Chapter 14

The Final Answer

Ritsuko, Azusa, and their interpreter Richie weren't very far away. It took half an hour from when they received the call from Ami to turn around and step foot inside the hotel. In that time Ami explained in-brief what was transpiring while their leader was missing. Even though it wasn't completely necessary, Iori translated into English so Jordan wouldn't be bored sitting around.

From the airport they went straight to the hotel. Because of the cramped taxi ride, and all the excitement of visiting a new country, none had been able to keep an eye on Iori's cab to make sure it didn't take a wrong turn. By the time they made it to the hotel they had no idea that their friend was lost. While Ritsuko, Ami, and Richie were checking into the hotel, Azusa waited for Iori's taxi to arrive. It never did.

Once they realized that something was terribly wrong, they were in a panic as what to do next. They tried calling her cellphone, but it was quickly discovered that Iori's purse and nearly all her belongings were in their possession. At this point it was getting very late and they needed time to calm down and formulate a decisive plan. They brought everything to their room and settled down. It was very late and their options were excruciatingly limited. Richie, the local and interpreter, proved to be of little help. Young and inexperienced, he had few ideas to bring to the table. All he could suggest was to go to the police.

Iori took time to remember that Jordan made the same suggestion, only he called them Metro.

Richie's suggestion turned out to be a waste of time. As explained over the phone, they couldn't file a Missing Persons Report for a lost tourist that's been gone for only a few hours. Not even would they bother posting an All Points Bulletin to be on the lookout for a lost Asian 15-year-old. Simply was there a lack of manpower to begin a search for every tourist that took a wrong turn and got lost. Only when they've been gone for several days would they escalate the case and actually commit resources to the search. Until then, the only thing they could do was either search themselves, or wait for Iori to find them. While Metro couldn't do anything for them, their advice was perhaps the best that could be given.

Jordan took a moment to intrude on the explanation. What undoubtedly was on Iori's mind was that if she had gone to Metro, and Ritsuko in-fact called them, wouldn't they have been able to quickly link the two together? The answer was no. Several police stations are littered throughout Las Vegas Valley, and it would only be with great luck that the two would have chose to contact the same one. But even then, the Dispatcher would have to spread the information throughout the precinct and have the information flow back to her. It was a long-shot of it happening any time quickly, especially since there was so little distinct information to be passed around. Eventually they would have had her back with her friends, but eventually could have been a long time.

The hour was late and Richie couldn't be with them all night. As an interpreter his job was only to translate, and he couldn't be expected to help in the search other then giving advice (albeit useless advice). Resigned to be helpless, all they could do was hope for the best and retire for the night. They all knew that Iori spoke English, so perhaps she was resourceful enough to find a place to take shelter. It was that idea alone that allowed them to get any sleep that night.

The next day started late as they had to wait for Richie to arrive before they could begin their search. Once he did, they decided that Ami should stay behind while Ritsuko and Azusa would take the interpreter and begin a search. Ami didn't know what happened after that, but it was clear they didn't have any luck.

But Iori thought about it, and the group of Iori and Jordan, and the group of the three who were searching, were all on The Strip at the same time. Jordan explained this before and said that it would be very easy to miss each other even if they passed nearby. They very well might have happened, and at her time on the Strip she was so distracted by everything around her, she didn't remember a single face of anyone that walked by about their business. Now that she realized what the local predicted was exactly what happened, she truthful accepted that his course of action was indeed the very best. After all, only a single day had been sacrificed when what could have been a total disaster.

Shortly thereafter, there was a knock at the door.

Ritsuko and Azusa arrived with the same fanfare as Ami. Ritsuko tried to be stern, but the relief she felt overpowered any inclination to be the authoritative role model. Richie had since left their presence and employ.

Jordan sat quietly in a chair on the far side of the room and let them have their moment. His presence was almost nonexistent until the one wearing glasses nearly screamed when she finally saw him. Of course this made him cringe.

Realizing that she'd forgotten about him again, Iori made the introduction for the second time, "(This is the one who helped me when I was lost, Jordan Huntsman.)"

Hearing the phrase before, Jordan had an idea of what was said. He'd since stood on his feet and was approaching. "It's a pleasure to finally meet. I've heard a lot about you."

As he drew nearer Ritsuko unconsciously takes a step back. It seemed the appearance of this man had frightened her a bit.

Iori turned to Jordan as he announced himself, so she didn't see Ritsuko's reaction. As Iori was translating for him, she saw that her manager was further away then a moment ago. Her reaction was extremely rude considering what he has done, but she didn't get a moment to make a remark.

Jordan wouldn't allow the awkward social cue to drag out, so he turned to the taller pretty idol, "You must be Azusa. You're as beautiful as Iori's said."

Iori's eyebrow twitched when she heard him hitting on the eldest and most endowed of the group, so she didn't translate the "beautiful" part.

Azusa was withdrawn and cautious; somewhat confused about the presence of this strange and intimidating foreigner. Jordan's compliment was meant to calm her down a bit, but his reasoning was lost on his translator. In the end she wasn't comforted a bit.

With the introductions out of the way, and all of them being seated, Iori told the story of everything that's happened to her in the past 24 hours, especially including Jordan's vital contributions to her efforts. After the end they at least knew the reason for the man's presence, but the two older women were still slightly uneasy.

Ritsuko stepped up, and Iori translated, "(I feel that I must apologize. I have been terribly rude to someone who brought us all together. I am sorry,)" and she accompanied her apology with a bow.

Jordan tried to wave her off, "No, no, it's okay. I'm sure anyone would be scared if someone like me was waiting for them in their room. I just wanted to make sure Iori was returned safely, and everything would be okay if I were gone."

"(You really didn't have to go so far for our Iori, but thank you. You've been most generous and we cannot completely express our gratitude. If there is anything we could do for you, we surely will.)"

Iori was translating so quickly that she didn't process what Ritsuko was saying until after the fact. Her manager was offering Jordan a reward. Was that why he was sticking around? Did he want to be compensated for all the money he'd spent on getting her to this point? Surely it was within his right to be rewarded for his sacrifice, but that seemed completely uncharacteristic. Iori made a bet with herself, if he indeed accepts a reward, it would be:

"Y'know, we all must be getting a bit hungry. Why don't we go out for dinner?"

. . .

They almost went to a very expensive Steakhouse, but Jordan and Ritsuko (especially Jordan) wouldn't accept it even if Iori paid through her traveler's checks. 765 didn't have the funds for it, and Jordan was holding firm on principle. If he couldn't afford to eat there himself, he felt as though he was taking advantage of them. There was also an Italian restaurant, but that's what Iori ate last night. They skipped the oyster bar because Jordan couldn't stomach seafood, and neither the Japanese sushi nor the Chinese cuisine appealed to the foreigners. In the end they left the hotel and went through the neighboring mall. Jordan insisted that all this fanciness wouldn't really suit the occasion, and brought them all to an American Barbeque Smokehouse.

All but the youngest of the girls cried a silent tear in memorial of their diet.

But the food was good. So, so good...

Ritsuko and Azusa still had their reservations about Jordan, but the youngest of the group Ami started to take a shine to him. Whilst they dined he told them a brief history of Las Vegas: how it was merely a watering hole along the Old Spanish trail, to it's popularity before the advent of the railroad system, to it's resurgence with the construction of the Hoover Dam. Ami, who wasn't old enough to know the significance of the Manhattan Project, ate up the whole story. Even Iori was impressed by the amount of History he could recall offhand.

After dinner they thought they would have bid him final farewell, but Jordan insisted that there was one last thing he had to say, and he had to do it when they were in their room. Everyone was starting to grow concerned, but perhaps for very different reasons. Ritsuko and Azusa thought they might be dealing with another Richie, but Iori knew whatever he had to say must have been important. Once they returned to their room, Jordan became very serious and told Iori to translate, word for word to the best of her ability, everything he was about to say.

He begins by asking a simple, yet very important question, "Who did you hire to promote this concert?"

A mix of emotions flushes Ritsuko's face. Confusion, wonder, and a bit of apprehension made her a bit hesitant to answer the simple question. First of all, this was a private 765 Productions business matter, and Jordan was by no means entitled to receive an answer. Normally she wouldn't waste the time with this sort of question, but this man has done them a tremendous favor, and it didn't seem as though she bought him off with a simple dinner. In fact, that treat was likely to calm them down before what would be spoken next. From the look on his face, he already knew the answer. He was just waiting for Ritsuko to confirm what he already suspects.

"(We didn't hire anyone. We're promoting this Live ourselves.)"

"I knew it!" Jordan shouts as he rises from his chair. Then he realizes he was getting excited and turns around and faces the nighttime Vegas through the drawn window curtain. He must know that his sudden show of emotion was worrying them, but it's clear that he himself was worried. This was why he made sure Iori translated every single thing he said. "The reason it took me so long to find you, was because there was almost no advertising for the concert. I've checked all the normal websites, called all the people who usually know these things, and none of them knew a single thing about you."

"(But that doesn't matter,)" Ritsuko must have been feeling insulted, so she stopped this belittlement of her efforts, "(you found us so there isn't any need to complain.)"

After hearing the translation, "I'm not complaining! Listen, if I couldn't find this concert, nobody is going to find it! You're not going to sell any tickets to this thing!"

Iori couldn't keep up. 'You're not going to sell any tickets' made her break into a sudden sweat. It was her worst fear put into words. More then being separated from her friends and have the concert canceled, was learning that all her efforts were wasted. So how-

"(Iori.)"

She turns to see Azusa, whose own concern was a reflection of Iori's. Color had been drained from the young idol's face her breathing was starting to get heavy. It was terrible news to deliver, but it was her duty to let them know. When she did, Azusa and Ami were clearly shaken, but Ritsuko only got angrier.

"(What do you mean we won't sell tickets! Do you have any idea how much effort we're putting into this Live? Who are you to say these things?)"

"I've lived here for years, know the people who work these events, I even know a couple of the comedians and magicians who preform nightly; there's no surer way to bomb a show then to not hire a promoter."

"(We're not going to be sitting around and hoping this works! We're goin-)"

"What? Stand out on The Strip and hand out fliers? Go on the radio or be interviewed? Tell me, what are your plans?"

Ritsuko was at a bit of a loss, a rare and unbelievable hesitation. For all the "in-charge" attitude she carried while being Ryuuguu Komachi's manager, at this point she looks as if she just flunked a math test for which she studied all night. She composed herself, of course, but a blow was taken.

"(What do you know! Even if we lack the funds to spend a lot on promotions, we've gotten this far because of the effort we put in!)"

"That's not going to cut it out here. You have to have advertising on billboards, commercials running on television, and articles in the papers for months to attract the attention to sell out a venue. This is the Live Entertainment Capital of the World! You're competing against 100s of shows running on the very same night! Of the hundred thousand people who visit Vegas every day, and most of them plan what shows their seeing in advance. If you're trying to pick up those undecided, you're in for a very rough time. Tell me, what day is your concert?"

"(November 11.)"

"And what year is it?"

"(2011.)"

"11 November 2011. 11/11/11. Did you know that there's a huge promotion on dozens of shows that night? Eleven bucks for nearly all the regular shows playing weekly? I heard this opportunity arouse to play in Vegas because there was a cancellation. Did you ever stop and wonder why? It's because whoever was booked before realized that any one-night-only show didn't have a prayer in that kind of environment! And you think you can preform well without someone who knows the ins and outs of Las Vegas!"

How long had Jordan knew? Iori thought about it. Maybe from the very beginning. Was this why he was so nice to her, because he felt pity? The poor little girl, separated from her friends, booked to play a concert that was doomed to fail. A small production company out in Japan that gambled everything on a losing bet. Ryuuguu Komachi, Yayoi, Miki, Chihaya, and all the others; simply waiting around unknowingly to have the rug pulled out from underneath them. And when they hit the ground, the tower of cards that was their careers would collapse as well. Some might be able to pick themselves off their feet, but many wouldn't.

Iori looks to her manager Ritsuko. That nearly unwavering confidence now barely hung together by loose threads. Much must have be going through her head as well. It didn't look like she was willing to accept everything that Jordan said, but it was clear much new information was there to be processed. But slowly and surely confidence was rising in her expression, constructed by materials Iori might never understand. The problem was that they were unaware of the hazards that awaited them, but now that she knew of them, it appeared that Ritsuko had belief in herself. A change of tactics were in order, but she wasn't quite there.

Azusa and Ami both carried extremely disheartened expressions. It was like their loss to Touma all over again. That bad period that was briefly masked by the glamor of Vegas was now revealed, forgotten but too distant.

What was Iori's own expression? Turning and looking in the mirror, she was surprised herself to find she seemed somewhat relieved. Questioning herself why, she was more then a little confused. When she first heard that they might not sell any tickets, she was as nervous as can be. Now that she understood why, a peace that didn't exist in of the other girls almost made her invulnerable. Why? Finally turning towards Jordan, she immediately understood why.

It was Jordan who was brimming with confidence. For the deliverer of such dire news, he was the one most unaffected by the situation. Very simply could he have walked away and left them forever, but that he even bothered to tell these near-strangers what awaited them proved that he was emotionally involved. He said, "I just wanted to make sure Iori was returned safely, and everything would be okay if I were gone." For only a day had Iori known this man, and nearly nothing of his past was shared between them, but his personality and good heart was as clear as day. "if I were gone." It's not over yet. Jordan is going to stick around to the very end, and by the look on his face, he already has a plan.

Iori stands up and faces her companions from Japan. Not as a translator, she is going to speak as the leader of Ryuuguu Komachi.

"(Listen, I know this sounds difficult. Heck, it sounds impossible. But this past day I've been lost in the very heart of Vegas. Jordan, here, has been my little white rabbit, leading me through an absolute wonderland. Not only have I seen amazing sights, but I've seen the efforts of the amazing people who continually work to bring about this miracle. The people here, who live and breath Vegas everyday, are some of the most generous, helpful people I have ever met. Vegas has it's own attitude, it's own soul, and if you stretch out your hand, it will take it.)"

Suddenly an idea pops into her head. A piece of a puzzle, the most clear and detailed piece she could ever see. Clearly does it make the entire picture easy enough to discern, and almost too much so. Slightly unsure of herself, she looks back to Jordan as if seeking his confirmation. Of course Jordan has no idea what's on her mind, but his attitude is still positive as if he has all the answer in his back pocket. Now Iori too has that answer, that plan which was their salvation. Something then sparked between the two, as if a telepathic transmission was communicated from heart to heart. Jordan knew what Iori was thinking, and Iori knew what Jordan was thinking. He cracks a smile and grin, and waves for her to go ahead. While he could be of tremendous help in this situation, there was by no means a way that he could force these woman from another country to trust him. However, they trusted Iori, even if they didn't trust the Jordan whom had the trust of Iori. Only her words could move them.

"(Las Vegas is like a family, and they all have pride and love each other as if they were a family. If we can prove that we are like them, they will accept us. We can't sell our concert if we try to go after the tourists, we can only do it if we go after the citizens who live here themselves!)"

This wasn't some highhanded speech, but a clear path and objective that they needed to meet. Ritsuko, who didn't seem particularly interested in what Iori was saying, suddenly got caught by an unexpected blow. Whatever plan she was currently formulating, it was clear that she hadn't even began to consider going after the locals. Now that the idea was brought to her, it put her at a loss. A plan that was so completely feasible, but wasn't thought of by her. Pride must have been eating her up inside. It couldn't be helped that it hurt, but there was nothing she could do but submit. Azusa and Ami understood with less conflict, and their spirits received a boost that was so very much needed.

"Iori," Jordan calls out to her, "it seems I'm not really needed here now. There's nothing we can do this late, so rest up. Things need to be prepared, so I'll see you in the morning."

"Um hm!"

With a step that almost seems divine, he heads towards the door and exit. Turning the handle and opening it wide, before he leaves he says one last thing, "Good night, and sweet dreams."

What? You thought it was almost over? Gotcha! We're now only halfway through. Though I must admit, I'm tempted to end it right here with a To Be Continued, but I can't think up a better name then Iori's Las Vegas Fairytale Part II, so it stays open.

I must say, this chapter was rough. It felt like I was walking on eggshells my entire time writing this. The cast is finally all together, so now I have to consider the points of view of everyone, not just Iori and Jordan. My trickiest times were with Ritsuko who's probably the supporting lead. Normally she's open and friendly to everyone except for the idols of whom she is in charge, so her reaction to Jordan was something like a mix between a mother grizzly bear and a proud working professional. It's her responsibility to strive for the well-being of her idols, yet also not to coddle them and make sure they work. Jordan's presence is almost like a threat to her own, so I feel it's only natural that she reacts negatively to him. To what degree? Well, that's the tricky part. Unfortunately I'm not as comfortable with Ritsuko as I am Iori and some of the others, so hey, it is what it is.

What we're going to have in the second half is all the Promotion, Training, and Communication, for the concert, and then the actual event. I've been thinking of also adding an epilogue, but I'll worry about that bridge when I cross it. After all, even I didn't think it'd take 14 chapters to reach this point, but it did. I said this was the midway point, but I'd rather not stretch it as far as 28 chapters, but who knows. It might end up 30+. (Groans at all the writing that's ahead)

Well, I hoped you've enjoyed my first ever fanfic so far, cause your in for a lot more of it. Until the next time I feel like adding my own comments-

~Kyle Castorena