Hello everyone! This is a new chapter! Chapter 5! I hope everyone will enjoy this story! Without further ado, let's start!
Normal POV
Once they were back in Akibastar after a night's rest in Atamistar, Aichi quickly got to work with the song he was planning on doing with the other successors. He gathered them inside the recording studio.
" What'd you call all of us here for?" Takamina ask
" I had mentioned to Tsubasa-san that i was planning to do a group performance together, so I put together a song for us." Aichi said
" Really?!"
" Yeah. Uh..." Aichi said as he suddenly looked down at his feet
" ... He's shy again. I'll continue. It isn't just one song, some are complete enough to start recording. But we want to choose one as a group and broadcast it to Akibastar once a dance routine is made." Ren explained
" The genres are different from what you guys are used to. It'll show different sides to everyone." Kai said as he nodded to Ren, " Aichi has vocalized everything to get you familiar with the lyrics. The tone and feel of the song is all inside. We also have line distribution here for everyone. Read it while the song plays."
Kai then handed all the successors a sheet of paper as Ren played the music and the speakers blared around the room. They all listened to each song one by one as the last song finally finished playing as Ren turned the music off.
" ... I like the tone and feelings to these songs!" Takamina said
" Yeah!"
" But the high notes might be a little hard to hit... It might take awhile to record." Yuuko said
" Don't worry. We'll be here to guide the way you should project your voice to hit that note. Aichi-kun had some problems at first too. But the first agenda would be to choose one song that we can confidently start recording while we get a dance routine out." Ren said
" Then we should go by votes." Takamina said
" But they're all so good, I can't choose." Kojiharu said
" Actually, I did notice that there are more successors than we can fit into the line distribution. So maybe we can choose two songs, so that they can have equal appearances on stage when they perform?" Aichi ask
" Sure."
They all started voting for two songs after that and started recording.
" So all of Aichi's parts in all of the songs have been recorded?" Sayaka ask
" Yeah. I only sang the rest to give you guys the gist of how the song should flow." Aichi said
" I see."
" Why are you in a hurry to finish this?" Takamina ask
" Tsubasa-san told everyone here, right? I'm from another world. I still have things that I need to do in that world. It's nothing too serious. But studying in schools there is quite tough, so I'll need to balance life here and there. I want to be able to perform with everyone one day, after all." Aichi said
" How much time do you have left?" Yuuko ask
" Another two weeks. Don't worry, we can do it." Aichi said
" Great songs takes time. Even if he's busy with school, we will get these songs completed. No matter what." Ren said
" Yeah!"
Over the next few weeks, Aichi had finally started high school. His high school life soon became hectic after he tried to form a Cardfight Club together with new friends, Kourin and Misaki. It was the evening after their club had been approved when they had defeated Hitsue High as Aichi checked the time.
" It's already this late..." Aichi muttered
" Aichi! Let's have our first fight in our official clubroom!" Naoki said
" Oh, I'm sorry. I need to go now. I have an appointment today." Aichi said
" Again?"
" I'm really sorry. We'll fight tomorrow, okay?" Aichi ask
He then waved goodbye to them and closed the clubroom door.
" He's even busier than an idol..." Naoki said
" He has been for a long time." Misaki said
Shingo looked out of the window as he saw Aichi running towards Kai, who was waiting at the school gate, and the two left together.
" Does he always hang out with Kai-san?" Shingo ask
" Not that I remember of. Though, Kai usually leaves the shop just two minutes after Aichi leaves." Misaki said
" He just left with him though." Shingo said
" I wonder what they are doing together." Kourin said
" I'm gonna follow them!" Naoki said
" Wait a minute! It's not a good idea to stalk them." Kourin said
" That's right." Shingo said
" Huh? That's rare. I thought Granny Glasses would like to know more about his idol's private life?" Naoki ask
In the end... The four had managed to keep up with Aichi and Kai as Kourin sighed.
" How did it become like this...?" Kourin said
" Who knows." Misaki said
" You say that, but you're curious too, right?" Kourin ask
" I did have some concerns myself." Misaki said
They stopped at the entrance of the hospital as Aichi and Kai came out of the hospital after getting something.
" The doctor said that it's healing better. However, we can't be too lax about it." Kai said
" Jeez... I didn't need any more painkillers. It's been weeks, Toshiki-kun. I've recovered enough already." Aichi said
" Your injury caused you to be on a wheelchair for those weeks. Of course I'd be worried." Kai said
" Don't get me started on today. You didn't tell me anything about the match." Aichi said
" Wasn't it a surprise for you anyway?" Kai ask
" It sure was!" Aichi exclaimed
Naoki and the others watched and followed at a distance while listening to their conversation.
" Was Aichi injured?" Naoki ask
" Thinking back, he was on a wheelchair for quite awhile. But he never told us how he really got injured and where he had gotten hurt." Misaki said
" He didn't give a reason?" Kourin ask
" Not a proper reason, at least. I refused to believe that a fall could hurt him until he needed to be on a wheelchair." Misaki said
" Some falls could, but it definitely is rare, no matter how clumsy someone can be." Naoki said
" True."
" Huh? Why are they walking into an alley?" Shingo ask
The four then tried to peek into the alley and listen to more of the conversation.
" The coast is clear." Kai said
" Alright. Kirara, do it." Aichi said
His Kirara floated out of his pocket as it glowed and opened the portal while Naoki and the others shielded their eyes. When they glow had dissipated, Aichi and Kai had already entered the portal as it closed up. The four then looked around.
" Huh?!"
" They disappeared!" Shingo exclaimed
" Into thin air?!" Naoki exclaimed
" I guess those two really have some sort of secret." Kourin said
" Aw man! We almost got them too!" Naoki exclaimed
" We don't have a choice. Let's head home." Kourin said
They all headed their separate ways home afterwards. A few days later, Aichi and Naoki were informed by the Student Council members about the school festival and to prepare a play as they relayed it to the others. Shingo soon came back with a few scripts for the play that he'd wrote himself as Aichi read through all of them.
" These... Aren't they all based on children stories but with Vanguard units...?" Aichi ask
" That's kind of true." Misaki said
" But anything should do, right? We only have ten days to prepare." Kourin said
" I guess so."
" We don't have much of a choice... Could you pick one, Shingo-kun?" Aichi ask
Shingo had picked the Bamboo Cutter - Vanguard as he explained the story and handed scripts to their lines and roles.
" I don't want to trouble Emi and Mai-chan... Let me handle the costumes and stage set." Aichi said
" That's too much work for one person." Misaki said
" I'll be fine. I have some people to help me. They know quite a bit about stage setups." Aichi said
" From where?" Kourin ask
" ... Somewhere..." Aichi replied
" It's a good idea! They never said that we couldn't use help from people outside of school!" Naoki said
" It certainly is. The more help, the better." Shingo said
" I'll try to participate as much as I can in the rehearsals too." Aichi said
That was when they heard a phone ringing. Aichi flinched as he checked the time and went to his bag. He then placed the device on top of his phone and pretended to answer from it.
" H-Hello...?"
" What time do you think it is?! You're going to be late!" Kai exclaimed
" I-I'm sorry..." Aichi said
" Get down here right now! We need to go now!" Kai exclaimed
" I-I understand..." Aichi said
Aichi hung the call up and sighed as he kept everything in his bag.
" I'm sorry... I need to go now... I have an appointment today..." Aichi said
He quickly left the clubroom as he rushed over to Kai, who was waiting at the gate.
" Hurry!" Kai said
" O-Okay!"
Once Aichi was by his side, Kai grabbed his hand and ran off to a nearby alleyway, where Aichi had opened the portal with his Kirara.
" You almost didn't make it in time!" Tsubasa exclaimed
" I'm sorry!" Aichi exclaimed
" Hurry and head off to change. The audience is waiting for you to finally be back on stage again." Tsubasa said
" Okay!"
Aichi ran off to change as Kai waited at the backstage for him. Once it was finally his turn, Aichi rushed up onto the stage. Kai waited and watched the performance as it lasted for half an hour before Aichi bowed, thanking the audience and went towards Kai.
" You did another good closing performance." Kai said
" Thank you..."
" Could you explain why you were almost late today?" Tsubasa ask
" Oh, actually..." Aichi said
Aichi then explained to them what he was planning for the play as Tsubasa sighed.
" If you were going to be so busy, you should have informed me." Tsubasa said
" Or even me." Kai said
" It was a little last minute. We only knew about it today, too. I was also thinking if we could have everyone here to help out as well." Aichi said
" ... Sure. I'm sure they'll help you either way. Takamina's been bored from recovering too. Why don't you ask them?" Tsubasa ask
" Yes!"
Aichi went on to change and ask the successors about the play as they all agreed to help him. Over the next few days, while Aichi was practicing with the others, the successors have been doing the set and costumes. Aichi would also help out whenever rehearsals have wrapped up for the day.
" Thank you, everyone!" Aichi said
" Tomorrow's your full rehearsal, right?" Takamina ask
" Yeah. But we are worried... You see, there's an idol in our club and she hasn't been free to practice with us. We're hoping she does tomorrow." Aichi said
" You're an idol too, technically." Yuuko said
" But at least my schedules aren't that busy for now... Her schedule seems really busy because in our world, she has many fans from around the world. She had to accommodate to the busy schedule. So I do understand how she feels and I do hope that she's not exerting herself." Aichi said
" Do you want us to go and watch you too? Kai can be our escort." Takamina said
" Is that really okay?" Aichi ask
" I'll make sure they are free from their schedule. Take that day off to relax." Tsubasa said
" Yes!"
" By the way, the dragon costume we made seemed heavy. Is it holding up well?" Kojiharu ask
" Naoki-kun said that it was fine... Although I am kind of worried myself." Aichi replied
" Will the Student Council be bothering you this time?" Kai ask
" ... I sure hope not." Aichi said
" And there's no backup plan if they do?" Kai ask
" No..."
" If it does happen, won't the play be ruined?" Yukirin ask
" Well..."
" Let's make a backup plan. Your clubmates should understand." Takamina said
" ... I understand."
As they all discussed on their plans, the set was finally finished as Aichi set everything up before the others arrived for the full rehearsal.
" This is the full setup. What do you think?" Aichi ask
" It's wonderful!" Shingo exclaimed
" You did great, Aichi!" Naoki exclaimed
" Now all we have to do now is to have a rehearsal." Misaki said
" Yeah!"
As the time for their full rehearsal had started, Kourin still did not show up despite them having been waiting for an hour.
" Kourin ain't here..." Naoki said
" Good grief! She doesn't even bother to come to the full rehearsal?! Does she really have any interest in doing this?!" Shingo exclaimed
" Misaki-san... You told her, didn't you?" Aichi ask
" Yeah..."
As soon as time was up, they had to leave the stage as evening fell. Kai waited by the gates and waved to Aichi as he smiled a little.
" I'll be leaving then... Don't be too upset. I'm sure she's just busy." Aichi assured
He waved goodbye to the others as he left with Kai.
" You look worried. Did Tatsunagi not show up?" Kai ask
" Yeah... Misaki-san said that she did inform her and I'm sure Kourin-san didn't mean to not show up." Aichi said
" Do you think you guys have been sabotaged?" Kai ask
" I hope not, but it's not unlikely either." Aichi replied
" I see."
Kai patted his head in assurance as Aichi sighed.
" I'll help tomorrow with setup and wardrobe." Kai said
" Okay. Thank you."
Soon, the next day came as the school festival began. Kai arrived earlier than the others and entered Aichi's clubroom.
" Toshiki-kun!"
" Hey. What time is the play?" Kai ask
" 2pm. Everyone's ready to go when it's almost time. And..." Aichi said
" I'll need your Kirara later. I'll get them here by then. You can open the portal without being with it, right?" Kai whispered to his ear
" Y-Yeah..."
Kai then did a check on the costumes and discussed with Aichi regarding them as Naoki approached them.
" So... The person you said that helped you with the set and costumes is him?" Naoki whispered
" Oh, no. We had more help." Aichi whispered
" I see..."
" Aichi. Come over for a second." Kai called
" Oh, okay."
Aichi went back to Kai as he circled his arm behind Aichi's back and gripped the table's edge.
" I'll be backstage. If Plan B is needed, I'll hit the light switches off." Kai whispered
" I got it."
" It's almost time. I'll get them here and guide them around the festival before I head over to help you guys get into your costumes and set the stage." Kai whispered
" Okay."
Aichi took his Kirara out from his jacket and handed it to Kai as he hid it in his jacket and went off.
" Aichi. He's been super close to you. Did something happen between you two?" Naoki ask
" Not really. He was just helping me. Let's continue waiting for Kourin-san. I'm sure she'll come." Aichi said
As they waited until it was past noon as they were suddenly told by the Vice President that their play had been moved to 1pm. They immediately rushed to the backstage while the announcement rang throughout the school.
" What?! The timing changed?!" Kai exclaimed
" Kai, just go. We'll head over later too." Takamina said
" I got it!"
Kai ran over to the backstage as well to help Aichi and the others as their nervousness grew.
" Tatsunagi still isn't here yet?" Kai ask
" No... I heard something even worse..." Aichi whispered
" What is it?" Kai ask
" Apparently, the Vice President told Akari-san to inform Kourin-san that yesterday's full rehearsal had been pushed back from 3pm to 5pm." Aichi whispered
" So it was sabotage." Kai whispered
Kai then moved over to help Mai with Naoki's heavy costume as the play soon began.
" Can you do it?" Kai ask
" Yeah."
" Just think of it as if you're on Akibastar's stage." Kai whispered
" Okay."
" Long, long ago, there lived a Little Sage, Marron."
Aichi walked up onto the stage as he began acting out his lines.
" Oh?! What is that glowing bamboo?" Aichi said
" When Marron splits the glowing bamboo, the beautiful CEO Amaterasu, of all things, is born! Amaterasu is raised beautifully... But one day, tragedy strikes!"
Naoki burst through the door on the set and pounded his chest.
" I'm Vowing Sword Dragon! I'm taking Amaterasu with me!" Naoki declared as he took Misaki away
" A-Amaterasu...!"
" Amaterasu is shut inside the Celestial Rock Cave! Will the hero that appears to save her... actually appear to save her?!"
Behind the set, as the lights dimmed, Naoki was having a discussion with Aichi about the role of Alfred.
" Suck it up, Aichi. Come on, put this on and fight me!" Naoki whispered
" But..."
" The story can't finish 'til Alfred appears and beats me! Come on! It doesn't look like Kourin's gonna be here, so forget about her!" Naoki whispered
" You're right. We have to handle this somehow... It's for Kourin-san's sake, too." Aichi whispered
" There ya go! That's the Aichi I know! Okay, I'll be waitin' for you on stage!" Naoki whispered
That was when his costume had hit one of the planks on the set as Aichi quickly looked over to Kai and nodded while the set had started collapsing. Kai quickly ran over to the main light switches and shut the entire power as the stage turned dark.
" That's our cue! Let's go!" Takamina whispered
" Yeah!"
Kai then ran over to Shingo with a small lamp as he quickly switched the script.
" Wh-What?!"
" Continue reading after two minutes." Kai said
" O-Okay..."
Kai then ran over to the backstage where Takamina and the others were hiding as Aichi arrived as well.
" Is everyone ready?" Aichi ask
" Yeah!"
" Then let's make our entrance as silently as possible. I already asked the others to hide at the other side. We'll leave the lighting to you, Kai-kun." Aichi whispered
Kai nodded as they put on hoods and masks to partially cover their eyes.
" Let's go."
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!