Roadshow Chapter 12: I Wanna Drive You Home, a k-on!/けいおん！ fanfic

Roadshow

Chapter 12:

I Wanna Drive You Home

"Whoa. What a large facility," Yui Hirasawa said as the girls entered Pole Position, a indoor kart racing track in Las Vegas. "I've never seen anything like this."

"It's so beautiful," Tsumugi Kotobuki added. "Look at the track. It weaves and wiggles. It's just like a snake!"

"Absolutely," Mio Akiyama said. "I haven't had the time to take a driver's exam yet, but I suppose driving one of these will do."

"Mio," teased Ritsu, "you are going to be toast when I am through with you."

"No, you're not."

"Ohhhhh yes I am." Her grim of confidence told the story.

"Interesting how all of the cars are lined up by number," said Nodoka Manabe. "Miss Sawako, do we have to get our helmets somewhere?"

"There should be an area that provides helmets and bibs," Sawako Yamanaka suggested.

"I've never felt this confident," said Azusa Nakano, her eyes burning.

"Are you all right?" Jun Suzuki asked.

"I'm more than all right; I'm fired up!"

"For me, this isn't about winning or losing, this is about having a good time," Ui Hirasawa said.

"Are you guys the members of Hokago Tea Time?" a burly man with a beard said, flashing a gold tooth.

"Yes, we are," said Sawako.

"Welcome to Pole Position. My name is Paul, and I'm the owner of this track. I hope you enjoy your time in the middle of your week here in Las Vegas."

"Paul, huh?" Yui wondered. "So is this place actually called 'Paul Position'?" They all turned to her with confused looks. "Eh?"

"I suppose so," he chuckled. "There's an area straight ahead when you can don your bibs and helmets."

"Mr. Paul," Sawako said, "We want to race 100 laps around the track."

"A hundred?" they all asked.

"It's a short track, and you can get 100 laps done without much trouble."

"You're joining in as well?" asked Paul.

"Our teacher is opting for the arcade, sir," Ui said.

"I see. Well, no problem. We have a large arcade for the missus to have fun in. All right, when you're ready, let's do some racing. See you all in a bit!"

"This way," Ritsu said, leading the girls to the change room.

Sawako was left alone, and a smirk came across her face. "Heh, now that I know how to win at a casino, let me see if I can conquer every game here at Pole Position! Here we go! ¡Ya se armó!" Sawako skipped merrily like a madman on steroids to the arcade, where a new set of challenges await.

"This helmet looks a little tight on me," Ritsu said as she put it on."

Mio was putting on her bib. "I think mine's feels all right."

"Lucky!" Yui said. "Can I ride a motorcycle with this?"

"Onee-chan, you need to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle anyway," Ui reminded here.

"This has an unusual odor to it," Nodoka said. "Must be because lot of other people used it. Do they wash these things?" They turned to her with suspicious looks. "Never mind."

"I'm ready!" Jun said, pumping his fists. She had everything on, and as she flipped open the visor, she flashed a vulcan salute and a smile.

"Good God, that was quick!" Azusa exclaimed, hands on her hips.

"I have never driven, let alone raced on, a go-kart before," Tsumugi said, hands clasped as her hips subconsciously wiggled side to side.

"Why are you hips wiggling, Mugi?" Mio asked.

"She's excited, Mio," Ritsu replied. "Aren't you, Mugi?"

"Mmm-hmmm!"

"Whoever wins this race gets to determine where we eat for lunch. Agreed?" They all nodded their heads.

"I think we're ready," Azusa said. "Let's go!"

The eight of them walked, arms entwined, to the track as they picked their car, got inside, and put on their seatbelts.

"Racers, are you ready?" Paul asked over the intercom.

"Yeah!" they all said, fists raised.

"All right ladies, start your engines!"

Soon after, they turned their engines on and began to move around the track to warm-up. The good thing about the helmets was that the racers could communicate with each other. Yui took a little longer to start, but once she knew how to use it, she caught up with the pack.

Paul dropped the green flag, and a hundred laps of racing began.

"I'm coming after you, Mio!" Ritsu said as she took the early lead in the first lap.

"Not if I can help in, sunshine!" Mio replied, storming right back.

"Three can play at that game!" said Jun, making some headway in the second lap.

"I want to join in too!" Yui said, swerving her way to the lead.

"How did she do that?"

"Sempai, wait up!" Azusa exclaimed, making a move.

"Let's see if I can get this one revved up into overdrive," Nodoka said as she slid through the turns on her kart. "I think that's how you say it."

"This is so much fun!" Tsumugi squealed. "I feel like I'm racing in heaven!"

Paul donned his shades, scanning the proceedings as the race went on.

"Take that! And that! And that!"

Miss Sawako was burning through the levels on the fifth game that she was attempting to finish. She had cleared the other four and earned the highest score on each of them. "Aw, shoot!" she exclaimed. "Time for another quarter to finish this thing. Say your prayers, Monster boy! Ahahahahahaaah!"

The janitor doing the sweeping, a 60-year old urchin with a beard, looked from the distance with a confounded look on his face as Sawako continued to conquer every opponent like a madwoman with no regard for humanity.

Soon enough, the last lap was coming for the eight of them, and Ritsu was leading the charge. "Hah, I'm about to win this race, as predicted!" she proclaimed.

Unfortunately she spoke too soon. Ui, with a glint in her eyes that even Ritsu could sense from afar, made one last push to weave past every opponent.

"Oh no, I can't let Miss Perfect beat me...no!" But it was too late. Ui and Yui passed her, and then Azusa, and then the others. Ritsu had run out of power on her engine by the time all of them reached the finish line, where the checkered flag was waiting.

"Awesome job, Ui!" Yui said.

"I know."

"Great race, everyone," said Azusa.

"This was awesome!" Tsumugi exclaimed.

"Not bad," Nodoka remarked.

"I should have done better here, crap," Jun snarled.

"At least I finished better than Ritsu," Mio said smugly.

Ritsu was crying a river through her saturated helmet. "Dammit..."

The final order of finish: Ui, Yui, Azusa, Jun, Mio, Tsumugi, Nodoka, Ritsu.

As the girls went back to the change room to remove their helmets and bibs, Ritsu was huddled in a corner, drowning in her own self-imposed misery. "This isn't fair..."

"Life isn't fair, Ritsu," Mio said, walking over, crouching next to her. "Sometimes you're first, sometimes you're last. You just have to accept it and move on."

"Easy for you to say, you finished fifth!" she shot back, still in tears.

Annoyed, Mio hugged Ritsu, placing her head between her soft cleavage. "Shhhh. It's all right."

"Mio...why do these things happen to me?"

"Shhhh..."

"Why do I feel the softness of your love in my darkest hour?"

"It's all right, Ritsu. Calm down."

"Mio...mmmm..." The sadness and anger turned into a smile, and soon enough, Ritsu was sleeping.

"What are those two doing?" Azusa asked Yui.

"I think it's therapy."

"Correct, onee-chan," Ui said.

"Oh my," Tsumugi said. "It's too much, too much..."

"Need a tissue?" Nodoka asked, offering a paper handkerchief.

"Yes."

"Sensing the warning signs before the worst comes to mind...that's Nodoka-chan for you," Yui said.

"You know me very well, Yui."

"I think we're going to go back to McDonald's," Ui said.

Ritsu's mood changed. "M...McDonald's?"

"That was quick!" the others exclaimed.

"I'm back," said Sawako. "Had a great race?"

"Ritsu didn't," Mio said.

"I won the race, Miss Sawako, and I told them we're returning to McDonald's for lunch," Ui said.

"Sounds good. I could only finish five games because you guys didn't take very long to finish what you started."

"High score, Sawachan?" Yui asked.

"Mmm-hmmm."

"Whoa."

"So, let's go ahead and head over to McDonald's for lunch!"

"Had fun, ladies?" Paul asked the crew.

"Thanks a lot for having us here," Azusa said, bowing with the others.

"My pleasure, kids. Hope all goes well with your stay here in Vegas and you enjoy the concert. Take care."

And so the band left Pole Position, but it was going to take Ritsu some time before she got back to her bubbly self."

"I really wish we went to a fancy restaurant instead of McDonald's," Yui said as she feasted on a Big Mac.

"If Ritsu had won the race, we all would be going to Dick's Last Resort at Excalibur," Ui explained.

"What's that?"

"A restaurant in which the people treat you like trash," Nodoka said, sipping a soda.

"Ritsu would have knocked a few of the workers out and we would have had some bad press," Mio inferred. "Right, Ritsu?"

She was busy sipping a milkshake. "Eh, what? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you."

"Never mind."

Yui spotted a girl with teal-colored twin tails in the background. She quickly finished her Big Mac and her soda. "I'll be right back."

"Where are you going, Sempai?" Azusa asked.

"Shhhh. It's a secret."

Azusa pouted as Yui skipped off to where the girl with the teal-colored hair is.

"So boring, this city," the girl said, looking at the window, watching the people pass by. "It's not like Los Angeles, where things are a bit more exciting, a bit more interesting."

"Hello," Yui said from behind.

"Aaaah! You scared me."

"Heheh. You're Miku Hatsune, aren't you?"

"Oh my, somebody notices me here. Yes, that's me."

Yui went to do a little groping to be convinced this was her and not a 3D avatar version of her."Oh my. All flesh and bone. And so squeezable, too!"

"Uh, please don't squeeze me. It's too embarrassing."

"Can't help it. I am one of your fans. You sing really well."

"Of course I do~~~!" she sang in response, giggling afterwards.

"By the way, my name is Yui Hirasawa, the lead guitarist of Hokago Tea Time. A pleasure to meet you."

"Yui Hirasawa...Oh, you're from that band whose bassist wears striped panties like me. I prefer teal, because it matches my hair."

"Mio-chan prefers blue."

"Mio Akiyama, right? I like that name. Do you want to have a seat?"

"Absolutely." She plopped right down, admiring Miku's charms with a blush. "Hey Miku, what brings you here to Las Vegas?"

"Well, they want me and my band to perform a show over at the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms tonight."

"Hey, that's where we do our rehearsing. We're going to be doing some recording over there in an hour."

"Really. That's wonderful! I do have time to watch you guys play. Where's the rest of your band?"

"Right over there, eating," Yui said, pointing to the corner. "By the way, where are Rin, Len and Luka?"

"Shopping again. They will be cameoing with me, so they don't have to do too much tonight."

"Do you want to go meet the rest of my band?"

"Sure, I guess."

"Come on, let's go!" Yui grabbed Miku by the hand.

"Whoa, you're going a bit too quickly!"

"I think an idol like you can catch up. Hey you guys, look who I brought."

Ritsu's jaw dropped. "No way, don't tell me..."

Mio blinked. "The eyes, the hair, the detached sleeved and teal tie..."

Tsumugi knew it. "It's you, isn't it?"

"Miku Hatsune!" the others exclaimed.

"Yes, that's me," she said, laughing in embarassment. "A pleasure to meet you all!" she sang. They others applauded. "Can you introduce yourselves? Yui-chan here already did."

"Mio Akiyama, bass."

"Ritsu Tainaka, drums!"

"Tsumugi Kotobuki, keyboards."

"Azusa Nakano, guitar."

"Nodoka Manabe, a friend of Yui."

"Ui Hirasawa, Yui's sister."

"Jun Suzuki, the ultimate HTT roadie!"

"And I am Sawako Yamanaka, the manager of this band," she said. "A pleasure to meet one of the finest singers in all of Japan, Miku-chan."

"Hmmmm."

"Miku-chan, what brings you here to Las Vegas?" Tsumugi asked as Miku sat down with them.

"I have a show later tonight with my band," she said. "We're doing a nationwide tour promoting my music, and I've already done a few PR appearances earlier this week. This is the penultimate stop before we wrap it up in L.A."

"So what cities have you visited?" Azusa asked.

"Good question. Well, I've been to New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Washington D.C., Houston, Dallas, Nashville, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Orlando, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco."

"No stop in San Diego at Comic-Con?" Jun asked.

"My promoters couldn't get me a spot in time, but they probably will next year. I do have an engagement next year at L.A.'s Anime Expo, so that should be a fun one."

"What's your attitude performing?" Nodoka asked her. "Do you demand anything in return, like big contracts or what not?"

"I've got a promoter that is not a Svengali when it comes to the business side of the music industry. I don't ask for six-figure contracts or big offers. If it comes to me, I take it. At a very young age, I wanted to be a performer, and be the best I can be in my profession, irrespective of whether or not I get a deal."

"Do you own a mansion like Mugi?" Ritsu asked.

"No, I actually prefer to keep my money for a rainy day. I own a house in the suburbs of Tokyo. I used to go to work at the studio on my own power, but now I have to ask Kaito to escort me because I don't want anything bad to happen to me, you know?"

"Is Kaito your significant other?" Ui wondered.

"Yes, he is. We've been together for a year now. He is such an awesome person. And he knows how to treat someone like me right."

"Ooooh. Congratulations."

Ritsu nodded, acknowledging the situation. "Hmmm...such are the trappings of fame."

"The trappings, indeed."

"Well, you're safe with us until your show. Did you want us to bring you to the studio so you can see us perform?" Mio asked.

"That would be awesome, Mio-sempai!" Azusa exclaimed.

"I second that," Tsumugi said.

"Sure," Miku said with a smile as they all went to the coach. "I like the livery on this one."

"That shows you all you need to know," Sawako said as Jerry drove them back to the Palms.

Sawako brought the basket of song names as Miku took a seat behind the glass with Ui, Nodoka, and Jun to watch the proceedings. "All right, I've got the song names here. Remember: 20 songs, four per person. The rotation is as follows: Ritsu, Mio, Tsumugi, Yui, and Azusa, in order of Admission to the Union."

"America, fuck yeah," Jun snickered, triggering a laugh of embarrassment from Miku and Ui and a raised eyebrow from Nodoka.

"Ritsu, go first."

"All right!" A few second later, she took the first song. "It's 'My Sharona' by The Knack. Oh, this should be easy."

"Hey, I know that song," Yui said, sucking her finger.

"Are you sure?" Azusa asked with a look of suspicion.

"Yush."

"All right, let's do it," Mio said.

"Here we go," Tsumugi replied.

"Anytime you are ready, start playing," Sawako said.

Ritsu counted down. "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4!" A pounding of the cadence, followed by Mio's lead-in, and everyone else, and the song began with Mio doing lead vocals.

"Oo my little pretty one, pretty one

When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?

Oo you make my motor run, my motor run

Gun it coming off of the line, Sharona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind

I always get it up with a touch of the younger kind

My-ee ey-ee by-ee ahee ah woo!

Ma ma ma my Sharona

Come a little closer, over here

Close enough to look in my eyes, Sharona

Keep a little mystery, kissin' me

Runnin' down the length of my thigh, Sharona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind

I always get it up from a touch of the younger kind

My-ee ey-ee by-ee ahee ah woo!

Ma ma ma my Sharona

When ya gonna get to me, get to me

Is it just a matter of time, Sharona

Is it a destiny, a destiny

Or is it just a game in my mind, Sharona

Never gonna stop, give it up, such a dirty mind

I always get it up from a touch of the younger kind

My-ee ey-ee by-ee ahee ah woo!

Ma ma ma ma ma ma ma ma

Myee ey-ee by-ee ahee ah woo!

Ma ma ma my Sharona

Ooooh my Sharona!"

"Wonderful," Miku said. "I liked the guitar solo on Yui-chan's part. You really hit it. It's like I'm hearing a girl version of the Knack!"

"Eheheheh..."

"All right, my turn," Mio said.

"Your turn, huh?" asked Ritsu. "Which song are you choosing?"

"Let's find out." A few second later, the selection. "'Fun, Fun, Fun' by the Beach Boys? Yuck! What is this, grade school?"

"Well, you picked it, so we gotta play it, Mio-chan," said sympathetic Mugi as the others in the control room laughed.

"Ohhhh, mou!"

"Ready, Yui and Azusa?" Ritsu asked with a thumbs-up. They both returned the signal. "1, 2, 3!" Azusa did the leading in, and Yui did the main vocals, with everyone else doing backup.

"Well she got her daddy's car

And she cruised through the hamburger stand now

Seems she forgot all about the library

Like she told her old man now

And with the radio blasting

Goes cruising just as fast as she can now

And she'll have fun, fun, fun

'Til her daddy takes the T-Bird away

(Fun, fun, fun 'til her daddy takes the T-Bird away)

Well the girls can't stand her

'Cause she walks looks and drives like an ace now

(You walk like an ace now, you walk like an ace)

She makes the Indy 500 look like the Roman chariot race now

(You look like an ace now, you look like an ace)

A lotta guys try to catch her

But she leads them on a wild goose chase now

(You drive like an ace now, you drive like an ace)

And she'll have fun, fun, fun

'Til her daddy takes the T-Bird away

(Fun, fun, fun 'til her daddy takes the T-Bird away)

Well you knew all along

That your dad was gettin' wise to you now

(You shouldn't have lied now, you shouldn't have lied)

And since he took your set of keys

You've been thinking that your fun is all through now

(You shouldn't have lied now, you shouldn't have lied)

But you can come along with me

'Cause we gotta a lot of things to do now

(You shouldn't have lied now, you shouldn't have lied)

And we'll have fun, fun, fun now that daddy took the T-Bird away

(Fun, fun, fun now that daddy took the T-Bird away)

And we'll have fun fun fun now that daddy took the T-Bird away

(Fun, fun, fun now that daddy took the T-Bird away)

(Fun, fun now that daddy took the T-Bird away)

(Fun, fun now that daddy took the T-Bird away)..."

"This song always makes me want to dance," Miku said. "I mean, I want to be in a teal-striped string bikini with a mai tai, shaking my hips to this song, it's so awesome!"

"Me too," Ui said. "But I prefer orange and a daiquiri."

"You two are talking about alcohol already?" Jun said, stupefied. "I am so disappointed in both of you."

"That was so much fun to play," Yui said. "Mugi-chan, what song do you have?"

"'Suds in the Bucket' by Sara Evans," Tsumugi said.

"A country song?" Ritsu said. "Easy backbeat, coming right up."

"Country time," Mio said to Azusa.

"Here we go..."

"Are we ready?"

Yui took out a bottleneck and placed it on his middle finger. "We're ready, captain!"

"Here we go! 1, 2, 1, 2, 3!" And a little country was in order, with Tsumugi doing lead vocals.

"She was in the backyard, say it was a little past nine

When her prince pulled up, a white pickup truck

Her folks should of seen it comin' it was only just a matter of time

Plenty old enough, and you can't stop love.

She stuck a note on the screen door "Sorry but I got to go"

That was all she wrote, her mama's heart was broke

That was all she wrote, so the story goes

Now her daddy's in the kitchen starin' out the window, scratchin' and a rackin' his brains

How could 18 years just up and walk away?

Our little pony-tail girl growed up to be a woman

Now she's gone in the blink of an eye

She left the suds in the bucket and the clothes hangin' out on the line

Now don't you wonder what the preacher's gonna preach about sunday morn' Nothing quite like this has happened here before

Well he must have been a looker, a smooth talkin' son of a gun

For such a grounded girl to just up and run

Course you can't fence time, and you can't stop love

Now all the biddies in the beauty shop gossip goin' on stop Sippin on pink lemonade

How could 18 years just up'n and walk away?

Our little pony-tail girl growed up to be a woman

Now she's gone in the blink of an eye

She left the suds in the bucket and the clothes hangin' out on the line

YEEEHOO!

She's got her pretty little bare feet hangin' out the window And they're headin up to Vegas tonight

How could 18 years just up'n walk away?

Our little pony-tail girl grown up to be a woman

Now she's gone in the blink of an eye

She left the suds in the bucket and the clothes hangin' out on the line

She was in the backyard, say it was a little past nine

When her prince pulled up, a white pick up truck

Plenty old enough, and you can't stop love

No you can't fence time, and you can't stop love!"

"That was some wicked country you dished out," Miku said. "Loved every minute of it."

"That was the very first time we performed a country song, ever," Mio said.

"Ever?" Azusa asked.

"Ever."

"My turn now," Yui said, picking a song name. "All right, here it is. 'Hotel California' by the Eagles. Hey Azunyan, are you ready to do a little guitar harmony with me?"

"Yes, Master," she replied with a purr.

"Love that devotion."

"All right, we're good," Ritsu said. "Private Hirasawa, when you're ready, start it up!"

"Right, Captain!"

"On a dark desert highway,

Cool wind in my hair,

Warm smell of "colitas"

Rising up through the air,

Up ahead in the distance

I saw a shimmering light,

My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim,

I had to stop for the night.

There she stood in the doorway,

I heard the mission bell

And I was thinkin' to myself :

"This could be heaven and this could be hell"

Then she lit up a candle,

And she showed me the way,

There were voices down the corridor,

I thought I heard them say

Welcome to the Hotel California,

Such a lovely place, (Such a lovely place) Such a lovely face

Plenty of room at the Hotel California,

Any time of year, (Any time of year) You can find it here

Her mind is Tiffany-twisted,

She got the Mercedes BENZ

She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys

she calls friends

How they dance in the courtyard,

Sweet summer sweat

Some dance to remember,

Some dance to forget

So I called up the Captain

"Please bring me my wine"

He said, "We haven't had that spirit here

Since nineteen sixty-nine"

And still those voices are calling from far away,

Wake you up in the middle of the night

Just to hear them say:

Welcome to the Hotel California,

Such a lovely place, (Such a lovely place) Such a lovely face

They're livin' it up at the Hotel California,

What a nice surprise, (What a nice surprise) Bring your alibis

Mirrors on the ceiling,

The pink champagne on ice, and she said:

"We are all just prisoners here,

Of our own device"

And in the master's chambers

They gathered for the feast,

They stabbed it with their steely knives,

But they just can't kill the beast

Last thing I remember, I was running for the door,

I had to find the passage back to the place I was before,

"Relax," said the night man, "We are programmed to receive,

You can check out anytime you like... but you can never leave"."

"I love the Eagles," Miku said. "The soulfulness of the guitars and the power of the drumming of Don Henley and the vocals of Henley and Frey...truly California in its approach. Wonderful stuff."

"I like the Eagles, too," said Jun. "A wonderful band."

"Well, Azusa," Mio asked, "what song will you choose?"

"Hmmm..." She ran her hand through the papers, eventually choosing a song. "It's the Clash's 'Rock The Casbah.'"

"The Clash? Man, that is a good choice!" Yui exclaimed.

"I can do the keyboarding on this one, too."

"I want to do lead vocals on this one!"

"You got it," Mio said. "I concede, Miss Greedy." Yui defiantly stuck her tongue out.

"Here we go." Ritsu counted down. "1, 2, 1, 2, 3!" Tsumugi and Ritsu got the song started with some nice synthesizer work.

"Now the king told the boogie men

You have to let that raga drop

The oil down the desert way

Has been shakin' to the top

The sheik he drove his Cadillac

He went a' cruisin' down the ville

The muezzin was a' standing

On the radiator grille

The sharif don't like it

Rockin' the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

The sharif don't like it

Rockin' the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

By order of the prophet

We ban that boogie sound

Degenerate the faithful

With that crazy Casbah sound

But the Bedouin they brought out

The electric camel drum

The local guitar picker

Got his guitar picking thumb

As soon as the sharif

Had cleared the square

They began to wail

The sharif don't like it

Rockin' the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

The sharif don't like it

Rockin' the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

Now over at the temple

Oh! They really pack 'em in

The in crowd say it's cool

To dig this chanting thing

But as the wind changed direction

The temple band took five

The crowd caught a whiff

Of that crazy Casbah jive

The sharif don't like it

Rockin' the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

The sharif don't like it

Rockin' the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

The king called up his jet fighters

He said you better earn your pay

Drop your bombs between the minarets

Down the Casbah way

As soon as the sharif was

Chauffeured outta there

The jet pilots tuned to

The cockpit radio blare

As soon as the sharif was

Outta their hair

The jet pilots wailed

The sharif don't like it

Rockin' the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

The sharif don't like it

Rockin' the Casbah

Rock the Casbah

He thinks it's not kosher

Fundamentally he can't take it.

You know he really hates it."

"Fun song. Really fun song," Ui said.

"I have that number on my iPod," Miku added. "I listen to it when I am doing my morning jog."

"I wish they played 'London Calling,' though," Jun said with a glum look on her face.

"Can't have it all, you know," said Nodoka with a sympathetic look.

"Well, what song with Ricchan get this time?" Tsumugi asked the band. "Ricchan?"

"The song will be...'Carry On Wayward Son' by Kansas."

"This will be a fun one to sing and play," Azusa said.

"Let's have Azunyan, Mio-chan and I share the lyrics on this song!" a fired-up Yui said, clasping her hands.

"You got it," Ritsu said. "Go for it, the three of you."

"Carry on my wayward son,

For there'll be peace when you are done

Lay your weary head to rest

Now don't you cry no more

Once I rose above the noise and confusion

Just to get a glimpse beyond the illusion

I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high

Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man

Though my mind could think I still was a mad man

I hear the voices when I'm dreamin',

I can hear them say

Carry on my wayward son,

For there'll be peace when you are done

Lay your weary head to rest

Now don't you cry no more

Masquerading as a man with a reason

My charade is the event of the season

And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely

means that I don't know

On a stormy sea of moving emotion

Tossed about I'm like a ship on the ocean

I set a course for winds of fortune, but

I hear the voices say

Carry on, you will always remember

Carry on, nothing equals the splendor

Now your life's no longer empty

Surely heaven waits for you

Carry on my wayward son,

For there'll be peace when you are done

Lay your weary head to rest

Now don't you cry no more..."

"Powerful number right there," Miku said, sipping a bottle of vegetable juice.

"Very powerful, and I liked Mugi's keyboarding on this one," Nodoka said.

"The song 'Dust In The Wind' is also killer," Jun added.

"Easy listening, that," said Ui.

"What will Mio-chuan pick this time?" Ritsu wondered, twirling a drumstick idly.

"I believe our next song is...'Does Your Mother Know' by ABBA? Another cheesy pop song!"

"Hey, is it okay if I join in on the recording?" Miku asked. "I do specialize in pop music."

"I don't see any problem with it," Sawako said.

"Miss Sawako, why did you put ABBA in here? They are not rock, they are pop!" Mio whinged.

"But I happen to like ABBA, too," she pouted. "And if it was such a problem, why did you choose it?"

"Whatever, I give up."

"I can start this one," Tsumugi said. "Let me just fix some knobs and...done."

"We're set," Ritsu said. "Start this one, Mugi!"

Yui took lead vocals, with Miku and Azusa doing backup vocals.

"You're so hot, teasing me

So you're blue but I can't take a chance on a chick like you

It's something I couldn't do

There's that look in your eyes

I can read in your face that your feelings are driving you wild

Ah, but girl you're only a child

Well I can dance with you honey

If you think it's funny

Does your mother know that you're out

And I can chat with you baby

Flirt a little maybe

Does your mother know that you're out

Take it easy (take it easy)

Better slow down girl

That's no way to go

Does your mother know

Take it easy (take it easy)

Try to cool it girl

Take it nice and slow

Does your mother know

I can see what you want

But you seem pretty young to be searching for that kind of fun

So maybe I'm not the one

Now you're so cute, I like your style

And I know what you mean when you give me a flash of that smile (smile)

But girl you're only a child

Well I can dance with you honey

If you think it's funny

Does your mother know that you're out

And I can chat with you baby

Flirt a little maybe

Does your mother know that you're out

Take it easy (take it easy)

Better slow down girl

That's no way to go

Does your mother know

Take it easy (take it easy)

Try to cool it girl

Take it nice and slow

Does your mother know

Well I can dance with you honey

If you think it's funny

Does your mother know that you're out

And I can chat with you baby

Flirt a little maybe

Does your mother know that you're out?"

"A little Swedish pop never hurt no one," Nodoka said.

"I would like to record with HTT, if you don't mind, Miss Yamanaka," Miku said.

"Absolutely."

"My turn," Mugi said. "And we are doing 'Rainy Monday' by Shiny Toy Guns."

"Cool," Mio said. "Something relevant to my interests. Miku, did you want to do the lead vocals?"

"You can count on me to do this one."

"All right. Let's do this!" Ritsu exclaimed.

"I don't mind

You're someone that ain't mine

But someone that I'll get

And you don't know how

Hard I've tried

To convince myself that I

Can easily forget

But you left this feeling

Here inside me

One that never fails to find me...

On a rainy Monday

...i feel it inside of me

Like the days of summer...

On a rainy Monday

..I feel it inside me

In the hopes of one day...

\I won't lie

I still can't say that I

Admit we went too far

And you won't see me change my mind

But I really wish that I

Could forget the way you are

But you left this feeling here inside me

The battle in my mind still fights me

On a rainy Monday

...i feel it inside of me

Like the days of summer...

On a rainy Monday

..I feel it inside me

In the hopes of one day...

I can see that you're not beside me

But I still feel you shine inside of me

On a rainy Monday

...i feel it inside of me

Like the days of summer...

On a rainy Monday

..I feel it inside me

In the hopes of one day...

On a rainy Monday

...i feel it inside of me

Like the days of summer...

On a rainy Monday

..I feel it inside me

In the hopes of one day..."

"You got a wonderful voice," Yui said. "It's like an angel came to the studio and did some recording."

"Really beautiful!" Azusa added.

"Thank you," Miku said.

"I think it was great that we have Miku-chan with us recording with us here," Tsumugi said. "And it's time for me to pick a sung."

"Ooooh, what will it be this time?" Ritsu wondered, eager as ever.

"Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin."

"This should be a home run for us, then. Start it Azusa."

"Roger that!" Mugi's keyboard was able to simulate that of a flute as Azusa started the lead-in to the song.

"There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold

And she's buying a stairway to heaven

When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed

With a word she can get what she came for

Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to heaven

There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure

'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings

In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings

Sometimes all of our thoughts are misleading

Ooh, it makes me wonder

There's a feeling I get when I look to the west

And my spirit is crying for leaving

In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees

And the voices of those who stand looking

and it makes me wonder

really makes me wonder

And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune

Then the piper will lead us to reason

And a new day will dawn for those who stand long

And the forest will echo with laughter

If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now,

It's just a spring clean from the May Queen

Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run

There's still time to change the road you're on

Ooh, it makes me wonder

Ooh, Ooh, it makes me wonder

Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know

The piper's calling you to join him

Dear lady, can't you hear the wind blow, and did you know

Your stairway lies on the whispering wind

And as we wind on down the road

Our shadows taller than our soul

There walks a lady we all know

Who shines white light and wants to show

How everything still turns to gold

And if you listen very hard

The tune will come to you at last

When all is one and one is all, yeah

To be a rock and not to roll.

And she's buying the stairway to heaven..."

"Thank you, very nice," Sawako said. "Miku Hatsune, the second coming of Robert Plant."

"Really?" she asked her, laughing. "I suppose you can say that. Usually, it's Luka who would sing this song. But I guess I can hold my own here."

"Yes, you can. And some," Mio added.

"As always, Yui delivers with a solid emulation of Jimmy Page," Ritsu noted.

"But of course."

"Time for me to choose a song," said Yui. "It's 'I Wanna Drive You Home'" by ZZ Top."

"All right, peoples, let's do it!" Ritsu said. "1, 2, 3, 4!" Yui's guitar led the way, while Miku once again did lead vocals.

"She is an American car,

She isn't legal so she can't go far.

She got her mind stuck up in second gear,

Where she going ain't exactly clear.

Baby please, baby please, I wanna drive you home.

Low mileage without a pink slip,

Clean upholstery and it ain't been ripped.

She stripped her gears only late last night,

I don't think that thing was oiling right.

Baby please, baby please, I wanna drive you home.

She shakes and shimmies all over the road,

She's always happy when she carry a load.

Another lonesome automobile,

Something bout the way she makes me feel.

Baby please, baby please, I wanna drive you home."

"All right, it's my turn to pick a song," Azusa said.

"Nothing like a little ZZ Top to get you through the afternoon," Jun said, reclining on her seat.

"Always fun," Ui added.

"That's the first time I sang something like this," Miku noted.

"How did you know the lyrics?" Mio wondered.

"It's a secret."

Azusa waved a piece of paper. "I've made my selection. It's 'Manic Monday' by the Bangles."

"I think we have some piano work from Tsumugi on the way," Ritsu said. "You guys set?" They nodded. "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4!" True to her prediction, Mugi's piano work highlighted this Bangles number.

"Six o'clock already

I was just in the middle of a dream

I was kissin' Valentino

By a crystal blue Italian stream

But I can't be late

'Cause then I guess I just won't get paid

These are the days

When you wish your bed was already made

It's just another manic Monday

I wish it were Sunday

'Cause that's my funday

My I don't have to runday

It's just another manic Monday

Have to catch an early train

Got to be to work by nine

And if I had an air-o-plane

I still couldn't make it on time

'Cause it takes me so long

Just to figure out what I'm gonna wear

Blame it on the train

But the boss is already there

It's just another manic Monday

I wish it were Sunday

'Cause that's my funday

My I don't have to runday

It's just another manic Monday

All of the nights

Why did my lover have to pick last night

To get down

Doesn't it matter

That I have to feed the both of us

Employment's down

He tells me in his bedroom voice

C'mon honey, let's go make some noise

Time it goes so fast

When you're having fun

It's just another manic Monday

I wish it were Sunday

'Cause that's my funday

My I don't have to runday

It's just another manic Monday

I wish it was Sunday

'Cause that's my funday

It's just another manic Monday."

"I love the 80's," Ui said to Jun and Nodoka. "A very fun decade."

"That song and 'Walk Like An Egyptian' were the only two hits from that band," Nodoka replied.

"I'm torn on which song is better, " Jun said. "Do you have a coin, Nodoka-sempai?"

"No."

"Awww."

"Can we have a break to let Miku do a little singing with one of her numbers?" Yui asked Miss Sawako.

"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to have a break and let our guest of the day show what she can really do."

"I want to do 'World Is Mine,'" Miku said. "It's a song that's very special to me."

"No problem," Ritsu replied. "Let's do it. 'World is Mine'!"

"The very best Princess!

So treat me just us such, carve it in your heart! Okay~

Number 1 Always notice my different hair styles.

Number 2 Look at me from head to toe.

Got that?

Number 3 For everything I say,

reply with at least three words.

If you understand, then do something about

my lonely right hand!

Not really,

I didn't say I was so spoiled.

I want you to think I'm cute,

from the bottom of your heart.

The very best Princess!

Just realize it…hey hey!

Making me wait is out of the question!

Who do you think I am?

Whatever, right now I want to eat something sweet!

RIGHT NOW!

Fault? Don't you mean charm?

I won't allow any complaints!

Hey…are you listening to me?

HEY!

Ah, also, a white horse

is obvious right?

Come and pick me up,

if you understand then serve me!

Bow, offer your hand, and say "Princess"

Not really,

I didn't say I was so spoiled.

But you know,

it's okay to scold me a bit you know.

The very best and my very own Prince!

Realize it…c'mon c'mon!

My hand is empty!

Such a shy and unsociable Prince…

Gosh why? Hurry and realize it!

You don't understand…

don't understand…

Short cake with strawberry on top,

Top of the line mouth watering Pudding. *

Everyone, everyone is holding back.

Don't think I'm such a spoiled child!

I can hold back if I put my mind to it!

I'll just regret it later on.

Of course, that's because I'm...

The very best Princess!

Always keep an eye on me 'kay!

I might leave off to somewhere.

Suddenly I was hugged from behind,

it's so sudden! Eh!

"Watch your step, it's dangerous."

you said as you turned the other way…

…saying it that way is more dangerous…"

"Interesting lyrics," Jun said. "Midnight Superstar-like?"

"Could be," Nodoka replied, reading a book on the dark side of the music industry.

"I think they are wonderful," Ui said, clasping her hands, eyes sparkling.

"Did I sound all right?" Miku said. "I'm going to perform that song at the concert tonight."

"You're good. Real good," Ritsu said with a thumbs-up. "No problems whatsoever."

"Ricchan," Tsumugi asked, "do you know which song you're going to choose?"

"Third round, coming right up." Ritsu picked one from the basket. "I've got 'We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful' by Morrissey."

"Oh, that's a fun song," Mio said.

"I'll go back to the control room to watch you guys; I want to rest my vocal cords for tonight," Miku said.

"Thanks a lot for your contributions, Miku-chan," Sawako said.

"The pleasure is mine, Miss Yamanaka."

"Ready?" Ritsu asked. They were. "1, 2, 1, 2, 3!" Mio did the lead vocals on this number.

"We hate it when our friends become successful

We hate it when our friends become successful

Oh, look at those clothes

Now look at that face, it's so old

And such a video!

Well, it's really laughable

Ha, ha, ha ...

We hate it when our friends become successful

And if they're Northern, that makes it even worse

And if we can destroy them

You bet your life we will

Destroy them

If we can hurt them

Well, we may as well ...

It's really laughable

Ha, ha, ha ...

You see, it should've been me

It could've been me

Everybody knows

Everybody says so

They say:

Ah, you have loads of songs

So many songs

More songs than they'd stand

Verse

Chorus

Middle eight

Break, fade

Just listen..."

"A little bit of politics in song never hurt no one, unless you're on the short end of the stick," Nodoka said.

"True, true," Jun concurred.

"I wonder what Mio-sempai will choose," Ui said.

"Everyone, the next song is 'Heart and Soul' by Huey Lewis and the News. Finally, I pick a great number. Third time's the charm."

"Count it down, Ricchan!" exclaimed Yui.

"1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4!" Mio's bass led to the main melody. Yui took the lead vocals in this one.

"Two o'clock this morning

If she should come a calling

I couldn't dream of turning her away

And if it got hot and hectic

I know she'd be electric

I'd let her take her chances with me

You see, she gets what she wants

'Cause she's heart and soul

She's hot and cold

She's got it all, hot loving every night

Can't you see her standing there

See how she looks, see how she cares

I let her steal the night away from me

Nine o'clock this morning

She left without a warning

I let her take advantage of me

You see, she got what she wanted

'Cause she's heart and soul

She's hot and cold

She's got it all, hot loving every night

'Cause she's heart and soul

She's hot and cold

She's got it all,

She's heart and soul! Yeah!

She got loving every night

She's got it all,

She's heart and soul!"

"San Francisco's very own Huey Lewis and the News," Nodoka mused over a Starbucks brew from the vending machine.

"Marvelous stuff," Ui said. "Is that a Starbucks you're drinking."

"Just a caramel frappuccino, that's all."

"I like the music they are choosing," Jun said.

"Next up is 'Panama' by Van Halen!" Tsumugi said.

"Crap, I thought it was going to be 'Jump!'" Ritsu snapped. "Whatever."

"That's a good song right there," Azusa said.

Yui pursued the question. "Hey Azunyan, did you want to sing lead vocals in this one?"

"S...Sure..."

"Everyone, Azunyan is going to sing lead in this one."

"Good on you Azusa!" Ritsu said with a thumbs up. "1, 2, 1, 2, 3!"

Yui led the riffs into the main melody.

"Uh!

Oh yeah!

Ah-huh!

Jump back, what's that sound?

Here she comes, full blast'n top down

Hot shoe, burnin' down the avenue

Model citizen, zero discipline

Don't you know she's coming home with me

You'll lose her in that turn

I'll get her!

Panama, Panama

Ain't nothin' like it, it's a shining machine

Got the feel for the wheel, keep the movin' parts clean

Hot shoe, burnin' down the avenue

Got an on-ramp comin' through my bedroom

Don't you know she's coming home with me

You'll lose her in that turn

I'll get her

oh!

Panama, Panama

ow!

Panama, Panama

oh-oh-oh-oh

Woo!

Yeah, we're runnin' a little bit hot tonight

I can barely see the road from the heat comin' off

know what I'm sayin'

uhh, I reach down between my legs n' ease the seat back

She's runnin', I'm flyin'

Right behind in the rearview mirror now

Got the fearin', power steerin'

Pistons poppin', ain't no stoppin' now

Panama, Panama

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Panama, Panama

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Panama!"

"Hokago Tea Time: Bringing Tea Party Music To A Different Level," said Jun smugly.

"Is that our new slogan?" Azusa said, unimpressed.

"Up to you to approve it."

"Declined."

"Aaaah, I lost the game!"

"My turn to select a song," Yui said. "Hmmm, what will Yui select this time? 'Won't Get Fooled Again' by The Who."

"Great pick, Yui!" said Ritsu, applauding with her drumsticks.

"Excellent pick!" Mio exclaimed.

"She hit the jackpot," Mugi said.

"This is going to be a fun number to play," said Azusa. "Ritsu-sempai, we haven't seen you sing a number, so can you do this one?"

"Yes, ma'am, and this is for you, Keith Moon! 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4!" Ritsu did her best Roger Daltrey impersonation and Yui Hirasawa did a few Pete Townshend windmills along the way without fail.

"We'll be fighting in the streets

With our children at our feet

And the morals that they worship will be gone

And the men who spurred us on

Sit in judgment of all wrong

They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution

Take a bow for the new revolution

Smile and grin at the change all around me

Pick up my guitar and play

Just like yesterday

And I'll get on my knees and pray

We don't get fooled again

Don't get fooled again

Change it had to come

We knew it all along

We were liberated from the fall that's all

But the world looks just the same

And history ain't changed

'Cause the banners, they all flown in the last war

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution

Take a bow for the new revolution

Smile and grin at the change all around me

Pick up my guitar and play

Just like yesterday

And I'll get on my knees and pray

We don't get fooled again

Don't get fooled again

No, no!

I'll move myself and my family aside

If we happen to be left half alive

I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky

For I know that the hypnotized never lie

Do ya?

There's nothing in the street

Looks any different to me

And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye

And the parting on the left

Is now the parting on the right

And the beards have all grown longer overnight

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution

Take a bow for the new revolution

Smile and grin at the change all around me

Pick up my guitar and play

Just like yesterday

Then I'll get on my knees and pray

We don't get fooled again

Don't get fooled again

No, no!

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Meet the new boss...

Same as the old boss!"

"The ending of that song is similar to 'Problem Child' by AC/DC," said Nodoka.

"Just different chords," Jun added.

"Right," Ui said. "Love the show so far."

"Next up to make a song...Azusa!" Ritsu said, drinking some water.

"I wonder what song I'll get this time. Here it is. 'Your Love' by the Outfield. Another 80's song."

"Good selection, I suppose," said Mio.

"I love that song," said Tsumugi. "Let's do it. Ricchan?"

"1, 2, 1, 2, 3."

Yui took the lead vocals in this one, with Mio and Tsumugi doing backup vocals.

"Josie's on a vacation far away

Come around and talk it over

So many things that I wanna say

You know I like my girls a little bit older

I just wanna use your love tonight

I don`t wanna lose your love tonight

I ain`t got many friends left to talk to

No one`s around when I`m in trouble

You know I`d do anything for you

Stay the night, but keep it under cover

I just wanna use your love tonight, oh

I don`t wanna lose your love tonight

Try to stop my hands from shaking

Something in my mind`s not making sense

It`s been awhile since we`ve been all alone

I can`t hide the way I`m feeling

As you leave me, please, would you close the door

And don`t forget what I told you

Just cause you`re right, that don`t mean I`m wrong

Another shoulder to cry upon

I just wanna use your love tonight, yeah

I don`t wanna lose your love tonight

Yeah, I just wanna use your love tonight

I don`t wanna lose your love tonight

I just wanna use your love tonight

I don`t wanna lose your love tonight

(Use your love, lose your love) Your love

(Use your love) Well I don't wanna lose

(Lose your tonight) I don't wanna, I don't wanna

I don't wanna lose (Use your tonight) Your love

(Lose your tonight) Your love, your love

(Use your tonight) Your love

(I don't lose your love tonight) Aaaahh

(Use your tonight) Your love..."

"One more round of songs, ladies," Sawako said to the girls.

"I wonder what I will choose next," said Ritsu as she went to the basket to take a paper.

"This has been so much fun playing some classic rock songs, and even adding a little bit of pop here and there," Tsumugi said. "Really fun."

Ritsu's jaw dropped. "'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen? Oh god. This is our biggest song yet. Mugi. Does your keyboard have a gong effect?"

A press of the key, and a simulated noise of a certain temple instrument. "Does that answer your question, Ricchan?"

"Good. Mio will do the lead vocals, but the rest of us will do backup vocals. Let's do this."

"Go right ahead, you got the green light," said Miss Sawako.

"Is this the real life?

Is this just fantasy?

Caught in a landslide

No escape from reality

Open your eyes

Look up to the skies and see

I'm just a poor boy (poor boy), I need no sympathy

Because I'm easy come, easy go

little high, little low

Anyway the wind blows, doesn't really matter to me, to me

Mama, just killed a man

Put a gun against his head

Pulled my trigger, now he's dead

Mama, life had just begun

But now I've gone and thrown it all away

Mama, ooo

Didn't mean to make you cry

If I'm not back again this time tomorrow

Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters

It's too late, my time has come

Sends shivers down my spine

Body's aching all the time

Goodbye everybody - I've got to go

Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth

Mama, ooo - (anyway the wind blows)

I don't want to die

I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all

I see a little silhouetto of a man

Scaramouche, scaramouche, will you do the fandango?

Thunderbolts and lightning - very very frightening me

Galileo, Galileo,

Galileo Figaro - magnifico-o-o-o

I'm just a poor boy nobody loves me

He's just a poor boy from a poor family

Spare him his life from this monstrosity

Easy come easy go - will you let me go

It's the LAW! No - we will not let you go - let him go

It's the LAW! We will not let you go - let him go

It's the LAW! We will not let you go - let me go

Will not let you go - let me go (never)

Never let you go - let me go

Never let me go - ooo

No, no, no, no, no, no, no -

Oh mama mia, mama mia, mama mia let me go

Beelzebub has the devil put aside for me

for me

So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?

So you think you can love me and leave me to die?

Oh baby - can't do this to me baby

Just gotta get out - just gotta get right outta here

Ooh yeah, ooh yeah

Nothing really matters

Anyone can see

Nothing really matters, nothing really matters, to me

Anyway the wind blows..."

"Bellisimo!" Ui said, applauding. "That brought a tear to my eye."

"Very nice," Nodoka said.

Jun was besides herself. "Jeez, was that awesome or what?"

"It sure was."

"Time for my final selection," Mio said. "Home run. 'Start Me Up' by the Rolling Stones!"

"Let's do it!" Yui said.

"Lead the way, Yui-sempai," Azusa said.

A few riffs from the lead guitarist, and the band was on its way. Mio did the lead vocals, with Yui, Tsumugi and Azusa doing backup.

"If you start me up

If you start me up I'll never stop

If you start me up

If you start me up I'll never stop

I've been running hot

You got me ticking gonna blow my top

If you start me up

If you start me up I'll never stop

Never stop, never stop, never stop

You make a grown man cry

Spread out the oil, the gasoline

I walk smooth, ride in a mean, mean machine

Start it up

If you start it up

Kick on the starter give it all you got, you got, you got

I can't compete with the riders in the other heats

If you rough it up

If you like it you can slide it up,

Slide it up, slide it up, slide it up

Don't make a grown man cry

My eyes dilate, my lips go green

My hands are greasy

She's a mean, mean machine

Start it up

If start me up

Ahh... give it all you got

You got to never, never, never stop

Slide it up, baby just slide it up

Slide it up, slide it up, never, never, never

You make a grown man cry

Ride like the wind at double speed

I'll take you places that you've never, never seen

If you start it up

Love the day when we will never stop, never stop

Never, never, never stop

Tough me up

Never stop, never stop

You, you, you make a grown man cry

You, you make a dead man come

You, you make a dead man come..."

"I remember the day when Windows 95 came to existence," Nodoka recalled. "This song was used in the campaign."

"We were only toddlers when 95 was introduced," Jun said.

"There was even a parody of that, if I recall," Ui added. "It was about how it was sucking up everyone's drives and all." They got a good laugh out of that.

"Mugi's turn to pick a song," said Ritsu. "All yours."

"And my choice will be 'Clocks' by Coldplay. Perfect, because that uses a good deal of piano."

"Are we ready?" They others nodded. "Mugi."

A few presses, and the rest of the band joined in. Mugi did the lead vocals.

"The lights go out and I can't be saved

Tides that I tried to swim against

Have brought me down upon my knees

Oh I beg, I beg and plead singing

Come out of things unsaid

Shoot an apple off my head

And a trouble that can't be named

A tiger's waiting to be tamed singing

You are

Confusion never stops

Closing walls and ticking clocks

Gonna come back and take you home

I could not stop that you now know singing

Come out upon my seas

Cursed missed opportunities

Am I a part of the cure?

Or am I part of the disease? Singing

You are

And nothing else compares

You are

Home, home where I wanted to go

Home, home where I wanted to go..."

"All right, we have two more songs to go before this is a done deal," said Ritsu.

"You guys rock, as usual," Jun said, flashing her vulcans.

"We know," Yui said, exchanging a vulcan in return. She then went to the basket to pick a song. "My last song will be 'Uprising' by Muse. Home run?"

"Grand slam," they all replied.

"I stand corrected. Ricchan?"

"1, 2, 1, 2, 3!"

Mio did the lead vocals, with Yui doing backup.

"The paranoia is in bloom, the PR

The transmissions will resume

They'll try to push drugs

Keep us all dumbed down and hope that

We will never see the truth around

(So come on!)

Another promise, another scene, another

A package not to keep us trapped in greed

With all the green belts wrapped around our minds

And endless red tape to keep the truth confined

(So come on!)

They will not force us

They will stop degrading us

They will not control us

We will be victorious

Interchanging mind control

Come let the revolution take its toll if you could

Flick the switch and open your third eye, you'd see that

We should never be afraid to die

(So come on!)

Rise up and take the power back, it's time that

The fat cats had a heart attack, you know that

Their time is coming to an end

We have to unify and watch our flag ascend

They will not force us

They will stop degrading us

They will not control us

We will be victorious

Hey .. hey ... hey .. hey!

They will not force us

They will stop degrading us

They will not control us

We will be victorious

Hey .. hey ... hey .. hey!"

"Great song," Nodoka said. "I think the Americans call this a 'jock jam,' whatever that means."

"Sports music," Ui clarified.

"Yeah, that."

"Well, Azunyan, it's all up to you to determine the last song. What will it be?" Yui asked.

"Sempai, everyone, the last song is 'Hey Soul Sister' by Train. But we don't have a ukelele. How are we going to sing this if we don't have a ukelele?"

"I have it here in the control room. Ui-chan is going to join you on this number," said Sawako as Ui went to join them, instrument in hand.

"How were you able to fit that in there, Miss Sawako?"

"My suitcase can fit anything, even the dead." The others looked scared. "I'm just kidding; the ukelele is small enough to fit inside."

"I'm just glad it didn't get crushed," Ritsu said. "All right Ui, do you know how to play it?"

"I'll try, based on memory..." Then it hit her. "I know it. Let's go." A few strums, and Azusa did the lead vocals on this number.

"Hey Hey Hey

Your lipstick stains

On the front lobe of my left side brains

I knew I wouldn't forget you

And so I went and let you blow my mind

Your sweet moonbeam

The smell of you in every single dream I dream

I knew when we collided you're the one I have decided

Who's one of my kind

Hey soul sister, hey there mister, mister

On the radio, stereo

The way you move ain't fair you know

Hey soul sister, I don't wanna miss a single thing you do tonight

Hey Hey Hey

Just in time, I'm so glad you have a one track mind like me

You gave my life direction

A game show love connection, we can't deny

I'm so obsessed

My heart is bound to beat right out my untrimmed chest

I believe in you, like a virgin, you're Madonna

And I'm always gonna wanna blow your mind

Hey soul sister, hey there mister, mister

On the radio, stereo

Hey soul sister, I don't wanna miss a single thing you do tonight

Well you can cut a rug

Watching you is the only drug I need

So gangster, I'm so thug

You're the only one I'm dreaming of

You see I can be myself now finally

In fact there's nothing I cant be

I want the world to see you'll be with me

Hey soul sister, hey there mister, mister

On the radio, stereo

Hey soul sister, I don't wanna miss a single thing you do tonight

Hey Hey Hey (tonight)

Hey Hey Hey (tonight)..."

"All right, that should do it, that's a wrap, great job!" Sawako said, to the applause of everyone in attendance.

"You people are an awesome bunch," Miku said as they all met in the green room, the band with their instruments. "You left me speechless. I could connect to your music. I will come into tonight's concert with my memories with you in mind forever."

"Thank you for stopping by, Miku-chan," said Yui. "Good luck with your show."

"If you want, I have tickets to the concert, with backstage passes as well."

"Do you have enough for eight?"

"I have enough for eight and your manager," Miku said. "I won't be able to come to your show because after my concert, I have to head to Los Angeles immediately. I'm sorry."

Yui gave Miku a hug and a kiss. "The fact that you were here with us is all that matters, Miku-chan. Don't let anyone tell you that HTT isn't the best band you've ever heard of, because we are."

"Go get 'em, Miku," Ritsu said.

"We got your back," Mio replied.

"Ganbare, Miku-chan," said Mugi.

"Thanks for stopping by," Azusa added.

"Thanks for recording with my sister," Ui said.

"Thanks for being a fan," said Jun, flashing a vulcan.

Nodoka nodded her head. "You've got all the motivation you need. Now take it with you to the stage."

"You guys..." Tears came flowing out of Miku's eyes as the band and Sawako embraced her in a group hug. "Thank you, all of you! I will never forget the day I met the great Hokago Tea Time!" Miku then waved goodbye as the band saw her skip happily on her way. In several hours, they would watch her perform at the show.

"By the way, Sawachan," Ritsu asked, "what did you say about the difficulty level being high? You tricked us. It was easy."

"Because you made it look easy, that's why," Sawako replied, licking her lips with a wink.

"Right..."

END CHAPTER 12

A/N: This chapter pays tribute to Chapter 13 of "Walk-ON! All Over Again" and to Miku Hatsune's July 2 concert at Nokia Theater in Los Angeles as part of Anime Expo.

World Is Mine translation by Suisei.