Hello, everyone.

As the Summer ends, I am excited for the Fall season.

A lot has been going since the last time I posted for this story, particularly in the Love Live universe like Genjitsu no Yohane: Sunshine in the Mirror as well as the upcoming Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Movie in September and Love Live Superstar Season 3 in October.

I also wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to Kurosawa Ruby and Sakurauchi Riko.

Now, let's continue with the story with a new chapter.

I do not own Love Live.

Huuu huuuu

Sounds of slumber echo in a room at the Kurosawa Residence during a quiet morning.

Hmmmmm

Laying on a futon was Ruby sleeping peacefully on her side, her body wrapped in a light blue blanket.

Ruby, its morning. It's time to get up, a calm voice said.

Hmmmm, five more minutes, Ruby said sleepily.

Your sister is already up and asked me to wake you up, the voice said.

As her eyes flutter open, she flinches as the first thing that Ruby sees was Oro staring back at her with cloudy eyes.

Seeing the white snake so close to her face, Ruby does the only thing that she could do at that moment.

Pigiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

It's true that Oro may look…. different, but he has his own charms, Dia said.

Dia and Ruby were sitting in the living room after a bad start of a morning and breakfast.

I know, but…, Ruby said, still scared from her wake up call. One-chan, why didn't you wake me up?

I did try to wake you up, but you were fast asleep, Dia said, furrowing her eyes. I know that it is the weekend, but it helps to wake up at the same time.

Dia, Ruby, Oro said politely, who was lying on a nearby cushion. I didn't get a chance to ask, but are you two doing something today?

We were going to meet up with the others for practice. Why do you ask? Dia said.

Actually, that's good because I wanted to talk to everyone about something, Oro said as the snake [Kizuna] wriggle its way to the sisters.

So what did you want to talk about, Oro? Kanan said.

The girls along with Kaga and Kyono were standing in front of Oro near the edge of the forest close to the town.

I heard from Dia that you are all looking for the rest of our friends, Oro said, who was resting on top of a rock. I believe I can be of help.

From what Kaga told us, there should be four more that we haven't found yet, Riko said.

As you know, I am able to sense the presence of both our friends and enemies, but at my current state I cannot see too far, but with Dia's help through [Fusion], I should be able to expand my view and find the rest of our friends, Oro said.

That makes sense. Even though Oro cannot see like us, they can see further than the rest of us, Kaga said.

Then, we should get started, Dia said as she reach and pick up the snake [Kizuna] with both hands. I am ready when you are.

When the Kawauso held Oro close to her chest, a white light envelops the two and the rest of the girls back away.

When the white light fades, the others see Dia wearing a white frilly dress similar to You except with red highlights and ribbons.

This is.. Dia said in awe, as she looks at her new attire.

It suits you, Dia, Kanan said with a smile.

One-chan. So pretty, Ruby said with a happy smile.

Gorgeous, Mari said, bringing a thumbs up.

So what now, Oro-san? Dia said.

Oro: Close your eyes and take a few slow breaths.

Dia slowly closes her eyes as she steadies her breathing.

Oro: Now focus your aura to your eyes.

Before she knew it, Dia finds herself looking at different colored lights surrounding them.

Dia: So this is… what Oro-san sees?

Oro: More or less. Now we are looking for something that stands out from this space.

As Dia scans the area, she notices a particularly shiny green light and a dark purple light in two different places.

What's wrong, Dia-san? Riko said.

While the green one was stationary, the other light was randomly moving, as if it was alive.

After narrowing the expected locations of both lights, Dia tried to focus more on the moving light…..

Pigiiya!

Dia screamed before the [Fusion] wore off and Oro separated from the older girl.

Are you ok, One-chan? Ruby said who looked concerned.

Yes, I am although my head was hurting just a moment ago, Dia said, rubbing her head. That aside, I had no idea how much effort is needed to see or how much you can see.

I am not surprised. Doing it for long periods of time can put a strain on your head, Riko said, remembering what happened to her the last time she used [Scan] like that.

It does take time and practice like any muscle, Oro said. But thanks to Dia's help, we have at least two leads to go with.

They decided to split into two groups to investigate the two lights separately with Dia and Oro leading each group as they know the path where the lights were:

Dia, Ruby, Chika (and Kaga), You (and Kyono)

Hanamaru, Yoshiko, Kanan (and Gaba), Mari, Riko, Oro.

Oro's group look for the moving light while Dia's group went to search for the other light.

Minna-sama. Keep your eyes out for anything unusual, Dia said.

Do you think we will find something here? You said, moving a branch to pass through.

I'm not too worried. We have been having things coming to us lately, Chika said with confidence.

That doesn't sound good, Chika-chan, You said.

While the other girls spread out, Ruby was looking at a seemingly old and big tree, as if drawn to it.

She walks up to the tree, a slight breeze hitting her face.

Ruby was so focused looking up that she trips over a thick root that was bulging from the ground.

Pigi! Ruby squeaked as she collide clumsily into the tree trunk. Ouchwee.

Before long, she heard something landing in a small pile of leaves next to her.

Looking at the side, she see something shiny and crouches down.

Using one of her hand, she reached into the leaf pile and picks up a small, but bright green gem.

So pretty, Ruby said as she holds the gem that fit in her hand.

Ah! Ruby! Kaga said.

Before Ruby could realize what she did, the younger girl felt something burning her hand.

PIGIIII! Ruby screamed as she threw the gem away while clutching the affected hand with the other. The burning didn't go away even after the gem was no longer in her hand.

Ruby! Dia said as she ran and grab her sister's burnt hand, revealing a glowing green mark. No. No. NO!

One-chan, it hurts, Ruby said who was tearing up.

It will be ok, I am here, Dia said as she bring her sister to a tight hug.

While Dia was focused on Ruby, the rest of them saw the gem started to glow, its form getting bigger.

What the stars is going on? a scruffy voice said.

A creature that appeared before them had the appearance of an otter covered in light brown fur and white fur on its chest and torso. Near its belly was a mark in the shape of a swirly lollipop.

Tama! Is that you?! Kaga said.

Tofu! Kyono said.

Tama? Chika said.

Kaga? Kyono? Tama said, opening their eyes, which showed a green color. Can you tell me what is going on?

What the heck is that?! Chika said.

Everyone turn to see a mass of overgrown, thorny, dull green and black vines rising above the trees. To make things worse, the vines were blocking their way and coming at them in a sluggish, but ominous pace.

Where did they come from?! You said as she and Chika assume their [Fusion] form with their partners.

Kaga: We need to keep them away from Dia and Ruby!

Kyono: Tofu!

As the two girls attack the biomass, Dia was looking for an escape route while holding her sister.

Seeing the towering horde of creepers and the intense pain that she was experiencing, Ruby felt something inside her building up, until..

PIGYAAAAAA!

A wave of green aura was unleased from Ruby's body that not only stop the vines in their movement, but seemingly weaken the vines, showed by their withering.

As the light from her body fade, the younger girl went limp in her sister's arms.

Ruby! Dia yelled as Chika and You went to them.

Minna!

They saw the other group running to them.

[Earlier]

Oro's group was having trouble walking through a heavily shrub area of the forest.

I am not too heavy, am I? Oro said, whose body was wrapped around Kanan's neck.

Not at all, Kanan said. You are like a smooth scarf.

What's a scarf? Oro said.

Are you sure the light came around here? Riko said.

I am very certain, Oro said.

PIGIIII!

That scream. That's Ruby-chan! Hanamaru said.

What is that?! Yoshiko said.

They look at the other direction of the other group, where they saw rows of thorny vines.

This feels like the enemy, but something is different, Oro said, who was handed to Mari.

We can look for the other light later, but right now, we need to get to the others, Kanan said, who was clutching the shark tooth in her hand.

Kanan (in her [Fusion] form) and Riko ran to clear some of the vines while the rest of them head to where the other group were with Oro on Mari's shoulders to protect them.

The two were cutting down the vines, but the plants seem to regenerate from the places that were cut.

They just keep coming! Mari said.

Just then, a green light discharges out of nowhere and into their area, felt by both the group and the vines, who stopped moving suddenly.

What was that? Riko said.

I don't know, but here's our chance, Kanan said as electricity was gathering near the tip of her spear.

[Harpoon Vulcan]

[Fireball]

Riko and Kanan concentrate their attacks at one point and create a hole in the wall of vines.

Let's go! Yoshiko said.

They ran through the area that was attacked and eventually found the group.

Minna! Riko shouted out.

Riko-chan! Ruby-chan needs your help! Chika said in a panic.

The Hyou ran quickly to Dia and Ruby's side, immediately seeing the mark on the younger's girl hand.

That light just now. Was that Ruby-chan's power? Riko said. The first year seem to be unconscious, but Riko doesn't see any injuries although she noticed that Ruby's Aura levels was very low.

I think so, but she doesn't know how to use Aura, You said.

You don't need to know about Aura to use it. This is what happens when you don't learn how to control it and emotions can make things worse, Riko said who was stabilizing the Aura on Ruby's body.

There's too many here! Chika said as she shoots a few fireballs at the vines.

We need to get her away from here, Dia said, who was carrying Ruby on her back.

Kaga: Tama! Come with us!

Tama didn't say anything, but nodded and began to run on all fours.

Moving in tandem, the girls and Tama make a dash back to town.

I think we lost them, Kanan said who was catching her breath.

Everyone was able to return to the town safely.

Looking back at the forest, the vines didn't seem to follow them.

I wonder if they are not able to chase us since they are rooted to the ground, You said.

In any case, we should take Ruby to Itsuki-san, Riko said.

The girls then head to his place while the [Kizuna] keep watch at the forest from a distance.

After examining the first year's body, Itsuki said that there were no injuries or negative effects although he recommended a few days of beddrest to recover her energy.

The girls were very relieved to hear the good news, particularly Dia.

They also explained the situation to the Shika, who reply that he will look into it and told them not to enter forest for the time being, to which the girls agree. The group left shortly. While the girls were tending to Ruby, the [Kizuna] were having their own talk.

Oro! It's good to see you again, Tama said who was hugging the snake [Kizuna]. Have you lose weight? You looked different somehow.

Well, a lot of things has happened while we were asleep, Oro said.

I'll say. I really don't know what is going on, Tama said, feeling overwhelmed.

Don't worry, I will tell you all about it, Oro said. For now, I am staying with some good people. Why don't you come with us to rest for the night?

…I supposed that would be best, Tama said reluctantly.

Eventually, the [Kizuna] went to their respective partner's homes.

For the second time, the two sisters went before their mother to introduce Tama (saying he was friends with Oro) and asking for permission let the [Kizuna] stay at their home.

I have no problems with that, but you two are responsible for taking care of them, their mother said. Neglect is not to be tolerated in this family.

The sisters thank their mother profusely, hugging her while the two [Kizuna] watch on.

After dinner, the four went to Ruby's room.

Tama-san, I should let you know that there are rules in this house that we all follow, Dia said.

Hey, I agree to stay for the night, but you don't get to order me around, Tama said in defiant. And why do I have to work with someone as timid as her. I can do everything on my way.

What did you just say? Dia said with an annoyed expression.

Tama-chan, One-chan, Ruby said, who didn't like see her sister and new partner arguing.

Tama, a low voice said.

The otter [Kizuna] tense up and look at Oro, who looked solemnly.

Dia and Ruby have been very kind in letting me into their home. Even if it's Tama, refrain from causing problems or Dia won't be the only one you should be worrying about, the snake [Kizuna] said with a deep voice with an even terrifying presence. Do I make myself clear?

Tama gulped and nodded very quickly.

Behind them, the Kurosawa sisters were slightly trembling due to the sudden change in the snake [Kizuna]'s behavior.

Good, Oro said, returning to their normal demeanor. Now, it's been a long day and I am going to turn in for the night. Please excuse me.

After Oro sway out of the room, Tama and the two sisters relaxed.

Hu. It's been awhile since I have seen Oro that upset, Tama said in a huff.

I don't think I ever seen Oro-san like that, Dia said.

Yeah. Oro is usually pretty carefree, but push them too far and you are very screwed, Tama said. Anyway, if Oro said to not cause trouble, then I won't. But this is going to be something to get used to.

It goes the same as me since you seem to be good friends with Oro-san and the partner of my little sister, Dia said.

The day didn't come as smoothly as either of them wanted, but at least everyone was safe and they got a new ally.

[Two Days Later]

So how are you feeling, Ruby-chan? Hanamaru asked.

The next time the group met, it was at their usual place after school.

I'm ok. It's nice to be able to relax, Ruby said.

Because of Itsuki's reference, Ruby was able to stay home from school for two days although Dia brought her schoolwork, so it wasn't a full rest day.

As Ruby has fully recovered, she performed the water test, where they found out that the younger girl had the manipulator type aura, to her sister's chargin.

My sister is not a manipulator! Dia said.

It's just how they named it, Dia-san, Riko said. And it depends on how that Aura is used.

Things really have changed since I was awake, Tama said. Hopefully I can find my stashes, if they're still there that is.

Stashes? Chika said.

Tama would collect interesting plants and things, and hide them all around the island, Oro said.

I heard from Oro that you had some trouble getting used to living with the humans, Kaga said.

Lately, Tama has taken to setting up a dwelling in the backyard within the Kurosawa Residence.

That's fine with me since I prefer the outside, Tama said, crossing their small arms. Oro on the other hand, likes the small spaces to crawl into and the house has a lot of them.

You seem to know a lot about Oro, Yoshiko said.

Of course. We are the best of friends, Tama said, puffing their fluffy chest.

So like Kaga and Kyono? Ruby said.

Yeah, but we have known each other for much longer, Tama said.

Likewise, I also know about Tama better than anybody. Like how Tama may be a bit blunt with words, but they have some good sides. Very hard working, caring about their friends, and coming up with a lot of great ideas, Oro explained with pride.

Oh, Shucks, you tease, Tama said, turning their head, using both hands to cover their face out of embarrassment.

So, what type of elemental is Tama? Riko said.

I don't know about elemental, but I know that Tama can 'talk' and control other plants, Oro said.

Really? Riko said with a surprised expression. I heard that it is hard for someone to control other living beings.

.. Are you telling me that there are others with the same power as me? Tama said.

I personally don't know anyone like that, but the Shika Tribe are known for their knowledge in plants, so some of them may be able to, Riko said.

Speaking of plants, what do we do with the enemy or enemies that we saw the other day? Kanan said.

You're right. Normally we would have a big boss, but this time was different, You said.

According to Itsuki, he couldn't find the vines that attacked them, nor have they appeared near the town either. It was as if they disappeared or went into hiding.

Just thinking about our home getting attacked. It's unforgivable, Tama said with an angry expression.

My guess is that we may have to deal with it again, Oro said, who look frustrated.

We were not prepared for it last time, so we will need to think of a plan, Riko said.

Look! It's a giant bird, Ruby said, pointing at the sky.

When the girls look up, they see a big bird flying in a circle in the sky near the place where they first met Mutsu.

It's hard to tell from here, but I think that's Chibu, the bird [Kizuna], Riko said.

At this point, we can assume anything big is a Kizuna, You said.

Or an enemy, Chika said.

As they make their way towards the [Kizuna], the girls was able to get a better look at the visitor.

The bird [Kizuna] had a long slender neck, a body covered by gray feathers, and green markings. At first appearance, it gives a regal presence.

When Chubu flew down to greet them….

Chirp! Chirp!

Tofu! Tofu!

Chirp! Chirp!

Tofu! Tofu!

The manner of the [Kizuna] was similar to a child as Chubu was having a chipper conversation with Kyono.

Oh, look. Kyono made a friend, Kaga said.

So what brings you here, Chubu? Riko said.

Chirp Chirp Chirp (I am here to deliver some things) Chubu said.

Next the bird was a large wooden crate with some Kiseki fruit on top of it.

Chirp Chirp Chirp Chirp! (Also, Taishu said to give you this) Chubu said as they hand the Hyou a dark purple, hard covered book from its beak.

A book? Riko said as she reaches to grab the book.

A book, zura? Hanamaru said, who perks up.

Chirp (Yep), Chubu answered.

When Riko takes a look inside the book, her eyebrows furrowed.

What is it, Riko-chan? Chika said.

Are these… moves? Riko said.

Moves? You mean like attacks? You said.

Riko told the other girls about 'moves' before, a term in the Country of Mori that refers to techniques involving Aura.

Moves are not just for attacking, Riko said. This is more of a guidebook about the moves that have been created and recognized in my country.

In the book, the moves are described in detail and organized by type and level.

There were the basics like [Fireball], [Scan], and [Line].

And then there were the more advanced moves, some with obscure names and some familiar ones like…

[Diamond Storm]… Hyou said in a soft voice. Sensei's signature attack.

Chirp Chirp Chirp Chirp Chirp (Taishu made this on their spare time), Chubu said.

I can't believe Sensei was doing something like this. This is almost as bad as the trading cards, Riko said in a dejected expression.

Trading cards? Of what? Chika said.

Oh, it's just something that my country did, Riko said.

According to the Hyou, a strange trend was going on in the past in the Country of Mori where individuals that were recognized, either through their action or reputation, their name and image were commemorated in the form of a card.

How they decided who and how they are named, the Hyou didn't understand.

Riko only found out about this when her father gave a small deck of those cards as a child.

And they can come up with the weirdest titles. Crimson D., Stealth Viper, Grand Master Admiral of the Seven Seas. Just to name a few, Riko said while counting with her fingers.

Sounds like there are many legends in Mori besides the [Kizuna], Yoshiko said.

So does Riko-chan have a nickname? Chika said with a curious look.

Of course not. Like I said, I am a bit average compared to others and I hadn't done anything that would be noteworthy, Riko said.

But that shouldn't stop us from coming up with a cool nickname for you, Chika said.

Please don't, Riko said with a deadpanned look.

Hold on a minute, what was the last thing that you said, You said, suddenly looking very serious.

Um, Riko said with a confused expression. That I don't have a nickname.

No, before that, You said. Who was that last person that you said?

Etto, Grand Master Admiral of the Seven Seas? Riko said.

That's the one! You shouted, startling the two girls.

What's wrong, You-chan? Chika said.

You never told me you had someone like that in your country, You said, who was excited by the wagging of her tail.

Well, we do have a navy although it is not as big as the Country of Umi, Riko said.

Ahhh, that is a real shame, You said with disappointment. I don't suppose you can show me the card later.

I don't mind. I think it is somewhere at home, Riko said.

So what's inside that box over there? Kanan said.

Hold on, let me take a look, Riko said.

As the Hyou went and look at the paper attached to the box…

This is…. Matsusaka Beef! Riko said who looks shocked.

Why are you so surprised by that? Dia said.

Um, this is what you would call fancy beef. Actually, it's the most expensive beef in the Country of Mori, Riko explained. More importantly, this is a lot of beef. How did Sensei get this in the first place?

Chirp Chirp (It was a gift) Chubu said, not really elaborating.

Still, this is too much for just me and my parents, Riko said.

Maybe you can feed some to Mikei, Hanamaru said.

That would be nice, but it's not a good idea to give something like this to a war panther for a number of reasons, Riko said.

There was no way her family would be able to finish all this meat before it spoiled. In trying to come up with a solution, a thought came to her mind.

A barbecue party, Riko said in a small voice, unaware that everyone could hear her.

That's a great idea, Riko-chan! Chika said.

Eh? Riko said, looking dumbfounded.

Riko-san is so generous to share such a luxurious meal to us. I am so moved, Hanamaru said.

W-What a minute, everyone, Riko said.

Such an extraordinary offering, words cannot describe Yohane's delight, Yoshiko said.

That's not, Riko said.

You are truly the MVP, Riko-chi, Mari said.

In that case, the least we can do is help out, Dia said.

That's right. You won't have to do it alone, You said.

I guess it's decided, Kanan said.

Eeehhh, Riko said in disbelief.

In the end, we are doing a potluck, Riko said.

In front of the Sakurauchi residence, a small group gather as some of the meat was being grilled as the sun was setting. Along with the beef, the rest of the girls brought some dishes from home to share.

Thank you for inviting us, Mito said.

It's no problem. We are neighbors after all, Riko's mother said with a smile. That said, I know that it can get busy at the Ryokan. Is it ok for you two to be here?

That's ok. Our parents are looking after the inn, but they will come by later, Shima said.

Hey, mom. Have you heard from dad? Riko said who was cutting some vegetables.

He is going to be coming home late due to work, so I will set a plate for him when he gets back, Riko's mom said.

I must admit, this is pretty good, Kanan said, who was eating a slice of beef. We don't get this everyday around here.

Not surprisingly, the older girl brought some fresh seafood from a local source to grill as well.

I can feel the meat melting in my mouth, Hanamaru said, chewing with bliss.

Hanamaru-chan. Make sure you don't eat too fast, Ruby said.

As expected from the Country of Mori, the quality of goods exceed Yohane's expectations, Yoshiko said, who was savoring the taste of the beef.

From the balcony of Riko's house, the Kizuna of Uchiura except for Gaba (who would get a plate later) were also enjoying the feast.

[The Next Morning]

At the port at Uchiura, a young person was climbing down from a ship that came from the Country of Mori.

I finally made it, a young feminine voice said as a black-haired woman look at the town from the docks as they got their belongings. I hope I can find what I am looking here.

[Omake]

Where in the world is Kanan? Mari said.

Mari was waiting for her friend at the meeting place that faced the ocean.

Dia had things to do at home today, so Mari and Kanan decided to spent some time together.

Mari, a familiar voice called out followed by a splashing sound. It was coming from the ocean.

Hm? Mari said as she walks closer to the guard rails.

Mari, the voice said again with another splashing sound. When Mari looked over the guard rails….

A dolphin? Mari said.

Peeking out of the water was a dark blue dolphin looking at the Neko.

Hey, it's me, the dolphin said.

It took a few seconds before Mari could realized who it was.

Kanan?! Is that really you? Mari said with widened eyes.

The dolphin dip into the water slightly before leaping up towards the guard rail. In midair, the dolphin's body changes into the dark-blue haired girl before landing on the grass.

Oh my god! Mari said. How did you do that?!

Ya. Riko taught me how to use [Henshin]. Even Riko-chan was surprised that I was able to do it so easily, Kanan said. I thought it would be faster if I swam here.

This is so unfair! I will be the next [Host] for sure even if I have to turn Uchiura upside down, Mari said with a determination look.

Well, I'm sure you will find your partner, but don't overdo it, Kanan said with a wry smile as the two started walking.

Another rushed chapter, but hopefully covered the main points.

Stay tuned for the next update.

Reviews, comments, and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you for reading.