Chapter 27

The iDOLM(a)STER

Behind the dropped curtain, Iori stands alone on the stage. Thinking this over hundreds of times, the young idol could envision no better way to start their show. From the very beginning did the Vegas guest want to grab the audience, however many or few they may be, and never let them go. Surely they could have proceeded as originally planned, but after seeing and living in Vegas these past few days, their perspective changed.

This was Iori's original addition, and she worked for the past few hours with the hired band and staff to make it possible. Much could be polished, but it was unexpected, striking, and paying respect to the city that welcomed them. Actually, the idea originated when Steve mentioned seeing a certain music legend in concert as a child. So too Iori had an experience with this Goliath, but all the more recently. Now to pay tribute to the icon, this city, and the journey she'd traveled thus far, there was no better choice to start the show.

Darkness shrouds the stage, and with the curtain it's completely abyssal. Flashlights and like devices were needed to get all the members in position. Iori's taking center and the band is situated in the rear. Ami and Azusa aren't needed immediately at the start, so they're waiting stage left and stage right respectively.

On Iori's cue everything will start.

Time was nigh. From the other side of the curtain chatter can be heard from those already seated. How many there was was unknown, but no matter the number Ryuuguu Komachi would give their best show. "Overwhelming" and "disappointing" were words they had to forget. Everything they could they did to fill these seats, and that was too late to change. After all their effort it was now time to forget that aspect and focus on one and only one thing; their performance.

Iori gives the cue.

A faint click is heard and the noise from the other side of the curtain gradually diminishes. This was the houselights fading to dim, signaling to those in attendance that the show was about to proceed. Nothing changed from their position on stage. Then a hum stirs the silence and the curtains gradually raise.

As planned, the guitarist begins with his solo.

Yet has a single light illuminated the stage. Fog machines begin to emit vaporized carbon dioxide and faint colored lights highlight the scene. Dim vent lights paint a pair of stairs on the left and right, accompanied by columns and the band between them all. Slightly overhead is a monitor screen that visualizes the beat of the music like a pulse. Mostly it's still dark.

The drummer now accompanies the guitarist.

Lasers emit and shoot across the sky. Neon colors dance around in random patterns. Iori's lone figure must now be distinguishable on stage. People start to murmur. This young teenager is the shortest amongst Ryuuguu Komachi and is also their center, a position of leadership. Here she stands alone, an authority of this entire theater. Those in attendance must be shocked by how small she really is. Only standing five foot tall (by US measurements), it must be remarkable that she'd earned the privilege of being on this platform. Alone as well, but still somehow in possession of a commanding presence that makes it appropriate.

By now this must be becoming a familiar rhythm. The bassist has joined and more murmurs are forming. Some even can be heard laughing and others cheer. On the far sides of the stage pyrotechnics flare and the spotlight shines on Iori. Completely pure, completely white, sparkling as small silver stars reflects light, Iori's clad in a sleeveless two-piece that was as close to the iconic garb that they had in possession. To add further fanfare, Iori swings her hips to mimic His motions.

But from here on, this was all her.

"Bright light city gonna set my soul, gonna set my soul on fire."

A slower pace than the original, this was closer to That Little ol' Band from Texas than The King. Iori moves in calm sways, snapping her finger in tempo with the music. As there was no way they could construct proper choreography in as short of time that they had, the idol had to wing it a bit. Though that might not be a problem as all the videos she watched on Jordan's laptop didn't have much in terms of dancing. Perhaps this was a song best song with a drink in one's hand.

"There's a 1000 pretty women waiting out there, they're all living The Devil May Care."

Spotlights illuminate each set of stairs. Ami descends with Azusa a beat behind. Bodies wrapped in feather-white boas, they give the illusion they're nude underneath. Ami less so than Azusa. Really only their midsections, shoulders, and legs are exposed, but the men in attendance seem to love it.

"And I'm just a devil with love to spare."

As Iori continues to belt out lyrics, her companions join her at her side. Both take an arm as if the girl in the middle's a high-roller. In-between words she kisses both on the cheek and then they slowly part, calmly singing backup

"Viva Las Vegas! Viva Las Vegas!"

Amping up, Iori can tell the crowd's getting into the song. Now that there's a pause in the lyrics, all three have a good moment to take notice of how many are in attendance. Only about half the seats are filled.

No more of it, the idols couldn't let themselves get distracted by turnout.

Not allowing herself to show weakness, Iori begins to clap her hands over her head as she sings. Further must she pull them into the show. Whether it be one-thousand or two, or even ten, everyone sitting in a seat has paid good money to see this, and they were going to make sure that with every cent they parted a memory of even greater value was etched into them.

People are following along. Not many cities have songs written about them, and singing one while visiting would certainly flatter them greatly. When Iori passed the suggestion to Jordan after the sound test, he enthusiastically approved. In fact he was somewhat ashamed he hadn't thought of it himself. As he said, "It was a perfect opening move to have them dancing at your fingertips." Well, it wasn't that she was manipulating the audience, but she got what he meant.

"Viva Las Vegas!" Iori gives the signal that she wants them to joint too. "Viva Las Vegas!" Always a risk, but it was impossible to not know the following lyrics and the audience would be more than happy to do it. "Viva Las Vegas!" The young idol extends both hands as if inviting them in.

"Viva Las Vegas!"

They did it! A sigh of relief almost escapes her breath, but she stops herself. Any nervousness lingering from that moment must be washed away immediately. It wasn't so important that it'd make or break the concert, but Iori had pulled herself greatly in their favor. Giving the audience something they would enjoy is the sole goal of any performer, and certainly were they enjoying themselves now.

Actually, now that she was interacting with the crowd, Iori notices the crowd has grown from before. While she sings she gazes into the audience to see. Not everyone is at their seats. Men are continuing to walk down the aisle while holding drinks. Was there a bar open? Actually, that shouldn't have surprised her. She'd been through more than a few casinos, and never was a bar far from sight. So these women who now sat alone had dates or spouses who have yet to return. Different from here, in Japan everyone would have been seated well before curtain call.

As the opening song winds down, the drummer goes into a solo. Ami and Azusa join their companion center-stage. Iori grabs the tail ends of the boas and unwraps the girls like Christmas presents. Of course they weren't nude underneath; purely was that an act for the Las Vegas illusion. Matching in style but not in color, Ami's in yellow and Azusa in light-purple glittery two-pieces. Throwing their former wear to the sides, stagehands swiftly pull them away while staying out of the spotlight.

"Are you ready? I'm Lady! Hajimeyou; Yareba dekiru kitto; Zettai watashi NO. 1!"

Confetti burst from cannons and glitters the stage. Some of the enthusiasm from before was lost, but that's because they've moved into unfamiliar territory for the native audience. To be expected, this was the reason Iori insisted they do a cover as their opening act. If that was the bait, this had to be the hook. Now were they close enough to be caught, and once they did, Ryuuguu Komachi had them for good.

Unlike the impromptu addition, this song had proper dance routines. While before they might have been able to appreciate the song, now they can appreciate the song and dancing. This was the whole package. If it wasn't enough to pull them in completely, then this was as good as it was going to get.

Iori notices something odd while she's performing; there are children here. Immediately does she regret the pseudo exhibitionism, but this was indeed a surprising demographic. Now that she thought about it at most of their concerts, and idol concerts in general, manly males from 16 to 22 were in attendance. Here there are men and women, young and old, and all matter of ethnicity. Asian, who were likely well-aware of Ryuuguu Komachi's American debut, occupy major segments of the premium seating. However, they are vastly outnumbered by the tall, broad-shouldered Caucasians, Africans and Hispanics. Not to mention the children. Very few boys, but a plethora of girls. Actually, many of the seats she'd discounted before were filled with the smaller-bodied children. So if she counted those still at the bar or maybe running late, and the children, the actual ticket sales could be-

"Saa ichi ni tsuite Let's go!"

Electricity is running rampant on-stage. A change has overtaken the idols. First it originates with Iori, then filters to Ami and Azusa. More than before, and nearly completely by surprise, adrenaline begins surging through everyone's bodies. Ami and Azusa are at first a bit shocked, but they quickly glance at each other then at their center. It's her, she's hitting it again. That special, unknown, exhilarating place that separates the performers from the stars. Almost do they feel like they're being left behind, but they're not the type that will let their partner leave them in the dust. Following in her wake, Ami Futami and Azusa Miura also push themselves onto a whole nother level.

Striking the audience with their energy, this surge pushes many over the edge. Few are starting to cheer, but that accelerates. Those who were unsure, on the fence, or were dragged here are really starting to enjoy themselves. Even if they might not want to admit it, they are really liking what they're seeing. Fans are being born.

The song is about to end, but nobody wants to cut the current momentum they've built. Here they were supposed to pause and introduce the group, but it'd be such a waste to pause at this point. Before they finish, Iori signals to the band to keep going. Not only did the musicians see this, but also the staff. The intros were being pushed back a song. They communicate and coordinate over the radios and prepare themselves. Could this have upset or annoyed the stage hands? Unlikely. After all, the energy of this night's concert is filtering to them too. They want to keep this going as much as the idols.

"Kimi ga fure takara nana iro Botan-"

Definitely slower and less energized than their last song, Nana Iro Button was meant to calm them from the hyper-paced READY! Originally it was meant as the opening to the slower-paced set, but it also served this other purpose as well. Iori and the rest thought long and hard about their revised play-list, though it seems changes would continue to be made on the fly. Well, if the performers and the audience were both having the same amount of fun, then that really wasn't a problem.

Their second single after Smokey Thrill, Nana Iro Button was a visual centered song that allowed the other members to appeal as much as their center. There were more solos and highlight portions for Azusa and Ami, and here they were introduced as more then Iori's right and left hand. Each are an idol and a talent in their own right, even if they are currently joined as one as the group Ryuuguu Komachi. This song was their declaration, "I'm here too!" Actually, the dance almost seems to mock Iori as being an attention hog.

As the song ends, the ringleader finally allows the rest to take a breather. Since she is the only one who speaks English, and there isn't a translator available, Iori addresses the crowd.

"Hello everyone! How are you doing?" Her answer is cheers. "Thank you! I'm glad to see everyone's having a good time! My name is Iori Minase, and as I'm the only one who speaks English, you're going to be hearing from me most of the night." She pauses for a second. "'Sorry' in advance." This receives a healthy chuckle of laughter. "In all seriousness, we are Ryuuguu Komachi. To my right is our youngest member at only 13 years old, Ami Futami. And to my left is the cool and sexy Azusa Miura. Let them know you like them by giving them a big ol' round of applause!"

As Iori was the only one who could communicate with the audience, that also meant the other two didn't know what Iori was saying when she was. Of course they knew she was giving introductions, but the exact specifics were unknown. Each perked up and gave a wave when they recognized their names being spoken, and the applause at the end let them know exactly what they thought. Even if they couldn't understand the others words, that doesn't mean they couldn't let them know how they felt.

"Thank you everybody! I don't want my friends to feel left out. So how about we go ahead with another song!"

Taking the lead for the first time, the keyboardist plays a light piano tune. It's a very light ballad which clearly indicates it'll be heavy set into the vocal category. Subtle is the dancing and almost looks more like a ballet. Very different then their previous songs, the audience waits in heavy anticipation in what they expect. Couples sway and a generally warm atmosphere overtakes them.

Ami takes the lead, "Hajimatte yuku; Hatenaku tsuzuku hitotsu no michi wo."

Showing them a very different side to themselves, Ryuuguu Komachi sing the vocal powerhouses that are My Song, relations, and the fun Kosmos, Cosmos. After this three-song set, Iori and Ami leave the stage.

Standing alone, Azusa shifts her persona to what was very different than her normal big sister-type. A song from her solo days, this was the piece that was supposed to display a darker, harder version of the idol. The fans might of bought it, but the others at 765 Pro couldn't picture Azusa other then the slow-paced individual that she was. Regardless, it was a good song. Completely the opposite of their previous song, this was a bizarre mix of Gothic, techno, and ball.

Incorporated into the music, voices speak in near-inaudible tongue until Azusa begins, "Take a big chance on me, mayoi nado yurusazu ni."

Completely seduced by this version of Azusa, the adult males in the room go wild (hopefully the single adult males). Her moves on-stage are sharp and aggressive. Not particularly popular in Japan, the American audience loves the shift.

Towards the last segment of the song there's a long instrumental solo. Spotlights drop and Azusa is lost from view. When it returns half a minute later Azusa stands in a Gothic/Punk black dress and purple skirt. Not only that, but she's joined by Ami and Iori, both in different, darker outfits. Ami is sporting a leather jacket with the IA logo on the back, a yellow and black plaid skirt, prison-striped socks, and a chain around her waist. By far the furthest from theme, Iori's in a blank and pink dress who's top half looks like it was out of the 50's baby-boom generation, and the bottom skirt out of a myopic tween's closet; accessorized by a white belt and black knee-highs. All three have a large red rose over their left breasts.

The completed trio now finish Mythmaker and follow up into the Rock-inspired Overmaster. Following is the equally suggestive I Want. Afterwords two of the idols leave the stage and it's Ami's turn for a solo. Taking things in a slightly different direction, the high-energy high-paced YOUouMYshin! was something different for the US audience.

Backstage Iori and Azusa were given a breather. Both were physically fit, especially the older sister, but their energy was draining faster than normal. All this excitement was pushing them to a level they've never before known, but as a result their bodies were discovering brand new aches and pains. A pleasurable side effect however. This was how they knew they were growing and improving. Another costume change was in the line-up, so they took the time to go ahead now even thought they had to wait for Ami to finish up then do the same.

Little Match Girl and Meisou Mind round up the Goth/Punk/Rock segment, then would come the duets. The great part about having three people singing was that they could split up and take rests individually, keeping the show running without interruption. This was the rest and recovery segment for two.

Ami and Azusa took on the power-ballad Marionette no Kokoro. Bidding farewell to the alternative mix, the rest of the show was to be the more traditional Japanese Pop. Iori was a bit worried how this foreign audience would handle something so culturally different, but the mood in that theater was sky-high. At this point fingernails on a chalkboard would sound like Mozart. Not saying Japanese Pop was like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Iori and Ami performed kiramekirari, and afterwords Ami sat out while Azusa takes part in Shiny Smile. With everyone jumping on and off stage, the three became clad in summer beachwear (perhaps a little too revealing in Azusa's case), and sang Colorful Days, Kami Summer, and LOBM.

Next was something highly anticipated even if the idol didn't know so herself. By now the audience was becoming accustomed to the format of the show. One or two on stage while the others recover or change costumes. So far there's been every combination or solo except one. When Azusa and Ami left the stage and there was only one remaining, there was a very surprising cheer. It was Iori's solo.

Each idol had their demographics. Azusa was popular with the men, Ami with the children and mothers, but Iori had a broad-spectrum appeal that surprised even the girl herself. Iori plays herself as a mannered, delicate, proper Lady. Though she's more of a spoiled princess, the two aren't particularly far apart. Fans knew this (even if Iori believed she was putting up the perfect front) and had attributed to her a tsundere-type personality. That draws a certain type of fan. However, here in another country, all her past and personality has been reset to zero. Everyone here was given a first impression. Those who were her fans, or who favored her over the other two, weren't the type with whom she'd became familiar. In this city, in Las Vegas, those who found her appealing were those attracted to her charisma, personality, and ability. A lot has happened leading up to this point, and it's greatly effected her physically and emotionally. And who she was becoming was a star of enormous talent. Everyone coming to this concert had their own expectations, but all of them, every single one, was blown away by the power possessed by this 15-year-old idol. To them, she was the concert.

Iori almost can't begin by the shock she receives upon the sudden ovation. Half a beat late, she begins, "Kinou made no ikikata wo; hitei suru dake ja nakute."

At this point it's becoming difficult to look into the crowd. Glow sticks are popular amongst concert-goers in Japan, but not so much here. For close to two hours have the idols been upon this stage nearly nonstop. No matter how much voltage they had running through their veins, a marathon of this length would effect just about everyone. Plus singing and dancing for extended periods of time had a way of depleting the brain of oxygen. Not that she was irresponsible to allow herself to fall into danger, but this long night's performance was beginning to effect more than just her muscles. Iori couldn't see how the crowd was reacting, but she could hear, and that was good enough for her.

At the end of Jibun REST(a)RT Iori left the stage to the band. There was one last costume change to make, but before getting undressed the tired young idol makes it to the oxygen canisters.

"(Are you okay?)" is the obvious question of a very worried manager.

Not bothering to speak, the recovering professional nods. With her heavy breathing, sweat beading out of pores all over her body, and her revealing swimwear, she looks like a boxer taking a rest at her corner in between rounds. Even more so with the serious and focused glare in her eyes, as if she's looking at something far away.

It hit's Ritsuko, the notion of Iori. Tonight she's given a incredible performance, her best yet, but even now she doesn't seem satisfied. The manager's young charge and friend is looking to climb even higher then she is now. Returning to Japan in the state Iori's in now would certainly revitalize Ryuuguu Komachi's career, but even that didn't seem to be good enough anymore. To what was Iori Minase looking so far in the distance?

"(It's incredible, isn't it?)" Iori suddenly asks, neatly placing the oxygen canister nearby.

Somewhat surprised by the sudden words coming out of the other's mouth, Ritsuko wasn't too shocked to respond, "(What is?)"

Talking while she's changing, this conversations hadn't escaped the notice of the other idols, "(This, here. This concert. We're in a country that doesn't speak the same language as us, gathered people who've never heard of us, singing songs they can't understand, and despite all that we have them at the edge of their seats.)"

"(Yeah, we sure are awesome!)" Ami gave her two cents.

Yet Iori shakes her head in dismissal, "(No, it's more than that. I'm not sure of what exactly, but I'm starting to see a larger picture.)"

A vague description was the best she could give. Language, culture, personality, appearance, music, talent, history, encounters; all were forming into an equation, creating something greater than each individual component, but each of the segments didn't appear to fit as of yet. Maybe one day in the future she'll discover this mysterious formula that inspired this moment, but this wasn't something she couldn't be dwelling over tonight. They had one more set to sing after all.

Iori places her beret over her head, completing the signature outfit. Same as when they appeared this morning on TV, Ryuuguu Komachi were in uniform. Looking to her two other companions, who've changed while the center was performing her solo, they give their approval. In silent agreement they give the signal to the band members. Never ceasing playing, they go straight into Me ga Au Toki.

Afterwords came CHANGE!, which could be the favorite song of the night. Marveled by it's fast pace and high energy, the audience responds enthusiastically. It's clear they don't want this night to end, and honestly, Iori too wishes it could go on forever. However, the point she was most dreading was already here; the final song.

When the song ends, there's an ever-rare lull. Applauds dwindle to nothing and it's nearly completely silent. Ryuuguu Komachi's US representative steps forward. Just about everyone was anticipating what was to be said.

"Thank you everyone! I hope everyone's enjoying themselves!" which receives an accolade of cheers. "Thank you! We love you all!" Pause for more cheers. "Las Vegas has become special to us, and we'd like to go on all night, but we've reached our final song. So everyone, please share with us a little bit more of your time. Thank you everyone, and have a good night!"

Those who watched the news this morning had seen this once already, but never could they be disappointed. Ryuuguu Komachi's breakout signature piece, Smokey Thrill.

And within a few minutes, it was over.

After giving a bow, the three exit the stage, followed shortly thereafter by the hired band. Thunderous applause shakes the very air, causing the wall to vibrate. Then something that's followed at the end of nearly every concert follows, a loud and synchronized shout for "Encore! Encore!"

"(I wasn't sure they'd start that,)" Ritsuko meekly confesses.

"Hey," the guitarist calls out, "you want us to play one more song? You didn't select an encore song before we started."

While Richie translates, Iori mulls it over. These professional musicians have been excellent thus far, but exactly how far into 765's catalog have they practiced? Before she could come to a decision, and hand is placed on her shoulder. Looking up, the team leader sees her older partner standing above her. A moment later another hand is placed on her other shoulder, this time the younger. What exactly are they signifying?

"(This is your crowd,)" tells Ami.

"(Isn't there one more song you'd like to sing?)" asks Azusa.

Seeing where this is going, and at least more insightful than Iori, Ritsuko has the final say, "(Don't you have one last thing to say? Something you have to do before we leave this city?)"

Finally did she realize what they were implying. Certainly, one last thing to say, one last song to sing. It's been done once before, but to whom she was singing commented that he couldn't hear her at her best. Or, as he put it, 120%.

Organized in their unruliness, the theater audience were now stomping their feet as they shout. Upwards of two-thousand people all doing that at once was enough to shake this whole structure.

"They're going to bring down the house," Ami amusingly observes in broken English, though who knows where she picked up the phrase.

Iori nods and tells the band the song they'll perform. Leaving the other members behind, Iori takes the stage alone. Unlike the last time she did a solo, this time the audience becomes mute. Before the idol begins there was one thing she had to say.

"Tonight couldn't have been possible if not for the efforts of one very special person. This person was a friend who I met right here in Las Vegas. So many things this person has done, I cannot even begin to express my gratitude. So to you, you know who you are."

For the first time since any of Ryuuguu Komachi has known her, and probably anyone else at 765 Production, Iori bows. This girl who always carries herself, who's self appearance is nearly always at the forefront of her thoughts, proper manners yet a defiant attitude, bows all the way to a 90-degree angle.

"Thank you!" she shouts, perhaps even stressing the amplified speakers.

When Iori raises and faces the crowd once more, she does so with tears running down her cheeks. A light commotion begins to stir. None of the audience knows of whom she is referring, but all can tell "this person" is important to her.

"I dedicate this song to you!" and she slightly chokes on her words.

Beginning the final song, the keyboardist plays a nursery rhyme melody and the drummer stomps on the bass drum to keep a beat.

Itsumo no youni sora wo kaketeta / I flew through the sky like always

Zutto zutto dokomademo suzuku sekai / in a world that goes on endlessly further and further

Iron na koto ga okiteru machi wa / I'm just cruising along mindlessly

SUPIIDO ni tsuiteyuku dakede / through the bustling streets

Mou seiippai / I'm beat

Sonna toki ni mitsuketa / It was at a time like this

Boroboro ni natta kimi / that I found you, all exhausted and worn out

Naze sonna ni / Why is it that you possess

Kanashii hodo kokoro ni kizu otteru no? / such a painful, wounded heart?

Yume ya kibou uchikudakarete / Having had your dreams and hopes crushed

Akirametanda ne / you've given up, right?

Boku ga chikara ni natte ageru yo / I'll give you the strength that you need

Kimi no subete wa kokode owari janai / Everything that is you doesn't end here

Mae no jibun wa RIRAITO shiyou / Well let's rewrite your old self

Ureshii koto de / with happy experiences

Tanoshii koto de / with enjoyable experiences

Itsumademo kono mama de itai ne / Just hope the situation can stay the same

Zutto zutto issho ni iraretara ii ne / and we can stay together forever and ever

Genki na modottekite yokatta / It's good to see you've become lively again

Futari de ganbattekita yo ne / We've worked hard

Demo sore mo owari / But even that is going to end

Soro soro kurunda ne / It's coming soon

Saigo no shuumatsu ga / Our last weekend

Moshi mo boku ga / What will you do when

Sora ni kaeru toki ga kitara dou suru no? / my time to return to the heavens has come?

Sugoku naite te wo tsukande / Will you cry badly, will you grab my hand

Hanarenai no ka na / unable to let go?

Nani mo iwazuni sayonara suru yo / I'll make my farewells without saying anything

Kimi to deaete sugoku ureshikatta na / Being able to meet you made me happy

Tsuraku naru kara subete kaesu yo / because things will become too painful to bear

Waratta koto mo･･････ / The laughing･･････

kiss shita koto mo･･････ / The kissing･･････

Itsumademo wasurenaide iruyo / I will never forget you

Zutto zutto sora de mimamotte iru yo... / And I'll forever be watching over you from the sky...

I cannot begin to explain how difficult this chapter had become. Between real-life issues and the challenge of putting a music concert into words, I'm surprised my head hadn't exploded. Well, I hope this lives up to the 26 chapters of buildup. If it hadn't, then I'm sorry for wasting your time. But here it is and now it's gone. The concert is over. With that this fairy tale is nearly complete, but the stroke of midnight has hit and the spell has ended. Only one chapter remains. Hopefully it won't take an entire week for me to finish.

~Kyle Castorena