ミーン ミーン ミーン ミーン
"We seriously gotta start practicing or we're gonna run out of time."
"But I don't think we should do it without Junko-chan..."
"So you're just gonna leave Ai alone? She said she was gonna practice, even if it was by herself."
"...I really don't know what to do."
Two weeks have passed ever since Junko went missing because of Weather Report. Rianima has been working hard to search for the enemy Stand and hopefully, Junko herself across Saga, always bringing along Kakyoin, Avdol and Narancia because their Stands have long ranges needed to search for many meters or has an ability to detect traces of Stand energy. With the knowledge that Weather Report manipulates the weather, these three must find hints of its presence that the Stand was there, like wisps of clouds, a strong gale, raining when it's sunny, and even rainbows forming that only they can see. According to Kotaro, he heard that Weather Report is usually found in Karatsu, Imari, Ureshino or Kashima, helping them narrow down the places to hunt down the Stand.
So far, the three managed to find the Stand many times to count, leading them to engage it in battle. However, Weather Report always escapes from their sights, not even fighting against them and only using its abilities to get away unnoticed. At one point, it manipulated the humidity and clouds to pour down rain upon them, threatening to wash their makeups off. It also happened to them many times, so much so that Kotaro half-jokingly told them that he's going to run out of makeups soon. Fortunately, that will not happen because the makeup supply is replenished a week later because his mysterious partner met up with him again.
And yes, Kotaro still doesn't know who he is. Saki and Gyro mocked him for having a short-term memory for it, leading him to shout at them. And getting attacked by them in retaliation.
Right now, most of Franchouchou and Rianima are in the living room one sunny day, in the middle of summer season where cicadas are buzzing loud enough to annoy Narancia and Gyro and hot air dominates the mansion. Well, it's not like the summer heat is gonna affect them negatively despite feeling it rubbing their skin and even sweating from it. The only ones who are not present aside from Junko are Ai, Kakyoin, Avdol, and Narancia.
Leaning against the door, Bucciarati resisted the urge to sigh after hearing Sakura and Saki's conversation. Junko's absence is really affecting Franchouchou since she is the frontwoman for their upcoming concert along with Ai. It's been two weeks and Rianima hasn't found Junko and Weather Report yet. It makes him think that he shouldn't have taken a break from searching for the two, as he usually leads the three. He decided to rest his bones and muscles after Avdol suggested he takes over the role of leader for this day.
"I know you have been worried about Junko everyone. Her absence in your practices makes you all feel demoralized that you are one member short," he starts speaking, getting Franchouchou's attention as well as Johnny. "But you shouldn't be wasting your time wallowing in grief and fear that signora Junko might got killed by Weather Report. All of you girls have an upcoming show to do, so I suggest you start practicing after you are all done resting."
"...I guess Bucciarati-san is right," Lily agreed, who is sitting on the floor with her knees hugging to her exposed heart. "It'd be a huge waste if we let a chance like this pass us by. Of course, I wanted Junko-chan to be with us, but... Well, I don't need to say it, right?"
After hearing Lily out, Saki turns to the lying Tae, being her own self as she asks, "How about you, Tae?"
"..." Tae simply raised her head and turned to stare at her. Saki interprets it as she's saying yes, so she next asks Yugiri puffing out smoke from her kiseru. "...And you, big sis?"
"...It's a good idea," Yugiri replied. "I can't help but wonder that if Junko-han wasn't abducted by an enemy Stand, I believe all of us girls will be practicing without any more problems in a span of two weeks. Ai-han and Junko-han would reconcile and Rianima would only search for the enemy Stand and simply eliminate it."
"Well, if we do get to fight it, you should worry yourselves Weather Report hasn't laid its eyes on you all," Johnny reminded them. He is sitting in the middle of the room and Tusk ACT1 came out without Johnny's command to fly over the girls and give them small pats to comfort them. Tusk would give out a distinctive shrill cry each time it flies over them, which is the only thing that they know Tusk is out there because they can't see it. At this point, Saki lamented not having a Stand because she will get to see it thanks to Sakura describing it to her.
Johnny would have complained, but seeing them so upset and concerned, he lets it slide. Of course that doesn't mean he's not embarrassed by it.
"Say Johnny, if I may ask..." Bucciarati speaks to him. "What is the status on Mamezuku's Spin training? Is he doing fine and making rapid progress, or does he still have a long way to go?"
"Surprisingly, Mamezuku is doing well," answered Johnny. "He already finished 「Lesson 1」 after a week of training, and now, Gyro is teaching him about 「Lesson 2」."
"I see. I hope Mamezuku will reach your level in using the Spin. As the leader of Rianima, I expect you and the others to work together harmonically and in unison, utilizing our strengths while covering our own respective weaknesses in fighting against enemy Stands," he spoke his expectation to Peel Planter.
Giving him a smile, Johnny says, "I have high expectations of Mamezuku. He will use the Spin in his own way, mostly revolving around his Stand." That being said, I don't think Mamezuku will finish 「Lesson 5」. He's gonna need a horse for that one, though considering how tough he is all by himself, maybe he won't need to borrow our horses or obtain one.
"...By the way, about Mamezuku's Stand," Saki chimed in with a shit-eating grin. Everyone turns to her as she asks, "What was the name of his Stand again? I know his Stand lets him peel his own body into appendages he dubbed as 「wire ropes」 that he can control like using a whip, but in case I may have forgotten it... what is the name again?"
Even though it's a question, her grin and sly eyes imply that Saki knows the name. It's just that, the name itself is... intriguing. This is what Sakura believes, so she says, "Saki, I think you already know. Do you have to ask tha-"
"It's 「Doggy Style」. And yes, that is the name of his Stand," Johnny answered with a deadpan look, wishing that he was being sarcastic when he spoke that name.
"Hahahahaha! Yes! That one! It's Doggy Style!" Saki bellowed in laughter, holding her stomach as she fell on her back when her laughter is too much for her to bear while sitting up.
"I can't believe he named his Stand after a..." Bucciarati glances at Lily, who is wondering why Saki is laughing at the name. "...a certain position that I should not name in front of Lily."
"Um, what are you talking about, Bucciarati-san?" Lily innocently asks.
パァン
"Nothing, Lily-han. Please don't question more about it," Yugiri told her, slapping Saki out of her laughter.
"Y-Yeah! Please don't mind Saki here. It's nothing that you should concern yourself about!" Sakura waves her hands with a chuckle and sheepish smile, pleading the kid to drop the subject.
"Ooowwww... Okay, maybe I deserved that..." Saki groaned, not having it in her to protest against Yugiri, who then slaps next Johnny.
"And you! You shouldn't have said that name around Lily-han!"
"Ouch! Sorry. I shouldn't have said that out loud," Johnny rubs his cheek. "Wow, that really hurt..."
Before Lily can ask what's so funny about the name, Sakura quickly changes the subject but to their upcoming concert, which is convenient because she wants to ask the former child actress about what will happen after their concert. "Lily-chan, if we do appear at Saga Rock, what about afterwards? If Junko-chan isn't rescued in time, will we be going on without her?"
"I don't want it to turn out that way, but even if she hears that we didn't get to go on stage at Saga Rock, I get the feeling Junko-chan won't ever make it to us." She gives out this concerning answer.
"*sighs* Will we ever rescue Junko in time? Considering how well-hidden and determined Weather Report is in hiding itself and getting away from us, I think Mamezuku may be right if the percentage of rescuing her from the enemy is indeed 4 percent," Bucciarati lamented. "Even if I haven't taken a rest, I doubt Rianima would be too late."
"You're more mature than you look at times, Lily-han." Yugiri said to her with a giggle.
"Oh yeah. That reminds me... Sakura, have you talked with Shades about what you, Cherry Boy and Nara discussed with Junko about her problem?" Saki inquired. She heard from them that they managed to come up with a solution for Junko after talking with them. Knowing Kotaro's attitude, she wonders if Sakura managed to talk with Kotaro without him brushing her off and devolving into shouting to her face.
Sakura nodded, stating, "That's right. I did talk with him and I can only hope he sees what's going on with Junko-chan and consider what he should do about her."
"...Did he rudely shout to you?" Lily added. Sakura shakes her head, surprising her, "Really? He did not do that to you for the first time?"
"That's because I was with Kakyoin, Narancia and Bucciarati-san when I spoke to him," She explained. "I was fearing he would do that to me if I went in alone, but with them behind me, he became meek and told me that he would think about it. He was still being brusque with me as always though."
"But he didn't scream at you because I was with you, Sakura," Bucciarati stated with a smile. Remembering Kotaro becoming meek under his, Kakyoin and Narancia's presence, it sure feels nice seeing the rude producer not respond loudly because he will be beaten up by them for sure if he did. He folds his arms as he next says, "All we can do is wait if Kotaro is serious about Junko's problem and rescue her from Weather Report."
"Guess you're right..." sighs Sakura. It is stressful thinking that their concert in Saga Rock could exclude Junko if she didn't appear at all. What if that is the case and they are forced to perform without Junko? Will Rianima be able to rescue Junko? And the most concerning of all... Is Junko going to be alright!?
No! Please do not think about that! Sakura chided herself. Things may be bleak as it stands, but I must have faith. Faith that Rianima will bring Junko back home safe and sound! Even if she came back a day before our performance in Saga Rock, all I wanted was to see her safe. Oh Junko-chan... Please wait a while longer. Rianima will find you. I'm sure they will!
No negative thoughts are present in her mind as she and the other girls decide to go practice. Regardless of their concerns, practicing is important.
"What's taken you all so long?"
Franchouchou heard Ai reprimand them for not practicing. The concert is only a few days ahead and she is the only one who is practicing seriously, to the point she never taken a rest.
"Sorry..." Sakura only said this to her as an apology.
Restarting the song from the boombox, Ai says, "We need to work on the timing for our moves right away. We need to pick up the pace if we're going to make it."
"U-Um..."
"What is it?"
"Ai-chan, are you worried about Junko-chan? D-Do you think... you could-"
"I know how you are feeling. And to be honest, I am worried about her," Ai lets out a sigh, still not getting over being partially responsible for her kidnapping. "But we must get our grip. We need every last minute to rehearse. We're already zombies, which means there is no telling what might happen."
"But," Sakura keeps speaking. "The new song is built around solos with you and Junko-chan."
"...I'll just have to sing Junko's part if she didn't make it."
"On your own!?"
"It's a compromise I have to make," The Heisei Idol unflinchingly told her, never wavering in her decision. "Alright. Let's just get started."
"Think you're gonna be okay with that, Ai?" It's Saki who said that, for she was concerned that she has been practicing non-stop.
"What choice do I have!?" She exclaimed. "With Junko missing, I have to compromise and figure out to implement Junko's part into my own!"
"You sure, girl? Do you even consider your own well-being before all this?"
Ai has no response to her questions. Averting her gaze, she can only reply to this statement to her. "I can't worry about anything else right now..."
And so, Franchouchou continued their practice despite their reservations. The timing, dancing, cues, and flow are taken into consideration as they all work hard to achieve great performance. Later that day after their practice had ended, Kakyoin, Avdol and Narancia returned empty handed. They told them that they managed to find Weather Report out in the open, so they give chase, springing out Hierophant Green, Magician's Red and Aerosmith. But just like it happened many days ago in over two weeks, Weather Report gives them a slip. All the effort for that and they still haven't found Junko.
Two days passed and both groups continued practicing and searching respectively. It will be exactly two days before Saga Rock and while Franchouchou is giving it their all to their practice for decent results, Rianima fared worse than them. At this point, Narancia is getting frustrated that they are unable to find them, commenting that they are literally running in circles because they might have scoured the four cities thoroughly. Not even Gyro's joke that they at least seen each cities' local specialties does nothing to alleviate their growing anxiety if Junko will ever come back home safe. What's more, it is possible Weather Report could be doing damage whenever it is present and Rianima does nothing to put a stop to him. While that is an assumption grown out of worry since it doesn't seem like Weather Report has not cause problems for the people, who's to say it's possible it could be doing it and it is forcing them to chase it so their attention will be on their enemy and not the main damage it created.
As Bucciarati, Avdol, Kakyoin and Narancia continued the hunt for the Stand while Johnny, Gyro and Mamezuku remained to look after Franchouchou as they carry on with their practice with Ai taking the lead so that they are prepared for a potential enemy Stand that could appear suddenly. They will be the first to land an attack and quickly kill it before they could attack the girls.
The practice is going smoothly, until...
メリッ
バキィィッ
"Eh?" Everyone stopped dancing and looked at Ai when they heard a cracking sound from her.
Two seconds later, Ai's right arm joint gives away, her right leg detached from her knee and her head followed suit. Her still standing body soon collapses to the floor as Sakura goes over to her and asks, "Ai-chan! Are you okay!?"
"...It's fine," Ai nonchalantly said, reattaching her arm back before moving it and her wrist to make sure they will not detach again. "These kinds of lessons were normal when I was alive."
"B-But..." Sakura wants to object that she is pushing herself too far.
"Tomorrow is the show. Let's work on our final preparations," Ai told the girls, reattaching her leg back. They are unsure if Ai can continue working hard, even if she has applied medicinal strips on her body but with the knowledge that Saga Rock is tomorrow, they must do what she said to them. They will not like it, but having to make sure they will do great at their concert takes precedence first.
Outside the shed, Kotaro stretches his arms before doing the same to his neck and shoulders after witnessing them practice. He is satisfied they are practicing hard even though Ai literally broke apart because she is practicing too hard without rest, but with Junko's absence, he is getting worried, and impatient at Rianima still unable to find her. He does not care if Weather Report is eliminated first before rescuing Junko or vice versa, but overall, he would like it if Rianima is successful in bringing Junko back.
He has to talk about her own issue regarding the contemporary idol industry if Franchouchou has to succeed.
ピコーン ピコーン ピコーン
The radar has been beeping for the past ten minutes without detecting a specific reading.
On a hot summer day, Narancia stands under the tree giving him shade from the ray of sunlight. He's with Kakyoin, also standing under the same tree, who is manually controlling Hierophant Green to search for any signs of Weather Report.
Currently, the four are in Miyakogawachi Forest Park located on the borders of Imari, near some farmlands. This forest park houses a beautiful lake clear of all impurities that may taint it, lush green trees and variety of flowers on the side of the road. This place is perfect for those who are looking for a peaceful place to relax and be with nature as they take their walks, whether by themselves, family, friend, or a pet. Few people are around at this time of the day, including Kakyoin and Narancia. Obviously, the two are not here for sightseeing even though they do find the park peaceful and pretty. They are here to search for Weather Report, splitting up with Avdol and Bucciarati to cover more ground. The four also didn't forget to stay on guard if a different enemy Stand happen upon them and fight them.
Considering everything here is so peaceful, the two believe any enemy Stands could be present, waiting to appear to ruin the peace. They may say that too because it appears they are not detecting any signs of Weather Report.
In fact, this is the conclusion Narancia came up with when the radar is unable to detect traces of carbon dioxide left by Weather Report. Though that's probably because he's getting impatient and bored.
"It's been ten minutes and I haven't gotten its reading the whole time I'm standing here," Narancia stated, looking up to see Aerosmith on standby. Today is not particularly windy, so the plane Stand is not experiencing any turbulence. This is beneficial for him because he will be able to know if Weather Report is in the area when Aerosmith suddenly moved during windless days. This time however, it does not happen.
Hierophant Green returns back to its user after finishing sweeping when Narancia asks Kakyoin. "Any luck on your part?"
"Sadly, no," Kakyoin sighed. "Unless we move to another area so Hierophant Green can go to other spots it didn't reach because I'm one range short, I can confirm that I haven't seen any small clouds around here or felt my Stand being hit by the wind."
"No good, huh?" Letting out a deep sigh, Narancia slides down the trunk to sit his legs and rest them. "What's the deal with today? Have we gotten to a wrong place and Weather Report is in a different city or town?"
"That's what I thought until we visited all of the cities," Kakyoin remained standing, putting his hand on his chin as he begins to think. "We have been searching Weather Report for the entire morning and not once did we find any presence of the Stand in every city we visited."
"And this is the last city..." Narancia stated, feeling annoyed that for the fourth time, they haven't found the Stand. "Arrrgghhh! It doesn't make sense! My radar suddenly picked up a reading pointing here, only to see it disappear when we got off the van. The radar hasn't done this before! Could it possibly have mistaken it for something else?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe I should have brought Hierophant Green and traveled along with the van before we got here. That way, my Stand's range will allow me to look in any angle, whether it's up high or down below," Kakyoin said, sighing that he had just thought of it four hours after they left. If he had done that, he could cut the amount of time being out and spend thirty to forty minutes searching that amounted to nothing.
"Wouldn't your Stand get left behind by a moving car if you do that?" Narancia pointed out.
"Nah, it won't," responds Kakyoin, "I brought out Hierophant Green outside the car once and I haven't experienced any problems as long as I don't get hit."
"Don't get hit? What, you're in a fight when you travelled in a car?"
"I was fighting DIO along with Joestar-san before he destroyed the rented car. The World punched my Stand and send it against many signs."
"Ouch. I bet it hurt."
"It really did, but I kept my cool despite the wounds and blood appearing on my face."
The two went silent after their conversation. Buzzing cicadas dominate their ears, filling the summer air with its droning sound that will exist for the whole summer. While Kakyoin didn't mind them, Narancia is trying his best to not get annoyed by their buzzes, though his scrunched-up face and tapping foot indicates it is hard for him.
"Geez… Do you ever get annoyed by the cicadas buzzing our ears off Kakyoin?" Narancia resisted the urge to cover his ears. "How come you are so calm about it?"
"Hey, when you lived your whole life in Japan, you would get used with the sounds the cicadas make during summer," Kakyoin offered this response. "To be honest, I don't mind it at all. To me, I see it as part of summer season, making it stand out among the three other seasons."
"Like the snow and the cold attributed to winter season?"
"Exactly. Who knows Narancia? Perhaps you will get used to it and you will not complain about it."
"Eh, we'll see."
Before they talk more, rapid footsteps and someone panting are heard. Kakyoin and Narancia turn to their left to see Avdol running toward them. "You two! Thank goodness I found you two!"
"Avdol, is something the matter? You seem to be… panicked." Kakyoin asks his friend with a concerned look.
"Oh, do not mistake my face that I'm panicking. I am actually happy!" Avdol corrected him, letting a smile appear on his face.
"Happy? Why are you happy for?" Narancia inquired next. "And where is Bucciarati? Did you leave him behind?"
Clearing his throat and calming himself down, Avdol proceeds to tell the two why he is happy and Bucciarati is not with him. "Do not worry you two. Bucciarati told me to go fetch you two because we managed to find Junko!"
! !
Upon hearing the reason, Kakyoin and Narancia are surprised and happy Avdol and Bucciarati found Junko after two weeks of searching. "R-Really!? You found Junko!?"
"I wouldn't have gotten here just to lie to you two," he maintained. "We may have not found the enemy Stand yet, but that is a small issue considering we got Junko at last."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go find her and Bucciarati-san!" Kakyoin begged him to take them to where they found Junko.
"Alright. Follow me you two. They are not too far from us."
Heeding Avdol's words, Kakyoin and Narancia follow the Egyptian to the place he and Bucciarati found Junko. They could have walked normally but their excitement of finally finding Junko after two weeks she was gone led them to run ahead of Avdol. He could only sigh with a shake of his head before he told them not to get ahead as he ran to the front of them so he could lead them to where they were heading.
With Avdol's guidance, Kakyoin and Narancia arrive in a small clearing where Bucciarati is waiting for them. Expecting him and hopefully Junko there, the three make way around the tree until they enter the clearing where sunlight shines freely through a treefall gap above them. Much to their relief, Avdol is right because Junko is there, lying on the grass with her eyes closed. On the way there, Avdol filled them in that Junko was unconscious, but otherwise unharmed and safe. Interestingly, Junko is wearing her sailor fuku clothes instead of her casual clothing she last wore when she was kidnapped and small, green and yellow mushrooms are growing on her head for some reason. It is an odd sight for her to be sure.
But none of that is on their minds because their eyes are on Bucciarati himself lying on the ground.
Or more accurately, scattered and broken apart.
"B-Bucciarati?!" Narancia yelled out his name, surprise and concern etched on his face.
"What in the...? Bucciarati, are you... alright?" Avdol asked what a stupid question would be if weren't for the fact they are zombies and Bruno himself is otherwise safe. As far as scattering their body parts could.
"Did an enemy Stand attack you!? If so, where is it?" Kakyoin is the most alarmed, bringing out Hierophant Green to prepare himself.
"No, no, Kakyoin! Do not be alarmed!" Bucciarati exclaimed, his detached arm raising its hand as if he was trying to grab his shoulders to calm him down. "No enemy has attacked me! When Avdol left to bring you two here, my body... started detaching..." He lets out a sigh at the end, mortified and embarrassed they saw him in this state.
"Huh? Your body... detached...?" Kakyoin repeated, blinking twice trying to make sense of his words as Hierophant Green returns back.
"Yes. I suppose this is the result of me working so hard that my legs give out to me as they detach while my arms and head followed suit," Bucciarati explained how he ended up in this position. "I knew I made the right call of taking a rest for one day two days ago. Still, it seems it's not enough and my body gave out on me."
"Oooookay then...?" Narancia scratches his head. At least he's relieved Bucciarati is actually unharmed. Now, he turns to the unconscious Junko lying next to his detached torso and another arm. Kakyoin and Avdol start picking up the body parts and put them back in the correct spot as Narancia asks, "If you do not mind you two, how did you find Junko here?"
"During our search for the enemy," Avdol begins explaining. He puts Bucciarati's head back to his torso as he continues explaining, "After we split up, Bucciarati and I walked for ten minutes with Life Detector Magician's Red conjured. I believe we must have walked halfway around the forest park when my Life Detector detected a reading secluded in the trees. Naturally, we went through the trees and we didn't go too far when we arrived here that we found Junko lying in here, unconscious."
"I see. It's thanks to you that you two successfully found her. From what I'm seeing in her, she appears to be... okay," Kakyoin expressed his relief looking at her.
"Yeah. It's as if she wasn't harmed in the first place," described Narancia. A meow is heard coming from Junko, prompting him to ask, "Huh? Did I hear a meow just now?"
"Ah, right. I was about to tell you two about the cat that must have accompanied Junko," After reattaching his arm last, Bucciarati is now whole again as he begins speaking about a tabby cat lying against Junko. Its tail moves side by side as the cat regards the four with slow, blinking eyes. He crouched down to give the cat a friendly pat and rub, which it seems to enjoy, as he says, "Like Avdol said, we found Junko unconscious but safe here. When we got here though, a cat appeared to be guarding her because it got wary and even tried scratching at us when we tried go near her. But later, the cat stopped attacking us. I guess that's because we told him that we don't mean it and Junko harm."
"Hmm... What a curious cat. I wonder why it is protecting Junko?" Kakyoin questioned the cat, who simply blinks at him.
"Meow."
"Maybe if not for the cat being here, Junko is unharmed at all," Narancia liked the idea this cat must have prevented the zombie girl from getting hurt. Granted, he couldn't tell if she was hurt at all because she doesn't have her makeup, but he certainly believes it if she is somehow fine. "It could have stayed here to guard her from any suspicious person who would dare harm her."
"Let's hope it did not happen," Avdol reminded him about their need of keeping their identities a secret. "Junko is not disguised. There's a possibility someone could stumble upon her and see what she is, leading them to a wrong conclusion."
"Oh. Yeah... I didn't think of that..." He scratches his head again.
Just then, footsteps are heard coming from behind them as well as a shout.
"Hartzler. Hartzler? Where have you gone?"
!
"Oh dear. I spoke too soon!" Avdol covers his mouth because he must have jinx it.
"Quick! Hide Junko, Bucciarati-san! Use Sticky Fingers!" Kakyoin told him, intending to use his body for cover.
"Right! Quick, Sticky Fingers!"
ビィィィィー
Sticky Fingers grabbed Junko and entered the zipper Bucciarati created. The zipper closed in time as the owner of the voice arrived.
"Hartzleeeeeeer... Where are- Oh? Humans in this clearing?" Her curious tone of a question is the only thing they know that she is curious because a hood covers her face pretty well so that only her chin and mouth are seen. On closer inspection though, they can see strands of ash black hair not covered by her hood.
Acting like they haven't seen Junko here at all, Kakyoin first speaks up so she doesn't get the wrong idea, looking down on her because she is slightly shorter than him. "Hello there. What brings you here, miss? Are you... looking for someone? You were calling out a name."
The hooded woman has her mouth agape for a moment there, not saying anything until she gives him a nod and an answer. "Ah... Yes. I am looking for a cat named Hartzler. Have you four seen him?"
"Meow."
The tabby cat meowed next to Kakyoin's leg as it walked to the supposed owner. "Ah! Hartzler! There you are!" The woman expressed her joy of the cat rubbing their body against her leg. The cat also rubs against Kakyoin's leg too, as if it has taken a liking to him even though they only met some minutes ago.
"Oh, so you are looking for your pet cat," Kakyoin guessed her reason why she is here. "What a coincidence. I thought this cat is a stray one."
"Well... Hartzler looks like one, but I assure you. I am its owner," The woman carries the cat in her arms as she clarified to him. "Did you four found him here?"
"Yeah, that's right. When the four of us got here, your cat was lying on the ground, seemingly trying to rest," he omits the part about Hartzler accompanying the unconscious Junko, believing the cat wouldn't tell her the truth since it only meowed. "You were lucky to come here because I believe you would be looking for your cat for long if you didn't get here."
"I see. Thank you for finding Hartzler," she expressed her gratitude by bowing. Hartzler lets out meows, as if it tries to tell her something but she seemingly ignores it as she next says, "I will be taking my leave. I hope you four have a good day."
"That goes to you, too," Kakyoin smiled at her. The three nodded and smiled as well.
The hooded woman leaves the clearing with Hartzler in tow, disappearing around the corner. Once they see she is really gone, they all let out sighs of relief.
"Maaaaaan... Good thing she didn't suspect something wrong here," Narancia said. "The last thing we need is someone stumbling upon Junko if Bucciarati didn't hid her in time."
"If I have jinxed you all because I said it, I apologize," Avdol truly believed he must have almost jinxed them because he didn't keep his mouth shut. "I should be more mindful of what I will say next."
"Don't apologize Avdol. You're not at fault here," Bucciarati reassures him, opening the zipper and carrying Junko out with Sticky Fingers. "For all we know, the woman is taking a walk in the park and happen to see us here."
"Well, regardless of what happened, I believe we should go home now. We have found Junko, so we must take her back to the mansion." Kakyoin told them.
"What about Weather Report? We still haven't found it!" Narancia reminded. "I want to make it pay for kidnapping Junko in the first place!"
"I think... Weather Report is not present today. If we hadn't detected his presence at all in every city we went into, then it's possible the Stand is resting somewhere," Bucciarati suggested this thought. "While we may never know for sure, there don't seem to be any attacks done by Weather Report in every place we went, meaning we are safe for now."
"Let's hope that is the case for the rest of the day. Come on everyone, let us return home and tell everyone the good news."
Under Avdol's words, the four walk to the parking lot where Kotaro's van are parked there with Bucciarati carrying Junko in his arms. After carefully putting Junko in the back seats, they leave the park, happy that they are bringing Junko back home after two weeks she went kidnapped and missing.
"Thank goodness Junko-chan is here! We were all worried sick for her!"
That was Sakura expressing her happiness and joy when she saw Junko being carried by Bucciarati. She was with the rest of Franchouchou except Ai, taking a rest in the mansion's living room together with Johnny, Gyro and Mamezuku when the four Stand Users entered with Junko in tow.
You can only imagine their reactions when they first saw her.
As Kakyoin goes to tell Kotaro and Ai about the good news, everyone pretty much crowded around Junko lying on the couch. They are all speaking and shouting all at once, equal parts happy they managed to rescue Junko and equal parts concerned when they heard she was unconscious. When asked if they disposed of Weather Report, Avdol, Narancia and Bucciarati told them no. The whole day they went out, not once did they find any signs of Weather Report despite their Stands detecting what seemed to be signals from the enemy. While they are worried Weather Report could possibly be lingering out there, waiting for an opportunity to kill them all, they take solace in the fact that Junko made it safe and sound.
Their much-needed relief is cut short when Kotaro enters the room with a shout. "Is it true!? Junko-chan is rescued!?"
"I told you that we did, Tatsumi-san," Kakyoin sighdd when he shouted, walking in the room together with Ai, who decided to stop practicing when she heard Junko is here. "I know you are in disbelief, but can't you stop repeating that question?"
"I won't until I see her...!" After saying that, Kotaro's eyes laid upon the unconscious form of Junko. His body relaxes, having seen proof the missing member of Franchouchou was brought back.
"How is Junko? Is she okay? And why is she unconscious?" Ai barged through everyone to see her lying on the couch. Her guilt is partially abated upon seeing her. She is still worried if Weather Report has done something bad to her, but all she hopes Junko is fine after going missing for two weeks.
As the four Stand Users who found her try to placate Ai, Kotaro announces to everyone that he will look after Junko until she wakes up. He carries her in his arms and quickly leaves before anyone can protest.
The sun was already setting when Junko finally woke up from her sleep.
Slowly opening her eyes, Junko noticed the room being bathed in an orange glow coming from the setting sunlight passing through the windows. She sits up right, letting out a big yawn while stretching her arms.
"About time you woke up. How are you feeling, physically?"
Junko flinches when she hears someone's voice in the room with her. She turns to one Kotaro Tatsumi sitting on a chair backwards.
"...Tatsumi-san?" Junko lets out, surprised to see him here.
"Are you alright? Nothing wrong with your body? No injuries? No abnormalities? No diseases? Even though you are already dead...?" He asks her, hoping she is okay.
Instead of answering him, Junko looks at him with a confused look. Blinking twice, she asks, "Um, what exactly happened? I... I don't think I remember being here."
"...You're saying you do not remember you were kidnapped by an enemy Stand?" He guesses.
"Kidnapped by... An enemy Stand?" While she shivered when she says it, Junko has absolutely no idea what he is talking about. Prompted by this, she asks him again. "Can you... tell me everything that happened. Other than being dead, I'm feeling fine but I'm drawing a blank here..."
One explanation later...
"WHAT!? I was kidnapped for two weeks!?"
Junko is clutching her head in panic after Kotaro explained what happened the night when she was kidnapped by Weather Report two weeks ago and how Rianima are looking for them until they found her hours ago.
"You seriously don't remember any of that?" Kotaro asked her seriously, finding it weird she could just forget what happened to her.
"No! For some reason, I didn't remember it until you told me," Junko honestly answered, before a thought came into her head regarding the implication of her absence. "Ah! If I was kidnapped for two weeks, then that means... I have missed my practice! A-And tomorrow is when Franchouchou will perform in Saga Rock!? O-Oh no! I-I need to catch up soon, and-!"
"Junko, calm yourself down! You didn't do anything wrong!" Kotaro puts his hands on her shoulder, stopping her from panicking more. "I am happy to hear you want to catch up with the girls' practice, but don't be so hasty yourself! Besides, I heard from Sakura, Kakyoin and Narancia that you talked with them about your problem. I imagine you wouldn't be so thrilled to be part of Franchouchou after everything you said at them, right?"
Upon hearing that she has a talk with the three concerned zombies, Junko starts feeling gloomy at her fear that she may not conform to modern idol standards. "Ah, right. Well, it's just that... I just don't understand idols anymore."
"Look, I'm not mad. Even if you used my computer to search the net, I won't complain," Kotaro returns to his seat. "It's been thirty years since you died, and things have changed quite a lot."
"...I really was shocked," Junko stated with a sigh.
"There are things that have become more convenient, but they are not flawless and have their fair share of downsides," Kotaro continued. "Everyone having a connected device has made it so that anyone can post information but that makes it harder to keep anything private. That includes the private lives of idols."
The girl looks at him directly when she hears the last part. To think idols' personal lives can be known if they made a mistake and let themselves slip... Junko doesn't like that.
"In the Showa period, stuff that would amount to the scandal of a lifetime leaks onto the internet almost every day." What Kotaro says is not comforting Junko, but he continued on. "But in spite of the risk that kind of exposure brings, there are still idols who are at work."
The man switches his posture so that he's facing to the side and he crossed his leg over the other. "And there's one other thing... The biggest change in regard to how idols operate is the closeness with their fans. The concept of 'an idol you can see at any time' changed the industry, and the physical distance between both sides has shrunk. Which you just saw at the photo session."
"But... 「not everything is different」." Kotaro claimed this with utmost confidence as he turned to Junko. "Wanting to help fans dream... Wanting to make them smile with dance and song... The core nature of being an idol 「hasn't changed」 since the old days. If you think the people who try to become idols now are any less noble, then you're wrong. Times have changed and, as a result, the type of idol people seek has changed."
"I understand things are different now," Junko said to him. "But I just... I think I can't do it."
"Then 「don't」. It's like what Kakyoin said to you."
"Eh?" Junko's eyes were filled with hope when she heard him say that.
"If you don't want to do photo sessions, turn them down. There's no need to 「force yourself to conform」." He offers this wisdom to her.
"But, what if Ai-san-"
"Just tell her, 'That's my character.'" He quickly replied.
"「My character」?"
"That's right," he nodded. "There are things that make Ai herself, and things that make you different. You girls are zombies, not robots. Show the members of your group and the fans what you can do while adhering to the style of an idol from the Showa period."
That did it. That's the statement Junko really wanted to hear from him. While Kakyoin have thought it first, Kotaro coming to the same thought as him confirms that he would not mind that she chooses to act like a Showa period idol she really is to Franchouchou's fans. It is her character. One that is unique among the girls.
"That said, it'd be difficult to do that on your own at the moment," Kotaro added more. "And, as a zombie, there's not much you can count on for support aside Rianima. In order to make up for how extreme your quirks are, you'll need your zombie comrades."
Walking close to Junko, he said this last bit before crouching to pluck the mushrooms that sprouted on her head. "Remember this... Franchouchou exists to support each other's wishes, in spite of the different times they're from. That goes for Rianima too. Their jobs may be dangerous, and some members are of the unscrupulous types, but they are walking on the path of justice in stopping enemy Stands from harming you and Saga. If you open up to them, they will help you. When that happens, think about what you can do to repay them."
"...Repay them, huh?" Junko muttered.
"Tomorrow's forecast is clear in the morning with afternoon clouds and potential thunderstorms," Kotaro brings up the weather forecast for tomorrow. "Weather Report will definitely appear at Saga Rock to attack you and the girls. Rianima will take care of it and prevent it from attacking the innocents. As for why I'm saying a potential storm will appear there, Ai Mizuno died from a lightning strike while performing on an outdoor stage.
"Ah!" Junko is surprised to hear how Ai died.
"You're not the only one who's fighting against the nerves!" He plucked the mushrooms off her head before throwing them aside. "If you're an idol, you belong on the stage, Junko Konno!"
"When you've found your nerve, open that box." He pointed to the small box behind Junko. The girl looks at it in curiosity as Kotaro takes his leave. "Alright, I'm out. I'll tell everyone not to disturb you so you have time to think for yourself."
Those are his last words to Junko before Kotaro leaves the room.
Later that night, Ai is on her way to the shed for more practice when a flash of lightning came into her view, followed by crashing thunder.
ドーン!
"Hiii!" Ai instinctively covers her face with her bandaged hands as she crouches in fear. When the lightning is gone, she removes her hands. She then realized that she was imagining the rain and thunder. Despite this, she is not at all relieved since her trauma is on the back of her mind, waiting to fill Ai with fear when lightning and thunder rolls around.
"I-I'm seeing things..." She mutters to herself.
"Ai, please don't push yourself. You need to rest," Bucciarati told her, walking with Saki to fetch her back inside.
"Yeah. Get some rest Ai. You really needed it."
Looking at the two, she didn't hide her look of fear as she says, "...My body... I can't stop it from reacting because of my memories of what happened."
"You're pushing yourself too hard," Saki simply stated.
"...I can't let this beat me," Ai affirmed her determination to be a great idol she was and still is. "When we were on stage that day, our CD had finally become a bestseller in Japan. It felt like we were just really getting famous... We have to work hard to get as many fans as possible so I can get back to where I was."
Seeing she is insistent on getting more practice done, Bucciarati lets out a sigh as he asks Ai, "Would you like me to accompany you? I don't want to see you suddenly get scared as you practice."
"...I would very much like that, Bucciarati-san," Ai agrees, entering the shed.
"Alright. Just please don't push yourself hard. When you feel tired, just rest. You need to restore your energy for tomorrow..." Bucciarati followed, leaving Saki to stare at them with worried expression.
Meanwhile, Junko is all by herself, thinking about what Kotaro said to her. Thinking back to when she was practicing together with Ai, it makes her happy to be in sync together as they dance in tune with the song. She remembered apologizing to Ai for being slow during one part, in which the girl reassured her she's not at fault.
Feeling she is ready to face her fears tomorrow, Junko opens the box Kotaro gave to her. Inside is an idol clothing consisting of red checkered shirt with diagonal lines intersecting at some points with slightly puffy sleeves, black collar, white wrist cuffs and placket and a gray skirt. This costume is glamorous and beautiful compared to the previous clothes she wore many months ago. Junko believes Kotaro is really putting it his all for Franchouchou's concert in Saga Rock.
Because of this, Junko has found her 「resolve」 to make it through the end.
"I guess Junko is not coming..." lamented Sakura
"We're running out of time!" Lily exclaimed.
Today is the day of Saga Rock festival. Franchouchou and Rianima are standing outside Kotaro's van, which is sufficiently refueled after being used in the span of two weeks by Bucciarati. Everyone is waiting for Junko to go out and join them after Kotaro has a chat with her. For the past minutes, it appears Junko is not coming out after all. Most of them were ready to pile up in the van but Kakyoin, Narancia, Gyro, Sakura and Lily wanted to wait longer.
Eventually however, Kotaro looks at his watch and says, "Time's up. Get in."
"But-!" Sakura tried protesting.
"Get in!" Kotaro repeated sternly.
Admitting defeat, everyone piles in the van, with Rianima going first so they entered the pocket space and Franchouchou going in last on the seats. The door slides close, covering Sakura's sad expression that Junko seemingly declined.
As Kotaro starts driving, it looks like Franchouchou will have to perform their concert without Junko...
スタッ
At least, that's what they thought until they saw Junko make a landing after doing an impressively high jump over the gate and face the moving van.
"Junko-chan!?" Sakura stated in surprise, looking at her with the others and Rianima seating in the pocket space because there is a front window for them to see what's ahead of the van.
"Please wait! I want to go with-!"
ドゴォォォォーッ
She didn't finish her statement because the van rammed into her hard, having not stopped in time.
"Ack...!" Kotaro uttered in shock, hanging his mouth open.
"Eeeehhhh!?" Franchouchou exclaimed in shock too, their mouths also hanging open.
"What!?" Rianima shouted similarly, some of them fearing Junko got hurt so badly.
...Wait. Why do I have a déjà vu about this...? Sakura suddenly thought that the way Junko got struck by a vehicle is familiar. She didn't have time to think about it when the van hit the brake just as Junko landed on her side hard.
"Gweegh!"
"Junko-chan!" Both Sakura and Kakyoin get out to help her only to be stopped by Kotaro. "Don't help her!"
"Huh!?" shouted Kakyoin.
"W-Why not!?" protested Sakura.
Getting out of the van, Kotaro told Junko to get up without considering if she was injured badly. "Come on Junko! On your feet! You're not the type of girl who would let something like this stop you!"
"You just hit her with a freaking van!" Saki angrily shouted to him.
"Can you at least express some concern for her, you dickhead!?" Narancia followed, peeking his head out to the "window" of the pocket space next to Saki.
As they glare at him, Junko picks herself up, not minding the pain she is feeling and her clothes being dirty because she is determined to go with everyone to Saga Rock." I-I'm... going too... because... I'm an idol!"
Everyone piles out of the van as Junko, absolutely filled with 「resolve」 to join her friends not as an idol of Franchouchou, but as the 「Legendary Showa Idol」, puts her hands on her head and bends her hips to her left supported by her feet which is standing on its toes as she reintroduces herself while striking a pose. *
バーン
"I'm the Showa Idol, JUNKO KONNO!"
Seeing their friend determined to join and not miss Franchouchou's important day, everyone ran towards her and pulled her into a big group hug. The only ones who didn't join are Ai, Kotaro, Bucciarati, Johnny and Mamezuku, but they are happy to see her back regardless, even if only Bucciarati is smiling.
With the whole party assembled, they are ready to take on a new challenge for the sake of saving Saga: Franchouchou giving an outstanding performance for the audience and Rianima dealing with Weather Report if it appeared in Saga Rock. No matter how hopeless things may be, triumph and victory will happen as long as they have each other.
To be continued
*Based on a magazine cover for Macy's, dated September 1990 and titled "Get Used by Elie"
Onomatopoeia:
ミーン (Miiiin) - Cicadas buzzing
メリッ/バキィィッ (Meri/Bakiii) - Bones and joints cracking and giving out
ピコーン (Pikooon) - Radar beeping
スタッ (Suta) - Perfect landing
Aaaaannnnndddd done!
After getting kidnapped by Weather Report and being absent for two weeks, Junko Konno is rejoining Franchouchou after reaffirming her resolve to be an idol harkening back to the 80s idol boom! Thanks to Kotaro's words, she now knows that she doesn't have to conform to how idols work for the contemporary period, because being the Legendary Showa Idol is her own character and no one will convince her otherwise.
The next chapter will see Franchouchou and Rianima break through their own obstacles to move pass their fledgling status and become competent and qualified for their roles in saving Saga: the concert in Saga Rock and the battle against Weather Report. I am keen on creating a strong finish for both events in the next chapter, so I hope the final chapter for the nine-chapter Storm on the Saga Rock arc will thrill you all with heart-pumping imagination!
I am late in saying this because I only thought about it after taking a look at my planned chapters but, we are in the middle of the second act of Living Things, specifically the middle of the story. As we proceed further, wish our zombie heroes good luck! They will need it to overcome their next obstacle!
...On a slightly unrelated note, has any of you read the second chapter of JOJOLands? When I saw the character at the end, oh man... I was shocked and excited to see him! Araki-san, what are you cooking there...
Stay safe and healthy everyone! Hope all of you have a good day!
And with that, I bid you all adieu~.
