At the Wax Museum in Clifton Drive, Peter and Mizuki were walking down the path, seeing different wax figures of celebrities. Mizuki was in awe, as Peter took pictures with his Nintendo 3DS XL. He said, "Hey, Miz. How about a pose by that celeb?"

She smiled, "No. I don't want to touch the figures."

He smiled, as he was nervous, "True. I feel like we're in a wax museum with living mannequins."

"Not everyone is alive. That may be for professionals, but not to others. You know, they don't blink, flinch, or even breathe a bit. God knows that they don't fart…"

"What about a stomach gurgle?"

Mizuki sighed, "I don't know."

They entered the Music Wing, as Peter protested, "You know what sucks? Us! We're not even immortalized in wax!"

Mizuki asked, "Why do you ask?"

He said, "Trust me. The Gang deserves its wing in the Wax Museum. I mean, look at these celebs in music – The Beatles, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Will Smith, Justin Timberlake, and even… UGH! How many celebs are there?"

Mizuki stated, "About 200 figures are immortalized, but I lost count. I've met some in Hong Kong and Japan. Most of them end up in the Chamber of Horrors…"

Peter shivered, "Ew-w-w-ww… Mizuki, please don't scare me, like that."

She laughed, "Oh, don't be scared. It's only blood, made of wax."

"Tell it to Sis. She had a wax hand… which is a candle… and it melts red. Mostly, it's a Halloween novelty."

Mizuki sighed in disdain, "I'm gonna stop talking."

They then viewed another wax band, showing five girls, in matching black and plaid school uniforms, playing instruments. He asked, "They look cute. I never heard of them."

She looked at the tablet and said, "After School Tea Time. Oh, yeah. I've heard of them."

She explained, "They're the famous Light Music band that rocked the worlds, even before the Alternate World Fusion came to pass. They said that the band formed in Sakuragaoka Girl's High School, in order to protect and save the Light Music Club. The band consisted of four girls. However, a fifth was added, during the band's Second Year, and the band was more rocking than ever."

He looked at the bassist's face, the one with long black hair, playing lefty, and asked, "They remind me of us… back then. The drummer would be like Heather, the guitarists are me and Percival, and the keyboardist is you. But why no singer?"

"Oh, they sing. Just those two – Mio and Yui."

"Hey, just curious, are they still around? I'd love to hear how they performed."

Mizuki turned away and said, "I'm afraid we can't…"

He griped, "Why not?"

She then stated, "They're dead. ALL of them."

He gasped, as he was shocked, "WHAT?"

Chapter 44
Light Music, Dark Past
(軽い音楽、暗い過去の巻)
(or "Special K-On")

At AAW HQ, Heather and Asahi were watching TV. They were showing a special Behind The Music episode, featuring After School Tea Time.

Heather said, "I've heard of this band. They all died and went to heaven."

Asahi asked, "They're all dead?"

Heather smirked, "I read about it, a while back. The newspaper said that it was a freak accident in Europe, prior to the Alternate Worlds' fusion, done by McLean."

She added, "They didn't mention how, but they covered it up."

Asahi watched on and said, "It's terrible. How did they die?"

The TV played, as the girls watched on, while Peter and Mizuki return.

"Yui Hirasawa… Mio Akiyama… Tsumugi Kotobuki… Ritsu Tainaka… Azusa Nakano…
They were once the famous Light Music Club's best band in Sakuragaoka High, an all-girl's school in Japan. They rocked the world, throughout the country, playing hit singles and smash hits. However, after years of graduation from all five members, tragedy occurred. Tonight, we take a look at Ho-kago Tea Time, the life and times of the Light Music Club."

Asahi was nervous, "Scary… I never knew that they all died."

The TV continued, as Peter and Mizuki sat down, in concern.

"They started out in First Year, as news of the Light Music Club's dissolving of the school. A young Yui Hirasawa joined the club, along with three other girls, Mio Akiyama, Tsumugi Kotobuki, and founder Ritsu Tainaka, formed the club, preventing it from the brink of extinction. In their past, Yui was member $4, after she found a club she joined in. Alumna and Music Teacher Sawako Yamanaka sponsored them, as their advisor, as a way of bringing the club back, and began their very first performance, as the Culture Festival. According to sources, the band has been practicing and studying… but mostly for relaxing and having tea. But by midway through the beginning of the club, and at their Second Year, a new student appeared, and the birth of a new bandmate. Azusa Nakano joined, in hopes of learning how to do music, with the band. She is the most talented member of the band, as a hit shredder on the guitar. She was considered the cutest of the fivesome."

"Farra couldn't match that," Peter remarked, "Those girls seemed so young."

Heather shushed him, as the TV continued.

"By fall of their Freshmen Year, they performed in the Culture Festival, and with it, they performed their first smash single, "Fuwa Fuwa Time". This was the birth of Ho-kago Tea Time, given by their teacher and manager, Sawako Yamanaka. After the end of Second Year for the girls, with First Year finished for Azusa, the band began to work with practicing, while in it, produced their first album, "Cagayake! Girls". The album went double platinum, over time. In the end, they were nominated for breakout rock band in J-Rock/J-Pop music, winning the award, and four others."

Mizuki said, "They won five – Best Breakout Band, Best Female Vocal for Mio Akiyama, Best Single for "Fuwa Fuwa Time", Best Singing Direction, and Best J-Pop Band. They were new, around the time Steven and I joined The Gang."

Peter asked, "How many albums did they record?"

Mizuki said, "Three. Aside from their first album, they had a breakthrough hit singles, such as "Don't Say Lazy", followed by "My Love is a Stapler", and again, with "U & I". It was their last album… before… the accident…"

The TV continued, as it showed the band's death.

"The girls graduated from school, and enrolled in a university, leaving Azusa alone, and breaking up Ho-kago Tea Time. One year later, Azusa graduated and joined with the girls, as the band reunited, after one year's separation. However, a tragic moment occurred, as the band became nothing more than a memory.
During a winter trip, Ho-kago Tea Time went off to play up in the mountains, in hoping to start band practice training, and planning a reunion tour. But on the way, their jet that was headed to Stockholm, Sweden crashed into the mountain, burning into a fiery blaze. There were NO survivors… but the bodies were not found. The police, after five hours, confirmed that the band, Ho-kago Tea Time, was no more. The band's re-rise to stardom was forever halted… and the memories of these girls will live on, in our hearts. Yui, Mio, Ritsu, and Tsumugi were 19, while Azusa was 18."

Steven shut off the TV, as he said, "You guys are watching this crap?"

The Gang was glaring at him, as he remarked, "What? I know a band that dies and comes out of obscurity, when I see it! Why do you think it happened to Dino Spumoni?"

Peter said, "Dude… When they're dead, they're dead. It's a shame that Ho-kago Tea Time was a young band."

Steven yelled, "Steven Cooke isn't falling for this malarkey! What would've happened if Asahi Sakurai was in an accident?"

Asahi nodded, "I know… I'd be devastated… Of course, what about you guys?"

Heather shouted, "NO!"

She ran off, hiding in a corner, as Mizuki scolded, "You idiot! You scared her!"

Asahi bowed, "I'm sorry… But I was just thinking-."

Steven barked, "Look! Do you want to know more about this band, and maybe confess on this whole matter?"

He held up a scenery roll and said, "I'll explain it, on the Skit."

He rolled the paper, as the Skit begins.

The Skit begins…

Steven was at a round table, as he was with a panel of judges, namely The Gang.

He spoke to the 4th wall, "Good evening, people. Top story – Ho-kago Tea Time; the band's "Rise to Stardom", and the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred, later on. Joining me are a panel of judges, comprised of my fellow AAW Professionals."

He said, "Now, before we begin, I'd like to make this debate on the band. But first, there's more you need to know. While the band was originated in a Girl's High School, their talents were unrecognized. Moreover, the lead singer, Yui Hirasawa was aiming for a club, according to an interview. And what about the training up in the mountains? They usually train in the beach, and not in mountains. Tsumugi Kotobuki is a billionaire heiress… but in a very polite tone. Mio Akiyama is a shy girl, but has a phobia of scary stuff, and Ritsu Tainaka is the band's fun-loving girl. Azusa Nakano, however, is the newbie in the group, but moved on, after her friends graduated."

Heather raised her hand, "Well, I agree with what you say. If they have died in the beach, their bodies would be washed up on shore."

Peter stated, "Well, I figured that these types of performers would be older, but The Gang was like that, around their teen years. The Light Music Club, or After School Tea Time, is simply too new. But it's that they are very popular, but their lives were cut short. Now, stop the player-hating and give us a remark on this."

Steven nodded, "Fascinating remark. My guess is that they never play around."

Mizuki said, "You're being ridiculous! You see, the band was popular enough, only lasting four years, only to have won many awards, and only to die, via the accident card. Now, we're not dissing at them, we're just being honest to goodness about these young ladies. Granted they were a great band, but to have their lives cut short, a la Buddy Holly, without thoughts of having a real job, getting married, or even appear in movies and specials… Well, that's your call."

Steven turned to Asahi, "Miss Sakurai, your comments."

Asahi blushed, "Who, me?"

Peter said, "Look. Even if we believe that they should live longer, that should be fine. But I have got to throw my respect on the late singers in the world – Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, James Brown, Issac Hayes, and many others. Ho-kago Tea Time is one band I shall respect. But seriously, I'm just going to buy their CDs and become a fan, in spirit."

Steven bellowed, "Follow-up – the plane crash in Sweden! Hoax or not? My guess is hoax!"

Mizuki said, "It's obvious true. Fiery death plus mountain top equals instant cremation."

Asahi nodded, "Agreed. It's so terrible to see them go."

Heather replied, "I say hoax! If it worked for Dino Spumoni, faking his death, likewise Krusty the Clown, it's got to be a publicity stunt. But it would seem that it would be heartbroken."

Peter shook his head and said, "Seriously? The deaths of five young girls, uh, women, in a Swedish Mountainside… Sounds legit, but ridiculous. Did it happen, around the AU Mess-Up? Because, if it did-."

Asahi said, "If it did, then they'd already be dead, by either Onigiri, Melissa Hawthorne, or anybody that is evil."

Heather snuffed, "Read a book!"

Steven shouted, "BOOM! 3-to-2 on the Hoax!"

Peter said, "I never said it was a hoax…"

Steven yelled, "REBUTTAL! If you believe that they died, where are the bodies?"

Peter gasped, "Huh?"

Steven boomed, "BOOM!"

Peter cried, "GOD!"

Mizuki shouted, "Damn it, Steven! Can we end this skit?"

Steven sighed, "I agree… This conference on the whole Ho-kago Tea Time incident has got me rattled. So, let's take a commercial break."

The Skit ended… as Steven Cooke adjusted his shirt, "Well, if that didn't help, maybe we should check The Archives and see where this takes us. Peter made a strong point."

Mizuki said, "He's right, Steven. The plane crash happened just near the time that Chris McLean fused the worlds, and made them into a huge fusion mind fuck."

Steven thought, "Hmm. Maybe we should see when the events took place."

Asahi asked, "But… Should we ask our boss, first, before we try anything rash?"

Steven said, "Smart thinking. Anything Kanaka gives us, we can solve this mystery of Ho-kago Tea Time's apparent death."

Peter asked, "Yeah, but… How can we be sure?"

Steven opened the door, showing a stairway heading downward. They all walked downstairs, as Mizuki asked, "Shouldn't we ask Miss Nanase?"

Steven said, "First things first."

XXXXX

The Gang arrived at the Archives, a huge dark room, full of file cabinets. Steven suggested that they look for Ho-kago Tea Time, in the files. They spread out, as Asahi looked through the "A" files. She said that Ho-kago Tea Time is After School Tea Time, in English. She found none. Mizuki looked in the "H" files, for Hirasawa, while Peter checked the "T" files for Tainaka. They found no luck.

Steven asked, "Found anything?"

Asahi said, "Nothing…"

Peter said, "Sorry, dude."

Mizuki stated, "Well… Perhaps we can think of a way to find them, by checking the internet."

She held her iPhone and said, "With this, I'll have the files on Ho-kago Tea Time, in seconds."

Steven nodded, "Good idea."

He glared at Peter, "Why didn't you think of that?"

Peter glared at Asahi, "Why didn't you think of that?"

Asahi asked Heather, "Why didn't you think of that?"

Heather responded, "Don't look at me."

They paused, as Mizuki searched the web. She found a small file of their story.

"After graduation, the band owned a small mansion, the same size as Luigi's old mansion, from long ago. It was a three bedroom, two bathroom, three floor, palatial mansion, worth 1.25 Million Yen. The girls spent their College years, in the mansion, living the high life. Azusa Nakano, however, chose to stay in the Light Music Club, following the band's dissolution, along with bandmates, Ui Hirasawa and Jun Suzuki.
The estate of Ho-kago Tea Time was sold, following the deaths of the bandmates. Ui Hirasawa, along with Jun Suzuki, Sumire Saito, and Nao Okuda, continue to play Light Music, as Azusa's back-up band, Fresh Leaf Band, in the memories of these girls.
According to resources, the estate of Ho-kago Tea Time was purchased for three times the amount."

Heather gasped, "Oh, scraps! That's like five million Yen!"

Mizuki said, "You're way over. The estimate price for the mansion sold was 3.75 Million Yen. However, no one mentioned who sold it to them… or otherwise."

Steven said, "Yes. But, the price must've been a lot. In any case, we should ask Kanaka about this. She should know."

Asahi said, "Well, count me out."

"Huh? They asked.

She explained, "Well… It's something private that Kanaka gave me permission on. If it's all right with you, may I borrow the van?"

Steven said, "Of course. Do you need Mizuki to drive you?"

Asahi said, "Oh… No. Forgive me, but… I had a learner's permit, when I was 21. But I got my license, a year later. But I haven't drove in years, and I own about fifteen cars, all made by Mitsubishi and Hondo."

"Honda?" Heather asked.

Peter nudged her and said, "Ix-nay on the Onda-hay!"

Heather giggled, "Oh, right… Tohru…"

Asahi said, "But I never bothered using them. I use my tour bus."

Peter said, "Well, that's nice. You should learn to drive. Not bad."

She said, "Not good. I never drove a huge tour van."

Heather smiled, "You never drove on a huge Transporter Van before? How wussy!"

Steven said, "Ignore her. You have our permission."

Asahi bowed, "Thanks."

Heather thought, "Asahi could be in danger, wherever she is going. I better sneak off and spy on her…"

She then called, "Then… I want to drop out!"

Peter asked, "Why not? You have something?"

Heather said, "Oh, I have an exercise regime – jogging, trip to the gym, and peaceful yoga in the grassy fields."

Asahi asked, "How come you do exercise, Mrs. Nevins?"

Heather said, "Simple. When I had Beth, I cut down on my sweets take. But I stopped drinking or eating milk. It's fattening!"

Asahi said, "Have you ever tried skim milk?"

"No, I use lactose-free milk and butter."

"Oh. You're lactose intolerant?"

Steven said, "No. Since she had Beth, she swore off dairy, forever."

Heather said, "But that doesn't mean Junior and Beth won't get some milk. Children need milk."

Asahi bowed and said, "Thank you. If you're not busy, would you come with?"

She gulped, "Uh, no… No, no, no… You said you want to do this alone. So…"

She dashed off and said, "Bye!"

Asahi asked, "What's wrong with her?"

The other moaned, "No idea…"

Asahi bowed and said, "I'll be going now."

Steven smiled, as Mizuki gave her the keys, "Don't scratch up that baby."

Asahi left, as Mizuki said, "Let's go inform Kanaka."

Steven, Peter, and Mizuki left, as they shut the door in the Archives.

XXXXX

Back at the Broken Shades, Percival was on the phone, hearing about the estate of Ho-kago Tea Time.

He said, "Oh, that's great. Maybe we can fish out something about the band. But aren't they all dead?"

Steven said, "Well, the story said that the girls were killed in a fiery explosion, but the bodies have disappeared. Steven Cooke smells a rat to this thing. And Heather said it's all a publicity stunt."

"I see. Well, you get rested up and see the boss. Just let me know how it turns out with you five."

"Actually, it's three. Asahi had something to do, privately, and Heather wants to do a training routine."

"With Heather, in her state, it'll last a whole thirty minutes."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. Just give me full details."

He hung up, as Farra asked, "Who was that?"

Percival said, "That was Steven. He, Mizuki, and Peter are investigating the house that Ho-kago Tea Time owned."

Farra said, "Oh, that's nice. A dead band could be ghosts, haunting the mansion…"

Michelle said, as she was wearing an apron, "Not how I recall… They said that the owners of the house were killed, and were given a will to the band's sister, Ui Hirasawa. Taking a mansion, and owning it, from out of nowhere, is simply bollocks."

Farra asked, "Huh? Since when?"

Michelle said, "I had a chat with their teacher, Miss Yamanaka. And she said that Yui Hirasawa wrote a will to the predecessors, in case the band dies, or break up for good. Who knew it'd be both?"

Percival exclaimed, "We better warn Mizuki."

Farra said, "No. This time, Steven Cooke must tread on, alone. Besides, Kanaka Nanase has the knowledge about the band."

XXXXX

Kanaka barked, "How the hell should I know?"

Steven explained about the band, Ho-kago Tea Time, and its apparent death. She replied that Yui and her friends wrote a will to Yui's sister, Ui, but the will had disappeared.

Mizuki asked, "Was there a will?"

Kanaka said, "Yes. Only Yui Hirasawa had access to it, since she loved to update it. The girl's a panicky and clueless girl. She always tried to make it up. But since the crash, the will just disappeared, from existence. But some say that it's in the mansion, hidden somewhere where no one can find it."

Peter said, "Dude, that's amazing!"

Mizuki said, "It's stupid, if you ask me."

Kanaka said, "And you want to investigate this place?"

Steven nodded, "Yes, we will. But we'll need a mode of transportation. Asahi took the van."

Kanaka wrote an address and said, "Okay. Here's where the band's mansion is located. It's as big as Narue's, until she sold it for loft apartments. It's already owned by two people, and news has it that they look very shady."

Steven asked, "Do you know who it is?"

Kanaka said, "Just some rich people… Before I give you the address, here's the job. You are to investigate the house, but under NO circumstances that you'd reveal yourselves. Luckily, I'll have Agents Old Man and Hajime get you the costumes needed for a swanky motif. Agent Carl will provide the ride. Call back, if anything goes awry, and keep an eye on these two."

She gave the address to Mizuki and said to the three Gang members, "Find out what's going on… Today!"

XXXXX

Peter asked Steven, "I think this place has some color. But is it alright for us to go and spy on the homeowners?"

Steven said, "Steven Cooke will figure it out. But for now, we have to get disguises. I think we'll be a butler, chef, and maid."

Mizuki blushed, "MAID? Oh, no! I'm not going to be dressed as a sexy French girl, no matter how you say it!"

Peter said, "Come on, babe. Do it for me?"

He held her hand… as Mizuki blushed, "Okay. But you play butler. Chef Stupid here will be Toast-Master General."

Steven said, "If we'd live long. Besides, I smell a fix. Remember, the will of Yui Hirasawa might be in the house, or it could've disappeared."

Mizuki stated, "And moreover, our two visitors will be in a rude awakening, when we spot them."

They went to get costumes, as Yagi thought, as the other walked passed her, "I wonder what they are talking about. Isn't it owned by a Student Council President and a Yakuza Boss's daughter?"

At the Broken Shades, Farra was watching TV, seeing April, January, May, June, July, and February in black lingerie, posing at the camera.

She thought, "Huh? I thought they were training, and such. What are they posing for, Tommy Hilfiger?"

Percival said, "Oh, that. Well, it turns out that I offered them a job to fight against the forces of evil."

"And?" She asked.

He replied, "They said NO. The boss had a thing against android assassins. So, we had them looking for a job, and they were chosen to be underwear models for "Gothic Glam". It's a juncture in Hot n' Dainty."

"Oh. But aren't they that young, showing their midriffs, torsi, and skins? They look pale."

"Somehow I'm appalled by my adopted daughters, posing in the nude. Luckily, August and the triplets had to work at a daycare, without using their weapons. I told them all that it's not all violence and gun violence."

"I see… Somehow they are all grown up."

Farra huffed, "If I ever had a kid, I'd treat him or her the proper ways of society."

He smiled, "Oh, don't be like that, darling. You're better off with one child, than twelve."

Michelle, behind the wall, blushed heavily, as she saw the Marcianos on TV.

"So pretty… in black and onyx…" she whispered.

Meanwhile, at a downtown city, aboard The Gang's tour van, Asahi was driving to a huge street corner, full of women, signaling to the men.

"No way… I must be in the bad side of town."

She was in the slums of a small city, full of sexy women and perverted men. Asahi stepped out, as she held a picture of Minami Makimura.

"I have to find her, even if I have to walk through the dirty streets…"

Asahi asked Kanaka, "Minami Makimura…"

Kanaka asked, "Come again?"

"There's a possibility that Akai Kādo could be Miss Makimura. She's a friend of mine, back at Comic Party, after introducing me to Kazuki Sendo, as a date or something. But it turns out that I wanted to get some lyrics made."

"Of course. You know, I heard that she was last spotted in a small slum of a perverted city, Hane City. Carl told me about it, when she met "Maki". Describe her looks."

Asahi explained about Minami, "She has long brown hair, a blue uniform with a white vest, uh… a visor hat with a headset, and glasses."

Kanaka said, "Uh-huh… Does she look like this?"

She showed her a picture of Maki, in her glasses and a lavender sweater. She gasped, "That's her! That's when I first met her! Is she there, now?"

Kanaka explained, "Agent Carl felt uneasy about her. So, he told me about the woman AND the city. But I don't think you'd like about Minami."

Asahi said, "I'll take my chances. Besides, I owe her something, after she helped me find my courage to write."

She bowed and said, "Thank you."

Kanaka cried, "WAIT!"

She left, as Kanaka thought, "That idiot. I forgot to ask her to wear a disguise."

Asahi said, as she put on her glasses and adjusted her red bow, "With this, she won't recognize me. It'll be like I am at Comic Party, all over again."

She stepped out, wearing her blue-violet overalls and a white shirt. She then viewed the dark orange sky and said, "It sure smells here. I wonder if pollution is a problem…"

As she left, Heather appeared from the back seat and thought, "Asahi is in danger. And did she say Minami Makimura? Or for that matter, did she say Akai Kādo?"

Yep. She stowed away in the van, after hearing about Asahi's private mission. She jumped out and snuck behind a pole. She then whispered, "I'm watching you, Asahi. I hope you know what you're doing… … …because me no likey this, so much…"

And so, The Gang begins their DOUBLE Mission: ONE – The search of a will, owned by frontman, Yui Hirasawa…

A man was on the phone, wearing all white, with long hair, "Of course. I shall have some service from three young men. When will they be arriving? Mikihara and I are throwing a party today, for the rich and famous.
You have no one? Okay. I'll try again."

BEEP!
"Hang on, please. I have another call."

He called, as he did call waiting, "Hello?"

He gasped, "Who? I see… Three servants have arrived, but not what I expected. I'll keep an eye out. Don't worry, sire… Dead man tell no tale."

A girl with a white blouse and dark purple long skirt, with long black hair, asked, "Any calls for the party, Senior?"

He replied, "Well, we could be due for a surprise, Mikihara…"

TWO – Asahi Sakurai's hunt for Minami Makimura, who could be Akai Kādo…

Asahi arrived at a construction site, as men with hardhats viewed her. She nervously gasped, "Uh, oh…" as the men looked at her.

Heather cringed, "Double uh, oh!"

To be continued…