Hope everybody is having a fantastic Spring Break.

Also, wishing a Happy Birthday to Matsura Kanan and Kunikida Hanamaru.

For the sake of convenience, I will refer Chika and You as Inu.

Enjoy the chapter.

I do not own Love Live.

What's it like at your old school?

What are your hobbies?

Tell us about life at Mori!

Without warning, Riko finds herself in an awkward position.

It was the Hyou's first day in high school on the new town and already she was the center of attention in her class, which was new to her.

During lunchtime, she is completely surrounded by her new classmates at her desk, hounding her for information.

While not claustrophobic, Riko felt cornered as eyes were focused on her.

On top of that…

Hey, you guys! You're making Riko-chan uncomfortable. There will be plenty of time to talk to her, so settle down everybody, Chika said with a serious look.

As it turns out, the person that Riko met yesterday was also in the same class as her.

You say that, but you already got to know Sakurauchi-san, one of the classmate said.

You're even calling her by first name, another classmate said with a smirk. Is there something going on between you two?

Well… maybe, but I just met her and we didn't exactly talk too much, Chika said nervously, scratching the back of her neck.

Eventually, the crowd began to die down, making Riko let an exhausted sigh while Chika come up to her desk.

Sorry about that. It's not like every day we get someone from another country coming to our town, Chika said sheepishly.

T-That's fine, Riko said with a nervous smile that matches Chika's.

So you're the person Chika-chan has been talking about.

Riko saw another girl with gray hair as she approaches the Hyou with a mischievous look from her bright blue eyes. The Hyou notices the dog-like floppy short ears and thick curved tail. It reminds her of a Siberian Husky.

You look exactly how Chika-chan said you were, the girl said as her face moves closer to Riko.

Y-You-chan?! Chika said with flustered as she stops her.

You are? Riko said, looking at the girl next to Chika.

Oh! That's right. Where are my manners? The name's Watanbe You, a childhood friend of Chika. If you need anything, just ask I'll be happy to help. Yousoro! The gray-haired girl shouted while making a salute with her hand and a smile.

Yousoro? Riko said.

That's You-chan's catchphase, Chika said with a smile.

I see, Riko said, who starts to smile along the two.

Nevermind that, Riko-chan. tell us more about your country, Chika said, showing brightened eyes.

I'm sorry about that. Chika can get a little excited when she becomes interested in something, You said, who places one of her hands on her friend's shoulder to keep her from overdoing it.

Just then, the school bell rings, signaling the end of lunch period before they could make further talk as they continued with their afternoon classes.

After school was over, You heads to the pool for club activities, leaving Chika and Riko by themselves.

Chika offers to give Riko a tour of the campus, which the Hyou accepts.

As the two was walking in the halls, with Chika acting like a tour guide, something catches Riko's attention.

In one of the rooms that they passed by was a large object covered in a light brown tarp.

While hidden, Riko recognizes the shape and figures out what it was.

So they have one in this school, Riko thought.

Riko-chan!

That shout brought Riko from her thoughts. She saw the orange-haired girl waving at her as she turns a corner, disappearing from sight.

Chika-chan wait up! Riko said as she picks up the speed.

Just as she tries to catch up to the Inu, turning left at the corner….

POW!

The Hyou runs into someone, with enough impact to make both of them fall on the ground.

I-Itai… Riko said as she recover from the collision before noticing a person on the ground next to her. Are you alright?

It was a girl with dark blue hair with a 'bun' on the side and what looked like a black feather poking out of it.

As the girl opens her eyes from the recoil, Riko could see vibrant, yet dark pink eyes staring back at her.

Kukuku, the girl starts to snick for some reason as she slowly stand.

Something like this is nothing for this fallen angel Yohane. Not even the bout of Ragnarok and the wrath of heaven can stop this herald of darkness. Consider yourself lucky that you are got off unscathed.

The girl talk in a deep voice while making a strange pose, using her two fingers to lightly graze her face.

There was silence between the two for a moment.

Hai? Riko let a short stutter from her mouth, tilting her head in confusion.

Realizing the proclamation she made, the girl's face morphs from a state of shock to horror.

T-That.. I mean… it's not what you think!

The girl sputter some random words before running from the Hyou, who was still in a daze.

I guess this place has… unique characters, Riko thought as she saw the unknown girl makes her way to the opposite side of the hallway until she was out of sight.

Riko-chan, are you alright? Chika said, who witness the brief encounter and lent a hand to the Hyou.

I'm fine, Riko said she uses Chika's hand to get back up and look at the direction where the girl went. Who was that?

I don't recognize her, but I think she is a student in this school, Chika said. Judging the green bow on her uniform, she must be a first year.

I didn't notice that, Riko said, who was more focused on the girl's action than her attire. Moreover, the Hyou was perplex by the impression. Those eyes.

For the rest of the day, the two explore the places where other students were doing afterschool activities until the two finally went to the pool where they watch You perform dives and drills.

So what do you think of our school, Riko-chan? Chika said, looking at the red-haired girl.

The three of them were walking side by side, making their way from the school to the town. By then, the sun was starting to set and the sky was filled with colors of orange, yellow, and red.

Hai, it's a nice school. everyone is very kind, Riko said.

Ne, if you like, we can also show you around town, You said.

If it's ok with you two, Riko said.

Of course, you're our friend after all! You said with a smile, her tail wagging side to side.

Friend, ha? Riko said with an anxious tone.

Well, I'll see you two tomorrow, Yousoro! You said as she runs ahead, turning back to wave at the two before leaving.

You-chan lives in a different part of town, so it takes her awhile to get back home, Chika said.

I see, Riko said.

Look! There's my house, Chika said as she points at a wooden one-stored building. Our family runs an inn that have open-air hot springs. You should come by and visit some time.

Is that so? Riko said, curious as she looks at the building before realizing something. Ah?!

What's the matter, Riko-chan? Chika said as she looks at the Hyou with confusion.

You live here? Chika-chan, Riko said as the two were standing outside the entrance of the inn.

That's right. Is there something wrong? Chika said narrowing her eyes.

There's nothing wrong at all! It's just, the house next to yours… Riko said, pointing at the said structure, pausing before continuing to speak, …is where I'm staying while in Uchira.

Eh?! Seriously! Chika said as she looks between the Hyou and the two-floored beige house. But then, that means we're neighbors!

What are the chances of this happening? Riko said. I didn't even realized it since I just started living here. Well, I hope you treat me well from now on.

The Hyou makes a slight bow to Chika, which took the Inu by surprise.

That's fine, Riko-chan, hahaha, Chika said nervously.

Ark!

The sudden sound made Riko jolted up out of surprise as she looks at its source.

Near the inn was a big furry dog with white and orange fur, its eyes completely covered by its hair.

Immediately, Riko felt a sense of dread as the dog was staring the Hyou while panting steadily.

Hm? What's wrong, Riko-chan? Chika asked.

N-Nothing. I will see you later, Chika-chan. Have a good evening, Riko said loudly as she rushes back to her house.

O-Ok, Chika said, confused by the Hyou's behavior, but eventually went home, happy to meet her next door neighbor.

Over the next few days, Riko spend much of her time with Chika and You as they guide her around the town.

From the local shops to the beach to the scenery, they explore anything that makes the town unique and interesting.

While the town was not as bustling as Riko has experience with places in the country of Mori, it was a nice pace for the Hyou.

While spending time with them, Riko learns more about her new friends.

Takami Chika

The youngest of three sisters.

Her family runs a traditional inn.

Her favorite food is mikan.

Chika is skillful in calligraphy and tablet tennis.

For the most part, Riko was able to get along with the sisters, but gets frightened by Shitake, the family dog, every time she visits Chika.

Watanabe You

An athletic girl with a cheerful personality that is almost identical as Chika if not more.

A honest person that acts without thinking, but also kind and loyal to the people close to her.

Her favorite foods are mikan and salisbury steak.

Hobbies include weight training and diving.

An only child, she lives together with her parents.

Her father, whom You has a deep respect for, is the captain of a ferry. Because of that, he was mostly away from the family and You could only see him several times in a year.

According to Chika, You has a 'thing' for uniforms, possibly because of her dad.

Even though Riko came to Uchira a short time ago, she felt like she has become a local of the town thanks to Chika and You.

[A few days later]

A festival? Riko said as she looks at Chika. The two were in their classroom, which was almost emptied of students after school.

Yeah! There's this festival going on today and I want to go! I asked You-chan to come, but she has classroom duty and will go there later. It feels weird to go by myself, so please come with me! Chika said as she puts her hands together, eyes closed and ears drooping slightly.

Seeing her friend like that, the Hyou reveals a small smile.

I don't mind, Riko said. The Hyou didn't have anything else to do outside of school.

Really? Yatai! Chika said. This is going to be fun! Let's go!

Chika grabs Riko's hand and starts running.

W-Wait, Chika-chan! Riko said as the Inu drags her out of the school.

After some time, they eventually reach the place where the festival was held.

This is…., Riko said, looking at the entrance to the festival, which leads to what appears to be a school.

Despite the joyful atmosphere of the event, there was not that many people there as Riko expected.

Uchira Elementary School Festival, Chika answered. They do this every year.

The Hyou notices a change in the Inu's expression as she said the last part, which quickly brightens as they looked around.

Riko could see stalls lined up next to each other, managed by the children of the school. Some were selling food and items while others were hosting mini games.

Ah! a customer!

One of the children shout as they notice the two girls and went to them.

Hey, miss! Would you like try some balloon fishing? the child said as she points to one of the booth.

Riko looks at Chika for an answer, who happily replies, Of course! We be happy to!

The children then leads the two to their stall.

Within a hour of the festival, You met up with the two and the three set off to enjoy their time at the festival. Much of their afternoon was spent going through the stalls, trying some of the games, and buying snacks.

By the time the festival was over, the sun was starting to set, people starting to clean up after the event.

After saying their goodbyes to You, Chika and Riko were walking near the beach on their way home.

Thanks for coming with me, Riko-chan, Chika said. I'm sorry if it was not as exciting, but we had a great time, don't you think?

Yes, it was fun. You seem to know a lot of those people, Riko said, seeing how well Chika interact with the children.

Hm, I am an alumni of Uchira Elementary, Chika said proudly, sticking out her chest. I did something like this when I was their age.

I see, Riko said.

The two didn't talk for some time Chika starts speaking.

Riko-chan. Did you know? This town has only has one elementary school, middle school, and high school each, Chika said as she stops walking.

I didn't know that, Riko said, who looks surprised.

It's no secret that not many people live in this town to begin with, Chika said, her face forming a sad expression. Lately, the number of people is decreasing.

You can tell? Riko said.

I grew in this town, so I know pretty much everybody here, Chika said. Back when I was helping with the festival, there was more people than there is now, but even then it was lonely that few people came. Because of that, my classmates and I would take turns as customers and vendors.

Chika-chan, Riko said, seeing the usually cheerful Inu with such a sad and serious expression makes her heart ache.

I love this town so much, but at this rate, there won't have any people left living here. From the bottom of my heart, I don't want this town to disappear. No matter what, I won't let that happen, Chika said with a determined look.

Riko couldn't find the words to answer her friend's wishes, only looking at her with understanding.

I'm sorry. I just wanted to get something off my chest, Chika said with apologizing look.

No. you're not wrong at all, Riko said, shaking her head. Even though I am not a local, I like this town as well. If there was anything I could do to help I would, but…

Of course you can help! Chika said with a wide smile she grabs both Riko's hands with her own. With knowledge from your country, I'm sure we can think of ideas on making this town shine! Let's do our best, Riko-chan!

U-um, Riko said, nodding while making a bitter smile.

What should I do?

Riko was lying at the center of her bed, thinking about her conversation with Chika.

Even though I told Chika I wanted to help, I don't know if I can, Riko said with her eyes closed.

The images of Uchira and the ocean, her experiences on the town, and the kindness of its people gives a warmth feeling in the Hyou's heart.

!

As if struck with inspiration, Riko sits up and grab a notebook that was on a desk near the bed. The notebook was filled with music sheets that she normally uses to create a music piece.

Riko went through several thoughts in her minds while scribbling something on the notebook before turning in for the night.

The nights in Uchira can be described as calm and quiet, serenaded by gentle winds.

The town was situated between the ocean and a forested area coupled with varying mountains, so the winds travel from the sea and pushes itself pass the town and into the inter areas of the land.

Within a certain part of the forest at this quiet night…

THUMP THUMP

Covered underneath a layer of earth, a slight pulse radiates from a dim red light that is hidden on the surface.

THUMP THUMP

Nevertheless, its faint presence creates a rippling pressure that make the surrounding ground shakes lightly.

THUMP THUMP

The pulse's rhythm is slow, but steady and growing stronger with each beat.

For the moment, these sounds were eclipsed by the winds.

If part of the chapter sounds familiar, that's because I got the idea from the LLS SID.

This chapter was much shorter, but the story will pick up from here.

Thank you for the feedback. Reviews and comments are welcomed.