Chapter 22

REST(a)RT

"Are you sure about this?" Jordan asks as he and Iori are sitting in the empty parking spot reserved for his apartment number, about to embark on his bike.

Iori, who was first warned about sitting side-saddle but was now doing so, was inappropriately-clad in a long black dress and light makeup, unhesitant and comfortably wrapping her arms around his waist, tells him, "Absolutely."

After the former-soldier was accepted by the Japanese Idol, he unveiled the continuation of the plan he began early this day. Actually, the roots for this plan started yesterday, a seed he planted when such plans would have been putting the cart before the horse. Even when they were looking for her friends Jordan was already making preparations for the eventual promotion blitz that would follow. Only then, Iori had no idea he was doing so.

Yesterday they were invited to a certain casino where a military ball was going to take place the next day. There they met with the Event Coordinator and a Military Representative. A Lieutenant Colonel representative. Since he was meeting with the Event Coordinator, it could be deduced he was in official capacity and the actual person in charge of the party. Lt Col Shazier gave his word that he'd mention her concert to the guys that have at one time been stationed in Japan. Jordan's idea was; why not do it themselves? In fact, why not give them a preview? Iori was going to sing at their ball.

However, there was a snag; what song would she sing? One of her own? A Ryuuguu Komachi title might not be a greatest of ideas. While they might enjoy the performance, her intentions would be clear and she won't win over many of the soldiers. So what song would befit such an audience on this annual celebration? To that, Jordan had an answer.

"But Jordan," Iori told him at the time, "this song is in English and I've never sung it before."

A worst nightmare scenario for many idols, not only at 765 Pro, was to be asked to sing a song in English and completely butcher it. Due to their own language constraints, some of the words in their songs were in English, but it'd also become an increasingly popular fad in the Japanese music industry to include more English spoken words in their songs. The problem was that it lead to a false image that idol singers were fluent in English, when in fact they were only singing in English and not necessarily understanding the words. This left the poor idols with horrible, near unintelligible accents. It'd become a terrible stereotypes in foreign countries. Iori, who spoke fluent English, her fear was falling into that stereotype.

"Iori," Jordan sensed her worries, "I've been listening to you for the past couple days now. At first it was a little hard to understand what you were saying. There was broken grammar, a unclear accent, and awkward pauses while you were trying to remember words. Since then you're talking comfortably, translating for others, and even throwing a joke around or two. There's still a bit of an accent, but anyone listening to you would guess you've been in the US for years. Don't worry. I've heard your singing, and honestly, I was blown away. I know you can do this."

Such praise couldn't leave her unaffected, and she agreed.

While Iori memorized the lyrics and listened to others renditions on Jordan's PC, the man came to conclusion that her current outfit was unacceptable. Inclined to agree, but Iori couldn't imagine this development when she left the others at the hotel. Her sparkly pink two-piece from this afternoon had been returned to wardrobe and she was at the time donned in a light blue floral dress.

Jordan had a solution. In the bedroom reserved for guests and his mother, in the closet was a black dress that would perfectly suit the occasion. Here Iori learned from where Jordan inherited his height. It seemed preposterous that he'd even suggest she wear something that so obviously wouldn't fit, but then Iori remember the crafting supplies she noticed from the night she stayed. They could alter the dress. Actually, Usa-chan has been with the young idol for years. It was of no surprise that it would suffer damage over all that time. Iori insisted on doing the repairs herself, and since this was her precious partner, she wouldn't allow a shoddy job. Many didn't know this, but Iori was pretty handy with a needle and thread. By coincidence, this was a skilled also shared with her best friend Yayoi.

However, Jordan insisted he could do that himself. Iori wouldn't have had a problem with that, except for the fact that she'd have to stand around in her underwear while he was making the adjustments. For the most part Iori did well on her own, but the finishing touches had to be done by another.

"Won't your mother get mad that we're doing this to her dress?" Iori asked as the thought occurred to her.

"Yeah. She'll yell at me, but I've been yelled at before." He said that with his face centimeters away from her near naked back, his breath tickled her.

In a matter of minutes he finished. Snugly his mother's dress fit to Iori's body, but after she looked in the mirror, a problem was apparent.

"I gotta lose the bra, don't I?"

"Seems so."

For a woman of his mother's stature, this much of her chest and collarbone weren't supposed to be exposed, but when altered for the much smaller Iori, it was more something a movie star would wear down the red carpet. If by chance her underwear were black she might not have to go to such lengths, but unfortunately she was wearing white. Thankfully the thickness of the fabric wouldn't allow anyone to notice (Iori made sure to check when she was alone in the bathroom).

Lastly came the makeup and hair. Probably because of Jordan's own long hair, there were no shortage of supplies in that department, and Iori made sure to pack her makeup kit. Since they were taking so long and the hour getting late, the young girl allowed the man to do her hair. Actually, he knew more then a thing or two about what he was doing. Iori has had long hair her entire life thus far, and Jordan still had a couple helpful tips to share with the female.

"No," Jordan gave his opinion on Iori's suggestion, "I don't think you should put up your hair. You have beautiful hair, your should show it off."

Ami asked the question before and the man jokingly brushed her off, but Iori became certain he preferred women with long hair. The girl wasn't quite sure why she recalled that memory at that time.

At the final check, Iori was pleasantly surprised by how mature she looked at that moment. Idols tended to lean on the cute and girly side, so this was a welcome change. Her previous attempts to look like an adult ended in horrible failure, which Iori, Ami, Mami, and Yayoi try their best to forget.

Options existed on how to get to the hotel. It wasn't the longest distance in the world, so walking was an option (thankfully Iori didn't have high heels to match the dress, and her feet couldn't be seen). Also did the young heiress have her money, so they could have called a cab. For some reason, however, the idol insisted they take the man's bicycle. Jordan didn't mind, but he was worried it might mess with her dress or hair. This was Iori's decision, and she allowed no refusal.

Without incident they arrive at the casino. They find a place to chain his bike just outside the employee parking lot. It isn't a long walk to the entrance.

The night was cool and only a light breeze kisses at her skin. It would be great to take a deep breath and be completely refreshed, but the smell from all the restaurants venting outside was making her hungry. Jordan, who could always make room for a meal, must have been feeling it too. It would have to wait till later. Besides, tightness in the abs from hunger helped control her breathing. It was good to perform hungry, just not starving.

"I'm starving," Jordan complains after smelling the kitchens.

At least he wasn't the one singing.

Together they enter the casinos, and nearly immediately Iori notices the stares she's receiving from the men and boys that see her passing by. Was this what Azusa meant when they had their talk in the hotel suite?

"Do you think I look older?" she asks her companion.

"Why don't you try ordering a drink and find out?"

Was he still thinking about alcohol? Over half his crate of beer he finished and he was still completely fine. Then again, he wouldn't have bought a whole crate if it wasn't necessary.

Side-by-side they walk, Iori flirting with temptation and taking his arm like an escort. Girly fantasies need to be dumped to the side. In a matter of minutes she needs to perform her first ever song in English. Being distracted was definitely unprofessional. The time for getting serious already began. All other thoughts must be pushed out of her mind.

For now.

Taking the familiar path, they make their way upstairs. On their way they spot many, many men and women in the black and red dress uniforms. A few are in tuxes, but most are in military colors. Of their dates/spouses, all of them are wearing dresses with long skirts, all of them looking elegant and beautiful no matter their ages. The greater majority of the people attending the ball are older, parents and grandparents. All matter of ethnicity fill the ranks, so much so that Iori is a bit shaken. Such diversity gathered here in one place, all bound by the same link of military service. Ritsuko categorized the American Military very narrowly. What would she think if she saw this gathering?

"Balls like this are happening all over the country tonight," Jordan tells her. "No, not just here, but on all the bases all over the globe." His voice carries some longing.

"Do you miss it?"

A perfectly valid question. Though he left in disgrace, there must have been some of it upon which he could recollect fondly.

"I miss the social order, and the community. You become so close to your fellow servicemen, that you might have never met someone but he's still your brother. You don't really realize how important these things are to you until you lose them."

Loneliness. More than anything Jordan was suffering from loneliness. Jordan told Iori when they first met that he doesn't make a habit out of helping people; a bold faced lie. His crummy job and the marks on his record don't bother him as much, but for what he really yearns is the human connection. Thus no sacrifice is too large as long as it helps someone else. With every word out of his mouth, every moment they spend together, Iori understands this man a little more.

The large empty ballroom is empty no more. So many now occupy this room that Iori couldn't even begin to count the heads. Noah the Event Coordinator mentioned she expected over a thousand. That was a generous assumption. At least that and a half were now eating and socializing at their tables, with their partner on the dance floor, or lounging around here and there. Not only that, but many had they already passed in the casino on their way here. Iori was overwhelmed by the sheer devotion these Marines were displaying. Only slightly, but the young girl better understood Jordan's mention of brotherhood.

"Are you nervous?"

"Terribly." And that was no lie. Ryuuguu Komachi had preformed on stages with audiences less than this. Now here she was, attempting to go on stage, in front of this packed hall filled with people who had no idea who she was, plus singing a song she's never song before. How could it be any worse?

"Ma'am," a young soldier says as he passes her at the exitway.

Iori, startled, jumps and quickly retreats to as close as Jordan as she can. She's basically leaning against his chest. Once she realizes what she's doing she backs away embarrassed.

"Let me see if I can find Lt Col Shazier and sweet talk him into letting you sing."

Not quite sure if she was okay being left alone, she edges near the wall and waits. Ahead of her in the center of the room is the dance floor. A live band plays ballroom music. Many times Iori had attended parties thrown by rich families with this degree of formality. However, this party isn't about showing off, or making business or political contacts, but a celebration that's both warm and authentic. It's familiar yet very different at the same time.

"Excuse me, Ma'am?" came a voice that was deep and respectful.

Iori was trying her best to act as low profile and out of the way as she could, yet she still found a way to attract attention. Turning to the one by whom she was addressed, it was a young Marine of brown skin and black hair. His height was similar to Jordan's, maybe slightly taller. The rank insignia on his sleeve had three marks on the top and two on the bottom. A moderate amount of ribbons decorated his chest.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but would you happen to be Minase Iori?"

Freezing, Iori wasn't exactly sure she heard what she just did. Of all the places she'd been thus far, someone recognizes her here? Noah knew the name Minase, but did this soldier recognize Iori?

"Um, yes, that's right."

The soldier freezes on the spot, not a muscle moving and perhaps not even breathing. Iori's seen this before; the moment a fan recognizes her on the street.

"I don't believe it!" and his tone changes. The pitch rises and his posture losses all it's sternness. He's moving and sounding as young as he looks. "It's really you! I'm a big fan! I try to see all your performances on NicoNico and Youtube! What are you doing here? Are you someone's date or are you singing somewhere? Where's the rest of Ryuuguu Komachi?" His words were moving at a hundred kilometers a second.

Iori couldn't back any closer into the wall, retreating from the ruthless barrage of questions. Finally the soldier realizes that he's lost composure and realigns himself.

"I apologize for that Ma'am. I'm Gunnery Sergeant De La Torres." Only his name is spoken in accent, and the rest without. "It's a pleasure to meet you," and he lowers his head and slightly bows in the manner of a proper gentleman.

"It's alright," was all she could say in a whimper of a voice. But she was raised better than this. After taking a breath she composes herself. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. I'm Minase Iori," and she pinches the seams of her dress and curtsies. "Yes, Ryuuguu Komachi has a concert tomorrow night."

"Where?" the fanboy is threatening to take over again.

Iori tells him.

"I'll be there."

Iori couldn't help but giggle by how cute he looks at the moment. Dressed in formal military garb, yet as excited and enthusiastic as one her fans at a handshaking session.

"I guess I got a little carried away," he loosens up a little.

"No, it's alright. It's just that I haven't had that happened to me since I arrived in Vegas. It was refreshing."

Fidgeting a little, "Um, do you mind if we take a picture?"

What nervousness was in her before has completely disappeared, "Sure."

The soldier pulls a phone out of his pocket and lowers himself to a semi-kneel.

"Say: Jupiter sucks."

Doing so with a laugh and a smile, she can hear the computer generated "snap" as a bright light flashes from the phone. The picture was taken.

"Torres!" comes a yell from not that far away. "Put a leash on it!"

Snapping to attention the moment his name is called, he shifts attitudes as quickly as a light switch, "Sir!"

Jordan and a tux wearing Shazier approach with a somewhat cautious gaze.

"I better not have to get the hose on you," Shazier tells the young Marine. Turning to Iori, "I've heard what you have planned, but I can't easily agree. I have to know you can sing before I allow you onto my stage."

This was somewhat unexpected. From before Tom Shazier's tone was jovial and warm, but know that they were openly asking for something he turns very strict. He was responsible for this party, and he wouldn't allow anything to embarrass him. Asking to spread word of mouth and asking to perform seems to be two very different things.

"Sir," Torres interrupts, "if I may."

"Go ahead."

"I've watched her songs many times on the internet. Minase Iori has a soft, sweet, energetic voice with a very wide range. You won't be disappointed."

While that might not be how Iori would describe herself, this clearly wasn't the time to raise an objection.

Mulling it over for a second, the old man of the military gives his verdict, "And here I was looking forward to a private audition. If Sgt Torres says so, then I guess you must be pretty good, kid. Alright, the stage is all yours. I'll go ahead and make the introduction."

Shazier starts on his way to the stage, and Sgt Torres excuses himself, winking at Iori as he leaves.

After his brief recess, Jordan returns to Iori's side and says, "What was that about?"

"Obviously someone who can recognize my talent at but a glance. Why, are you jealous?"

There wasn't a response. Was he jealous? Could it be possible? Iori was expecting one of his signature quips, instead she got nothing.

"Are you ready?" he ignores the previous question. "You can't be nervous up there."

His avoidance slightly threw her off-track, but Iori recovers quickly, "Who do you think you're talking to? I'm a professional Idol."

It sounds as if the band is wrapping up the current song.

"It's time," Jordan tells her. "We need to get up there."

Shaizer was waiting nearby for the end so he could tell the band there was an announcement to be made. Jordan and Iori journey to his side so they can inform the musicians what they'll need to play. There was the chance that they wouldn't know beforehand this music, but Jordan assured Iori back at the apartment there wasn't a chance of that happening. She could only take his word.

"May I have your attention please," Shaizer began as soon as he has the microphone, Jordan speaking with the band in the background. "Tonight we have a special guest, a wonderful young lady I had the pleasure of meeting just yesterday. A young entertainer, she traveled all the way from Japan to appear in her very first concert in the United States tomorrow night. But before she does, she would like to give her thanks to the country that welcomed her so kindly. I ask that everyone give a hand to teen pop star Iori Minase!"

An applause commences, but it seems more respectful than anything. Simply by giving her name wouldn't immediately draw the crowd to her favor. But this audience is polite and they'll give her a chance. A chance is what she needs. After that, the rest must be done under her own power.

The opening melody begins, and she has a few moments before she starts. Jordan was right, the band knew this song and need no time to prepare. It's a patriotic song, so it's of little surprise. However, Iori worried people wouldn't approve of a foreigner singing a song about love of country.

"As long as you sing it good, and put your emotions into it, they'll respond."

That's what Jordan told her. It's not the first time she'd heard that advice, and frankly, it's something that's been beaten into her since she decided to become an idol. She shouldn't have needed him to tell her that, but she did.

Her part rapidly approaching, she had to decide what emotions to use. What she normally used wouldn't work. She can't behave as if this is a hall filled with Japanese idol fans. While they had a love for their idol, these men and women in uniform had a love for their country. This Iori needed to express, a love for their country. Could she? Exactly how much did she love this place? Looking towards Jordan reminds her easily.

"If tomorrow all the things are gone ~ I'd worked for all my life,"

Feeling it all the way from on stage, Iori could tell her feelings were reaching. But it's more impressed than anything. She has to do better, her feelings aren't so small.

"And I had to start anew again ~ with just my children and my wife,"

Slightly subdued is her opening verse, but it's hard to be emotionally charged when the lyrics don't demand it. Continuing to sing, it must be clear even to the audience that she is struggling, at least on the subconscious level. She's trying hard, but something is missing and she can't find what it is. Far from a disaster, this surely wasn't the best she could do.

"And I'm proud to be an American ~ where at least I know I'm free,"

Terrible thoughts leak in from the hesitation which clouds her head. Simply put, she doesn't have the voice to pull of this song. Chihaya Kisaragi, the star voice of 765 Pro could do it, and so could Takane Shijou and even Miki Hosii. Iori by herself just couldn't measure up.

"And I won't forget the men who died ~ who gave that right to me,"

What she'd just sung struck a cord with Iori. Why was Chihaya so great? What separated her from Iori? After all, didn't she fail when trying to go solo? Yes she did, but then was different than now. Chihaya's brother died when they were small. This both curses and fuels her talent. Once she came to terms with this, her power soared. So what of Iori? What does Iori Minase have?

"And I gladly stand up-"

Everyone in complete unison, and without exception, stands. In that single moment, Iori understands. She doesn't have a tragic past, or suffered no earth-shattering event. Iori saw their act of patriotism and understood. Because she met Jordan, she understood.

"-next to you and defend her still today,"

A heart that can open to others. A heart that can understand and accept. A heart that can wall itself like a castle, yet can still be warm to those she shelters. One who can give orders, and one who can take. Putting it simply is impossible. She can be both a queen who understands and saves her people, and a king who can call her army to war.

"Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,"

Confident. Compelling. Empathetic. Meek. All of these make Iori Minase. So what if she can understand the audience? Now it's time for the audience to understand her!

"God bless the USA!"

A change is undertaking her. In her voice is a kind of resolution and defiance. Iori could have been singing to nobody, one person, a concert hall, or the entire world. Nothing would deter her. No longer pleading, no longer adjusting herself, this girl was singing while placing her very self into her song. In her singing she transmits the message, "Take refuge under my care, and I shall lead the way."

The audience is being drawn in, or perhaps unable not to. Trapped in a whirlpool, all they can do is surrender. Iori's power of song lifts them into her highs, and sinks them into her lows. She's become an existence that can't be ignored. Not as some monument that's impossible to miss, but as a sun who mercilessly beats down upon everything with it's glory.

Couples hold each other tight and sway. Individuals can be heard singing along. Emotions are overtaking everyone, and even grown men cry. Iori and this song mix into an incredible harmony, so much so that everyone felt that this song was written for her. To them, at this moment, the entire world exists only in this room.

Iori finishes with the last of the lyrics, but melody continues for a while longer. Before the band finishes, however, everyone applauds unable to restrain their praise. Even Iori herself wasn't unscathed by her song as tears of her own roll down her cheeks. The young singer draws the microphone into her shy bosom and bows towards the audience, as if this was her pleasure instead of theirs.

After rising her head she glances around the crowd. Everyone's still cheering. Not terribly distant are Lt Col Shazier and Jordan, both overtook with emotion. It isn't quite time to exit the stage, as her original purpose wasn't this song but the promotion of her concert. She couldn't leave without doing that.

Bringing the microphone to her lips once more, "Thank you everyone for giving me your time and listening. I would like to take credit, but that wasn't my song," which receives a hearty chuckle. "I haven't been in Las Vegas long, but everyone I've met has been so gracious, kind, and wonderful, that I feel like all of you are my very good friends. As my friends, I would like to invite you all to come see me and my group, Ryuuguu Komachi, at the Green Valley Ranch, and listen to our songs. Thank you."

Fanfiction's auto format is starting to get annoying. First I have uploaded chapters that are suddenly all in Italics, and now I can't even use the (at) symbol without it being deleted. Bah, couldn't they ease up a bit? I mean, it's just for the title.

Griping aside, these past few chapters have been coming a bit slower than I would have liked, but that's real life for ya. Less than 24 hours remain until our concert, and perhaps only a handful of chapters. Within the month we should have our conclusion. Other than that, I don't really have anything to say. We're getting close, but we're not done yet.

~Kyle Castorena