Roadshow
Chapter 13:
Concrete and Steel
"Oh dear God," Ritsu Tainaka said, flopping onto the bed, clearly exhausted. "We drove, we played, and we are tired as fuck. Feel the same, anyone?"
"Definitely," Mio Akiyama added, drinking a bottle of Gatorade, watching the cars pass by while watching from their room at the Hugh Hefner SkyVilla. "20 of our favorite songs, coming after several laps of driving go-karts. That's a lot of calories burned."
"I know, right?" said Tsumugi Kotobuki. "But the great thing here is that when we get to our hotel room, we get this." She was referring to the sandwich in her hand that she was punching, full of foie gras and alfalfa on garlic bread.
"Oooh, I want some," Ritsu said, drooling. "Is there any?"
She pointed to the room next door. "Plenty. Go grab one. Ricchan."
"Yes, my dear." With a spring in her step, Ritsu marched to the room where there was an attendant with trays of sandwiches, chips and bottles of beverages. Due to the band's age, there were no alcoholic beverages. Sawako Yamanaka's room did have some low-calorie shochu.
"These sandwiches taste like heaven!" said a gleeful Yui Hirasawa, fanned by her sister Ui. "It's so rich and velvety! How do they it? It's so awesome!"
"Cooled enough yet, onee-chan?" she asked.
That's when her kinkiness set in. "Hey Ui, I dare you to take your shirt off."
"O...Onee-chan! Are you sure...?"
"Just do it. I wanted to see something."
"O...okay..." Ui slowly unbuttoned her shirt, causing her bust to bounce out. "This is so embarrassing," she whispered, looking the other way in a deep blush.
"Hmmmm..." Yui studied Ui's voluptuous breasts, covered by a white lace bra. Cupping her bust, Yui felt the firmness, the suppleness, and after tweaking her nipples as to trigger pleasurable gesticulations from her younger sister, she came to a predictable conclusion. "Ui, I want to be the best aunt I can be?"
"Y...you're already declaring me a mom?" Ui just had to laugh out of sheer embarrassment mixed with shameless flattery.
Yui licked her lips. "Precisely."
Ritsu absentmindedly walked in. "Yui, Ui, there's plenty of sandwiches in the other room and HOLY COW! Those are big squeezable pillows I am seeing! I WANT!"
She was held back by Mio. "Ritsu, what the hell are you doing?"
"Mio! Look at Ui's big-ass boobs! They're tanks! Milk tanks, I tell you! I can get my nourishment if I can just get my hands on them-ow!" And up came a headbump.
"Ricchan?" Yui wondered, tilting her head to the side.
"Ritsu-sempai..." Ui stammered, thoroughly embarrassed as she covered her boobs.
"It's all right, Ui-chan," Ritsu said, creeping closer as Ui backtracked.
"Ritsu-sempai...stop..." Ui was in tears.
"Here I come...! Yeaaaaaah!"
"Ritsu, no!" But it was too late for Mio.
Ui let out a scream of pleasure and pain as Ritsu fondled Ui's breasts, causing her to release a red liquid between her legs.
"Eh, what is this?" Yui said, touching the liquid with her finger before licking it. "Ew. Tastes like blood."
Ritsu blinked. "Does this mean...?"
Azusa Nakano walked in, hands on her cheeks. "Ui is going through her...she's going through her...!"
"Yep, she's going through her period," Nodoka Manabe shrugged, munching on some chips.
At that moment, Ui's tears began to flow as she fainted.
"So what do we do, guys?" Jun Suzuki asked everyone.
"I have the solution," Tsumugi said, holding a box of tampons.
Mio's dark aura was raining high on Ritsu, and she was not happy. "Ritsu...I cannot forgive you for this..."
At that point, Ritsu was sweating all over, with the inevitable on the way. "Mio...I...!"
She was in a corner of the bedroom, holding her knees, a large bump on her head, Ritsu was. "I only wanted to know what heaven felt like, that's all!" she protested.
"Stay in that corner until I tell you to come out," Mio said, visibly annoyed. Meanwhile, everyone else was consoling Ui, who was in tears after realizing her period began.
"It's okay, we all have to go through this," Azusa said, petting Ui's sobbing head.
"Why did it have to be now, though?" Ui cried, sniffling. "This is so unfair."
"You can't blame the grouping by Ritsu for this," Nodoka said in her drumming friend's defense. "This is one of those monthly things we all have to deal with. I'm just glad Mugi brought some tampons in case this does happen."
"Oy, Ritsu, what are you doing?" Mio grunted to her ladyfriend, crawling over to the remote.
"I wanna watch TV, Mom, and then I will go back to my corner," Ritsu pouted as she turned on the TV.
"I'm not your Mom, okay? And why are you crawling over to me? Didn't I tell you to stay in your-mmmm!"
"Mio. You know I don't like to be tortured so much by you. And I have the power to turn the tables. Just. Like. This." Her lips met Mio's immediately.
"Fuck, whatever. It's not like a dangerous queen like me can stop a persistent hamburger-crazy lion like you anyway..."
"Mio, shut up and make love to me."
"Well, those two have made up quick enough," Jun said, eating the last sandwich on the platter from the other room. "So much for punishment; Mio-sempai is such a softie."
"I think Ui-chan will be all right, it's only a phase," Tsumugi said.
"Hello everyone," Sawako said, walking in with a bucketload of poker chips.
"Whoa," Jun exclaimed. "Where the heck you get all those chips?"
"An unexpected donation from a wonderful woman with pink hair, a cowlick, a fancy dress, bun covers, dog ears and tail gave it to me."
"Why would she cosplay in the middle of the desert in July?" Azusa scowled, suspicious of the proceeds. "It's stifling hot!"
"Dunno, but she told me what she was wearing is actually her business uniform. Here's another thing: in exchange for the poker chips, she wants to interview us, but wants to do it individually so that she can upload them on her laptop and spread it via Facebook and twitter."
"So it's more interviews, huh Sawachan?" Yui asked. "No problem, we can handle it. So who's going to go first?" They all pointed as her. "All right, me first it is! I am so special."
"She will be doing the interview downstairs in the lounge by the studio. There will also be a photo shoot at the studio to go with it. You know what to do, right Yui-chan?"
"Sawachan, I am ready."
"All right, have fun."
"Do you best, onee-chan," Ui said, sniffling with a smile.
"I'm glad you're feeling better, Ui." And then she took off.
"Well, look at her," Jun said. "Looking all cool and stuff. It's as if she's done this before."
"Jun, we all have. A few days ago," Azusa pointed out.
"You're absolutely right."
"All right, here's what we're going to do," Millhiore F. Biscotti told Eclair Martinozzi and Ricotta Elmar downstairs at the lounge. "We have five interviews to do, one for every member of the band. After each interview, we're going to have them pose with their instrument."
"Why the hell should we do this?" Eclair protested with a pout. "Shouldn't we let Cinque do this instead?"
"Uh, you realize Cinque's not with us right now, right?" Ricotta added.
"I know that, but...I think this is just a waste of time."
"But Eclair," Millhiore moaned, "I've always wanted to see Las Vegas."
"And why am I the one holding the video camera?"
"Because you are special, Eclair," Ricotta replied with a sly smile.
"Arrrgh..."
"Ah, here she is," Millhiore said.
"Hello!" Yui said, waving.
"Hello. Pleasure to meet you-ah!" She felt Yui tweak her dog ears.
"Are these real? Please tell me they are real!" A twitch. "They are real!"
"Hey, quit touching Millhiore's dog ears, will you?" Eclair said, adjusting the camera.
"Sorry, I am very curious. By the way, who are you guys?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Millhiore Firianno Biscotti of the Biscotti Republic."
"So you're a news reporter? We get that all the time."
"It's actually a country."
"Oh! All right. You know, I wasn't so sure. I like being interviewed by people who have animal ears and tails. It's as if I'm being interviewed by cosplayers or something."
Eclair put a palm to her forehead while Ricotta laughed.
"These are my assistants and good friends: Eclair Martinozzi and Ricotta Elmar. Rico's got the camera and Eclair has the video cam."
"Cool. All right, I'm ready to go. Fire away."
Eclair counted down. "Recording in 5...4...3...2...1..."
"Hello, everyone in Flonyard! This is your noble princess of the Biscotti Republic Millhiore speaking to you in the Entertainment Capital of the World...Las Vegas, USA. With me is Yui Hirasawa of the band Hokago Tea Time, who will be performing later this week in front of a sellout crowd. Yui, tell us a bit about yourself."
"Hello, everyone in Flonyard. I am Yui Hirasawa of Hokago Tea Time. I don't have animal ears like you guys do, but I can pretend!" Yui apparently was ready as she donned Azusa's cat ears.
"Wow, she was ready for this," Eclair thought, a sweatdrop coming down.
"I am a guitarist, and I do lead vocals. I am a 17-year old high school student from Tokyo, just like everyone else on my band, except for Azunyan, who's 16."
"How do you guys create this group?" Millhiore asked.
"Oooh, it's a pretty long history. Two years ago, I teamed up with three other people to form the nucleus of the band. Ritsu Tainaka, who I call 'Ricchan', does the drums, Mio Akiyama does bass work, and Tsumugi Kotobuki is our keyboard player. We generally perform at the school auditoriums and also during practice inside the club room. Later in the year we brought in Azusa Nakano, Azunyan as I like to call her, who is also a guitarist. So we are a band of five."
"What is it about the guitar that makes you think, I want to play this."
"I almost didn't want to join the club because I didn't know how to play guitar until I joined. All I could play, believe it or not, were castanets."
"Castanets? Are you serious?" In the background, Ricotta was taking photos of the interview. She would do this four more times.
"Yep, castanets. But once I got my guitar after working part-time counting cars passing through, I learned the different chords and the way of holding it. It's a bit heavy for me, but the guitar I have, which I like to call Giita, is my biggest source of pride. And I use it as a learning tool to find new ways to play my music, our music."
"Why is your band called 'Hokago Tea Time?'"
"During our meetings, Mugi-chan always caters. She brings cake, cookies, and tea. I suppose it's similar to what the people eat where you live."
"Oh, where I am, only the finest is served. So I seem to understand."
"That's why we are called Hokago Tea Time. In between practices, we take time to eat cakes, drink tea, and socialize. We work hard and play hard."
"What are your songs generally about? Are they ballads? Are they rock songs? What are they?"
"Actually, we write about food and cute things." Eclair tried not to laugh, but she couldn't help it. Then the others laughed. "Kinda weird, isn't it?"
"I guess it's stuff we aren't used to hearing out where I'm from. By the way, I also work as a singer, for your information."
"Nice. But anyway, as I was saying, our lyrics are about food and cute things: from stuffed bunnies to curry to strawberry parfaits. Occasionally, Mio-chan, our main lyricist, likes to write about relationships. We are fans of the love song."
"I see."
"But mostly it's about food and cute things. And the stuff girls like."
Millhiore giggled. "All right, anyway, is this part of a U.S. tour you ladies are putting together?"
"This is actually a one-night-only thing for us. After our concert, we're going back home to work on our studies. Me, Mio-chan, Mugi-chan and Ricchan...we all are seniors, and we have to prepare for our college entrance exams."
"Awww. Do you think it would be great if you toured more of America?"
"It would be nice, but I don't think it would be a priority for us to visit the rest of America at this point. I want to see New York, though."
"Who do you think is the weirdest member on your band?"
"Ah, that's easy. Has to be Ricchan. She always gives us the kick up our backsides that we deserve. It's a treat to have her at our meetings, practices and concerts."
"And who is the shyest member on your band?"
"Mio-chan is always scared of a lot of things, like lightning and the dark. When she isn't hiding in her shell, she is someone that kicks ass. You should see her play bass, it's an awesome sight."
"Who is the most spontaneous member on your band?"
"That would be me. Because I enjoy performing, and to be out there, in front of thousands of people, ready to leave it all out on the stage...it just grows on you. Nothing like it."
"The concert will be televised locally in Flonyard via the Internet. Is there anything you want to say to the people out there?"
"I hope you listen to our music and enjoy it. We're not only entertaining America, but also the world. So we will give you a great show. Love and peace!"
Eclair stopped recording. "All right, Yui-chan," Ricotta said, "I would like to take a few photos of you holding your guitar while in the studio."
The three of them went to the studio, where Giita stood on her pedestal. Yui took it, and slung it around her shoulder. Ricotta took a few snaps. "All right, now can you pose with it a few times for me?"
"How about this?" Yui was sitting wares-style clutching her guitar as if it were a body pillow, looking rather innocent and playful.
"Awesome." A few shots. "Now lie down, on your side as you're about to-don't actually sleep!"
"She's playing her part too much," Eclair said to an embarrassed Millhiore. "Overdoing it."
"So, how was the interview?" Ritsu asked a yawning Yui, walking back to the SkyVilla.
"It was more of the same questions the press were asking."
"Damn," Azusa whispered. "That means Yui-sempai aced it."
"Oh, and by the way Azunyan, the girl with the green hair sounds just like you for some odd reason."
"Is that so? Hmmmm..."
"One more thing. Ricchan, you're next."
"All right. I'll be back everyone. Tell my wife I love her!"
They all looked at Mio with suspicious eyes as Ritsu took the elevator down. "Argh, give it a rest, all of you!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air.
"And here is our second one coming in, with a dashing hairband and a wide smile," Millhiore said, drinking a cup of coffee.
"You're being a bit too flattering," Ritsu said, giving a handshake and a hug. "Ritsu Tainaka, drums for Hokago Tea Time."
"Millhiore Firianno Biscotti of the Biscotti Republic. These are my two assistants: Eclair Martinozzi and Ricotta Elmar."
"You all have cute dog ears and tails. They look nice on you."
"Thanks. Well, shall we get started?"
"Yes, let's!"
Millhiore pointed to Eclair, who pressed the Record button. "Well, I'm here with a very special musician. Introduce yourself."
"What's up everyone, my name's Ritsu Tainaka, drummer for Hokago Tea Time. Pleasure to meet you all," she said, twirling one of her drumsticks.
"You like twirling those things, don't you?"
"Are you kidding me? It's my way of relieving myself of all the boredom going on. I have my two trusty pieces of wood to rely on."
"You should be a baton twirler."
'In my second life, I was. Oh my God, I can't believe you made me say that. Everyone watching, forget I said that."
Millhiore laughed. "Hahahahah, oh Ritsu, you are so silly. Can I call you Ricchan?"
"Hey, that's my nickname. Sure thing, Milly."
"I love informalities. Anyway, what is it with your penchant for drumming?"
"It's a great way to express myself. When I'm inside the club room, or anywhere we have practice, I develop new cadences, new rhythms, experiment with different tempos, and every time I hit those skins I do with the passion of a lion."
"A lion, huh?"
"I'm a Leo, so I love lions. They're hungry little cats, too."
"Oooh. You know, my friend Leonmitchelli, who is not here because she's in Flonyard watching this video, is a cat. Give us your lion impersonation."
"All right. Here it goes." A deep breath. "Gaaaaooooo!" A pause, and a cat pose. "Nyan." Millhiore laughed, but soon after, Ritsu was on her laugh. "Nyan, nyan...pet me."
"Oh boy..." Ricotta and Eclair laughed as Millhiore petted a purring Ritsu. "You love being spontaneous, huh Ricchan?"
"I...It's not like I want to be spontaneous, it just comes, you know? I can't help but bring out the best in everybody I am with. At my school, I am a class clown because I do the weirdest things. Then Mio has to pull me down to earth by giving me a bump on my head."
"Can I try it?"
"Only Mio can do it best, but fine, go right ahead."
"Here it goes." A karate chop, and a big bump came up.
"See?"
"Whoa. That's huge."
"And it shrinks with time," Ritsu added, noting the bump shrinking down to nothingness.
"Fascinating. Well, you and the others are here because someone in America wants you to perform. Were you at all surprised by the offer to play in Las Vegas, of all places?"
"Yeah, it kinda threw a curveball to our summer. But you know something? I'm glad we are doing this, because it's not very often we get to see the world beyond our native Japan. It's pretty fun to be in Las Vegas. Great food, great people, lots of exciting attractions and shows. Could do better without the heat, though."
"What do you like about the Light Music Club?"
"I think it's the practices we have. We love to develop a unique sound that everyone will enjoy. But it takes time to make it possible, you know. The more we practice, the better we get at perfecting that quintessential HTT sound that defined who we are."
"You kind of look like a boy. Has anyone called you a tomboy and do you embrace it?"
"Eh?" Ritsu was blushing. "Well...people do say that I'm a bit of a tomboy. But I have to be honest with you: I am a proud young Japanese woman and I do value my femininity. It's something no one will ever take away from me. Remember, viewers: girls rule the world!" The others laughed.
"Your friends tell you that you love to cook. What's your favorite dish?"
'Hamburger steak? Me and brother Satoshi like to go to the grocery store to run errands, and he helps me with cooking dinner. Whenever we have hamburger steak, Satoshi has this big smile on his face, and that's something I like. I like being a family person, because one day, I want a family of my own. There's more to it than just playing music and eating cakes and drinking tea. There's the simple life at home."
"Who's your idol?"
"Keith Moon. One of the best drummers whose life ended too short. I wish he never drank so much alcohol or took drugs and all that stuff, but that's how he wanted to live his life. I like Moon for his energy and style of drumming. I pattern my style after Keith Moon's. I also like Cozy Powell. Excellent drummer in his time. Another legend I look up to."
"Do you have message to say to the people out in Flonyard?"
"What's up everyone, I'm Ritsu Tainaka. I hope you guys enjoy our music, because it's sure to be a treat. Peace out, y'all!" she said with a wink and a smile. Eclair then stopped the recording.
"Is it all right if I do some photography?" Ricotta asked.
"Absolutely. And I love your ears and tails."
"Thank you," they all said.
"All right, how about this?" Ritsu asked, striking a pose with her drumsticks as if she were throwing a javelin. A snap. "Or this?" She held her sticks together, forming a cross with eyes of determination. Another snap. "How about this one?" Ritsu twirled one of her sticks like a baton, as Ricotta took a few snaps.
"Can you stand behind your drum set, and stretch your hands out as if you were a lion?"
"I can do that." And she did. "Gaaaaaaooo!"
"Fabulous!" A few more snaps. "One more shot. Can I have you stand next to your drum set, holding your sticks with your arms crossed, smiling and flashing a thumbs-up?"
"That's easy. I love PR." A few more snaps, and that was that.
"She is easy to work with, Ritsu is," Eclair remarked to Millhiore. "You tell her what she needs to do, and she does it."
"Captivating, I agree..."
"All right, does anybody have a towel?" Ritsu asked as she made her way back to the SkyVilla.
"Here," Azusa said, tossing one over to her drumming compatriot.
"I need to take a dip in the jacuzzi. I am so exhausted."
"It was only an interview, Ritsu," Mio groaned as Ritsu took off her shirt and denim shorts, revealing her white and orange bikini. "And why are you undressing here? Though I have to say...your belly looks kind of cute."
"Wait for it, wait for it," Jun snickered to Nodoka.
Ritsu crept up to Mio. "Kyaa!" Mio cried, falling down as Ritsu lay on top of her.
"Mio, I wanna save the foreplay for later tonight, but you're in a bit of a rush," Ritsu whispered.
"All right, Ritsu-sempai, just go to the damn pool already and cool down!" Azusa exclaimed, dragging Ritsu away, dumping her in the jacuzzi, where she came up, enthused to be taking a dip in her own aquatic bliss.
"Mio-chan, go for it," Tsumugi said to her.
"I'm next, huh? All right, here I go."
"Did somebody order a large two-topping pizza?" asked a delivery man from Domino's walking in as Mio took the elevator down.
"Me!" Yui said, raising her hand. Everyone turned to her as she scratched the back of her head. "Eheheheheh..."
"A cool, mysterious, dangerous queen walks in with the maturity of a vamp," Millhiore said as Mio Akiyama entered the lounge.
"You're being a bit over-dramatic," Eclair sneered.
"She looks really awesome," said Ricotta.
"Oh my," Mio said. "You all have dog ears and tails?" She touched Ricotta's dog ears. "So...cute. Is this heaven?" she exclaimed. "Ahhhh, I love cute things! Ahahahahaah!"
"All right, can you stop petting Rico already?" Millhiore asked. "I'm Millhiore Firianno Biscotti of the Biscotti Republic. The one with the green hair is Eclair Martinozzi and the one you just petted is Ricotta Elmar. These two are my assistants."
"Oooohh."
"We're doing an interview as part of my visit to Las Vegas."
"My name is Mio Akiyama, the bass player of the band. Pleasure to meet you."
"Let's start this interview, then. Eclair?"
"5...4...3...2...1."
"It's your good friend, Princess Millhiore here, now talking with a talented young musician with a nice bust to boot. Introduce yourself."
"What's up, you guys? I'm Mio Akiyama, the bass player of Hokago Tea Time."
"What is it about the bass guitar that makes it special?"
"It meshes with my personality of being in the background. I like to work with Ritsu, who does the drumming, in painting the foundation for the keyboards and guitars. I don't like being the center of attention, but I still get it anyway."
"I realize that you have your own set of fans at school. Can you tell me about that?"
"My friend Nodoka Manabe is the president of the Mio Fans Club, which is dedicated to me, of course, because of an incident that happened during my freshman year. I tripped, and as I got up, everyone saw my blue and white striped panties. Someone was perverted enough to take a shot, and that's how the club started up."
"Do you get stalked at times by all these different people at school because of who you are?"
"They think I have some mysterious aura, that I have a thrilling appeal because I am the tallest member of the band. I've got a figure and a three-size combination that adds to the whole thing. I think it's all blown out of proportion, but I'm the school's Chuck Norris in a way."
"The school's Chuck Norris?" Ricotta had to chuckle.
"Yeah, because I'm the stuff of myth. It's so embarrassing."
"Did you ever want to be in a club like this?"
"To be honest with you, no. I wanted to join the Literature club, but Ritsu tore my application in pieces, and she dragged me into it. I do play bass, so I can understand why she wanted me to be in this whole ordeal."
"Is there an artist you like that your friends don't know?"
"I like Morrissey. His music sometimes has dark lyrics, but it's always fun to listen to them."
"Your favorite song?"
"We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful."
"You know, there is an American ska band called Reel Big Fish that has done a cover of that song, right?"
"Yeah, but I prefer Morrissey to that. I also like the song called The Last Of The Famous International Playboys."
"That's a song I like to listen to on my iPod when I'm riding on my winged friend Halla. It has a nice bass beat to it."
"I always pay attention to the bass lines and visualize where I have to hold the strings on the fret board in any song I perform with the band."
"You've written a lot of songs for the band. What do you think of them?"
"Well, the first-ever song I wrote for HTT is arguably our flagship song, called Fuwa Fuwa Time. I kinda was embarrassed to write these lyrics because I'm not that sharp at finding the right words. When I showed them to Miss Sawako Yamanaka, who is our club advisor and the band manager, and Ritsu, they didn't like it. Ritsu especially didn't like. But Yui did, and Mugi did, and Sawako eventually changed her mind, giving the benefit of the doubt. And that's when I thought to myself, hey, I might be good at this."
"Confidence. That's what it's all about, isn't it?"
"Well, yeah, I guess you can say that. I've written a lot of songs for the band: Pure Pure Heart, Samidare 20 Love, Listen!, Don't Say Lazy, No Thank You!, My Love Is A Stapler, Heart Goes Boom, Hello Little Girl, Seishun Vibration, Honey Sweet Tea Time...you know, the list goes on and on. In retrospect, I could have done a bit better regarding the lyrics, but they just come at you just like that," Mio said, snapping her fingers. "Then you write them, and you make something out of it."
"If there was one city in Europe that you want HTT to perform at, where would it be?"
"London. It barely beats Paris. So many stadiums to play at. One day, I hope we get to play at Wembley."
"This is a question that I wanted to ask you. Are you scared of anything?"
Mio froze. "Um, there's barnacles, the dark, anything creeping up my shoulder, spiders, graveyards, people sneaking in my bed in the middle of the night..."
"All right, all right, too much information." Eclair coughed to prevent laughing.
"I'm scared of so many things, I just don't want to talk about them."
"Sorry for asking, I'm a bit curious. Do you have a name for your bass?"
"Her name is Elizabeth. My pride and joy. Every day inside the music room, I tune her, make sure she in perfect pitch and ready to rock and roll."
"What is it you like about Las Vegas?"
"An overwhelming list of things to do. A few days ago, we went hiking up Mount Charleston. We couldn't get to the top because we were short on time. But we took a photo shoot at one of the meadows in the park, and took some time to put our visit in perspective. We also did some kart racing and watched one of the shows here on the Strip. Like I said, there's a lot of stuff to do here in Las Vegas. You'll never get bored."
"Do you feel embarrassed to be staying inside a place like the Hugh Hefner SkyVilla?"
"In all honesty, I wanted us to stay in just a regular hotel room. Nothing over the top. Unfortunately, Mugi is very wealthy, and her parents arranged a deal with Mr. Hefner to allow us to stay for a week inside the SkyVilla. Now do you realize how much it costs for one night inside?"
"A few thousand dollars?"
"Exactly, And we ended up getting a deal: we get the SkyVilla for an entire week, for only a few thousand dollars. I haven't been to Mugi's mansion out in the suburbs, but she's told me it looks similar to her bedroom in a way. Just a bit kinkier, with more contraptions and all."
"Interesting. One more question before a little message. If you were to visit America again, would you return to Vegas, or would you go to another city?"
"I want us to visit Los Angeles. We were passing by Los Angeles on our flight from Tokyo to Vegas, and it's an amazing place. You can get starstruck in minutes walking down Hollywood. I would love to see us perform at the Coliseum or the Nokia Theatre or Staples Center."
"Any words you want to say to our folks in Flonyard?"
"This is Mio Akiyama, bassist for Hokago Tea Time. I hope you listen to our great music, and I wish you all the best. Forever yours, forever HTT."
Eclair stopped recording.
"Urrgk, this is a pretty heavy bass," Ricotta said, sticking her tongue out.
"It's not that heavy," Mio said, slinging in on her shoulder. "You want me to pose with this, huh?"
"Exactly, exactly. Can you, uh, point at the camera, wink and smile?"
"Like this?" she said, giggling.
"Perfetto!" A few shots. "Now look above, tilt your head to your right, as if you are getting some divine guidance."
"Like this?" She looked like a ray of light could shine on her.
"There you go. Awesome." A few snaps. "Now can you sit wares style and hug your bass while smiling with your eyes closed, as if you're relieved that it's all right?"
"Sure." She did. "Elizabeth..." she whispered.
"This brings a tear to my eye." A few more snaps. "And we're done."
"So, how was it?" Nodoka asked, reading a book as Yui and Ritsu were playing some NCAA Football on the PS3.
"I scored another touchdown on you, Ricchan! I am the man!" Yui squealed.
"Not so fast, you little piglet; it's only the first quarter," she snickered, grinning.
"Pretty fun interview," Mio replied. "They asked about the songs I wrote."
"You weren't trying to make anything up, were you, Mio-sempai?" Azusa asked, tilting her head to the side.
"No, I wasn't; I was trying to answer the question the best as I can. I don't sideswipe anything when doing this."
"My turn!" Mugi said, rising from her seat after downing her tea. "I'll be back!"
"See you in a bit, Mugi-chan!" Yui hollered. "Fumble! Turnover baby! Yes!"
"Oh brother," Ritsu groaned.
"Awesome onee-chan is awesome," Ui noted, writing in her diary.
"Is there anything in the fridge?" Mio asked Miss Sawako. "I want some milk."
"There's some beverages inside," she replied. "I don't know if there's any milk. Go ahead and check."
"Ah, this must be the rich girl Mio was talking about," Millhiore said, sipping on another cup of tea. "Hello there."
"Hi," Mugi said. "I'm Tsumugi Kotobuki, the keyboardist of Hokago Tea Time."
"We got one more after this one, right?" Eclair asked Millhiore.
"Precisely."
"Thank God. I am hungry for some burgers."
"Good things come to those who wait," Ricotta reminded her.
Millhiore went on. "You know, Mugi, that's your nickname right?"
"Correct."
"All right Mugi. Anyway, you sound just like one Leonmitchelli's friend Vert Far Breton. All that's missing are the bunny ears and tail."
"Who's she? Oh yeah, you said she's one of her friends. But who's Leonmitchelli?"
"She's one of my friends. I'm actually from Flonyard and the Biscotti Republic, as are my assistants, Eclair Martinozzi and Ricotta Elmar."
"I love the ears and tail. A nice, cute touch to it. Can I touch your ears?"
"Sure...ah, not too hard. Oh, and don't smell them?"
"It has been one of my childhood dreams to smell the hair of a girl with dog ears and a tail."
"What kind of childhood dreams does this lady have?" Eclair asked Ricotta as an aside.
"I don't know, you tell me."
"All right, let's go ahead and start this interview. Eclair?" She pressed the Record button. "Right now I am talking with a rather sophisticated lady, a very rich person indeed. Introduce yourself."
"Good morning, afternoon or evening, wherever you may be in Fabulous Flonyard. My name is Tsumugi Kotobuki and I am the keyboardist for Hokago Tea Time."
"Fabulous Flonyard...I've never heard of that compliment before. Thank you."
"My pleasure, my pleasure."
"So tell me, when did you start playing they keyboard?"
"It was at a young age, but I first started off playing a baby grand piano that I have in my mansion. I learned how to be creative in playing the piano, and I won plenty of awards for my work. Later on, my father, who is the owner of a large media conglomerate that owns a wide number of music shops throughout the country, brought me a KORG synthesizer, which I now play. It's a bit heavy, but I am able to carry it without any problems."
"You look like you could pass for somebody from Europe. Is there something to this?"
"My father is actually from Finland. Years before I was born, he moved to Japan after claiming a stake in the media conglomerate he now owns. After legally changing his name, he married a Japanese citizen and she gave birth to me. my father came to Japan as an already wealthy tycoon, and now his investments have allowed him to purchase a mansion in the suburbs, hire a staff to maintain the place, and I ended up becoming a very spoiled young brat as you guys like to say."
"Hey, I'm royalty, too, so I'm kind of sensitive to that, but I do understand."
"Anyway, as I was saying, my father loved music. He loved the piano. Sometimes he likes to play it whenever he has dinner with me and my mom, and other random guests that pass by. I got that from my father, my love of playing the piano and the keyboard."
"You always talk about childhood dreams. Can you tell me a little bit more?"
"Well...I've always been used to enjoying the refined things in life. Everybody else in the band don't get to experience the same things I have. I want to experience the life of an ordinary person. Somebody who doesn't have the privileges I enjoy. Then I will begin to understand why the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer."
"Can you summarize, in one word, that experience?"
"Eye-opening. Two words, combined into one."
"That's cheating."
"Sorry. I couldn't help myself." But they got a good laugh from it.
"Did you ever want to be in this club?"
"Originally, I wanted to join the school's chorus in my freshman year. However, the chorus probably was meeting somewhere else, and Ricchan asked if I could join. After a little argument between her and Mio-chan, I decided to join them."
"And then it just snowballed from there, didn't it?"
"Pretty much. I was able to invite the band to my summer villa out in the countryside. It's small by my standards, but for them, it was more than enough. I built some sandcastles, walked along the beach, and engaged in some interesting conversations."
"Could you fill me in?"
"It's. A. Secret." Mugi placed a finger to her lips, winking.
"All right. I shall respect your request for confidentiality. Anyway, at your meetings, you like to cater. How do you get that all done?"
"I always like to bring cakes and tea from my mansion. It's also served at a restaurant that caters to the affluent. So they were surprised when they found out that everything that I cater is generally reserved for the well-to-do. Actually, they were more than surprised. They were actually scared, because they have never been used to anything that is high-end. But once they got used to it, they treat my catering as if it's just the ordinary."
"Extraordinary."
"Yes, that too."
"If you were to play a sport, what would it be?"
"Oooh, good question. Actually, I like to do a little bit of judo, some running, swim laps around the private pool, lift weights...oh I know! Freerunning. I really don't do it that much because my parents are worried about my safety, but once in a while, I like to tie my hair back, and run like the wind, going from obstacle to obstacle with breathtaking speed. It's a thrill ride that pushes your body to the limit, and it feels so good...I'm able to have the best sleep of my life every time I give it a go."
"Eheheheheheh." A sweat drop came down Eclair's head, while Ricotta blinked.
"But as I said, it's once in a while."
"We'll take your word for it. Being the socialite you are, you do a lot of traveling. Since you have Finnish blood in you, I bet you've been to Finland a lot of times."
"Yes, I have."
"What's your favorite city in Finland?"
"Has to be the capital, Helsinki. I love the cathedral there, and some of the food inside the plazas are really delightful. Turku comes in second because they are home to the oldest Lutheran cathedral in the country."
"Are you the religious type?"
"My parents attend mass at St. Paul International Lutheran Church in Tokyo. After I attend mass, I generally take the time to visit different places in the city, often to shop."
"What is the future of Hokago Tea Time? I understand that you, Mio, Yui and Ritsu will be graduating. Will the band continue when you are attending a university?"
"We're going to take a break once we graduate. If Azusa-chan attends the same university as us, then we'll restart the band and continue recording. But as it stands, HTT will be on hiatus starting next April."
"With that said, do you have a message for our viewers?"
"Hello, I'm Tsumugi from Hokago Tea Time. We hope you listen and enjoy our music for our fans here in Fabulous Las Vegas. It is our gift to you. Take care."
Eclair stopped recording after that. "Okay, can we have you pose with your keyboard?" asked Ricotta.
"Absolutely. Do you want me to play a song for you while you take your photos?"
"Sure thing." And Ricotta took photos of Tsumugi play a cover of "My Love Is A Stapler."
"Marvelous stuff," Eclair told Millhiore.
"One more to go, and it's off to dinner for the three of us."
"I'm done, everybody!" Mugi said, returning to the SkyVilla. "Ricchan, what's wrong?"
Ritsu was grabbing Mugi's ankles. She was on her knees, distressed, in tears. "Yui destroyed my side, 98-35!"
"Hahah, you can't beat Hirasawa College, Ricchan! The Angels will always prevail!"
"Shut up, cheerful!"
"She'll get over it," Mio said to Mugi, who poured another cup of tea.
"So what are you reading, Mio-chan?" She couldn't believe it. "Mio-chan...Playboy?"
Mio's eyes were spiraling. "Because these are the only magazines available in the fucking room!"
"It's always delightful to indulge in the intimate pleasures of women."
Everyone turned to Tsumugi. "So you're saying that you have porn underneath your bed, Mugi-sempai?" Jun deadpanned.
She was flustered. "Uh, um, that's."
"Mugi," Ritsu said, disappointed. "We never thought that you would actually have a Hefneresque side to yourself. Boy, were we wrong."
"Eheheheheheh. Azusa-chan, do you want to go downstairs?" The door was left open. "She's gone..."
"Can't believe it," Azusa mumbled as she took the elevator. "Can't believe it, can't believe it, can't believe it! Mugi-sempai owns a truckload of porn in her bedroom! Is her Dad that much of a friggin' pervert? Her livelihood...Mugi-sempai's livelihood is in danger!"
Azusa realized she had something in her hands. "Oh my God, I have the cat ears! How did this get in my hands? Oh well, I guess I'll have to put them on..." So she did, as she entered the lounge.
"Ah, here's our last person to interview, I believe," Millhiore said. "And she's got her cat ears on."
"She looks really cute," Eclair said.
"Hold it," Azusa said. "You sound just like me."
"No, you sound just like me!"
They pointed at each other before turning to Millhiore. "Coincidence?"
"More like separated at birth," Ricotta snickered.
"Shut up, Rico," Eclair retorted.
"I suppose you are familiar now with my assistants," Millhiore said. "The one that sounds just like you is Eclair Martinozzi. And my assistant with the orange hair is Ricotta Elmar. I'm Millhiore Firianno Biscotti of the Biscotti Republic. I did an interview with the other members of your band, and you're the last one."
"I'm so lucky," Azusa deadpanned, pouting.
"Shall we get started?"
"I guess."
Eclair counted down. "5...4...3...2...1."
"Hello everyone," Millhiore said, "I'm here with the last member of the band, here at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Go ahead and introduce yourself."
"Azusa Nakano, guitarist for Hokago Tea Time, and soon-to-be president of the Sakuragaoka Girls' High School light music club when Ritsu-sempai graduates with Yui-sempai, Mugi-sempai and Mio-sempai."
"Do you happen to have a name for your guitar?"
"Her name's Muttan, my cherry red Fender Mustang. A charming, beautiful work of art. I know of no other weapon that helps me best express what I feel about life and everything about it."
"As the newest member of the light music club, it has to be a difficult thing to know that you have to be the one that takes over the club next Spring. Do you think about it?"
"I do, but I also don't, because the others members are here with me. We're a very close-knit organization. We're a sisterhood in a way. All my sempai may graduate, but I know they will always be here. And when I become the president, I plan to continue their legacy by recruiting new members and helping them develop into the talent they can become."
"When did you first hear of the Light Music Club?"
"I was a freshman last year, and they did a Freshman Welcome Concert, and I listened to their performance, and it was pretty amazing. At first, I wanted to join the jazz club because my parents are jazz musicians, but there was something about this band that made me feel comfortable. It was tough at first because I was confused, directionless. I didn't know if this was going to be the right club for me to be a part of. I owe it to them for allowing me to stick it out through all the hardships I had to face. They made the transition for me that much easier."
"You got some cat ears on your head. What's that all about?"
"Well, I am generally a victim of being used for cosplaying. Miss Sawako, our advisor, brought some cat ears for me to wear. When I wore these things for the first time, Yui-sempai gave me my nickname of 'Azunyan.' At first, I didn't like it, but as time wore on, I had to get used to it. In a way, I even embrace it because Yui-sempai really does care about my well-bring. That's why...I actually like her."
"A lesbian. She's shown her true colors," Eclair thought.
"I see," Millhiore said. "They really pamper you, don't they?"
"Could you believe this? I even get my own cup that looks like a pink cat, and the handle looks like a tail," Azusa said. "It's really embarrassing, but it does look cute."
"Now, you are prone to tanning easily. As I can see, you're well-tanned. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"Well, I don't like being able to tan easily. I'm not from Brazil and I haven't been to Brazil; therefore I shouldn't pass for a Japanese-Brazilian. People come up to me and say, 'Isn't Rio de Janeiro cold as the North Pole at this time of the year?' I don't like having a tan, but Yui-sempai tells me that I turn from cute to hot when I have a tan. Now I don't know if that's supposed to be a compliment, but I guess I'll take it as an endearing remark."
"What are your thoughts of Yui's guitar skills?"
"I've noticed that she always tries to perfect what she does. She may be fixated on one thing, but when she is fixated, she does it very, very well. She's so good with knowing a pitch that she doesn't even need a tuner to know a string is off. But when she has to turn her focus to another important item of business, that's when I have to pick up the pieces."
"Are you and Yui close?"
"Yes, we are. But not...like that. You know what I'm saying. I mean, I really appreciate Yui-sempai putting my interests in mind, but sometimes...she kind of overdoes things a bit. I don't need to be protected every time by her because I know that I can look after myself without any problems. In the end, I have to turn to Yui-sempai if I don't have any direction because she puts a smile on my face. They all do, actually. I like Mio-sempai's maturity, Ritsu-sempai's energy and cooking, and Mugi-sempai's airheadedness. We come from all different walks of life, but we all share the same purpose."
"Let's talk about you and Mio for a bit. Do you see yourself as sisters in a way?"
"We have long black hair, we're serious in what we want to do. Mio-sempai puts Ritsu-sempai in her place, and I have to slap Yui-aside if she's getting a bit too close. And her hime cut is very goddess-like."
"I see."
"I guess I'm like Mio-sempai in that I'm like a smaller version of her. But I'm more closer to Yui-sempai because I sometimes have to put her in her place. Not because I am being mean...but because I really do love her, and I do appreciate all that she does for me."
"Touching. If there was another city in America that you wanted to visit, what would it be?"
"New York. The Apollo and the Blue Note Jazz Club, and Radio City Music Hall are awesome places. I hope one day, we get to perform on Broadway. Not at a musical, but at a concert. And I've always wanted us to pose next to the Statue of Liberty."
"When it's graduation day for the seniors, will you be shedding a tear?"
"I really don't want to think about that right now, but I guess I will. I want to see then off with a smile, but it will be hard for me because I will be the one that will have to carry the torch for Hokago Tea Time."
"When do you see the band performing at Budokan?"
"Our college years will be over, and that's when we're going to be performing there. By then, we've signed a recording contract to make it possible. I know it will happen, because I really, really believe it."
"What will you take from your time here in Las Vegas?"
"That we made the most out of time in America, entertaining our fans and putting on a show that we will remember for the rest of our lives. And doing it the HTT way. Our way. The way that only we, and we alone, know."
"A message to your fans here in Flonyard."
"Azusa Nakano of Hokago Tea Time. I just want to thank your all for your support of our music, and we hope our concert this Friday finds you well. Live long and prosper-nyan!" Azusa said, doing a cat pose.
"And that does it," Eclair said after stopping recording and putting the video camera away.
"Before you leave," said Ricotta, "can you pose with your guitar?"
Azusa slung her guitar across her shoulder, hugging the neck and body as it were a teddy bear. A few snaps were taken. "Fabulous. Now look up, to your left." She did, and Ricotta took some photos. "Now do that cat pose like you did earlier."
"Nyan," Azusa mewed.
"Moe." A few more snaps. "One more: point at the camera with a naughty, but determined smile while holding your guitar."
"Uh, sure. Will these work."
"Milly, I think I'm gonna need a tissue after this is over," Ricotta said, taking some photos.
"Lunchtime can't come any sooner," Eclair said.
"You meant dinnertime," Millhiore corrected.
Eclair smacked her forehead, forgetting what time of day it was. "D'oh!"
END CHAPTER 13