Chapter 24

Here We Go!

It took a while to wake Jordan Huntsman, but once done, he rose like a thunderbolt. From asleep to fully aware in half a heartbeat; there was no in between. For a moment Iori thought the guilt or embarrassment of last night fuels this response, but he regards his bed-partner without a sliver of awkwardness. Completely comfortable with a woman in his bed he gives no more attention to her than the blanket that had fallen onto the floor. Not as though he's shown the girl disrespect. This is the maturity of an adult in contrast to that of a teenager. He'd likely have acted the same if last night had taken that other path.

"It's already this late?" his voice is panicked.

To cease the alarm, Iori had to find the source. It was his cellphone. Indicated by the digital clock, it was only 6am. How could this be considered late?

"Hurry!" the former military orders. "Get ready! We need to get moving!"

Trusting in him and the urgency in his voice, Iori still wasn't freed from her curiosity, "What's going on?"

"You're going on TV in about an hour! Get moving!"

Ignoring the fact that he'd never shared any of his plans prior to execution, Iori couldn't have possibly known beforehand this could have been expected. Now wasn't the time to argue, no matter how much arguing was warranted. If she was told to jump, she wouldn't waste time asking how high. That's the amount of trust Iori has in Jordan.

While they were busy preparing, they had their conversation.

"Ritsuko never said anything about TV. This is your doing, isn't it?"

Jordan's was inside the bathroom with Iori, both fighting over the mirror while they were brushing their hair, "Yeah. I know one of the anchors, some of the reporters, and basically all the technical guys. I called in a favor."

"And when did you do this?"

"Yesterday morning, but I didn't get an okay from the Director until last night. A little after I sat down at the bar. Normally these things were all done through Bookers, so it took a bit longer than normal."

Last night Iori might have been the only one singing at the Military Ball, but were they going to leave out the other members of Ryuuguu Komachi again?

"No," Jordan answers her question, "only you could have pulled off last night. Any of the other girls would have butchered the song. Today's a different story. All of you are needed. They're probably already at the studio. I called Richie last night and had him forward the message to your manager. They know what's going on."

And yet he couldn't tell Iori despite her being so close? Then again, if he only got confirmation after he left her at the ball, it's easy to see how he could have forgotten to mention the fact. Partially was the idol at fault for being overly dramatic. At the same time, however, there wasn't a reason for her to be angry at herself either. The results of her outburst allowed the two to finally come to a complete understanding, or at least in Iori's eyes.

For the moment there was nothing more to be said. Time was of the essence and they need to get going. Actually, Jordan had the most to do as Iori would be primped Makeup. If anything, very little's required of Iori; hair at most. If Ritsuko's already there, then she must have the costumes ready as well. Seeing as she didn't need to go more in depth, the girl went to get changed.

Correctly assuming Jordan would take more time, Iori could take a moment to sit down and rest. Completely refreshed from her deep and peaceful sleep, but the sudden rush made her head spin a little. This was definitely how she preferred to sleep, but not how she desired to wake.

Now that she didn't have to focus on herself, Iori notices something different about Jordan. Those tired, worn, experienced eyes are a shadow of their former selves. They're now clean, clear, and without wrinkle. More drastic than when he shaved his beard, Jordan has again decreased in age. Now he really does appear to be in his mid-twenties. Even more attractive than before, Iori wondered how Vanessa didn't melt every time the two met.

"What?" Jordan asks when he notices Iori staring.

"Just wondering how long you're going to keep me waiting." And just to hack away at his masculinity, "You're taking longer than a woman."

"Shut up!"

The shadow of stubble gave him a rugged biker look, but that was offset by his professional clothes. It was a bit hard to place him by appearances only, but than again he wasn't the one going on TV. He said he called a favor, but what exactly were the conditions entailed? Maybe in some way he could be using Ryuuguu Komachi's TV appearance for his own end. Actually, Iori hoped this was so. If they could be of any use to him, she wanted him to exploit that opportunity. Karma should drastically be in his favor, so it was about time for something outstanding to happen to him.

About 40 minutes remain when they leave the apartment. Even though their destination is near (the hotel in front of the complex), they take the bike. Not more then two minutes pass before they're in the parking lot and securing his ride. Next they take a tour through the casino and exit at the main reception. Tourists are coming in, leaving, loading and unloading. Nearby are taxis waiting in line to take a fare, even at this early hour. Not a shabby way to get a lift. Normally (back in Japan) it takes about 30 minutes before a cab would arrive at 765's main office. This foray took less then 10.

It's almost like they were going back to Ryuuguu Komachi's hotel, but they get off the freeway too early. The driver doesn't know the location Jordan gave, so he's stuck giving directions. Until they hit the surface streets it's a pretty confusing path. Once on the street he tells the driver it's a straight shot until they reach the studio. Once they arrive Iori pays.

"Of course I can't ride my bike that far!" Jordan responds to her snarky comment. "Are you trying to kill me?"

A little payback for making the lady handle the fare. Iori knew he didn't have the kind of money to put up for a cab anymore. Actually, she expected the man to be nearly bled dry. An usher couldn't have made a lot of money. Iori on the other hand, had more in her purse than everything he'd spent on her since they've met, and even more in her remaining Traveler's Checks. Maybe she could reimburse him, but she highly doubts he'll accept the idea. There must be something she could do.

Jordan introduces Iori to the receptionist. It's clear they're familiar as they seem to know one another, but the woman seems a little slow in remembering. Telling her that Iori's a Japanese Idol, the receptionist instructs them to the studio and waves them through security. Being led through several different hallways, they make it to the dressing room.

"(Iorin!)" Ami energetically shouts in triumph, somehow happy she's the first one to see her teammate as she walks through the door.

Ami rushes up and joins her friend, but Azusa's stuck with the Makeup Artist. Ritsuko keeps her distance.

The very next thing out of Ami's mouth is, "(You don't really look more like a woman.)"

Iori hung her head. Was everyone thinking that when she left yesterday? Could it have been blatantly obvious, or was the only one oblivious to her confused emotions Iori herself? Ryuuguu Komachi's been together for awhile now, so maybe they know her better than she thinks. If so, they'll probably understands what she really means if she says this:

"What are you talking about? I'm becoming a more beautiful woman every day!"

Ami had a confused expression on her face, and Iori didn't realize until Jordan asked, "What was that?"

Iori goes red in embarrassment. She'd responded in English, not Japanese. What would the other girls read when they realize Iori responded in the wrong language? More crazy thoughts no doubt, and the last thing she wants to do right now was mislead them.

"Iori," Jordan doesn't give the girl time to clear up the accident, "the others are already in costume. Hurry up and change, and have the makeup artist pretend like she's doing Ami again." He gave instructions, but doesn't say why.

Not that Iori would question him, but she'd like to preempt him every once in a while and figure out what he really means.

Shortly Jordan exits and gives the girls their privacy. Since a girl is going to change, Richie is next to be kicked out. Dragging his feet as he walks, it's clear the young translator has subsided to the rank of whipping boy. It seems he was doing his job fine, but he looked dispirited. Perhaps this was poetic justice. After all, all this trouble started because he wanted to flirt with Azusa and Ritsuko, and maybe even Iori herself. Any illusions he had previously surely have been sunk. This was better for him.

"(Iori,)" Ritsuko was finally showing signs of life, "(he didn't lay a finger on you, did he?)"

Time for revenge, "(He was very gentle.)"

Ritsuko recoils so far back that it looks like she might break her own spine. Mortified beyond words, it's taking all her effort just to maintain standing erect. Her face is red and her glasses are starting to fog. To the observer, it was like a standoff between an accomplished gunslinger and the town drunk. Power existed only on one side and the other could only wait to be murdered. This spirit is broken with Azusa giggling, which is shortly followed by Ami. Both knew she was joking, and that Ritsuko was far too tense to recognize the sarcasm.

"Nihihihihi," Iori laughs.

Realizing she's been played, Ritsuko tries to be standoffish and says, "(You can never be sure with his type.)"

"(Nothing happened,)" important at least. She'd never admit to the non-important things however.

"(So did you hear Huntsman-san's story?)" Azusa does well to change the topic.

"(Yes,)" she was finished changing and joins her eagerly awaiting Makeup Artist. "(It wasn't a misunderstanding, but it's very complicated.)"

"(But you trust him?)"

A definitive, "(Yes.)" And before she forgot, "(Ami, sit back down on the chair and have the Makeup Artist go over you again.)"

Slightly confused, the young girl did as she was told. Since she was so young she had the least amount to be applied, thus finishing far before Azusa. The youngest had probably been idle for awhile now.

Not much longer after that did a cameraman knock and walk through the door. Ritsuko was startled and almost moves to intercept, but she sees the red light and backs away. They were recording.

Richie, who's half a step behind, translates what the cameraman's saying (of course Iori hears in first in English), "(Smile and wave everyone. You're on-air.)"

They do so, and the camera is centered on them for about 15 seconds while he slowly circles around. Shortly thereafter the light dims and he lowers it's focus.

"(Excellent. Good job.)"

As the cameraman leaves, a woman walks around him and approaches the idols, Richie picks up the translation, "(You're going on in about 20 minutes. We want a few shots of you in costume, then at the end of the hour you'll be we'll do a short interview with Iori Minase, take a break, do a closing segment and then you'll sing. Got everything?)"

Everything was pretty standard, but why interview Iori? Actually, it's probably because she's the only one who spoke English. Doing her alone would give them extra time as they don't have to deal with translations. Likely Jordan's input was to blame. When Iori thought about it more, this whole unscripted moment was his' too. Why? The timing seemed odd. Shortly after she changed did it happen. Ignoring the possibility of being caught on-film in her underwear, she changed because Jordan told her to. If she hadn't, she'd might have done makeup first. If that was on-camera what impression would it make? Two in costume and one not. He also had Ami return to makeup. This way they were completely synchronized and in unison.

There was plenty of time to discover why this was important while the Makeup Artist did her over. Ryuuguu Komachi didn't arrive together, but separately. What was her own teammates suspicions as to her tardiness? Not very flattering ones. So what would the public think if they saw that spectacle? Rumors would spread and likely effect their concert sales. Having all three members of Ryuuguu Komachi synchronized would alleviate any accumulating doubt. It was a clever way to cover up Iori being late. In actuality it might only be a minor issue, but it goes to show just how much effort he's putting into even the smallest details. If Ritsuko noticed this as well, even she couldn't help but be impressed. Jordan was indeed formidable.

"(You tried to get us on TV as well, didn't you?)" Iori asks Ritsuko.

Flinching and turning away tells Iori all she needs to know.

"(Jordan said he called in a 'favor.' I don't know exactly what he meant, but you should talk to him and ask him what he did.)"

"(Why should I?)" the manager was still being obstinate.

"(Because you could learn something,)" putting it bluntly. "(Your impression of him might be that he is aloof, but in reality he's meticulous to a fault.)" Even though she didn't know this for certain, Iori thought it was safe to assume. "(Everything he does is to achieve his goal in one way or another. He is unconventional, secretive, and clever. It's hard to get inside his head, but his heart is laid pretty bare. Jordan wants to help us, and you shouldn't need much more of a reason than that to trust him.)"

"(Then tell me, Iori, why do you trust him so much? Is it because he helped you? Because he appeared at the right time, at the right place, and did the right thing? I find it hard to believe that such a convenient story-book situation exists. Nobody could be that perfect. 'Perfect doesn't exist,' isn't that right?)"

Turning Iori's own words around on her. It seems Ritsuko's upped her arsenal since being left alone in the cold dark room of the hotel suite. Since then, however, Iori's also upgraded her armament.

"(Jordan has a martyr complex. He absolutely hates himself and can only find joy in helping others. Because of what's happened in his past he's completely abandoned his future. He believes he's hit a dead end in life, and when he trips up and falls he resorts to extremely destructive behavior. In the beginning I did follow him because he fit into that convenient story-book setting, but I stuck with him because I thought he was interesting. Now I want him near because I want to help him; because if we let him help us, in a way it's helping him. If there was something else I could do I would, but this is the best I can think of right now.)"

Iori's makeup is done. Standing, she grabs her beret and places it on her head completing her outfit. A deep blue dress with a single strap over her right shoulder, a multicolored seashell necklace, and purple knee-high boots make the signature Ryuuguu Komachi costume.

"(You think he's perfect? You're way off the mark. He's so imperfect, so fragile, that the slightest rejection is enough to leave him shattered. When you called him a 'murderer' and when he scared you, that was a hint of the hatred he has for himself. Yet despite him being broken he has the courage to put himself back together again. But he can't do it himself. He needs others to help him. By letting him assist us with our concert we're letting him get back something he lost. His reasons, in their own way, are selfish, but so are ours.)"

There's a knock on the door and an assistant tells them they're on in 5. Richie translates for the non-English friendly.

To Ami and Azusa it might look like the two are fighting. Iori has a deep respect for Ritsuko, and Ritsuko understands that Iori is worth all her trouble. If they were anything but friends they couldn't speak as frankly and openly as this. Iori would find it difficult being this critical towards Yayoi.

"(You better tell me everything you learned about his past,)" was as close as Ritsuko would get to giving her approval.

"(When we have time.)"

Following the assistant, they're led to the studio stage. As large as a small warehouse, this open room is filled with computers, desks, and equipment. More of an office than an area suitable for television recording, Iori sees an area in the corner of the room where the stage and cameras were installed. Currently anchors are reporting the news and cameras are broadcasting live to TVs all across the Las Vegas Valley. Many things are happening at once, and even though the scale is small, the importance is paramount. Everybody here is dead-serious about their jobs. Once too, when he was as old as Iori is now, Jordan was a part of this atmosphere.

"Which one of you is Iori Minase," an executive looking woman approaches.

"That's me."

"And you are fluent in English?"

"Absolutely."

"Good," she hands a paper file to Iori. "Here's a list of questions you are going to be asked. We've allocated 45 seconds for your interview, so please try to keep your answers brief."

It was a little more than a list of questions, but a script of everything the interviewer was going to say. Normally this wouldn't be very important, but some of the things that were going to be said beforehand were extremely interesting. In short, it was like a cheat-sheet into the very goals Jordan was trying to achieve in the past couple of days. A warm sensation envelops her and for a moment her vision goes blurry. Nearly did she cry, but she's quick to bring herself under control.

"Is everything okay?" the woman was concerned.

"Yes. Don't worry."

"(Iori?)" Azusa noticed that moment.

"(That sneaky little devil,)" was all she was going to say.

Told to wait in a spot slightly off-stage, they're subjected to another camera pan and scan before Iori is separated for her interview. There's only a few moments before she's live. Iori's interviewer is a hearty black woman that's particularly tall. A warm aura permeates through her and it only takes a second to tell she's a very friendly person. Her soft eyes and warm smile are perfect for the role she was given.

"So you are Jordan's latest pet project?" were the surprising first words out of her mouth.

"Yes. He told me he knew a news anchor, though I don't know if I should be surprised that she's the one giving my first American interview."

"Live in 5, 4, 3..." came the voice of one of the stage men.

"My name's Rachelle Jackson," the interviewer tells Iori real quick.

Turning to face the camera, Rachelle waits and smiles a moment before she is given the cue to start talking.

"Many of you might not have heard of Ryuuguu Komachi, but these past few days they've hit Las Vegas in a big way. Featured in an in-depth article in the Las Vegas Weekly, TMV also caught them giving a free performance on Las Vegas Boulevard."

"Cut to video," said the stage man.

Like a living statue, Rachelle pauses until given the cue to continue, "Known for their wide array of costumes, intricate dance choreography, and team-focused synchronization, the Japanese Pop Idols are truly a sight to behold. Appearing in person for the first time on American Television, I'd like to introduce Ryuuguu Komachi's team leaders Iori Minase."

Iori smiles and waves to the camera.

"Iori, first thing I must say is; I saw the video of you singing at the Marine Corps Ball last night, and I can barely wrap my head around the fact that you're only 15. How do you find the courage to stand up in front of a crowd like that and sing as well as you did, and in a foreign language? There's gotta be a limit on talent."

"Well Rachelle," Iori clearly speaks her first words on American TV, "it all comes from in here," she places her hand over her heart. "It's simply what I love to do, and I expose that love every time I'm on stage. Everything else is the combined effort of countless hours of training and practice, and the aid of my friends."

"And only at 15. Wow. You mentioned your friends." Slightly ad lib, Iori answered her initial question to lead up to the next question.

"Yes, Azusa Miura and Ami Futami. They're standing right over there off stage. Sadly they couldn't join me in this interview as they don't speak a word of English."

"And I must say you speak and sing it very well. Grown men were reduced to tears by your rendition of God Bless the USA." An impromptu remark made by Rachelle.

"The amount of love of country those Marines displayed was awe inspiring."

"Well I hope-" and Rachelle turns to the camera, "many of you go see them at the Green Valley Ranch tonight at 7pm and experience the same stellar performance they gave the Marine Corps last night. After the break we'll return and Iori Minase and Ryuuguu Komachi will sing their #1 single off the Japanese charts, Smokey Thrill."

After a moment the Stage Director calls, "Break to commercial."

"That went well," Rachelle had to comment.

"Likewise, it was a lot of fun," the pair shake hands.

That 45 seconds passed so quickly. For as last minute as this appearance was scheduled, that was the best for which they could have hoped. Even did they skip the question about the group's name. Doing the best with what she was given, it was now time to focus on the upcoming song.

"(Iori,)" speaking the girl's name in a slow manner that made it clear Ritsuko was upset, "(when did you sing in front of a group of soldiers? And who's dress were you wearing?)"

Richie must have been translating the interview, and if she knew about the dress they must have played a video taken by one of the Marines (Iori bet it was De La Torres).

"Ryuuguu Komachi's needed on stage."

"(They're calling us,)" Iori skirts by the issue.

"(You seem to be getting a lot of attention,)" Ami's voice almost seems like a pout.

Ryuuguu Komachi's being led to the stage, and Ami chooses now to voice her displeasure? If jealousy is fueling that comment, then it needs to be put to a stop right now before it disrupts their harmony.

"(It's not about who's given attention and who's not,)" Iori tells her. "(We're a team, and a team's purpose is to focus as one to achieve a single goal. If I'm the center of attention it's only because your support has made it possible. If it weren't for the both of you, none of us would be here.)"

Iori sees a wide-eyed display of shock on Ami as the young girl looks back. Even Azusa seems to be taken by surprise. Such a display of gratitude and maturity clearly weren't expected at that very moment.

"(Um,)" Ami doesn't know how to respond, "(I didn't mean-)"

"(It's alright. I understand. I know sometimes I can act selfish, and as a result I'm the one who tends to stand out. But know that I'm trying to improve, and that I really appreciate the both of you.)"

The most senior member decides to chime in, "(That was an abrupt confession.)"

"(Get used to it. We came to Las Vegas to save our careers and to grow. The one who needs to the most is me. We're not going to return to Japan as the Ryuuguu Komachi who lost to Jupiter, but as the idol group that was great enough to headline in Las Vegas!)"

"Starting in 5..."

"(Let's show the entire world what we can do when we're serious!)"

Ami and Azusa nod, then turn to face the camera. All three close their eyes.

Iori kicks it off, "Shiranu ga~" and the music starts.