on it's head, named Wantan. We would always stay up late at night, playing the adventures of Bebetan and Wantan, muffling our giggles in the blankets so as not to wake our parents only to wake the next morning and get scolded for how sleepy we were. My hand goes over to Big sis and touches hers as I giggle, taking a bite of my Yakitori. She returns my smile and I wish things could return to the way they were.
We finish up and Sis says it's time for some fun things. But that doesn't stop me from gripping her arm like a child as we shop and play local games. Finally, we stop and I feel Sis yanking her arm away. "Come on, Murasaki. Surely you don't need to follow me to the restroom."
I begin to stutter as if choking on my own words. "But-but-but. What do I… where do I…" As if reading my mind, Sis hands me the tickets and tells me to just stay put on the bench over on the other side and wait for her and that I'll be fine.
But the moment she's out of sight, I'm not fine. Walking a mere 10 Feet/3 Meters feels like a mile. Trying my best not bump into anyone is an impossible task as I apologize to every stranger that passes by without making eye contact… especially when I've been walking for a while with these ugly K-Cups. Maybe I should have invested in a steel bra. Hunched over in pain, I look like I have to go to the bathroom myself as I hold under my chest, Bebetan hanging out of my right arm, the tickets in my left hand. Maybe I should go to the restroom too. Yeah, at least a stall is better than nothing.
As I start to turn, someone else bumps me. I apologize to him, my eyes widening as I make eye contact with this slightly chunky young man with brown hair and a matching beard. He apologizes back and hurries in the other direction. I gasp, noticing the tickets are no longer in my hand. I panic, looking around all over, asking Bebetan where the tickets had gone. "where do you think? That bastard stole them!" he says. Of course!
"Stop!" I call out, hurrying after the man, who looks back briefly, speeding up his pace. Now I'm sure it was him. Still holding my chest, I pursue the thief, trying my best not to hit anyone. I spy two tickets hanging from his pocket and Bebetan scolds me for not realizing it sooner.
I keep after him, chasing him down stairs and through narrow hallways. Filthy thieves… why can't they just buy things instead of stealing all the time! I hate them! How dare he try to ruin my time with Big Sis. But what will I do when I catch up to him? The thoughts both anger and scare me… I don't want any trouble, but I'd also love nothing more than to see his intestines decorating the ground. No! What am I thinking? I just need to get the tickets back!
A few moments later and the thief stumbles, dropping the tickets as he gets back up and continues to flee. I resist the urge to go after him, picking the tickets up. "Now go after that scum!" Bebetan says, "No. We got the tickets, so let's get back to Sis." I reply in my usual voice. "You don't even know where you are, idiot. Now you're lost!" Bebetan replies, to which I gasp, realizing he's right.
The tickets start to scrunch in my hand as I look around, anxiously. Unfamiliar stalls and event booths line the area, and people… swarms and swarms of people as far as the eye can see. I hunch myself over, as if it will do anything. I don't know anyone, Sis is out of sight, my breath begins to slow. Oh god, Sis. Where are you sis? I don't know if I can hold it anymore. I hate all of this! I hate these crowds; I hate these people. But I hate myself most of all. Imu. Dear Imu, where are you? My blood pressure chills as I feel my hair locks beginning to move with a purple aura around them, trying my best to control myself.
Suddenly I bump into someone. "I'm sorry!" I quickly reply. I then notice her costume. Identical to my Valkyrie on 4 Goddesses Online. A cosplayer? She's good. I gaze upon her further. Her long, blonde hair braided around the back, with blue eyes are almost perfect. And the green dress she wears, while not the default, was a special crossover event costume that you could only get for a week. And her body type… about 5'04 (163 cm), probably an F Cup… she's more than just a cosplayer! She's the spitting image of the Valk class! I stare at her intensly, muttering the name of my 4GO account, "GreenHeart4…"
"Hm? Did… you just say… Green Heart?" she looks down at me in surprise. Good Heavens! She even sounds like her too! I begin to even wonder where I am, doubting whether or not Sis and I came to the J-Pop Convention in the first place. And here, standing before me is either the greatest cosplayer of all time or an alternate reality come true. I am at a loss for words.