Phew! A short chapter! I was worried we'll have a continuous string of longer chapters with no end in sight. Made a right decision splitting this chapter and the next into two, or else it'll be long.

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."

"…Ohhh I really don't know what to do."

Two weeks have passed since Junko was last seen kidnapped by Weather Report. Rianima has been working hard to search the enemy Stand and Junko across Saga. Kakyoin, Avdol and Narancia are always brought along because their Stands are long-distance types or have a certain ability useful in searching for a specific target. 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, narrowing down the places to easily hunt it.

So far though, the three only managed to find the Stand many times, leading them to a fight. However, Weather Report always escapes from their sights, not even wanting to retaliate against them as it uses its abilities to get away. At one point, it manipulated the humidity and clouds to pour down rain upon them, threatening to wash their makeup 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 makeup soon. Fortunately, that will not happen because the makeup supply is replenished every week thanks to his mysterious partner whom he's meeting up.

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 in return.

Additionally, as somewhat expected of his covert nature, Kotaro's acquaintance hasn't been seen since, meaning they must still be in pursuit of Weather Report. Even if the Stand itself showed up, he didn't reappear. They remembered he said it won't be a quick job rescuing Junko, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. Heck, Narancia, Johnny, Mamezuku, Saki, Ai, and Yugiri didn't or became untrusting of the unknown acquaintance because of this.

Right now, the remaining zombies 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 humid air dominates the mansion. Well, it's not like the summer heat is gonna affect them negatively despite feeling it on their skin, 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, so it makes him think that he shouldn't have taken a break from searching for the two, as he usually leads the three. But under Avdol and Kakyoin's insistence, he chose to rest his bones and muscles however, with Kakyoin or Narancia suggested to take over for this day.

"I know you are all worried for Junko. All of you are feeling demoralized because she could be in trouble after being kidnapped," he starts speaking, getting Franchouchou's attention as well as Johnny. "But you shouldn't be wasting your time wallowing in grief and fear. 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 was 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," replied Yugiri. "I can't help but wonder that if Junko-han wasn't abducted by an enemy Stand, all of us girls will be rehearsing without much worry 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 that 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 they know Tusk is out there because they can't see it. Saki and Lily lamented not having a Stand so she could see it after Sakura described what it looks like.

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 turned to him. "What is the status of Mamezuku's 「Spin training」? Is he 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 and 2」 after a week of training, and now, Gyro is teaching him about 「Lesson 3」."

"I see. I hope Mamezuku will reach your level in using the Spin. As leader of Rianima, I expect you and the others to work together in unison, utilizing our strengths while covering our own respective weaknesses in fighting against enemy Stands." He laid out his expectation to Peel Planter and Nail Jockey.

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 and is being cheeky asking it, all because the name itself is… interesting. This is what Sakura believes, so she says, "Saki-chan, you already know Mamezuku-san's Stand name. Do you have to ask tha-"

"It's ｢Doggy Style｣. And yes, that is actually its real name." Johnny answered with a deadpan look, wishing that he was being sarcastic when he spoke that name.

"HA HA HA HA! Yes! That one! It's Doggy Style! Kya ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Saki bellowed in laughter, holding her stomach as she fell on her back when her laughter was too much for her to bear while sitting up.

"I can't believe he named his Stand after a…" Bucciarati glanced at a curious and puzzled 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 asked.

パァン パァン

"Nothing, Lily-han. Please don't question it more." Yugiri told her, slapping Saki out of her laughter.

"Y-Yeah! Please don't mind Saki-chan here. I-It's nothing that you should concern yourself about!" Sakura waves her hands with a chuckle and sheepish smile, her cheeks blushing while pleading with the kid to drop the subject.

"Oww! Okay, maaaaaybe I deserved that." Saki groaned, not having it in her to protest against Yugiri, who then slaps Johnny next.

"And you! You shouldn't have said that name around Lily-han!"

"Ouch! Sorry! I shouldn't have said that out loud," Johnny rubbed his cheek. "Wow, that really hurt…"

Before Lily can ask what's so funny about the name again, Sakura quickly changes the subject about 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 gave 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 10 percent," lamented Bucciarati. "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. Knowing Kotaro's attitude, she wonders if Sakura managed to talk with Kotaro without him brushing her off or 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 yell at 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-kun 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 that time because I was with you as you said, Sakura," Bucciarati chimed in 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 may consider his next action regarding Junko's problem, especially after she was finally rescued."

"Guess you're right…" Sakura sighed. 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, rehearsing is important.

"What's taken you all so long?"

Franchouchou heard Ai reprimand them after they entered. She knows the concert is only a few days ahead and she is the only one who is practicing seriously, to the point she never took a rest. She could've gone round them up if she hadn't been busy.

"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 doesn'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 how 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 rehearsals despite their reservations. The timing, dance steps, cues and flow are taken into consideration as they all work hard to achieve a decent or great performance. Later that day after their practice had ended, Kakyoin, Avdol and Narancia returned, empty handed as always. They told them that they managed to find Weather Report out in the open, so they gave 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 caused 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 stayed 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 strange sound from her. Two seconds later, Ai's right arm joint gave 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 in worry, asking, "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 would 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 won't 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 glad they are rehearsing well even though Ai literally broke apart because she is performing too hard without rest, but with Junko's absence, he is getting worried, and impatient at Rianima still unable to find her. He doesn't 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's gonna have some word with her regarding her own issue about 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, 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, lush green trees and a 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 a stroll, 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 if they do find the park peaceful and pretty. They are here to search for Weather Report after their mini-group found traces of its presence so they split up with Avdol and Bucciarati to cover more ground. The four also didn't forget to stay on guard if a different enemy Stand happened upon them and fought them.

Considering everything here is so peaceful, the two believe any enemy Stands could be present, waiting to ruin the peace. They may not say that though 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," stated Narancia, 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 did 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 the wrong place and Weather Report is in a different city or town?"

"That's what I thought until we visited all of the cities in the span of two weeks," Kakyoin remained standing, putting his hand on his chin as he began 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," responded 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 travel in a car?"

"I was fighting DIO along with Joestar-san before he destroyed the rented car. The World punched my Stand and sent it against many signs."

"Ouch. I bet it hurt."

"It really did, but I kept my cool despite blood oozing from my head."

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 to 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 the summer season, making it stand out among the three other seasons."

"Like the snow and the cold attributed to the 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. "Ah, there you two are! Thank goodness I found you two!"

"Avdol, is something the matter? You looked… panicked." Kakyoin asked his friend with a concerned look.

"Oh, do not mistake me for panicking. I am actually happy!" Avdol corrected him, letting a smile appear on his face.

"Happy? Why are you happy?" 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. "Don't worry. 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 two weeks after 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.

To be continued

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