Hello everyone! This is a new story! I hope everyone will enjoy this story. Without further ado, let's start!
Kai's POV
I was taking a nap in the park on the bench when a shadow cast over my eyes and I opened them to see Miwa grinning widely.
" Found you, Kai!" Miwa said
" What is it? You're interrupting my nap." I said
" Aren't you the least bit curious?" Miwa ask
" About what?" I ask
" I'm talkin' about Aichi! Ever since the Asia Circuit, hasn't he been going somewhere a lot lately? He just comes and goes like the wind." Miwa said
" And I should be concerned because?" I ask
" Do I have to spell it out for you?! Jeez! Ain't he your love interest?" Miwa ask
" Don't assume stuff like that. I don't see him that way." I replied, annoyed at his question and sat up
" Sure, that's what you'll say for now until he gets taken by someone else." Miwa shrugged
" I'm sure he does." I said
" ... You're so dense that I don't know where I can start..." Miwa sighed
" Shut up."
" And haven't you noticed how tall he has grown? I'm completely surprised! Talk about a growth spurt! He was only about my shoulder length last year." Miwa said
" Look, I don't care about him. Now leave me alone." I said
That was when a white feather flew past us as we followed it until it floated out of the park. We both looked at each other.
" I didn't imagine that, did I...?" Miwa ask
" It felt like it was on purpose..." I muttered
" It went in a weird direction too... Let's check it out." Miwa said
" Seriously...? It could be just a bird's feather or something. I'm going home." I said and stood up
" Oh, no! You're coming with me this instant!" Miwa said as he pulled my arm and dragged me to the direction where the feather flew to
I was dragged quite a bit away from the park as Miwa scratched his head.
" Weird... I was sure it went this way." He said
" Are you done? I'm heading home." I said and walked off without giving him the time to reply
While walking home, I suddenly heard a voice and turned into an alley to investigate a little. I wouldn't normally be so interested but something about the voice seemed... tempting. As I walked further into the alley, I noticed a faint portal and stuck mynhand through it, getting a little surprised when it entered. Letting the same voice tempt me again, I entered the portal and it was as if I was in a whole new world when I exited wherever I came out of.
Normal POV
Kai looked around, confused, as he walked out from what he assumed was the back of a stage. Music played as soon as he arrived near curtains while a voice sang, cutting the silence.
" Hora kimi no koe ga
Boku wo sukuu yo
Nandomo, yobisamasu yo
Kimi ga oshiete kureta omoi"
Kai froze in his steps after he opened the curtains when he saw a familiar blue haired boy. The said boy turned his head after having seen movement in the curtain and almost froze before continuing.
" Sou nando datte
Kimi no namae wo, sakebu yo
Tsuyouku, sono te wo nigitte
Mou hanasanai kesshite
Donna mirai mo
Kimi to nara nigenai"
The lights quickly went out as the boy ran into the curtains and looked disbelievingly at Kai.
" K-Kai-kun... W-Why...?" The boy stuttered
" I..."
" Aichi, mind explaining?" A voice ask
The two turned their heads to see a woman as Aichi bowed in apology and they were brought to a dance studio for a private talk.
" You found a portal and ended up here?" The woman ask
Kai nodded.
" It's probably the same portal I came from the first time..." Aichi said
" And it dragged in someone familiar to you. You didn't trigger it by accident, did you?" The woman ask
" Even if I did, I have no control over it and I wouldn't know who enters it either." Aichi replied
" That is believable. I am Tsubasa Katagiri. The manager of AKB0048." Tsubasa said
" Is it... an idol group...?" Kai ask
" Yeah."
" ... Toshiki Kai." Kai said
" You sure are someone who talks so little. Your performance is done for today, Aichi. I'll let you help him become accustomed to here first. I'll contact you again for your next schedule." Tsubasa said
" Y-Yes!"
Tsubasa left afterwards as Aichi avoided Kai's eye contact.
" Your voice is normal again..." Kai said
" ... I'll explain later... I'll go have a quick change first and then we can have a proper talk." Aichi said
Kai nodded slightly as Aichi rushed to change his clothes. A few minutes later, they were now walking in the streets as Kai looked at the world he was now in.
" So... this place is a whole new planet in the universe?" Kai ask
" Yeah... The Planet Earth in this world couldn't survive and people separated into other planets in the universe. As far as I know, this planet is a hideout for AKB0048 because of the Entertainment Ban." Aichi explained
" There's something like that?" Kai ask
" Yeah... Unlike this planet, other planets out there have no entertainment. No music, no enjoyable shows to watch. It's as if they were ghost towns but with humans being worked hard in labor for a group called DES, who implemented the ban in the first place." Aichi replied
" And this AKB0048... They're fighting with songs?" Kai ask
" Something like that. They also fight for this peace this planet has right now, and for the right for other planets to be able to live this happily too." Aichi said
" So, why are you here?" Kai ask
" ... Just like you, I entered that portal. I couldn't go home for three days until I realized that I myself was the only one who could manifest those portals and return home. Although, it is a little uncontrollable. That's probably how you came here too... because of my inability to control that power." Aichi said
" Just like Psyqualia?" Kai ask
" No, it's a completely feeling. And... when I sing, my voice changes to suit the song. I can control that part of the power, luckily. Whenever the others head out for guerilla lives, I'm stuck here wondering how they fare out there. DES have incredible amount of manpower and firepower. And even more so with the new understudies coming in soon." Aichi said
" Understudies?" Kai ask
" New idols to join 00. Tomorrow's the day they get chosen. Tsubasa-san is in charge of that. She came by to check up on me just in case anything happens. There are other understudies here with me though, so I'm alright. I was really surprised when Tsubasa-san asked me to be the first male idol here." Aichi said
" You seemed to be really welcomed here though." Kai said
" Yeah... Although my voice always changes. The audience love what they hear from me, and knowing the situation in this world, it kind of makes me feel happy and a little guilty that I'm living so freely in our own world." Aichi said
" ... I get what you mean." Kai muttered
" Though, the only similarity between our world and this world is that I get raided by fans or reporters." Aichi said
" That's what the hat and glasses are for." Kai said
" Yeah... I'll show you around Akibastar first then we'll head back to the dorms. There's something I want to show you." Aichi said
Kai blinked and nodded as they walked around Akibastar as Aichi showed him the various scenaries and places to go. Aichi soon checked the time and they started walking back to the dorm. However, Aichi led Kai into a cave as he looked around at the shining creatures around them.
" They're called Kiraras. The ones in this cave are a little special though. They're apparently called the Kirara of Succession. The successors in 00 are chosen by them. Look. The original Yuuko Oshima's resonates closely to the current Yuuko-san. That's how the current successors had been chosen, according to Tsubasa-san." Aichi said while the Kiraras showed the original Yuuko before changing to the current Yuuko
" They're quite strange." Kai said
" Normal Kiraras that are born from our hearts shine whenever they sense us trying our best and sing with our best efforts. They sometimes show what one's heart feels." Aichi said as a blue Kirara floated up
" That's yours?" Kai ask as it floated to him
" Yeah."
Kai slightly hesitated before touching the Kirara, poking it in some places before patting its head. The Kirara then glowed pink as Aichi hurriedly pulled it back.
" Y-You didn't see anything!" Aichi exclaimed
" Okay..."
" L-Let's head upstairs! The chef here cooks really good meals!" Aichi exclaimed
As Aichi led Kai back into the dorm, they sat down in the dining room after getting meals from Chef Papa. The two then ate in silence.
" ... Is it delicious...?" Aichi ask
" Yeah."
" Th-That's good." Aichi said
" This place is rather empty." Kai said
" We just came too early for dinner. The girls should be here soon." Aichi said
" I see... So what's the feeling here? Being the only male idol here and all..." Kai said
" A little awkward... The others try to make me feel at ease here though. At least our dance instructor is male." Aichi said
" And your manager is that woman?" Kai ask
" Yeah. After dinner, we'll have to go home." Aichi said
" Do you have to come here tomorrow?" Kai ask
" Of course. It's still our holidays anyway. I want to work hard too." Aichi said
" Yeah, that's you after all." Kai said
" Why are you asking me that?" Aichi ask
" Nothing. I just wanted to know. You'll still be showing up at Card Capital, right?" Kai ask
" Yeah. I'll have a few rounds of Vanguard before coming back." Aichi said
" I see."
The door soon opened as the successors all entered to get their meals.
" Oh, you're here early, Aichi! Who's this?" Yuuko ask
" Oh, this is Toshiki Kai. He's my friend." Aichi said
" Is he also interested in joining?" Takamina ask
" N-No! Nothing like that! He was just curious about what I'm doing." Aichi said
" I see. Well, if Tsubasa-san says anything then he should consider it." Takamina said
" Y-Yeah..."
Kai watched as the girls all sat together at another table before finishing his meal. Both stood up and returned the trays as two understudies entered the room.
" Oh, hello, Aichi-san." Kanata said
" Hello. Good work today, Kanata-san, Mimori-san." Aichi said
" Your performance today was amazing as usual. We can't beat that." Kanata said
" Don't say that. I entered not too recently too, so I still have a lot of things to learn. I look forward to working together again." Aichi said
" Same goes for us." Kanata said
" Is this your friend?" Mimori ask
" Yes. This is Toshiki Kai. I was just showing him around. Hope you don't mind." Aichi said
" No, it's fine with us." Kanata said
" Is it true that you're trying to write new songs?" Mimori ask
" N-No... Even if I am, it always doesn't sound right..." Aichi said
" Your songs already sound amazing! If you're making new songs, then please let us listen to it!" Mimori said
" O-Okay..."
Aichi and Kai left the room afterwards as Aichi sighed.
" New songs?" Kai ask
" W-Well... I'm trying to write new ones... Some that I can perform with everyone here. I feel bad that they rarely have new songs to sing, so..." Aichi said
" ... Can I listen to them someday?" Kai ask
" Eh?" Aichi squeaked out as he looked over to Kai before shyly turning away, " May I ask why?"
" I want to be the first one to listen to them. The song I heard today... was amazing." Kai said
" Th-Thank you..."
After walking around the dorm a little longer, Aichi opened a portal back to their world and parted ways back to their homes. The next morning, Kai arrived early at the shop and looked through his deck as the others slowly entered.
" Kai! That's where you were! You weren't at home when I went to get you, so I thought you might be napping somewhere." Miwa said
" Whatever."
" Where'd you even get the enthusiasm to come so early today anyway?" Miwa wondered
The door soon slid opened again as Aichi entered. Kai looked up from his cards for the next two hours occasionally to look at Aichi before he started packing up.
" I'm sorry. I have an appointment today. Let's fight again tomorrow." Aichi said
" You seem to be busy these days, Brother Aichi." Kamui said
" Y-Yeah... I am. Getting into high school is a big transition after all. See you." Aichi said
Aichi soon walked out of the door and left as Kai soon followed after him.
" What's with him?" Miwa said
" More importantly... Sure, getting into Miyaji is hard but there shouldn't be anything left to do after entrance exams..." Misaki said
" Huh? Then..." Kamui said
" He's lying." Misaki said
" Why? And it's unusual for Kai to just take off like that." Miwa said
" Really? I feel like it's the usual." Kamui said
" It's definitely different. He followed after Aichi." Misaki said
" You don't think they're really..." Miwa said
" I'm not sure." Misaki said
Meanwhile, Kai managed to keep up with Aichi as both entered the park. After making sure that it was empty, Aichi opened up the portal as they entered it.
" I hope we didn't look too suspicious." Aichi said
" ... Probably not." Kai said
" I'm excited to see who the new understudies will be." Aichi said
" Are you counted as an understudy? Or are you already a successor? I mean, they're using your real name." Kai said
" I don't really know... But apparently, I'm going to be announced as an official successor soon with my own name. I'll be the first male idol with a name to succeed for the future idols." Aichi said
" I see. What's your schedule for today?" Kai ask
" Uh... I have practice for singing and dancing today. I'll be free by dinner." Aichi said
" All day? Won't you be tired?" Kai ask
" It is tiring, but if it's for the fans then I don't mind." Aichi said
Kai sighed as he followed Aichi to the dance studio.
" Who's this?" A man ask
" Oh, this is my friend. His name is Toshiki Kai. This person is Ushiyama-sensei, the dance instructor." Aichi said
" You usually don't like it when people watch your practices. Are you sure you won't lose concentration?" Ushiyama ask
" I'll be fine. Don't worry." Aichi said
" Sometimes your enthusiasm is worrying. Hurry up and change. We're starting practice as soon as you do." Ushiyama said
" Yes."
Aichi changed into his practice attire as the practice soon started while Kai watched from the side.
" Show more spirit!"
" Yes!"
" Smooth out your movements!"
" Y-Yes!"
" Don't forget to smile for the crowd!"
" Yes!"
Kai watched in awe, although he quickly hid his emotion when he noticed Ushiyama glancing over to him a few times. A few hours later, the practice ended as Aichi panted from exhaustion. Kai quickly went down to him with a bottle of water and a towel.
" Here."
" Th-Thank you, Kai-kun..." Aichi panted
" You've improved. Your radiance was showing. Make sure to do the same thing in tomorrow's performance." Ushimaya said
" I understand..."
" I'll leave you to rest. After that, you have your singing practice to go to." Ushiyama said
" Okay..."
Ushiyama left the room as Aichi drank some water and wiped his sweat.
" You were watching the whole time...?" Aichi ask
" ... Yeah."
" I thought you might've started looking at your deck..." Aichi said
" I couldn't. You were so bright and dazzling." Kai said
Aichi blushed at the comment and quickly covered his cheeks with the towel.
" Was I...?" Aichi ask
" Yeah."
" Thank you..."
Aichi then headed off to singing practice as Kai watched at the side again. The practice was quickly finished up earlier than expected as Kai went down to Aichi again.
" I'm sorry. I forgot the successors are out right now to choose the new understudies so the practice ended earlier." Aichi said
" It's fine. Are you hungry? We can grab some dinner." Kai said
" Sure. Oh, just let me take a quick shower." Aichi said
" Okay."
Aichi ran off to have a shower as his Kirara floated towards Kai.
" Shouldn't you be with Aichi?" Kai ask
The Kirara landed on his hand as he poked it.
" You're a mysterious little thing." Kai said
He fiddled with the Kirara a little while longer as Aichi soon came out and they made their way to the dorms.
" The selection round will take about 10 days." Aichi said
" For the understudies to be selected?" Kai ask
" Yeah."
" It'll be hard to get performances on schedule in here without the successors around." Kai said
" Yeah. The only ones around right now are me and the other understudies. Until Tsubasa-san gives us a new schedule, all we can do is practice." Aichi said
" What about tomorrow's concert?" Kai ask
" I don't have much songs yet. I'm just worried about disappointing the fans. Honestly, I never expected them to like me that much." Aichi said
" ... I'll be there. I'll watch it too." Kai said
" Huh? You never seemed to be the type that enjoys this kind of thing." Aichi said
" ... Just yours." Kai muttered
Aichi flinched a little and blushed.
" I-I see..."
They had their dinner and thanked Chef Papa before leaving back to their world.
And that's the end of this chapter! Thank you for reading! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'll see everyone in the next chapter!