Mate of Fate
Chapter 5: First Performance
Now that everyone had met in the groups of friends, Nicholas knew things could really get started. The male had something in mind and the rest who had come with him and they knew the perfect time to put their plan into action. If all went well, they knew the rest of the student would love it. And there were other reasons for doing it as well. "I think that went really good," Nicholas told the rest of his group of friends in the room they were gathered in.
"This is going to sound good!" Michael commented with a grin. "Mizore is sure to like this!"
"Well we'll see and also about the rest of the students," Kureno stated with a grin.
"Although you do realize don't you…?" Akito said and then trailed off. That caused the smile on Michael's face to falter slightly.
"I have to try," he commented. "I mean have you seen Mizore? She's someone I want to be happy and be with. So why not have me be that one to make her that?"
"She doesn't seem all that emotional and I've seen her look at Tsukune," the female with black hair stated. "It's clear she's clearly in love with him despite him and Moka being together."
"Yeah but still I have to try. If not… well there's others I can try for."
"Good way to think that," Ayame commented and fist bumped the male with white hair.
"Meh, I don't see the point," Takeshi mumbled, just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Oh that might change one day," the guy with red hair told the blue haired one. "You had romance before in your life once remember?"
"Yeah and that was a long time ago."
"In either case this is gonna be fun," Nicholas said.
It didn't take long for Kurumu to notice the male with long brown hair seemed even busier than usual. He did the Newspaper club and came to class as always. He even ate lunch with the succubus and her group of friends. But it seemed whatever other free time the male had was taken up by some mysterious activity. Kurumu then brought this up with the others. "Hey have you noticed Nicholas seems busier than usual?" the succubus asked.
"He does now that you mention it," Tsukune replied. The main group of friends were heading to the classroom where the newspaper club usually met.
"It's not just him, Mizore has commented that about Michael as well," Fang Fang commented.
The Yuki-onna made no comment but walked in silence. "Well why don't you ask them then?" Moka asked to Kurumu,
"She's right," Yukari agreed. "You see Nichola the most so why not?"
"Hmmm… I should shouldn't I?" the succubus agreed.
Kurumu was able to catch up with Nicholas not long after this. The succubus did ask the long haired male what was going on, and why he seemed busier than usual. "You noticed that huh?" he replied with a smile. Nicholas then went silent for a few moments. The female realized Nicholas was trying to find the best way to respond to her.
"So… what is it that you've been doing?" she then asked.
"I'm sorry Kurumu but I don't want to ruin the surprise."
"What surprise?"
"It's for all the students here. And it'll be a way to celebrate before summer vacation. Plus me and my friends want to leave a mark, a legacy on this place."
"Can't you give me any hints?"
Nicholas thought for a moment. "Remember when you caught me singing during that one time?"
"I do."
"Let's just say it's going to involve music. And that's all I can really say."
"Can you say exactly when it will happen?"
"Well I have already thought of that," Nicholas answered. "There will be a special announcement tomorrow."
It turned out flyers began to appear around the campus and academy. And it was announced in the morning that once the tests were finished there would be a very special thing that would happen provided by Nicholas and his group of friends. Tsukune and his group of friends were some of the first to read and talk about it. "Shall we go to it?" he asked.
"It sounds fun; I'm for it," Moka stated.
The others agreed however there was still one thing to complain about. "But first… the tests…" Kurumu groaned.
Luckily everyone had been studying hard so nobody would be left behind. "No way we're going to fail this," Nicholas told the succubus since they both were taking one of the first tests in the same classroom. The day had finally arrived.
Nobody said a word as they took their seats. When it was time to begin the only sound was the scratching of pencils writing down answers, the occasional rustling of the paper, and mixed with the sound of head rubbing. During these Kurumu would glance up a few times and see Nicholas just writing down the answers with a fierce look of determination. It made the succubus smile as not only was the long-haired male a hard worker, but determined to succeed at things. The female would then go back to the task at hand filled with renewed determination herself. And then at last all the tests were finished. "Now we just have to wait," Yukari said to everyone.
The results came in and to the happiness and delight, everybody had passed. "YES!" Michael exclaimed throwing his results happily up in the air before catching them.
"Looks like all our hard work paid off!" Kurumu stated with a happy smile. Even Mizore had a smile to. Nicholas saw the succubus smiling and for a few seconds was stunned by what he saw. Not because he hadn't seen the female smile, but the way she was doing so was such a beautiful sight. The long-haired male then shook his head to clear it.
"Well we all did good," Nicholas said. "Now the fun can begin."
"Oh yeah, this thing you guys will do," Kurumu commented and looked up to him with those eyes and smile of hers. "Now I'll finally see what you were talking about."
Nicholas saw how she was right now and the same thing happened. Suddenly he felt his heart beat was going a little faster than usual and a small amount of blush came onto his cheeks. Luckily the timely arrival of some of the others interrupted this moment. "What was that about?" the long-haired male wondered in his head. Sure he had interacted with Kurumu before even if it hadn't been that long. She was just another female right? So then why had that happened? He didn't know right now.
"Gotta focus; the surprise is coming up!" Nicholas then thought in his head with determination.
The day then came for it and the whole student body was gathered at the location which was on the outside where everyone could gather and get a good spot. Since the weather never changed it was perfect. But one thing about this spot was that it was a bit dimmer than the other places so that way the lights would show up better outside. The students were all standing in front of a stage that had been set up with colored lights like at a concert. Tsukune and his group of friends had good spots and could clearly see the stage. "How much longer now?" Fang Fang asked.
"You asked that five minutes ago," Yukari responded, a bit annoyed with him.
"Well knowing Nicholas, he should start right on time," Kurumu commented. That was one thing they knew about the long-haired male with glasses. The guy either showed up early to things or was right on time.
Just then up on the stage suddenly some of the lights came on that produced white for the light. Something that looked like smog or fog began to billow out and pour out around the area. The students saw this and stopped talking. From what seemed to come out of nowhere came Nicholas's voice. "Attention; all students gathered here." Just then a guitar rift began to play. "It's finally time for me and my group of friends to start leaving our mark here. And to celebrate us getting to the summer vacation it's time for us to rock and perform for you!"
Just then the rift hit a new high and with a blast of light and energy that could be felt, the smoke and fog like substance dissipated revealing the long-haired male and his seven friends. The former was at the front with a mike on a stand. On his left was Michael with a sleek shiny looking guitar that had colors that were white and icy blue. On Nicholas's right was Ayame with his guitar being red and orange in a fiery like pattern. Takeshi was behind and next to Michael but he had a bass guitar in colors of blue. Kureno was behind and next to Ayame but at some kind of keyboard. Kabu could be seen behind these guys at some kind of station that had precision like instruments. Akito was also behind the guys but she was welding some kind of electric violin that had the middle section cut out and was lit up with purple lights that went with her raven black colored hair. And finally Hatshuraru was at the very back and could clearly be seen playing the drums that seemed to be made of gems and rocks. As soon as they appeared many of the female student body let out fan girl screams as they all had crushes on the guys despite how Akito was clearly dating Kureno. However Kurumu and Mizore looked up more towards Nicholas and Michael. They did applaud like everyone but those two noticed what each male was wearing. The latter was in colors of white and grey but the former was in colors of green and black with his arms being showed off which had muscles. The others who were in their group of friends applauded to but looked up to see what would happen.
"Me and my friends have been practicing hard and we hope you all enjoy!" Nicholas stated. He then singled for Hatshuraru to count off with his drumsticks. The said male did so and the band began to launch into Talk Dirty To Me. The lights began to flash and go off in time to the beat. Most of the students here had heard the song. Nicholas began to sing.
You know I never
I never seen you look so good
You never act the way you should
But I like it
And I know you like it too
The way that I want you
I gotta have you
Oh yes, I do
I never
I never ever stay out late
You know that I can hardly wait
Just to see you
And I know you cannot wait
Wait to see me too
I gotta touch you
'Cause baby we'll be
At the drive-in
In the old man's Ford
Behind the bushes
'Til I'm screaming for more
Down the basement
And lock the cellar door
And baby
Talk dirty to me
By now the whole student body was getting into this with clapping and shouts of approval.
You know I call you
I call you on the telephone
I'm only hoping that you're home
So I can hear you
When you say those words to me
And whisper so softly
I gotta hear you
'Cause baby we'll be
At the drive-in
In the old man's Ford
Behind the bushes
'Til I'm screaming for more
Down the basement
And lock the cellar door
And baby
Talk dirty to me
C.C. pick up that guitar and talk to me
Kurumu and Mizore were the most surprised as the succubus had her eyes on Nicholas while the second female had her eyes on Michael. The white haired male was sounding so good as he played the main parts on his guitar. As for the long-haired male one he really could singing. He had a smile on his face.
'Cause baby we'll be
At the drive-ins
In the old man's Ford
Behind them bushes
'Til I'm screaming for more, more, more
Down the basement
And lock the cellar door
And baby
Talk dirty to me, yeah
And baby
Talk dirty to me, yeah, yeah
And baby
Talk dirty to me
That's the way I like it, baby
Ooh yeah
The song came to an end and the student body burst into applause. "Wow! I didn't know they would sound that good!" Yukari stated.
"Same with me, that was great!" Fang Fang agreed with her. Even Moka's little sister was impressed by this but of course she wouldn't admit this out loud.
"That sounded amazing!" Kurumu said to Mizore and the others. "Nicholas really can sing!"
"Well… Michael did hint he could play something when he told what he could about this," the Yuki-Onna commented. "So this is what he meant."
"They certainly sound good," Tsukune stated.
Nicholas then spoke into the mike causing everyone in the crowd to turn their attention to him. "Now this next one is one that has been around a lot longer than us but is still a good one!" Once more Hatshuraru counted off with his drumsticks and the band began to play She's Got The Look. Not many recognized this but loved it and were tapping their feet to the beat. Nicholas began.
One, two, three, four
Then the long-haired male began to sing.
Walking like a man
Hitting like a hammer
She's a juvenile scam
Never was a quitter
Tasty like a raindrop
She's got the look
Heavenly bound
Cause heaven's got a number
When she's spinning me around
Kissing is a color
Her loving is a wild dog
She's got the look
She's got the look (She's got the look)
She's got the look (She's got the look)
What in the world can make a brown-eyed girl turn blue
When everything I'll ever do I'll do for you
And I go la la la la la she's got the look
By this point the student body was getting into this song.
Fire in the ice
Naked to the t-bone
Is a lover's disguise
Banging on the head drum
Shaking like a mad bull
She's got the look
Swaying to the band
Moving like a hammer
She's a miracle man
Loving is the ocean
Kissing is the wet sand
She's got the look
She's got the look (She's got the look)
She's got the look (She's got the look)
What in the world can make a brown-eyed girl turn blue
When everything I'll ever do I'll do for you
And I go la la la la la she's got the look
The lights on the stage were flashing in time with the beat and changing to. Nicholas lead off the clapping and the crowd picked it up in an instance. Kurumu saw the happy smile on his face. It was even bigger and the succubus could tell the guy was having the time of his life doing this. Mizore noticed the same thing for Michael as well. The Yuki-Onna couldn't help but have a small smile herself as well despite not being the most emotional being in the group of friend.
Walking like a man
Hitting like a hammer
She's a juvenile scam
Never was a quitter
Tasty like a raindrop
She's got the look
She goes (na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
She's got the look
She's got the look (She's got the look)
She's got the look (She's got the look)
What in the world can make a brown-eyed girl turn blue
When everything I'll ever do I'll do for you
And I go la la la la la she's got the look
What in the world can make you so blue
When everything I'll ever do I'll do for you
And I go la la la la la
The was a pause which caught the students off guard.
(na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
She's got the look
She goes (na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
She's got the look, she's got the look
She goes (na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
She's got the look, she's got the look
She goes (na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
The song came to an end with that. Once more those in the student body applauded and cheered for the band. Not only them, but all the teachers were attending this as well and liking what they were hearing. "That also sounded good!" Ruby stated as she was with Tsukune and the others to.
A few more songs were then played but then to the surprise of everyone attending saw that Nicholas step to the side and Akito going up to the mike. "What now, will she sing or something?" Moka asked.
"If I had to guess, yeah," her guy said.
The female with long black hair then spoke into the mike. "Now then I'm sure some of you are wondering why I'm taking Nicholas's place at the moment. Because I'm singing this next one." The males of the student body who had a thing for her despite Akito being taken lit up. However they knew better than to try anything as she and her guy had demonstrated what happened when someone else other than Kureno got too close to her romantically. The drummer of the band counted off with his drumsticks and the song We Connect started. Most had not heard of this song. But the beat that went with it got them interested. The lights were once again flashing in time of the beat. But for Kurumu something about this song stuck out to her more than any of the others so far. Akito then began to sing.
We connect
When we're together, it's so perfect
Boy, you shock me with your wide hot love
I start to overload
I explode when we connect
We connect
When we're together, it's so perfect
Boy, you shock me with your wide hot love
I start to overload
I explode when we connect
She sounded really good just like Nicholas.
It's no exaggeration, not imagination
You're the finest boy around
Playing with temptation, overnight sensation
With a boy from the wrong side of town
Give me your love and affection
Dance with me tonight
Give me all of your attention
Dancin' in love's light
We connect
When we're together, it's so perfect
Boy, you shock me with your wide hot love
I start to overload
I explode when we connect
We connect
When we're together, it's so perfect
Boy, you shock me with your wide hot love
I start to overload
I explode when we connect
The bridge then came on. Michael had a smile on his face as he played as did Akito's boyfriend. She looked back to him with a smile and many could see the love she had for the guy in her eyes. Nicholas was watching the whole thing from the side and had a smile on his face. Kurumu on the other hand was caught up in this song for some reason the succubus couldn't explain. Either way the female was liking this song the most out of what had been sung before.
Give me your love and affection
Dance with me tonight
Give me all of your attention
Dancin' in love's light
We connect
When we're together, it's so perfect
Boy, you shock me with your wide hot love
I start to overload
I explode when we connect
We connect
When we're together, it's so perfect
Boy, you shock me with your wide hot love
I start to overload
I explode when we connect
The song then came to an end with that and the student body roared their approval for this. Kurumu was clapping to but the song was still sticking out in her mind. It made the succubus confused. It must have shown on her face because Moka noticed it. "Something wrong?" the female vampire asked.
Kurumu jumped a little. "Oh! I'm fine!" she replied.
"If you say so." Just then the group of friends noticed Nicholas return to the mike.
"Looks like he's back to it," Fang Fang said.
"I wonder what he'll sing next," Yukari wondered.
"Give Akito another hand!" the long-haired male stated after the two exchanged spots. She went back to her original area. The students then turned their attention back to Nicholas. "Now then it's my turn to resume singing for all of you!" The drummer this time did the count off with the cymbals he had on his drum kit. Then the band began to play When You Were Young. A number in the audience knew this song and let out a cheer as the lights began to flash in time with this. But what also stood out was Michael as he let it go. Nicholas began to sing.
You sit there in your heartache
Waiting on some beautiful boy to
To save you from your old ways
You play forgiveness
Watch it now, here he comes
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentlemen
Like you imagined when you were young
Can we climb this mountain?
I don't know
Higher now than ever before
I know we can make it if we take it slow
Let's take it easy
Easy now, watch it go
We're burning down the highway skyline
On the back of a hurricane that started turning
When you were young
When you were young
And sometimes you close your eyes
And see the place where you used to live
When you were young
Nicholas also had a smile on his face. The rest of the band did as well. It then became the bridge.
They say the devil's water, it ain't so sweet
You don't have to drink right now
But you can dip your feet
Every once in a little while
By now the student body was rooting the band on to keep going. And that's what they were going to do.
You sit there in your heartache
Waiting on some beautiful boy to
To save you from your old ways
You play forgiveness
Watch it now, here he comes
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentlemen
Like you imagined when you were young
(Talks like a gentlemen, like you imagined)
When you were young
I said he doesn't look a thing like Jesus
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But more than you'll ever know
The song then came to an end with everyone applauding and cheering. It was then at this point that Nicholas and his band took a quick short break to check if things were alright and replenish their body fluids with water as they had sweated a little during this. "Wonder what they have planned next," Tsukune said. "I'm really glad Nicholas and them are doing this."
"This really has been fun so far!" Moka stated with her loving smile.
The small break then came to an end and the songs resumed. However there weren't that many left. Nicholas even announced this to the audience. However for this gig he and his band had saved the best for last. At least for now. "Now there are only two more songs left for us to do!" the long-haired male stated into the mike. "It's time to wrap this up!" The drummer counted off and the band began to play Limelight. The one who really stared it was Michael and the lights going in time to the beat. But then after the intro Nicholas began to sing.
Living on a lighted stage
Approaches the unreal
For those who think and feel
In touch with some reality
Beyond the gilded cage
The long-haired male had his usual smile on his face.
Cast in this unlikely role
Ill-equipped to act
With insufficient tact
One must put up barriers
To keep oneself intact
And living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme
By this point the audience mostly made of students were clapping and cheering the band on.
Living in a fish eye lens
Caught in the camera eye
I have no heart to lie
I can't pretend a stranger
Is a long-awaited friend
All the world's indeed a stage
And we are merely players
Performers and portrayers
Each another's audience
Outside the gilded cage
And living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme
For some reason Kurumu was drawn into this song just listening and hearing Nicholas sing this. It was the same for Mizore only when it came to Michael. But in the moment the two were more focused on the performance.
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme
The real relation
The underlying theme
The song came to an end with that. However there was one left. "Wonder how this will end?" Fang Fang asked.
"Awww, I wanted it to go on!" Yukari stated. "I'm having fun!"
"This probably won't be the last time," Tsukune said.
Nicholas then spoke into the mike. "And now it's time for our last song." The was some mummering including the sound of those let out disappointed noises. "We hate to do it but we can't keep going. But this won't be the last time seeing how big a success this was. When it'll happen we don't know but we'll think about it during the summer break. Now let's do this!" The band then began to play Go. Due to it having come from being in Japan it was more well-known and many recognized it. Although the intro was long, it gave Michael a moment to shine again because he was leading it off. Nicholas in the meantime had a smile on his face. But then finally after the intro, the long-haired male began to sing.
aruku no ga heta tte kidzuita butsukatte bakari kizu darake
doko ni iku beki kamo aimai dekoboko marui chikyuu no ue
The whole band had smiles on their faces as did the audience who were loving this song.
shikararete bakari datta kara utsumuita mama de katamatta
tooku de hibiku toranpetto katamatta mama de kiiteita
tohou ni kurete tachidomatte naitara dekita mizutamari
utsushita musuu no kirameki natsukashii koe de sasayaku yo
kokoro ga houseki o umu tabi ni takaku ukabete namae tsuketa
wasureraretemo zutto hikaru hoshizora wa kimi ga tsukutta mono
karada wa hisshi de sasaeteiru doko de arou to tada tsuiteiku
tsuyokunakutatte waraitai namida o nugutta yuuki no te
minna ga hashitte saki isogu saakasu ga kita tte hashaideiru
nantonaku boku mo hashiritai chiketto mo motteinai no ni
shikarareru tte omoikomu nanika negatta sore dake de
butsukatte bakari kizudarake dakedo hashitta chikyuu no ue
doushitakute koushita no ka riyuu o sagasu kuse ga aru
hito ni setsumei dekiru you na kotoba ni naotte tamaru ka yo
totemo subarashii hi ni naru yo kowagarinagara mo eranda mirai
kimi no ikitai basho o mezasu taiyou wa kyou no tame ni atta
karada wa honki de kotaeteiru surimuku teido wa mou narekko
yorokonde ii mono na no ka na isshou kyou ga tsudzuitehoshii
dareka ga dareka o yonda koe shiranai doushi hito no mure
atari wa kitai de afureta boku datte isoide hashitta
nanika ga kawatta wake janai nanika ga wakatta wake janai
gooru ni boku no isu ea nai soredemo isoide hashitta
omoi o hitori ni shinai you ni
The lights on the stage were flashing and lighting up the stage the performers were and them as well in rays of beautiful yellow, red, green, and others. Once more Kurumu was drawn into this by Nicholas's singing which left her confused. Mizore was like that as well but when it came to Michael.
totemo subarashii hi ni naru yo erabarenakutemo eran da mirai
koko made tsunaida ashiato ga ushiro kara koe o soroete utau
kokoro ga houseki o umu tabi ni takaku ukabete namae tsuketa
tsuyokunakutatte omoshiroi namida to waratta saisho no hi
nanika ga kawatta wake janai nanika ga wakatta wake janai
Ohhhh, Ohhhhh
dekoboko marui chikyuu no ue
dareka ga dareka o yonda koe shiranai doushi hito no mure
Ohhhh, Ohhhh,
dekoboko marui chikyuu no ue
The song came to an end with that and the students all cheered and applauded their approval. Tsukune and those guys were with them to. Nicholas had the biggest smile on his face out of all the band members. Even Takeshi had a small smirk. "Thanks so much!" the long-haired male with glasses stated into the mike. "We'll do this for sure at the next possible opportunity!"
The guy flipped his hair back with his eyes closed and a smile causing most of the females in the student body to let out fan girl screams including for the other male band members but Kureno as his girl took his arm with love. The two had a look of love as they exchanged smiles and gazes. "Well done on this," Akito told him.
"You know it," he replied.
Meanwhile Kurumu was watching Nicholas as he walked off the stage and Mizore was doing the same with Michael. The confused thoughts and feelings that had happened during this came back to the two. It must have shown on their faces because the rest noticed this. "Are you two okay?" Tsukune asked.
Those two jumped. The Yuki-Onna just mumbled she was fine. "Wha… yeah, never better!" the succubus replied in a rush.
"Good then because with this we've got plans to figure out," Fang Fang stated getting a grin. That distracted these two females as now it meant summer vacation was next. It was time for a break from school and possibly head to the human world. These group of friends knew Nicholas and his were going to join them for it as well as that had been discussed and planned together. But what nobody knew was how fun this vacation was going to be with the new group of students tagging along.